Nanyang Technological University (Ntu)

2013 Guide for New International Students WELCOME TO NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY (NTU)

We take this opportunity to welcome you to NTU and If you have any unanswered questions after reading wish you a successful and happy stay here. through this guidebook, please contact the International Student Centre at [email protected] for further This guide has been compiled to help you through most information. of the formalities and procedures both before and after your arrival. You will ﬁnd information ranging from the important immigration regulations to student life at NTU. We have included in this guidebook the contact details of the many services which are available to support you throughout your stay.

1 MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS

Welcome to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and thank you for making us your partner in this knowledge- gaining journey. We have no doubt that your experience in NTU will be one of signiﬁcant personal growth and discovery.

Here at NTU, you will experience the thrills of engaging intellectual giants and of meeting talented and dynamic students from about 80 countries around the globe. Find time to engage others and reserve some time to ﬁnd yourself.

Helping you to complete this journey at NTU will be the International Student Centre. Its programmes will pave the way for you to adjust to the local environment and forge friendships that open doors to new cultures and a vista of fresh ideas and perspectives.

Welcome to an exciting new world of learning and discovery!

Assoc Prof Lok Tat Seng Director of Students Nanyang Technological University

2 CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 4 Pastoral Care ...... 28 About Nanyang Technological University ...... 4 Counselling ...... 28 Travelling within Campus ...... 5 Stay Healthy ...... 29 About International Student Centre ...... 6 Insurance ...... 29

BEFORE LEAVING HOME ...... 8 EMERGENCY HOTLINES ...... 32 Who to Call ...... 32 ARRIVAL ...... 9 How to Get to NTU ...... 11 ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS ...... 34 Check-In to Your Accommodation ...... 12 2013-2014 Academic Calendar (Undergraduate) .....34 Register with ISC ...... 12 2013-2014 Academic Calendar (Graduate) ...... 35 Matriculation ...... 12 University Holidays ...... 36 Bank Account ...... 12 Academic Services ...... 36 Network and Windows Live Accounts ...... 13 Update Your Particulars ...... 13 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ...... 38 Mobile Phone ...... 13 e-learning and Mobile Learning ...... 38 Orientations and Welcome Events ...... 13 IT Services ...... 38 A Vibrant Student Life...... 13 Computer Ownership Scheme ...... 38 Computing Facilities and Learning Spaces ...... 38 IMMIGRATION ...... 15 NTU Libraries ...... 39 Student’s Pass...... 15 Medical Examination ...... 16 STUDENT LIFE @ NTU ...... 41 Overstaying ...... 16 Student Organisations ...... 41 Social Visit Pass Sports and Games ...... 41 (For Spouses and Children of Meals on Campus ...... 42 Full-Time Graduate Students) ...... 16 Postal, Banking and Retail ...... 42 Useful Contacts ...... 16 MANAGING FINANCE ...... 44 HOUSING ...... 18 Estimated Living Costs ...... 44 On-Campus Undergraduate Housing ...... 18 Money Management Tips ...... 44 On-Campus Graduate Housing ...... 19 Financial Assistance ...... 44 Short-Term Housing ...... 22 Part-Time Employment...... 44 Off-Campus Housing ...... 22 ABOUT SINGAPORE ...... 46 HEALTH, WELLNESS AND INSURANCE ...... 26 Experience Singapore ...... 47 General Medical Care ...... 26 Travelling within Singapore ...... 51 Medical Emergencies ...... 27 Academic Counselling ...... 28

All information provided is correct at the time of print. For the latest update, please refer to www.ntu.edu.sg/isc. All amounts listed are in Singapore dollars. All images of Singapore are courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board.

3 INTRODUCTION

About Nanyang Technological University

Young and research-intensive, Nanyang Technological NTU provides a high-quality global education to University (NTU) is one of the fastest-rising universities more than 33,500 undergraduate and postgraduate in the world with globally acknowledged strengths in students. The student body includes top scholars and science and engineering. international olympiad medallists from the region and beyond. The university has roots that go back to 1955 when Nanyang University was set up. Today, NTU has ﬁve Hailing from more than 70 countries, the university’s colleges, including one that focuses on interdisciplinary 3,800-strong teaching and research staff bring dynamic graduate research, and a new medical school, Lee international perspectives and years of solid industry Kong Chian School of Medicine, set up jointly with experience. Imperial College London.

4 College of Engineering Travelling within Campus

• School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Internal Shuttle Bus • School of Computer Engineering • School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Get the internal shuttle bus arrival information at your • School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering ﬁngertips at http://campusbus.ntu.edu.sg/ntubus. The • School of Materials Science and Engineering movement of the buses on different routes can also be • School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering viewed real-time on the map. You may even view the number plate and speed of the individual bus. You can College of Humanities, Arts & Social also download a free iPhone application Traversity that Sciences tracks internal shuttle bus services at NTU.

• School of Art, Design and Media Public Bus Service • School of Humanities and Social Sciences • Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Public bus services 179, 179A and 199 ply the Yunnan Information Garden campus in addition to the NTU shuttle bus service. Visit www.ntu.edu.sg/sao/OurServices/Pages/ College of Science Transportation.aspx for more details.

• School of Biological Sciences Campus map • School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences The new interactive Campus Map enables you to locate Interdisciplinary Graduate School lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, buildings and landmarks on campus, and ﬁnd directions between places easily. Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine You may also print the map or send a friend an email with information on a location or direction. Google street view Autonomous Institutes and internal shuttle bus routes are also integrated in the map. Best of all, it works on your mobile device too! Visit • Earth Observatory of Singapore http://maps.ntu.edu.sg/maps to get interactive directions • National Institute of Education now! • S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies • Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering

5 INTRODUCTION

About International Student Centre

Service and Information Contact ISC

The International Student Centre (ISC) and the Need assistance? You can approach ISC via phone call, Student Affairs Office offer a full range of services email or personally. We are located at the temporary and programmes to foster student success, office behind Student Services Centre building. global perspectives, intercultural awareness and international goodwill. We assist international Mailing Address students with: International Student Centre (ISC) • Pre-arrival Information Nanyang Technological University • Application for a Student’s Pass 42, Nanyang Avenue • Enquiries on Immigration Student Services Centre Level 6 • Insurance Singapore 639815 • Pastoral Care • Help during a Crisis Telephone Number • Enquiries on Part-Time Employment (65) 6790 6823 (during office hours) Events and Activities (65) 9721 8066 (24-hour crisis line) (This number should be used strictly for emergencies The centre promotes cross-cultural understanding only.) and interaction. All students at NTU are welcome to attend ISC’s events and activities, which include: Email

• Orientations [email protected] • Campus Tours Ofﬁce Hours • Coffee Sessions • Community Service Work Monday to Thursday: 8.30am to 5.45pm • Cultural Tours and Outings Friday: 8.30am to 5.15pm • Festive Open Houses Weekends and Public Holidays: Closed • Host Family Programmes • Luncheons Locate Us • Pre-Graduation Seminars • Growth, Embracement and Learn (G.E.L) Visit http://maps.ntu.edu.sg/maps#q:international Programme students centre to locate ISC on the map OR Visit us at the temporary ofﬁce behind Student Services Centre building 6 BEFORE LEAVING HOME

7 BEFORE LEAVING HOME

Use this checklist to prepare for your stay in Singapore. Accept the Offer of Admission by stipulated deadline

Apply for an Entry Visa (if applicable) to enter Singapore (Please refer to www.ica.gov.sg)

Apply for a Student’s Pass (Please refer to Student’s Pass section)

Make housing arrangement (Please refer to Housing section)

