Living in Singapore

 A) The Island

The country includes the main island of Singapore and some 63 offshore islands.

From a small fishing village, Singapore has flourished to a metropolis with 4.1 million people. A multiracial nation, made up of primarily Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians, Singapore's strategic position in South-east Asia combines the best of both East and West making it an ideal place to live.

This garden city offers a safe environment, wide choice of housing, first class medical services and excellent education. Being globally connected, Singapore has an extensive telecommunications network complemented by the state-of-the-art computer systems.

English is the main working language while Asian languages such as Mandarin. Malay, and Chinese dialects are also commonly spoken.

The convergence of rich and diverse culture has endowed Singapore with both a traditional and contemporary outlook in the arts. Both private and public institutions promote and preserve the nation's multi-cultural heritage, while breaking new grounds in the arts and cultural scenes. The arts are presently in a state of rapid growth, with new groups and companies coming to the forefront and established ones attempting new art forms. Singapore aims to be the global city of the arts, hosting the best of the East and West.

B) Climate

Singapore is a tropical island with an average daytime temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. The humidity level is high, averaging around 85%. The hottest months are from May to August and the months with the highest rainfall are from November to January.

C) Transport

Public transport in Singapore is comparable to the best in the world with buses and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) servicing almost every corner of the island.

D) Banking

It is recommended that you open a bank account soon after arriving. Banks in Singapore provide savings and chequeing services and a range of other financial services such as personal loans, bank drafts, transfer of funds and exchange of currencies. Traveler's cheques can be cashed at banks but you will need to present your passport for identification.

Opening a Bank Account
To open a bank account, you would generally need the following:
  • valid passport
  • Student Pass
  • initial deposit of S$500.
Before deciding on a bank and type of account, you should compare interest rates and bank fees, etc. Most students open an account with an automated teller machine (ATM)card. Cash is then accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week via ATMs. Most supermarkets and shopping places have facilities to purchase goods with your ATM card.

Transferring Funds from Home
There are a few ways of transferring money from your home country to Singapore - bank drafts, cheques, telegraphic transfers or credit cards. Bank drafts and cheques from overseas take time to arrive and can take up to seven working days to clear. Telegraphic transfers are much faster; taking only a day or two but cost more than other methods.

Banking Hours

Some banks have different banking hours but generally, these are the normal banking times:
  Monday-Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm
  Saturday 9.00am to 11.00am

E) Healthcare

Medical facilities in Singapore are of a very high standard; you can be assured of good services should you require medical treatment. For minor ailments such as coughs and colds, you may visit a General Practitioner whether in private or public practice. The medical fees for a general consultation is usually:
  Private clinics S$25 onwards
  Government clinics S$16 onwards
When visiting these clinics for the first time, you must present your passport for identification. A wide range of specialized services are available should you need to consult a specialist. More information on the healthcare system and facilities in Singapore can be found at www.gov.sg/moh

F) Cost of Living

Accommodation

A room: S$550 - S$700

Fooding
Food courts: Average o S$3
Cafe: S$8 - S$18
Restaurant: S$20 - S$60

Clothing
Shopping for clothing and wares could cost approximately S$200 a month

Transportation
Advisable to purchase ez-link card
Bus ride: S$0.64 - S$1.90
Train ride: S$0.68 - S$1.82

Health Care
From S$20 - S$80

Sundry Expenses
Phone bill: S$40 - S$100
Internet subscription: S$20 - S$60
Toiletries, Magazines, CDs and Cable TV approximetely S$200

G) Counselling Services

If you are facing problems in any area of your life, where it's to do with your studies, family, or friends or if you feel stressed, depressed or homesick, help is always available for you. We have a professional counselor who you can call upon for advice and assistance.

H) Upon Cessation or Termination of Study

International students should surrender their Student Pass for cancellation within 7 days from the date of cessation or termination of their study. The following documents are to be produced:
  • a letter from the international student/local sponsor about the cancellation of the Student Pass
  • confirmed return ticket
  • applicant's valid travel document
  • Disembarkation/Embarkation Card
  • original receipt for the security deposit (where applicable)

I) When in Doubt

When in doubt please do not hesitate to approach the Student Services Department for assistance. All staff at the Student Services Department can assist you with the processes including transferring to or from another school, leaving the country on vacation, or changing your visa status.