From Strangers to Family – Building a Global Network at NUS

By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore

One of the biggest fears I had before studying abroad was whether I’d be able to make meaningful connections. Would I just be a temporary visitor in other people’s lives? Turns out, the friendships I built at NUS were one of the most enriching parts of my experience—connections that spanned continents, cultures, and backgrounds.

Singapore serves as a global hub, and NUS draws students from all regions of the world. In my initial weeks, I engaged in study groups with students from France, Germany, India, and the United States, each contributing a distinct viewpoint to our conversations. The social life at NUS is dynamic and remarkably diverse, extending beyond academics. Student clubs exist for nearly every interest, including entrepreneurship, sustainability, and dragon boat racing. I chose to become a member of the International Student Society, which organised cultural nights, city excursions, and networking activities that facilitated my integration into campus life.

One of the biggest fears I had before studying abroad was whether I’d be able to make meaningful connections. Would I just be a temporary visitor in other people’s lives? Turns out, the friendships I built at NUS were one of the most enriching parts of my experience—connections that spanned continents, cultures, and backgrounds.

Singapore is an international hub, and NUS attracts students from every corner of the world. Within my first few weeks, I found myself in study groups with students from France, Germany, India, and the US, each of us bringing a different perspective to discussions. Beyond academics, social life at NUS is vibrant and incredibly diverse. There are student clubs for almost every interest—whether it’s entrepreneurship, sustainability, or even dragon boat racing! I decided to join the International Student Society, which hosted cultural nights, city tours, and networking events that made it easier to integrate into campus life.

One of my favorite aspects of studying at NUS was the spontaneous nature of friendships. One day I’d be grabbing kaya toast with my Singaporean classmates, the next I’d be at a rooftop barbecue with students from all over the world, sharing stories and laughter. My local friends introduced me to traditions like celebrating Chinese New Year with a massive reunion dinner, while my international friends inspired me to visit places I’d never considered before.

Leaving Singapore didn’t mean saying goodbye—it meant having a global network of friends who I know I’ll visit in different parts of the world. Studying at NUS wasn’t just about academics; it was about forming connections that will last a lifetime.