Make travel arrangement to Singapore

Pack your belongings  A print-out of eForm16 and duly signed by you  Colour passport-sized photographs, including digital copies  Original letter of Admission from NTU  Original copies of educational certiﬁcates, examination results and other documents submitted in support of your application for admission  Cash of at least $3,000 for initial expenses (excluding tuition fees and rental)  Funds to place a deposit and pay housing rental upon arrival  Prescribed medication  Personal items such as toiletries, towel, bed linen, pillow cases, alarm clock, adapter, etc  Clothes and footwear, including a light jacket for air-conditioned venues such as the Library  Formal wear for interviews or important functions  Notebook if you are not purchasing one in Singapore (Singapore is using 230V for electricity)

Make sure these items are with you for clearance at the Singapore Checkpoint  Your passport with at least six-month validity from the commencement of your course  Your plane, train or bus ticket  A print-out of your In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter  A print-out of your Letter of Admission

8 ARRIVAL

9 ARRIVAL

You will be busy for the ﬁrst few weeks at NTU! Use this checklist to settle down. Know how to get to NTU

Check-in to your accommodation

Undergo a medical examination at the NTU Medical Centre for students on more than 6 months study programme (Please refer to Medical Examination section)

Complete the Student’s Pass formalities and collect your Student’s Pass (Please refer to Student’s Pass section)

Complete all matriculation procedures

Open a bank account if your study duration is more than 6 months

Purchase a Singapore mobile number (optional)

Activate your network and Windows Live accounts

Access StudentLink (undergraduates) or GSLink (graduate students) at www.ntu.edu.sg to update your particulars and contact details

Attend orientation, welcome events and ISC activities

Join a student club or society and plug into NTU’s vibrant student life (optional)

10 How to Get to NTU

NTU is located in the west of Singapore in an area MRT and Bus called Jurong. Changi Airport is located in the east of Singapore.

Singapore has an efﬁcient, safe and affordable public transport system. You can take a taxi, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train or bus to campus. If you are travelling to Singapore for the ﬁrst time and have luggage with you, we recommend you to take a taxi.

For more information on the public transportation in Singapore, please refer to the Travelling within Singapore section.

Taxi

Should you decide to travel by MRT train and bus from the airport to campus, take a train from Changi Airport MRT station on the East-West line to one of the following stations and then board the bus.

• Boon Lay MRT station: Take the public bus 179 or 199 from Boon Lay Bus Interchange located inside Jurong Point Shopping Mall which is next to the station • Pioneer MRT station: Take the NTU-Pioneer shuttle bus directly outside the station You can board a taxi at the taxi bays outside the Arrival Hall at the airport, at taxi stand or anywhere safe along The journey to campus by MRT train and bus will public roads in Singapore. Inform the driver the address take about two to three hours. Please take note that of your destination. If you are travelling to NTU, request MRT trains and public buses do not operate between the driver to take the Pan Island Expressway (PIE). The midnight and 5.30am daily. journey will take about 45 minutes and cost about $45 (including the peak hour and midnight surcharge). To For a map of MRT stations in Singapore, please visit know more about the surcharges imposed by the taxi www.ntu.edu.sg/AboutNTU/visitingntu/Pages/location. companies, please visit the individual taxi websites. aspx.

11 ARRIVAL

Check-In to Your Accommodation

If you have applied for and been offered a place in Please take note that there are separate arrangement campus housing, please ensure that you have provided for undergraduate, graduate and exchange students. your arrival details online. You will receive further information from the Office of Housing & Auxiliary For further enquiries on accommodation matters, Services (HAS) on the collection of your room key. please contact HAS.

Collection of Room Key Undergraduate / Exchange Graduate Students Students During Office Hours Check-in at the Hall Office of your HAS will advise you on the Monday to Thursday: allocated Hall of Residence collection of your room keys 8.30am to 5.45pm Friday: 8.30am to 5.15pm Weekend and Public Holidays: Closed After Office Hours Students are to make their own Students are to make their own accommodation arrangement accommodation arrangement Register with ISC Matriculation

After you have settled down in your accommodation, Matriculation refers to the process of registering as a register with ISC during ofﬁce hours to complete student of the university. After you have completed all the registration procedures and be briefed on the matriculation procedures, NTU will issue you with a procedures to complete the Student’s Pass formalities. matriculation card identifying you as its student.

Bank Account

For students whose study period is 6 months or more, The OCBC bank has a branch on campus at the North you may choose to open an account with the bank of Spine at Block N2.1. Some other banks are located near your choice in Singapore. The banks offer a wide range NTU at Jurong Point Shopping Mall. Please contact the of services and have different types of saving accounts. banks or visit their website to know their requirement for opening and maintaining an account.

Name of Bank Website Local Telephone Number Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) www.dbs.com 1800 111 1111 Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation www.ocbc.com.sg 1800 438 3333 (OCBC) POSBank www.dbs.com/posb 1800 339 6666 United Overseas Bank Ltd (UOB) www.uob.com.sg (65) 6790 1185

To open a bank account, you will need: Note: During registration period, OCBC NTU campus • Your passport allows applicant to use Letter of Admission from NTU • Your Student’s Pass instead of Student’s Pass to open a bank account. • Your Singapore address

12 Network and Windows Live Accounts Orientations and Welcome Events

Your network account will give you access to the NTU The Freshmen Welcome Ceremonies, orientations, network (Intranet portal iNTU – https://intu.ntu.edu. campus and laboratory tours, and welcome events sg), e-services (StudentLink, GS Link), e-learning organised by ISC, schools and halls of residence (edveNTUre), library databases and campus computers. provide new students with useful information on student You will receive the details upon registration. services and campus life. They are also great occasions to interact with fellow students and widen your social Your Windows Live account will give you access to network. email and a suite of Windows Live e-services at http:// home.live.com. This account can be kept for life. A Vibrant Student Life

Update Your Particulars Immerse into NTU’s vibrant student life with more than 100 student organisations with diverse interests from Please access StudentLink (undergraduate) or GSLink astronomy to sports to music. Please visit www.ntu. (graduate students) to update your particulars and edu.sg/campuslife/clubs for more details. contact details.

Mobile Phone

If you wish to sign up for a mobile phone line, you may do so at the nearest mall or convenience store. Singapore has 3 telecommunication companies. Please visit their website to know more about their plans and rates. M1 www.m1.com.sg SingTel www.singtel.com.sg StarHub www.starhub.com

13 IMMIGRATION

14 IMMIGRATION

Student’s Pass

Back of Student’s Pass Front of Student’s Pass

All international students who have been accepted by Application Fees and Charges NTU as full-time matriculated or registered students are required to hold a valid Student’s Pass issued by Processing Fee (online payment $30 the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of through credit/debit card upon Singapore. submission of eForm16) Issuance Fee $60 Application for Student’s Pass Multiple-Entry Visa fee (for required $30 nationals) New application for Student’s Pass must be submitted at least 1 month and not more than 2 months before Note: the commencement of the course. The application • A replacement fee of $60 will be imposed if the must be submitted through the Student’s Pass Online Student’s Pass is lost or stolen. Application and Registration (SOLAR) system which is • An additional $30 processing fee will be imposed for accessible through ICA website at www.ica.gov.sg. amendments made to eForm16 after submission.

International students who had pursued pre-university Cancellation of Student’s Pass studies in Singapore need to produce their Student’s Pass if these have not been returned to ICA. Please surrender your Student’s Pass to ICA for cancellation within 7 days from the date you complete You may wish to email ISC should you have further or terminate your full-time studies, go on leave of enquiry on Student’s Pass application. absence or convert to part-time studies. Please visit www.ica.gov.sg for more information.

