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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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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,…
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Making Friends Abroad – Tips on Building a Social Circle in Singapore
By Felecia Ogunnuga, National University of Singapore, Singapore As someone who once considered themselves an introvert, the idea of packing my life into two suitcases and moving 6,800 miles away from friends and family felt overwhelming. It wasn’t the cultural differences or academic challenges that worried me the most—it was the lingering “What if I don’t make friends?” concern that kept creeping in every time I thought about my exchange. With that in mind, I wanted to share my experience of making friends abroad—the challenges, the unexpected moments, and the strategies that worked for me. If you’re feeling the same pre-departure nerves, I hope my insights help you feel more…
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Thriving Abroad While Missing Home
By Cher Morente, Singapore Management University, Singapore Revealing the ugly and hard-to-swallow truths about living abroad. Studying abroad has been the best thing I have ever done. The people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen and the things I have learnt. But, it is also undeniably one of the hardest things I’ve done up to date. As someone who has been independent the majority of her life, especially wanting to escape from her little town in the North of England, being homesick was the last thing I could have ever imagined. And it created a constant internal conflict within because, to me, being in a new place filled with new…
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Accommodation at the National University of Singapore: Kent Ridge Hall
By Khay Muhammed, The National University of Singapore, Singapore There are a variety of accommodation options available at NUS, so many that it can be quite overwhelming. After spending a semester at the university, I would categorise the options into three main types: Halls, PGP, and UTown. To give you a clearer comparison with Manchester’s accommodation, Halls are most similar to Richmond Park or Whitworth, PGP is like Daisy Bank, and UTown is similar to Unsworth. Within each category, there are many options, each with different features such as en suites, air conditioning, shared rooms, and the types of activities they offer. In this blog post, I will be sharing…
A study abroad journal by students, for students.
