Experience in Singapore, Singapore by Natalie

What is it like to live in Singapore? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Singapore is a cosmopolitan and sunny island city with warm and humid climate. Cost is high but it's a very safe city as we enjoy one of the lowest crime rate in the world.

Being safe doesn't mean that we are boring, Singapore nightlife is a bustling one. Due to the diverse background of the country, the culinary scene in Singapore is one with many pleasant surprises.

What is the student lifestyle like in Singapore?

Student lifestyle in Singapore is one that is safe and with the well-linked transport system, it is easy to get to any corner in Singapore.

How much does it cost to live in Singapore?

It depends on the level of lifestyle one is looking for. One-room rental is about S$400 to S$800 (depending on size, location and amenities) and food wise...it will be $3 to $8 for local dining in hawker centres and food courts, for restaurants, it will go significantly highly. Transportation... there is a student concession card.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Singapore? Is there any advice you can give?

Not difficult, it depends on the location and area that one is interested in as this will directly impact the rental payable. City center (like Orchard and the CBD area) is very very costly - usually meant for expatriates. For students, can stay in the neighbourhood areas which are easily accessible via public transport.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Multi-racial! We have all the cuisines that you can think of in Singapore due to our cosmopolitan background and multi-racial beginnings. I can safely say that all Singaporeans are foodies.

My favourite dishes are Hainanese Chicken Rice, Fried Carrot Cake, Hokkien Prawn Noodles and many other Chinese food.

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For Malay food, I like mee siam and nasi lemak and many others. For Indian food, I like roti prata and Briyani. Of cos, I also like food like sashimi, ramen, Korean rice cakes, all sort of pastries, pastas... etc.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Singapore?

• Orchard Road for shopping

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• Gardens by the Bay and Botanical Gardens for the greenery

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• World renowned Singapore Zoological Gardens

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• Sentosa for a whole day of fun-filled activities

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Is it good to eat out in Singapore? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes! One will never be short of options for eating out. Affordable eating places like hawker centers and coffee shops can be found at almost every corner. Restaurants are also plentiful. My favourite eating spots are:

• Old Airport Hawker Center
• Tiong Bahru area
• Bugis area

Is the nightlife good in Singapore? Where is good to go?

Good!

• Clarke Quay

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• Boat Quay
• Zouk

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What advice would you give future students heading to Singapore?

Singapore is very safe. Only that the cost of living is high.