15 IMMIGRATION

Medical Examination Overstaying

The offer of admission to NTU that you have received Overstaying is a punishable offence under the is conditional upon the issuance of a Student’s Pass by Immigration Act. You need to note the expiry date of ICA. If the period of your studies at NTU is 6 months or your Social Visit Pass or Student’s Pass and apply for more, you are required to pass a medical examination an extension at least a month before the expiry. conducted at the NTU Medical Centre before you can be issued this Pass. The examination will include tests Social Visit Pass (For Spouses and for the Human Immuno-deﬁciency Virus (HIV) and Children of Full-Time Graduate Tuberculosis. Students)

Upon satisfactory completion of the medical Applying for an Entry Visa examination, the NTU Medical Centre will issue you a medical report which you need to submit with your If your spouse and children require an Entry Visa to Student’s Pass application. Should you fail the medical visit Singapore, they may apply for one at a Singapore examination, you will be denied admission and must embassy in your home country. return home at your own expense. Extending the Social Visit Pass Appointment for Medical Examination You may approach ISC for a letter of support to extend All international students will receive instruction on how the Social Visit Pass of your spouse and children. to complete the medical examination when they report Please visit www.ntu.edu.sg/isc for more details. to ISC upon their arrival at NTU.

Useful Contacts

Ministry in-charge of Immigration & Check- Address: ICA Building Student’s Pass points Authority (ICA) 10 Kallang Road Singapore 208718 Location: Next to Lavender MRT station Telephone Number: (65) 6391 6100 (24-hour ICA call centre) Website: www.ica.gov.sg Ministry in-charge of Ministry of Manpower Address: The Riverwalk Temporary Employment (MOM) 20 Upper Circular Road Pass and Work Holiday #04-01/02 Pass Singapore 058416 Location: Nearest MRT station: Clarke Quay MRT station Telephone Number: (65) 6438 5122 Website: www.mom.gov.sg

16 HOUSING

HOUSING

17 HOUSING

On-Campus Undergraduate Housing

On-Campus Housing Ofﬁce-In-Charge Undergraduate Housing Student Housing • Halls of Residence 1 to 16 Office of Housing & Auxiliary Services Graduate Housing Student Services Centre • Graduate Hall 1 Level 5 • Graduate Hall 2 www.ntu.edu.sg/has

NTU has 16 halls of residence that are home to some rooms, kitchenettes and laundry rooms with coin-operated 9,200 undergraduates. This community forms a large washing machines and dryers, and offers single and family unit, actively engaging in a range of cultural, double occupancy rooms. All rooms are fully furnished social and sporting activities. With these many levels and have internet access. of interaction, networking has never been easier. As many seniors would attest, living in a hall of residence Double rooms are shared by residents of the same presents a unique experience that would leave one with gender. With the exception of Halls 1 and 2, which fond memories long after graduation. offer shared shower and toilets, all halls have gender- speciﬁc communal showers and toilets. Meals are not The 16 halls offer similar styled accommodation. All provided by the halls but residents have access to a halls are co-ed by ﬂoor or wing. Each hall has communal wide range of meals at the many canteens, cafes and facilities like television rooms, air-conditioned reading other eateries on campus.

Rental Rates (with effect from 1 August 2013)

Hall of Residence Room Rates Room Type (Per Person Per Month) 1, 2, 4 to 7 $210 Twin-sharing 8 to 15 $235 Twin-sharing and air-conditioned* 3 and 16 $240 Twin-sharing and air-conditioned*

Note: *Air-conditioned room operates on prepaid card or pay-as-you-use system.

How and When to Apply

All new full-time international undergraduates who apply by the stipulated deadline are assured of housing in one of the halls of residence. You may apply online for housing after you have accepted the offer of admission online. Please refer to the ‘Admissions Handbook for Freshmen’ for details.

18 Application Deadlines

Local ‘A’ Level and International Students Polytechnic Students Apply from 3 June 2013 3 June 2013 Deadline 8 July 2013 8 July 2013 Outcome Available 19 July 2013 19 July 2013

Visit www.ntu.edu.sg/has/Undergraduate for details on: • Application • Room details • Room assignment • Rules and regulations

Housing for Undergraduate Exchange Students

Undergraduate exchange students will receive information on applying for accommodation in a hall of residence with NTU’s offer of admission. Applications must be submitted online prior to arrival.

Double room in Hall of Residence 16 Reading room

On-Campus Graduate Housing

On-campus graduate housing is available at 2 locations Meals are not provided but residents have easy access on campus - Graduate Hall 1 and Graduate Hall 2. As to a wide range of meals at the many canteens, cafes demand for housing greatly exceeds supply, only full- and other eateries on campus. time graduate students may apply for graduate housing with new students on research programmes given If you have children, please seek off-campus housing priority. Successful applicants may stay for a maximum with amenities that meet the needs of families. period of one academic year.

19 HOUSING

Rental Rates

Location Room Rates Room Type Bathroom (Per Person Per Month) Graduate Hall 1 $420 Single Room Attached $310 per person Double Room $620 per room Spouse Room Graduate Hall 2 `$480 Single Room Attached `$370 per person Double Room $1,000 - $1,100 per married couple Apartment bedroom Common/Attached

Note: `Rates do not include the use of the air-conditioner.

Residents are provided with a single bed, wardrobe, of the air-conditioner (calculated based on usage) and desk, fan and internet connection. Rents include the for the consumption of electricity from the use of other use of furnishings, and utilities such as electricity, water electrical items, for e.g., a mini refrigerator. and internet usage. Additional charges apply for the use

Graduate Hall

Double room in Graduate Hall Nanyang Valley

20 Application Deadlines

Semester 1 Semester 2 Opening From 02 May 2013, 9.00am Singapore Time November* Closing Date 12 June 2013, 4.30pm Singapore Time End November* Outcome Available Early July Mid December* Check-In 11 July 2013 onwards January*

Note: *The deadline for Semester 2 is not conﬁrmed. For conﬁrmed dates, please visit www.ntu.edu.sg/has or email HAS.

Apply Online for Graduate Housing

Note the following before you apply online: • You must accept NTU’s offer of admission before • If you are successful in your application, but fail to you can apply for housing check in within ﬁve days of the stipulated check-in • Use only Internet Explorer (do not use any other date, your room will be allocated to the next person web browser, for e.g., Mozilla and Netscape) on the waiting list • Use the same application number assigned to you • Arrange for short-term housing if you are arriving when you applied for admission before the given check-in date • You will receive an acknowledgement of your • If you are unsuccessful in your application, please application and the outcome by email. You are arrange off-campus housing before you arrive in advised to check your emails, including your ‘junk’ Singapore folder regularly

Accept Offer of Admission

Apply online for Graduate Housing at http://www.ntu.edu.sg/has/Graduate/Pages/PG_On-campusHousing. aspx. You will receive the outcome via email.

If you are successful in your application, conﬁrm If you are unsuccessful in your application, please your acceptance online within 5 days of receiving arrange off-campus housing before you arrive in the offer and provide your arrival details at the link Singapore. stated in our email.

Please collect your room keys from the Ofﬁce of Housing & Auxiliary Services (HAS).

During check-in, • Sign the rental agreement • Pay the application fee, a deposit of 1 month’s rental and the rental for the first quarter/half-year

21 HOUSING

Short-Term Housing

Please arrange for short-term housing if you are arriving in Singapore before your check-in date. Your options include the on-campus Nanyang Executive Centre or a hotel. Visit www.ntu.edu.sg/nec/Pages/ default.aspx and www.yoursingapore.com for rates and other related information.

