Singapore
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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…
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Living in Singapore: Food, culture and everyday life
By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore Living in Singapore feels like being at the crossroads of the world, a place where cultures blend seamlessly, and every street corner has something new to offer. One of the biggest highlights of everyday life here is, without a doubt, the food. Singapore is a food-lover’s paradise, and I quickly developed a routine of visiting different hawker centres. These open-air food courts are everywhere, and you can get delicious meals for just a few dollars. From laksa to satay to roti prata, every meal was a chance to try something new. The diversity in cuisine mirrors the cultural mix in the country:…
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Life at NUS: campus culture and study style
By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore Life at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is as fast-paced and competitive as it is fascinating and inspiring. As one of Asia’s top universities, NUS attracts students from all over the world, and the atmosphere on campus reflects that international, high-achieving energy. One of the first things I noticed was how different the academic system is compared to Manchester. Courses here are referred to as “modules,” and students usually take 4–6 per semester. Each module has a mix of lectures, tutorials, labs, or discussion groups, and participation is often graded, something I wasn’t used to. The workload felt intense at times,…
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Arrival in Singapore
By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore When I first stepped out of Changi Airport, the heat and humidity hit me like a wave. Coming from Manchester, I was instantly aware that life in Singapore was going to feel very different, and in many ways, it has been. My first few days were a whirlwind of admin, jet lag, and discovery. The campus at NUS is huge and beautifully green, with tropical trees and buildings tucked into hills and slopes. It took me a few days just to get my bearings, especially since I kept getting lost trying to find seminar rooms. Thankfully, the orientation sessions for exchange students…
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A Foodie’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in Singapore
By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore If there’s one thing Singapore does better than anything else, it’s food. Forget the bland student meals—at NUS, your daily choices range from mouth-watering Hainanese chicken rice to spicy nasi lemak, and don’t get me started on the bubble tea addiction. Dining in Singapore becomes a cultural experience in its own right. The hawker centres, offering delectable local cuisine at affordable costs for students, swiftly became my second home. The renowned Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown and the Adam Road Food Centre near the campus were my preferred locations. Each meal, whether char kway teow (stir-fried noodles) or kaya toast accompanied…
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Studying Law Abroad: My Experience at NUS Law School
By Felecia Ogunnuga, National University of Singapore, Singapore Before arriving in Singapore, I was fortunate to connect with a previous exchange student who studied Law at NUS. Thanks to her, I was mentally prepared for some academic differences between NUS and the University of Manchester. Still, there were things I wish I’d known in advance. Hopefully, this post will help you feel better equipped to handle life at the world’s 8th best law school, especially in terms of academic expectations. Picking Your Modules Your NUS journey starts before you even arrive. Module selection can be confusing at first. The system is quite different and takes time to understand—especially the online…
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Culture Shock and Lessons in Adaptability – What Living in Singapore Taught Me
By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore No matter how much you prepare for studying abroad, there are some things that will always take you by surprise. My year at NUS was filled with moments of cultural discovery—some exciting, some challenging, but all valuable in shaping who I am today.
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Singapore After Dark – The City’s Hidden Nightlife Gems
By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore When people think of Singapore, they often picture a futuristic skyline, clean streets, and efficient public transport. What many don’t realize is that beneath this polished exterior lies a thrilling nightlife scene that caters to every kind of adventurer. From rooftop bars with breathtaking city views to underground jazz clubs and bustling night markets, my semester abroad wouldn’t have been complete without exploring Singapore after dark. Of course, Clarke Quay is the famous go-to for nightlife, with its vibrant riverside bars and clubs. But I quickly realized that the best experiences were found in lesser-known spots. One of my favorites was…
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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.
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Academic Culture Shock – How NUS Change the Way I Learn
By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore Having originated from the UK, I believed I possessed a solid understanding of academic life—until I came at NUS. The academic rigour here is exceptional, with students adeptly managing lectures, tutorials, and case studies. NUS has a unique educational style that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world application. Unlike the traditional lecture-based system I was used to, classes here are highly interactive. Professors expect active participation, and group projects are a major part of learning. This initially felt overwhelming, but I quickly saw the benefits—it encouraged me to think outside the box and work more efficiently under pressure. One major adjustment…
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Weekend Getaways – Traveling Around Southeast Asia on a Student Budget
By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore What is one of the most advantageous aspects of studying at NUS? The unparalleled location! My second semester was replete with memorable travel experiences, including weekend excursions to Bali and spontaneous travels to Thailand.
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Diving into the Unknown – My First Impressions of Studying at NUS
By Jiaqian Ji Ye, National University of Singapore, Singapore Stepping off the plane in Singapore felt like entering a whole new world—lush greenery, stunning skyscrapers, and a humidity level that made me question my wardrobe choices. My first few weeks at the National University of Singapore (NUS) were a whirlwind of new experiences: adjusting to the fast-paced academic environment, exploring the hawker centres for the best laksa, and figuring out how to balance studies with the endless adventures the city had to offer. Singapore is a confluence of cultures, and this diversity is evident in all facets of life at NUS. The campus functions as a city within a city,…
