A Student’s Guide to Singapore

Living in Singapore for a year was such a fun experience, and I would definitely say it is one of the best places to spend your exchange. It may be small, but there’s always something new to see or do, and I loved exploring all the different parts of the city. I thought I would put together a little guide of my favourite things in Singapore so that if you end up here, you will have plenty to keep you busy!

One of my favourite activities was cycling from East Coast Beach all the way to Gardens by the Bay. You just rent a bike through an app, and the ride takes you along the coastline with amazing views before finishing at one of the most iconic spots in Singapore. If you time it right, you can stay to watch the Supertree Grove light show, which happens twice every night. It’s completely free and definitely something you will want to see more than once. I also loved the Marina Bay Sands light show just across the bay which is also free and a very “Singapore” experience.

For a quieter day, the Botanical Gardens were one of my favourite places to relax. It is such a peaceful escape from the busy city and perfect for an afternoon stroll. On weekends, I would sometimes head to Sentosa Island for a beach day, or even take a boat trip to some of the smaller islands around Singapore, which feels like a completely different world.

Food is such a huge part of life in Singapore and honestly one of the best parts of living there. The hawker centres are unbeatable and you will find them everywhere. Lau Pa Sat is especially famous for its satay street in the evenings, and Maxwell Food Centre is another favourite spot, I would recommend trying the BBQ stingray there. For a change of scene, head to Little India where the curries are incredible, or try something different like green beer at RedDot Brewery!

When it comes to nights out, Singapore has a lot of choice. I loved Haji Lane for its quirky bars, Bar Stories was a highlight because there is no menu, you just tell the bartender what kind of flavours you like and they make a cocktail especially for you. Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are also really fun areas for a night out by the river, while Raffles Hotel is the place to go if you want to try the original Singapore Sling (a bit touristy but worth doing once!).

Of course, there are also the big attractions which you cannot miss. The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay are stunning, and the Night Safari at the zoo is such a unique experience. I also did a river cruise from Clarke Quay which was a really fun way to see the city. And, even though it is touristy, you have to go and see the Merlion statue at least once; it is practically a rite of passage.

What I loved most about Singapore is how much variety it has. In one day you can be sitting in a hawker centre eating $5 chicken rice and in the evening be at the top of Marina Bay Sands watching the skyline with a cocktail in hand. It is such an easy city to get around, and whether you want food, nature, nightlife, or sightseeing, there is always something to do. I feel really lucky to have had the chance to call it home for a year, and I hope this little guide gives you some inspiration for your own adventure in Singapore!