Nanyang Executive Centre

Off-Campus Housing

HDB ﬂats

Students living off-campus should begin their search for housing well in advance of their departure for Singapore. Neighbourhoods near NTU include Jurong West, Boon Lay and Jurong East. Your options include rooms or apartments offered by homeowners and privately-run student hostels.

Rooms/Apartments Offered by Homeowners

Residential housing in Singapore can be broadly Public housing is developed by the Housing and divided into two categories - private and public. Development Board (HDB) and consists of apartments or ﬂats. Rooms in HDB housing are cheaper to rent in Private housing refers to privately-developed landed general. property and apartments that may come with condominium facilities such as swimming pools and tennis courts.

22 Student Hostels

The following privately-run student hostels are relatively near NTU and amenities such as supermarkets and food centres. Do contact the hostels for their rates and to check the availability of rooms. Surf the internet for information on other hostels near NTU.

Scholars Residence @ Yuan Ching Student Hostel @ Jurong West yo:HA @ Jurong www.scholarsresidence.com Tel : (65) 6795 8864 www.yoha.com.sg Tel : (65) 9181 9928 Mobile : (65) 9129 3688 Tel : (65) 6560 7122 / (65) 9669 7573 Email :[email protected] Email : [email protected]

Factors to Consider when Shortlisting Off- Rents for HDB Housing Campus Housing

You may wish to consider the following factors when Visit the website of Housing and Development Board you are shortlisting the off-campus housing. (HDB) at www.hdb.gov.sg for the median rents of HDB ﬂats by town and ﬂat type. These statistics serve as a • Budget useful guide. Check what the rent includes before you • Proximity to NTU, MRT stations and bus-stops enter into any agreement e.g., electricity, water, gas • Amenities and furnishings. • Size of the room or apartment • Whether it is furnished • Single versus shared occupancy • Duration of lease

Before you rent a room off campus, use the How2Go public transport journey planner at www.transitlink.com. sg to learn how long it will take to commute to NTU.

Please contact the Office of Housing & Auxiliary Services should you need any advice on renting a place off-campus.

23 HOUSING

The Tenancy Agreement Commission

The tenancy agreement is a legal agreement designed to Before you view any piece of property, check whether protect the rights of the tenant and landlord by setting out a real estate agent is involved and whether you need all the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. to pay a commission should you decide to rent the Check your rights and responsibilities before signing property. Before you hand over any commission, check any tenancy agreement and related documents. Get these websites to make sure he or she is a registered promises for repairs and improvements in writing before property agent. you enter into any agreement and place a deposit. Keep a receipt for any payment made with a description of • Institute of Estate Agents - www.iea.sg what it is for and whether it is refundable. • Council for Estate Agencies - www.cea.gov.sg

A sample tenancy agreement is available at the website of the Consumers Association of Singapore (www.case. org.sg/downloads/buffet/model_tenancy.pdf).

24 HEALTH, WELLNESS AND INSURANCE

25 HEALTH, WELLNESS AND INSURANCE

General Medical Care Clinics Near Campus

NTU Medical Centre There are several clinics, such as follows, that are near NTU. You may wish to visit http://www.singhealth.com.sg/ PatientCare/GP/Pages/Home.aspx for a comprehensive list of clinics in Singapore.

Central Clinic & Surgery

Address Blk 450 Clementi Ave 3, #01-291 Singapore 120450 Telephone Number The Medical Centre on campus is operated by (65) 6773 2925 Fullerton Healthcare Group. Medical and dental Operating Hours services provided include general outpatient treatment, 24 hours daily laboratory investigation and minor surgery. The centre also provides before and after travel medical advice and immunisation. You can locate the centre at the South Healthway Medical Group Spine, beside the Lee Kong Chian Lecture Theatre. Address Address Blk 690 Jurong West Central 1, #01-193 NTU Medical Centre Singapore 640690 1 Nanyang Avenue, SS3-B2-15 Telephone Number Singapore 639798 Telephone Number (65) 6792 1812 / (65) 6791 5719

(65) 6793 6974 / (65) 6793 6828 Operating Hours 8.30am to 12.30pm Operating Hours Monday 2.00pm to 6.00pm to Friday: 8.30am to 1.00pm 7.00pm to 12.00am Monday (last registration at 12pm) 8.30am to 12.30pm to Thursday: 2.00pm to 5.30pm Saturday: (last registration at 4.30pm) 7.00pm to 12.00am 8.30am to 1.00pm Sunday and 8.30am to 12.30pm (last registration at 12pm) Public Holidays: 7.00pm to 11.00pm Friday: 2.00pm to 5.00pm (last registration at 4.00pm) 9.30am to 12.30pm Saturday: (last registration at 11.30am) Sunday and Closed Public Holidays:

26 Silver Cross 24 Hr Clinic Medical Emergencies

Address In a medical emergency and for medical care beyond what a general practitioner can provide, please visit a 502 Jurong West Ave 1, #01-803 hospital. The National University Hospital (NUH) is the Singapore 640502 nearest hospital to NTU. Telephone Number Telephone Number (65) 6899 2141 (65) 6779 5555 (24-hr main line) Operating Hours (65) 6772 5000 (24-hr emergency department) Monday to Sunday (including Public 8.00am to 12.00am Email Address Holidays) [email protected] Website As the information above is subject to change, it is www.nuh.com.sg important that you call the clinics to verify their operating hours, charges and location before visiting them. Seeking Reimbursement for Hospitalisation Please note that visits to private clinics are subjected to your own expenses and non-reimbursable. Eligible students may seek a reimbursement under the Group Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance Pharmacies Near Campus (GHSI) scheme for the hospitalisation fee incurred in Singapore government/restructured hospitals. The These are the pharmacies which are near NTU. insurance company will review and determine the reimbursed amount based on the scheme’s terms and Guardian Pharmacy conditions. For more information on GHSI, please refer to Insurance section. Location Jurong Point Shopping Mall Seeking Reimbursement for Outpatient 1 Jurong West Central 2 #B1-27/28 (JP2) Specialist Care Singapore 648886 Eligible students are covered up to $500 per policy year Watsons Your Personal Store for treatment by a specialist (including diagnostic tests such as x-rays and scans) or A&E department (strictly Location for accidents and emergencies only) in Singapore Jurong Point Shopping Mall government/restructured hospitals. The coverage is 1 Jurong West Central 2 #B1-12/13/14 subject to the terms and conditions of the GHSI. For Singapore 648886 more information on GHSI, please refer to Insurance section.

Important: Outpatient specialist care will only be reimbursed if the specialist whom you are seeking treatment from is referred by the NTU Medical Centre or the A&E department of a government/restructured hospital.

27 HEALTH, WELLNESS AND INSURANCE

For a list of Singapore Government/Restructured Hospitals and Specialist Clinics, please refer to the table as follows.

