My Average Week in Singapore…

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

When people think about a year abroad in Singapore, they often imagine either constant working or constant travelling/ weekends away. As much as I loved travelling however, some of my best memories were made in Singapore as a student living there and creating a routine.

A typical day would start with me heading into university for classes and meeting up with friends. One of my favourite parts of studying at SMU was how social campus life felt. We’d usually have lunch together between classes, spend time sitting outside catching up or head to the library to get some work done before going home.

After university, I’d normally walk back to the flat with friends and spend time there. One of the best parts about living in Singapore was that it is very common for buildings to have shared pool facilities so we would often relax here after class before getting ready for the evening.

Singapore also has a really social atmosphere and buzzing nightlife, especially midweek. Wednesday nights quickly became part of our routine as it was Ladies’ Night and this meant everything (including entry and drinks) was free for women. We’d often host a pres at the flat and then head to rooftop bars or clubs across the city which became our typical night out.

What I loved most about my routine was the balance. Some days felt really productive and centred around university, while others were more about making the most of being in a new city with new friends. It never felt like I had to choose between studying and enjoying my year abroad which was nice.

Looking back, it was these ordinary days that I remember just as much as the bigger trips. The routines, spontaneous plans and time spent with friends are what really made Singapore feel like a second home.