By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore As I pack my bags and prepare to leave Singapore, I find myself reflecting on everything this year has meant to me. It’s hard to put into words just how much I’ve gained, academically, personally, and culturally. Studying abroad at NUS challenged me in the best ways. I pushed myself academically, made friends from around the world, and experienced life in one of the most exciting and diverse cities. I learned to navigate unfamiliar systems, manage my own wellbeing, and thrive in a completely new environment. I’ll miss the food (especially kaya toast and hawker centre dinners), the warmth of the people,…

By Luna Tejada, National University of Singapore, Singapore While my time abroad was filled with amazing experiences, it wasn’t always easy. There were moments that felt challenging, and I think it’s important to share those honestly. The first challenge I faced was homesickness. After the initial excitement wore off, I began to miss my routines, my family, and even Manchester’s grey skies. It wasn’t constant, but it would hit during quiet weekends or when I felt overwhelmed by schoolwork. I found that talking to other exchange students helped a lot, many were going through the same thing, and we supported each other. Another big adjustment was the academic pressure. NUS…

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…

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:…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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.