Singapore Government/Restructured Hospitals Website Alexandra Hospital www.alexhosp.com.sg Changi General Hospital www.cgh.com.sg Institute of Mental Health www.imh.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital www.ktph.com.sg KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital www.kkh.com.sg National University Hospital www.nuh.com.sg Singapore General Hospital www.sgh.com.sg Tan Tock Seng Hospital www.ttsh.com.sg

Academic Counselling Counselling

If you are unable to cope with your studies, please seek Professional Counselling help from your lecturer, tutor or the Assistant Chair of Students at your school. The Student Wellbeing Centre provides help and guidance to students with personal issues or challenges. Pastoral Care Its team of registered counsellors are experienced in helping students from various backgrounds and with a Being away from home can be an especially lonely wide range of issues. experience when you fall ill or are hospitalised. Do contact ISC should you need any assistance. If the personal issues or challenges you are facing are affecting your quality of life in the areas of your health, Locate ISC relationships, daily activities, academic performance or eating and sleeping patterns, please seek professional Visit us at the temporary office behind Student counselling. Services Centre building Telephone Number Should you have troubled thoughts or behaviour such as (65) 6790 6823 (during office hours) self-harm or harming others, please seek professional (65) 9721 8066 (24-hour crisis line) counselling or medical help. (This number should be used strictly for emergencies only.) To make an appointment to see a professional counsellor, please call (65) 6790 4462 during office hours. You may Email also email the Centre at [email protected]. [email protected] sg. The Centre is located at Student Services Centre, Level 5. Consultations are free of charge for students and held in confidence.

After ofﬁce hours, please call the ISC crisis line at (65) 9721 8066, Campus Security at (65) 6790 4777 or approach your Hall Fellow if you live in a hall of residence.

28 Peer Helping Programme Group Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance (GHSI) The Student Wellbeing Centre administers a peer support network for students on campus called the GHSI is compulsory for all full-time international ‘Peer Helping Programme’. If you wish to ﬁnd out more students, including Singapore permanent residents. about this programme, please call or email the Student Wellbeing Centre. Falling ill and being hospitalised in Singapore can be a ﬁnancial drain on international students. Not only are international students not entitled to the medical Workshops and Self-Help Resources subsidies that Singapore citizens enjoy, hospitals also typically require a deposit of the entire estimated bill The Student Wellbeing Centre further promotes size upon admission. For example, if the estimated student well-being through workshops and talks on bill size for a hospital stay is $5,000, you must place topics such as strategies for better learning, and stress a deposit of $5,000 with the hospital upon admission. and relaxation techniques. The self-help tests and information at the Centre’s website deal with topics such For eligible students on the GHSI, the underwriter of as money management and relationship issues. Visit GHSI will prepare a Letter of Guarantee (LOG), which www.ntu.edu.sg/studentwellbeing for more information. you can present to the hospital in lieu of the cash deposit, subject to the terms and conditions of the Stay Healthy insurance scheme. Details of this insurance scheme, including the annual limit, coverage, and exclusion can Learn how you can adopt an active and healthy be found at www.ntughsi.com.sg. lifestyle. Check out www.ntu.edu.sg/CampusLife/ SportsAndRecreation/Pages/default.aspx for the Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) programmes of the Sports and Recreation Centre and the Healthy Lifestyle Unit. The GPAI Scheme provides basic coverage for accidental death or permanent disablement as well as medical Insurance reimbursement for accidents for undergraduates and full-time graduate students (optional). Please see www. NTU has two insurance schemes - Group Hospitalisation ntu.edu.sg/Students/Undergraduate/StudentServices/ and Surgical Insurance and the Group Personal HealthAndCounselling/MedicalInsuranceSchemes/ Accident Insurance - to help eligible students meet Pages/GPAI.aspx for details including conditions for basic medical costs. eligibility.

29 HEALTH, WELLNESS AND INSURANCE

Additional Insurance Coverage for Overseas Travel

All students are strongly advised to have adequate insurance coverage when travelling overseas for internships, conferences, exchange, study programmes, etc. The GHSI scheme does not provide adequate coverage for overseas travels.

Please refer to the table as follows for a summary of the insurance scheme.

Insurance Scheme Insurance Coverage Administered By Eligibility Group Hospitalisation Accidental death, International Student Full-Time International and Surgical Insurance hospitalisation and surgery Centre Students, Singapore as a result of illness Permanent Resident www.ntughsi.com.sg (including mental illness), and accidental bodily injury Group Personal Accident Death, permanent Student Affairs Ofﬁce Undergraduates Insurance disability and medical costs arising from an Full-time Graduate www.ntu.edu.sg/Students/ accident students may opt for Undergraduate/Student- this insurance Services/HealthAndCoun- selling/MedicalInsuranc- eSchemes/Pages/GPAI. aspx

Note: • Full-time international undergraduates who require hospitalisation and/or surgery as a result of an accident should ﬁrst claim under the GPAI scheme. • Information on the GHSI and GPAI is subject to changes.

30 EMERGENCY HOTLINE

31 EMERGENCY HOTLINES

Emergency Hotlines

Please make sure that you have saved these numbers in your mobile phone. They will come in handy in an emergency. For more crisis helplines, please visit www.ntu.edu.sg/studentwellbeing.

Emergency Party Telephone Number Police 999 (24-hour) Ambulance 995 (24-hour) NTU Student Wellbeing Centre 6790 4462 NTU Medical Centre 6793 6828 NTU Fault Reporting Centre and Campus Security 6790 4777 (24-hour) International Student Centre (ISC) Crisis Line 9721 8066 (24-hour)

Who to Call Scenarios Procedures Medical Emergencies During ofﬁce hours: Call NTU Medical Centre After ofﬁce hours: Call Campus Security/Hall Fellow

Emotional Distress/Suicidal During ofﬁce hours: Call Student Wellbeing Centre Tendencies After ofﬁce hours: Call ISC crisis line, Campus Security/Hall Fellow

Road Accidents Call Police, Ambulance and Campus Security

Crime Call Police and Campus Security

Missing Persons Call ISC crisis line

Fire Call Campus Security

Rowdy Behaviour Call Campus Security

Lift Breakdown/Power Blackouts/ Call NTU Fault Reporting Centre Burst Pipes

24-Hour Campus Security

Our campus is patrolled round-the-clock on a daily basis by a team of security ofﬁcers. Complementing these patrols are CCTV and security access control systems. A low crime rate, however, does not mean that there is no crime so please guard your safety and belongings.

Fire drills and emergency evacuation procedures are in place for students’ security and safety. 32 ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY

33 ACADEMIC CALENDAR AND UNIVERSITY HOLIDAYS

2013-2014 Academic Calendar (Undergraduate)

Academic Year 2013-14 From To Semester 1 05-Aug-13 06-Dec-13 Orientation Week 05-Aug-13 09-Aug-13 Teaching Weeks 12-Aug-13 27-Sep-13 Recess Week 30-Sep-13 04-Oct-13 Teaching Weeks 07-Oct-13 15-Nov-13 Revision and Examination 18-Nov-13 06-Dec-13 Semester 1 Vacation 09-Dec-13 10-Jan-14 Semester 2 13-Jan-14 09-May-14 Teaching Weeks 13-Jan-14 28-Feb-14 Recess Week 03-Mar-14 07-Mar-14 Teaching Weeks 10-Mar-14 18-Apr-14 Revision and Examination 21-Apr-14 09-May-14 Semester 2 Vacation 12-May-14 01-Aug-14 Special Term I 12-May-14 20-Jun-14 Teaching Weeks 12-May-14 13-Jun-14 Revision & Examination 16-Jun-14 20-Jun-14 Special Term II 23-Jun-14 01-Aug-14 Teaching Weeks 23-Jun-14 25-Jul-14 Revision & Examination 28-Jul-14 01-Aug-14

Events Date Convocation 2013 25-Jul-13 to 1-Aug-13 Qualifying English Test 2-Aug-13 Freshmen Welcome Ceremony 5-Aug-13 to 6-Aug-13 Union Day/Academic Council Meeting 29-Aug-13 Celebrate NTU! 11-Mar-14

For the full calendar and details, please visit www.ntu.edu.sg/Students/Undergraduate/AcademicServices/ AcademicCalendar/Pages/2013-14.aspx.

