Student community and getting involved

By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Before I left for Singapore, one of my biggest worries was whether I’d make friends and feel connected. Thankfully, those fears disappeared quickly after arriving at NUS.

The university made it easy to meet people through its international orientation week. From day one, I was grouped with students from all over the world, Germany, the US, South Korea, and many more. We bonded over shared confusion about the campus map and mutual excitement about living abroad.

One of my favourite parts of social life in Singapore was the diversity of people I met. Not just international students, but also local students who were incredibly welcoming and keen to share their culture, whether it was teaching me Singlish phrases or introducing me to their favourite hawker centre dishes.

I also joined a student-run travel society that planned weekend trips and excursions. One of the best was a group cycling tour of Pulau Ubin, a small island off the coast of Singapore that feels worlds away from the skyscrapers and city lights. These moments helped create strong friendships and memories that made my experience even more meaningful.

Whether it was spontaneous butter waffle runs, late-night chats in the common room, or celebrating birthdays together, I found a sense of belonging that I hadn’t expected. The people made this experience just as much as the place.