Living in Singapore
Singapore (Chinese: 新加坡, Xīnjiāpō; Malay: Singapura; Tamil: Cingkappūr),
Officially the Republic of Singapore, is an island country located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It lies 137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator, south of the Malaysian state of Johor and north of Indonesia's Riau Islands. At 707.1 km2 (273.0 sq mi), Singapore is one of four remaining true city-states in the world. It is the smallest nation in Southeast Asia.
The country is known for it's vibrance and it's sophisticated multi-cultural society, where bursts of arts influenced strongly by various periods and culture are weaved together seamlessly to create this modern cosmopolitan city.
Singapore is built upon robust and bustling economy due to its strategical geographical location, a city with an abundance of opportunities.
Perhaps also the perfect place to learn languages as more than 4 languages are spoken in Singapore, with most Singaporeans at least billingual with English as the main communication language.
CULTURE
Singapore is a small and relatively modern amalgam of an indigenous Malay population with a third generation Chinese majority, as well as Indian and Arab immigrants with some intermarriages. There also exist Eurasian and Peranakan (known also as 'Straits Chinese') communities. Singapore has also achieved a significant degree of cultural diffusion with its unique combination of these ethnic groups, and this has given Singapore a rich mixture of diversity for its young age. One of the prime examples is in Singaporean cuisine, often a cultural attraction for tourists.
CUISINE
You will not have a hard time adapting into Singapore cuisine culture as you can find almost any form of cuisine here in Singapore! With the diversity and cultural diffusion in Singapore, you will be able to find a fusion of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indian and various Asian cuisine easily.
Local foods are diverse, ranging from Hainanese chicken rice to satay. Singaporeans also enjoy a wide variety of seafood including crabs, clams, squid, and oysters. One such dish is stingray barbecued and served on banana leaf and with sambal or chili.
Food in Singapore ranges between SGD2 - 6 for a meal.
MEDIA
Around 38,000 people work in the media industry in Singapore, including publishing, print, broadcasting, film, music, digital and IT media sectors. The industry contributed 1.56% to Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2001 with an annual turnover of S$10 billion. The industry grew at an average rate of 7.7% annually from 1990 to 2000, and the government seeks to increase its GDP contribution to 3% by 2012.
The main media language medium is English and Mandarin with several channels dedicated to minority languages.
Singapore is also equipped with cable TV where you may subscribe to International Channels at a moderate fee.
There are a total of 16 newspapers in active circulation. Daily newspapers are published in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
CLIMATE
Warm and tropical all year round. There are rainy seasons, but temperature variation throughout the year is minimal. Average outdoor temperatures fall between 27 - 33 degrees celsius. Light and comfortable clothing is recommended.
TRANSPORT
"You will never get lost in Singapore" - A true and true phrase proven by the efficient public transport system which is both clean and easily accesible.
Public Buses
There are many bus stops all over the city, which makes this a very convenient and affordable mode of transport. Many are air-conditioned and bus fares range from S$0.80 to S$2.50.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The underground trains connect to all the major parts of Singapore and are one of the most popular modes of transport. Train fares start from S$0.80 to S$2.80.
TAXIS
There are many taxis on the road in Singapore and taxi stands are situated at every major building and shopping centre. Most taxi metre starts at S$2.80 with surcharges during peak hours and festive seasons.
ACCOMODATION
Below are some guidelines for the various types of accommodation available to international students.
HOSTEL
All international students are encouraged to stay in the students' hostel when they first arrive in Singapore. The students' hostel is close and convenient to the school and the rental rates are reasonably priced.
HOMESTAY
Some families in Singapore open up their homes to students and welcome them as part of the family. Depending on the individual cases, the cost for homestay ranges from S$500 to S$1,000 per month.
BOARDING HOUSES
A good lodging service providing single or shared accommodation with room cleaning, meals, laundry and monthly outdoor activities that cost approximately S$1,200 and above a month.
HOTELS OR SERVICE APARTMENTS
Depending on location and size, cost for these residences range from S$5,000 to S$8,000 per month.
SHARED ACCOMMODATION / INDEPENDENT RESIDENCES
Three to four bedroom apartments are available from S$1,500 per month. Students can choose to live alone or share with other students. Lease terms are usually for 1 year or more.
The Accommodation Questionnaire is also available on our website. Admissions Department will assist you to arrange your short or long term accommodation requirements.
The price quoted serves to give the international students a guideline to the cost of living in Singapore. The budget for cost of living in Singapore is subjected to the individual's expectation in their standards of living and lifestyle.