34 2013-2014 Academic Calendar (Graduate)

Academic Year 2013-14 From To (Indicative Only)

SEMESTER 1 05 August 2013 12 January 2014

Teaching Weeks 12 August 2013 29 September 2013

Recess Week 30 September 2013 06 October 2013

Teaching Weeks 07 October 2013 17 November 2013

Revision & Examination 18 November 2013 08 December 2013

Semester 1 Vacation 09 December 2013 12 January 2014

SEMESTER 2 13 January 2014 03 August 2014

Teaching Weeks 13 January 2014 02 March 2014

Recess Week 03 March 2014 09 March 2014

Teaching Weeks 10 March 2014 20 April 2014

Revision and Examination 21 April 2014 11 May 2014

Semester 2 Vacation 12 May 2014 03 August 2014

Graduate programmes do not follow a common calendar. For the calendar of your programme, please visit http:// www.ntu.edu.sg/Students/Graduate/AcademicServices/Documents/Academic%20Calendar%202013%20-%20 2014.pdf.

35 University Holidays

The university is closed during public holidays in Singapore. If the public holidays fall on a Saturday, there will be no classes on the following Monday.

2013 and 2014 Public Holidays

For a list of public holidays in 2013 and 2014, please refer to the table as follows.

Hari Raya Puasa 8 August 2013, Thursday

National Day 9 August 2013, Friday

Hari Raya Haji 15 October 2013, Tuesday

Deepavali 2 November 2013, Saturday

Christmas Day 25 December 2013, Wednesday

New Year’s Day 1 January 2014, Wednesday

31 January 2014, Friday Chinese New Year 1 February 2014, Saturday

Good Friday 18 April 2014, Friday

Labour Day 1 May 2014, Thursday

Vesak Day 13 May 2014, Tuesday

Academic Services

Please refer to the respective websites for information on:

• The Academic Unity System • Curriculum Structure • Examinations • Course Registration • Other Academic Services

Undergraduate students www.ntu.edu.sg/Students/Undergraduate/AcademicServices/Pages/default.aspx

Graduate students www.ntu.edu.sg/Students/Graduate/AcademicServices/Pages/default.aspx

36 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

37 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

e-learning and Mobile Learning The department managing NTU’s IT environment is the Centre for IT Services (CITS). Please visit www.ntu. e-learning and mobile learning are key features of edu.sg/cits to learn more. NTU’s learning environment. Computer Ownership Scheme edveNTUre - NTU’s e-learning platform for anytime, anywhere learning - allows you to view course Each new student is advised to have a notebook content, watch online videos of lectures, turn in your computer for more effective learning. Students will ﬁnd assignments, participate in an online tutorial and much that notebooks are useful tools for formal lessons and more. coursework anytime and anywhere.

Blackboard Mobile Learn, a free app for smartphones Before you purchase a computer, refer to the preferential and tablets, gives you on-the-go access to prices that students enjoy with some vendors under an announcements, your class roster, group discussions arrangement with NTU. Please see http://www3.ntu. and even your grades using your iPad, iPhone, edu.sg/CITS2/computerdeals/compcategory.htm. Blackberry or android device. For information on the NTU Student Personal The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching Computer Loan scheme administered by the (CELT) manages NTU’s e-learning environment. For Ofﬁce of Admissions and Financial Aid for full-time more information about the different e-learning tools undergraduates, please visit http://admissions.ntu.edu. used in NTU, like Clickers, LAMS, eUreka, Turnitin, sg/UndergraduateAdmissions/FinancialAssistance/ BBConnect, AcuStudio and etc, please visit https:// Pages/PCLoan.aspx. edventure.ntu.edu.sg. For more information about CELT, please visit www.ntu.edu.sg/celt. Computing Facilities and Learning Spaces IT Services Computing facilities and learning spaces are available NTU students enjoy state-of-the-art IT infrastructure throughout campus in schools, libraries and the halls of and services. Each matriculated student is given a residence. One such state-of-the-art learning space is lifelong Windows Live account and a network account the Learning Pod @ South Spine. This creative learning which enable free access to: space provides:

• a high-speed wired and wireless campus network, • discussion rooms with LCD screens and glass including remote access writing boards • e-services such as course registration, examination • an open learning space with comfortable and matters and e-billing conﬁgurable furniture • e-learning and library resources • tables with a flexible power outlet and security bar • online storage and sharing of personal documents, for laptop users blogs and web pages • pay-per-use printing service • live video webcasts of interesting seminars and events on campus • the interactive campus map, internal shuttle bus information and virtual tour, via web or mobile platform • subscription to NTU mailing lists and e-newsletters

38 NTU Libraries

NTU libraries provide students with access to rich information resources, collaborative learning spaces and research assistance. There are 7 libraries, all open to every student.

• Art, Design and Media Library (ART-01-03): Print and multimedia collections • Asian Communication Resource Centre (WKWSCI-01-18): Communication and Information Studies collections • Business Library (N2-B2b-07): Business collection Smart classroom and media services • Chinese Library (S3.2-85-01): Chinese collection • Humanities and Social Sciences Library (S4-B3c): Humanities and Social/Sciences collections • Lee Wee Nam Library (NS3-03-01): Engineering and Science collections • Wang Gungwu Library (CHC-02) : Overseas Chinese collection

For more information and access to resources, visit www.ntu.edu.sg/library.

Learning Pod @South Spine

Practice your presentation in the recording room at Lee Wee Nam Library Lee Wee Nam Library

39 STUDENT LIFE @ NTU

STUDENT LIFE @ NTU

40 STUDENT LIFE @ NTU

Student Organisations Sports and Games

Cultural performances, sporting events and many Keen on sports? Whether you are a recreational or recreational pursuits enliven student life throughout a competitive athlete, there are programmes and the year. With more than 100 student organisations activities that will suit you. You are welcome to make dedicated to diverse interests from astronomy to use of the sporting and recreational facilities at the ballroom dancing to current affairs and community Sports and Recreation Centre. Visit www.ntu.edu.sg/ work, there is bound to be one that will catch your campuslife/SportsAndRecreation/Pages/default.aspx fancy. Search www.ntu.edu.sg/campuslife/clubs/Pages/ to learn more. Clubssocieties.aspx to know more.

Adventure/Water Sports Field Sports Other Sports

• Canoeing • Cricket • Air Rifle • Dragon Boat • Hockey • Aquathlon • Lifeguard Corps • Rugby • Archery • Mountaineering • Soccer • Bowling • Outdoor Adventure • Softball • Canoe Polo • Scuba Diving • Touch Football • Cheerleading • Swimming • Fencing • Wakeboarding Mind Games • Golf • Windsurfing • Inline Skating • Water Polo • Chinese Chess • Runners’ Club • Yachting • Contact Bridge • Snooker and Pool • International Chess • Track and Field Ball Games • Weiqi • Ultimate Frisbee

• Basketball Martial Arts • Floorball • Handball • Aikido • Netball • Judo • Volleyball • Shitoryu Karate • Silat • Taekwondo

41 STUDENT LIFE @ NTU

Meals on Campus Postal, Banking and Retail

The NTU canteens, cafes and restaurants offer a wide There are various amenities that can be found on-cam- variety of food. A meal in the canteen costs an average pus. For an updated list of facilities, please visit http:// of $4 but is subject to your food preference. Please visit www.ntu.edu.sg/CampusLife/Pages/RetailPostalAnd- http://www.ntu.edu.sg/campuslife/Pages/Food.aspx for Banking.aspx. a list of the canteens, cafes and restaurants.

