Written by Felecia Ogunnuga, National University of Singapore, Singapore If you’re heading to Singapore for a student exchange, chances are you’ve already got a list of “must-visit” spots—Gardens by the Bay, Lau Pa Sat, Chinatown, and the Singapore Botanic Gardens. These iconic landmarks absolutely live up to the hype and are well worth exploring. But Singapore is compact, and after ticking off the top attractions, it can feel like you’ve seen it all. That’s why discovering the lesser-known gems can truly enrich your time abroad, especially if you’re here for a semester or a full year. 1. Pulau Ubin – A Slice of the Past Located off Singapore’s northeastern coast,…

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:…