Finding Accommodation in Singapore for SMU

By Micha Raja, Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore

One of the things I was worried about before moving to Singapore was accommodation. Unlike many universities, SMU doesn’t offer student accommodation or halls and there was not really any support from SMU regarding finding somewhere to live. This means that all exchange students need to arrange private accommodation themselves before arriving.

At first, this felt quite daunting. Finding a place to live in a completely different country and having to sign contracts without even viewing the property in person first was scary. It also did take quite a bit of time so this is something that should be prepared for.

Most people I met found accommodation through rental platforms such as Cove and rented rooms in shared apartments for the year. I ended up taking a slightly different route. SMU put all exchange students into a Telegram groupchat before the year started and through that I connected with two other girls from the UK who were also looking for accommodation. The three of us then found a flat privately through Property Guru and moved in together.

Flats are very common in Singapore, especially as part of high-rise buildings. Most flats include a communal swimming pool and gym facilities are very common as well.

Looking back, not knowing your flatmates beforehand actually became one of the best parts of the experience. Unless you already know someone going abroad with you, chances are you’ll be living with new people and although that can feel intimidating at first, it’s also an amazing way to build friendships early on.

I was really lucky with the two girls I lived with and we became very close throughout the year. Having people to explore with, navigate day-to-day life with and adjust to living in a completely new country made settling into Singapore so much easier.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone preparing for a year abroad at SMU, it would be not to panic if accommodation feels stressful at first. I ended officially signing my contract about 2 weeks before I flew. It’s one of those things that seems overwhelming before you leave but will always work out – and, like me, you may end up finding new best friends in the process.