Postal Facilities Location SAM Machines • North Spine, Level 1, outside Cheers • South Spine, Level B3 • NIE Canteen, Level 2

Banking Facilities Location OCBC Bank (NTU Branch) North Spine, Level 1, near N2.1 OCBC ATM • South Spine, Level B3 • Near Canteen 2 Citibank ATM North Spine, Level 1, near N2.1 POSB ATM • North Spine, Level 1, near N2.1 • South Spine, Level B3 • Canteen 2 State Bank of India ATM North Spine, Level 1, near N2.1 UOB ATM North Spine, Level 1, near N2.1

42 Retail Outlets Location Campus Book Centre NIE 4-B1-10 Eight Flags Computer Systems & Supplies South Spine, Level B3 Nanyang Hair Corner Next to Canteen 2 Giant Supermarket Next to Canteen 2 7-Eleven Convenience Store Near Canteen 2 Cheers Convenience Store North Spine, Level 1, near N2.1 Yunnan Bookstore South Spine, S4-B5A-01

Other Facilities Location AXS (Prepaid card top-up, bill payment and other • Blk N2.1 transactions) • South Spine, Level B3 Photo-Me (Instant photo taking) • Blk N2.1 • South Spine, Level B3

For a list of supermarkets that are near to NTU campus, please refer to the table as follows.

Supermarkets Location Giant Supermarket IMM Shopping Centre, 2 Jurong East Street 21 Singapore 609601 Pioneer Mall, Blk 638 Jurong West Street 61 #03-01 Singapore 640638 NTUC Fairprice Extra (24-hour) Jurong Point Shopping Mall, 63 Jurong West Central 3 #03-01 Singapore 648331 Prime Supermarket Blk 763 Jurong West Street 75 #01-01 Singapore 640763 Blk 962 Jurong West Street 91 #01-300 Singapore 640962 Sheng Shiong Supermarket Blk 544 Jurong West Street 42 #01-97/99 Singapore 640544 3 Yuan Ching Road #01-01A/02 Singapore 618642 7 Jurong West Avenue 5 #01-01/08 Singapore 649486

43 MANAGING FINANCE

Estimated Living Costs

Item Estimated Monthly Expenses# On-Campus Undergraduate Housing • $195 - $330* On-Campus Graduate Housing • $310 - $1,100* Meals $300 - $400 Personal Expenses $200 - $400# Transport for Travel within Singapore $100 Textbooks and Course Materials $200 - $500 per academic year

Note: *Varies with room type and subject to revision #Varies according to lifestyle

Money Management Tips Part-Time Jobs outside Campus

The Student Wellbeing Centre has valuable tips on • Prior approval from the university is required for money management at their website. Please visit www. matriculated international students to work part - ntu.edu.sg/studentwellbeing to know more about the time. Undergraduates should contact the Student tips. Affairs Office while graduate students should contact the ISC. A fresh application is required for Financial Assistance each job. Scholarship holders require the additional approval of their sponsors. Need financial help? Loans are available for students • Full-time matriculated international undergraduates in need. Learn more about financial assistance and graduate students may work a maximum of 16 schemes from the information provided in the hours a week during term time and full-time during admissions package or from http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ the vacation. Freshmen/FreshmenGuide/FinancialMatters/Pages/ FinancialAssistanceSchemes.aspx. Part-Time Jobs on Campus under Work Study Scheme (undergraduates only) Part-Time Employment • Undergraduates working part-time on campus may The ISC does not recommend that international work a maximum of 14 hours a week during term students rely on part-time work as a source of funds. time and nine hours a day or 44 hours a week during Doing so is very risky as part-time work may not be the vacation. Prior approval from the university is available when needed nor will it provide sufficient not required. funds to sustain your stay. Students who wish to take up part-time work for the experience should note the International students on exchange or in non - following: graduating programmes may not engage in any part- time work in Singapore. For more information, please visit http://www.ntu.edu.sg/isc/ManagingFinances/ Pages/ParttimeEmployment.aspx.

44 ABOUT SINGAPORE

ABOUT SINGAPORE

Know what to do and where to visit to experience Singapore’s way of living. Read more about her transportation system and travel like a local does in Singapore.

ABOUT SINGAPORE

45 ABOUT SINGAPORE

Chinatown

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a today with its free trade economy and highly efficient Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the workforce. With her strategic location in the region, it Malay Peninsula, 137 kilometres north of the equator. It has enabled her to become a central sea port along is an island country made up of 63 islands, separated major shipping routes. from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia’s Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait The current population in Singapore is about five million, to its south. with English as the main language of instruction, and a mother tongue for each major ethnicity. There are four She has a land area of about 710 square kilometres, major races – namely the Chinese (majority), Malay, making her one of the smallest countries in the world Indian and Eurasian. Each community offers a different and the smallest in the region – hence the moniker perspective of life in Singapore in terms of culture, “The Little Red Dot”. Although small in size, Singapore religion, food and language. commands an enormous presence in the world

46 Experience Singapore

Being a multi-racial society, Singapore is as diverse as it is cohesive. Beyond the history, culture, people, shopping and food, there are many more facets to Singapore’s thriving cityscape for you to discover. These can only be experienced as you immerse yourself in the exploration of this once ﬁshing village turned cosmopolitan city. To read more about Singapore, visit www.sg and www.yoursingapore.com.

Old World Charm

If you are interested to discover the old world charm, you can explore and experience the island’s key historical landmarks or memorials. You can embark on a heritage trail to enjoy the sights and sounds at various cultural precincts, such as the following.

Chinatown Helix Bridge A visit to Chinatown promises fascinating encounters Walk across this architectural marvel and admire the with local customs and lifestyles. Singapore skyline.

Kampong Glam Little India Explore the alleys of Kampong Glam for exotic treats Little India fascinates with shops selling everything from and buys. spices to ﬂower garlands.

Modern City

If you prefer the bright city lights and being amidst the hustle and bustle, then you will be delighted to know that there are numerous shopping malls, museums, and dining and entertainment hotspots to choose from.

Orchard Road & Marina Bay Sands Clarke Quay/Boat Quay & Marina Bay Spend a day in Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands. Experience Singapore nightlife activities at the club You will understand why Singapore is dubbed a in these locations. You can also ﬁnd Avalon, one of shopper’s paradise. Hollywood’s hottest clubs at Marina Bay.

Helix Bridge Singapore skyline Geylang Serai

Night Safari Little India

47 ABOUT SINGAPORE

Food

The other thing that will strike you most about Singapore is its multifarious offering of food regardless day or night. With a range of dining options from Peranakan to Chinese, Indian to Malay, fusion and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Chinatown Complex Market East Coast Lagoon Food Village Blk 335 Smith Street S050335 1220 East Coast Parkway S468960 Located in the heartland of Chinatown. Have a meal Tuck into scrumptious local fare after cycling or with the locals and explore the shops of Chinatown. rollerblading at East Coast Park

Chomp Chomp Food Centre Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre 20 Kensington Park Road S557269 1 Geylang Serai S402001 Located at Serangoon Garden, this hawker has a wide Sample traditional Malay fare at this market and the variety of food at a reasonable price. eateries in Geylang Serai

