Adjusting to life in Singapore as an exchange student can be a daunting task, especially if you’re from a place like the UK, where the climate, culture, and daily experiences are so different. Four months into my exchange at the National University of Singapore (NUS), I’ve learned a lot about what to expect in this bustling city-state and how to handle the various challenges that arise. Here’s what I wish I’d known before arriving:
1. The Humidity!!!
Singapore’s humidity is beyond anything I could have imagined. Even after spending summers in various hot destinations, nothing compares to the relentless humidity here. It can feel like 31°C on a typical day, and the moisture in the air makes it seem even hotter. The constant humidity can make outdoor exploration, such as strolling through nature trails or admiring the Peranakan shophouses, challenging. I found that a portable fan is a lifesaver, and many locals use UV-protective umbrellas to shield themselves from both the sun and humidity. Keeping a bottle of water on hand is also essential, especially when you’re out and about in hawker centres, which often don’t have air conditioning.
2. The Working Culture
Singapore is renowned for its business acumen, and this is reflected in the intensity of its work and education culture. The city is a global economic hub, and this pressure seeps into the daily lives of students and professionals alike. You’ll find students working through the night in an attempt to meet the high standards set by the competitive, meritocratic society. As an exchange student, this can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like everyone around you is putting in more hours of study than you are. However, it’s important to remember that your study abroad experience is not about competing with others but about experiencing a new culture and making the most of your time here. Don’t let the anxiety of not doing enough work stop you from enjoying your time in Singapore.
3. Losing Perception of Time
One of the unique things about living in Singapore is the unchanging weather. The temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, making it difficult to associate experiences with specific seasons. Back in the UK, memories can be tied to particular months or seasons, but here it’s hard to track when you visited certain places. For example, I can’t even remember when I first went to Nylon Coffee in Outram, even though I know it was early in the semester. To combat this, I suggest taking lots of photos and making memories out of every experience. It helps keep track of time and provides you with lovely moments to reflect on once you’re back home.
4. Payment Methods
When I arrived in Singapore, I assumed that Visa and Mastercard would be accepted everywhere, just like in most global cities. But I was wrong. While they work in some areas, especially in tourist spots, many local hawker centres and smaller establishments rely on cash or local digital payment methods. This was a major inconvenience at first, and I wish I’d known beforehand. If you’re a student, you’ll likely be eating at hawker centres, where QR codes are commonly scanned to make payments through local services like PayNow, GrabPay, or DBS Paylah. Be sure to set up these payment apps early, or keep cash on hand, as you’ll likely find yourself needing it more than you expect.
5. Making Friends Quickly!
Singapore is perfectly situated for travel, with many destinations just a short flight away in Southeast Asia. Whether it’s Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, the opportunities to explore are endless. However, solo travel can be intimidating, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the region’s languages and customs. To make the most of your time here, you’ll need to be prepared to make friends quickly. Most exchange students are only in Singapore for one semester, so everyone is eager to travel together and form connections. At first, I found it challenging, but as time went on, I realized that everyone is in the same boat, and making new friends here is part of the fun. Don’t stress if you find yourself traveling with people you don’t know very well – it’s a natural part of the exchange experience, and you’ll find that you bond quickly.
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