Golden Mile Food Centre Lau Pat Sat Festival Market 505 Beach Road S199583 18 Rafﬂes Quay S048582 Popular for its wide array of local fare Largest remaining Victorian ﬁligree cast-iron structure in Southeast Asia built in 1894 and is now a food centre Holland Village Market and Food Centre offering a wide variety of local food 1 Lorong Mambong S277700 Holland Village is popular for its al fresco café culture Newton Circus Food Centre 500 Clemenceau Avenue North S229495 Maxwell Road Hawker Centre Popular with tourists and locals 1 Kadayanallur Street S069184 This centrally-located food centre is packed to the brim People’s Park Cooked Food Centre during peak hours. Blk 32 New Market Road S050032 A good destination for traditional local fare after Old Airport Road Food Centre shopping in Chinatown Blk 51 Old Airport Road S390051 Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre Tekka Centre 30 Seng Poh Road S168898 Blk 665 Buffalo Road S210665 Popular with locals for its wide array of dishes Located in the heart of Little India

Clementi Market and Food Centre Blk 353 Clementi Avenue 2 #01-108 S120353 Surrounded by HDB shops that offer household items at a bargain price

48 Arts and Culture

Singapore thrives with arts and cultural events. Visit these places to know more.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay Maritime Experiential Museum and Aquarium Engage in the arts at this distinctive landmark. Step back in time and learn about the history of the ancient maritime trade. National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road S178897 Singapore Discovery Centre Visit its Singapore History and Living Galleries to learn Learn more about Singapore through SDC’s fascinating about Singapore culture and also its 11 National Treasures. exhibits.

ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Asian Civilisations Museum 10 Bayfront Avenue S018956 1 Empress Place S179555

Chinatown Heritage Centre Malay Heritage Centre 48 Pagoda Street S198501 85 Sultan Gate S198501

Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian Street S179941

Community and Sporting Activities

The People’s Association promotes social cohesion in Singapore through its network of grassroots organisations and community clubs. Visit www.pa.gov.sg to learn about the activities of the community club near you. For Singapore’s sporting calendar, please visit www.ssc.gov.sg.

Events

Besides major holidays, you can look forward to a vibrant calendar of events in Singapore. These are some of the events that are held in Singapore.

• Chingay Parade Singapore • Singapore Arts Festival • Dragon Boat Festival • Singapore Food Festival • Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard • Singapore River Festival • F1 Singapore Grand Prix • Singapore Sun Festival • Great Singapore Sale • World Gourmet Summit • Mosaic Music Festival • ZoukOut • National Day Parade and celebrations

49 ABOUT SINGAPORE

Nature

National Parks oversees the development of Singapore as a Garden City. Visit www.nparks.gov.sg for information on the parks and nature reserves in Singapore as well as information on free nature appreciation walks.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve East Coast Park Discover the rich ﬂora and fauna of this reserve as you A well-loved destination of Singaporeans for barbecues, climb Bukit Timah – Singapore’s highest hill. cycling, rollerblading and water sports.

Gardens By The Bay Jurong Bird Park Spanning 101 hectare, this superpark houses over The largest bird park and a haven for 8,000 birds a quarter of a million rare plants in huge domed representing species. Visit www.birdpark.com.sg for conservatories. details.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park Night Safari Explore its scenic and tranquil nature trails and go on As dusk falls, observe over 1,000 nocturnal animals up- a treetop walk. close.

Labrador Nature Reserve Istana An oasis of tranquillity and natural wonder. A staircase Fronting the main Istana Gate, Istana Park provides built on the edge of the secondary forest offers a a vantage point for people keen to view the monthly prime view of the cliff side vegetation coupled with a changing of guards ceremony at the Istana. panoramic view of the sea. Marina Barrage Jurong Central Park Catch the grandeur of the Singapore Flyer and the It is the ﬁrst in Singapore to have life-sized board-game Central Business District skyline at this ﬁrst reservoir in features. It is situated across Boon Lay MRT Station. the heart of the city.

Mount Faber Park Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve From this park, you can take a cable car to Sentosa The Ridges comprise of 9km of green, open spaces Island. A mural wall depicting scenes of local history spanning the hills of Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah can be seen at Upper Faber Point, the highest point in Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park. The main highlights are the park. the Forest Walk and Canopy Walk.

Youth Olympic Park Sentosa The Youth Olympic Park is named after the inaugural Fancy a day island hopping? Sentosa has a well-mixed Youth Olympic Games held in Singapore in August of activities ranging from the thrilling rides at Universal 2010. A broadwalk connects the Park to Marina Studio and surf at 10-foot FlowBarrel wave, to learn Promenade. about Singapore’s past at several historical landmarks. Visit www.sentosa.com.sg to read more.

50 Travelling within Singapore

Travelling within Singapore is a breeze with its advanced This is a list of phone booking hotlines for the respective transportation system. Taxi Companies.

Taxi Common Taxi Booking Number (+65 6-DIAL-CAB) Taxis can be flagged down at any time of the day at +65 6342-5222 a taxi stand and along any public road outside of the Central Business District (CBD). Alternatively you can Comfort & CityCab book a taxi with any of the Taxi Company via phone call +65 6552-1111 where a booking fee is applicable. To know the booking amount, please check with the individual taxi company. Premier Taxi +65 6363-6888 All taxis in Singapore are metered. The fares must be charged according to the taxi meter based on the flag Smart Cab down rate, distance travelled and applicable surcharge +65 6485-7777 (such as midnight surcharge, peak hour surcharge, location surcharge and Electronic Road Pricing SMRT Taxi charges). Please take note that each taxi company +65 6555-8888 imposes different surcharge and flag down rate. You may need to check with the driver or Taxi Company on Trans-Cab Services the surcharge before boarding the taxi. Should you wish +65 6555-3333 to retain a receipt, you need to request for it at the end of the trip. Payment is usually by cash although some Prime Taxi Taxi Companies do accept credit cards/NETs payment. +65 6778-0808

51 ABOUT SINGAPORE

Bus Queue System

Public buses operate from 5.30am to midnight daily and It is an unspoken rule that commuters must queue at the frequencies range from 5 minutes to 20 minutes. bus-stops, taxi stands and train stations to board and The information panels at the bus stops provide useful alight from buses, taxis and trains. This applies to route and fare information for the bus services available service and retail outlets throughout Singapore as well. at that stop. Contactless Smart (CEPAS-Compliant) Cards The buses pick up and drop off passengers only at designated bus-stops. You need to flag down the bus To ease the need of carrying sufficient cash for you wish to board at the bus-stop. For all bus trips, you travelling, you may wish to purchase an ez-link card or can pay using exact cash or ez-link card (please refer to a NETS FlashPay card. These are contactless tap-and- Contactless Smart (CEPAS-Compliant) Cards section). go Smart cards for public transit use on the MRT, LRT For more information, please visit www.sbstransit.com. and buses. You can get them from the network of sales sg or www.smrt.com.sg. points within most MRT stations and 7-Eleven stores. Please visit www.ezlink.com.sg or www.nets.com.sg for Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) & Light Rapid Transit more information on the Smart cards. (LRT) Changi Airport Commuters in Singapore enjoy a comprehensive public transport network similar to other developed cities. Changi Airport is the main airport in Singapore and a There are also LRT systems that link MRT stations major aviation hub in Southeast Asia. Please visit www. within the HDB housing estates. Both MRT and LRT changiairport.com to view the Airport interactive map operate from 5.30am to midnight daily. The first and last and access the guide for arriving passengers. train departure times vary between stations, as well as weekends and Public Holidays.

For fare information, you may wish to use the easy- to-use maps at the MRT ticketing machines. Please visit www.transitlink.com.sg or www.publictransport.sg should you wish to know more information on public transport fares and MRT map.

52 International Student Centre Student Affairs Office, Nanyang Technological University 42, Nanyang Avenue, Student Services Centre Level 6, Singapore 639815

Tel: (65) 6790 6823 | Fax: (65) 6793 4558 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.ntu.edu.sg/isc