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living in singapore

 

Information about Singapore

lying almost on the equator, Singapore is not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km. However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Today, Singapore is rapidly taking its place among the world’s premier global cities, where talents from all around the world gather to share innovative ideas and start new businesses.

Singapore boasts one of the most stable societies in Asia. Its multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-lingual groups are united in the common effort to keep Singapore a prosperous place. Modern Singapore is a city of concrete, glass, freeways and shopping centres. In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers still a part of everyday Singapore. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a picture of your favourite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab Street, the cry of the muezzin can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque. At the Esplanade, you enjoy world-class arts performances while the jet-set club to the latest music at the cosmopolitan clubs.

Singapore may no longer be the rough and ready port of rickshaws, opium dens, pearl luggers and pirates, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the flashing ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. Many other fine reminders of Singapores colonial past remain, despite the island’s relentless development.

Perhaps Singapore’s greatest treat is the variety and quality of its food. For only a few dollars you can have a bowl of steaming noodles, curry and rice, or delicious satay, all at the same food stall table. Spend a little more, or a lot more, and Singapore has hundreds of restaurants serving the best Chinese, Indian, Malay, European and other International cuisines.

Facts at a glance:

Full country name:

Republic of Singapore

Area:

704 sq km (252 sq mi)

Population:

5.4 million (Growth rate 1.3%)

People:

76.8% Chinese, 13.9% Malay, 7.9% Indian and 1.4% Eurasians and other ethnic groups

Language:

Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English

Religion:

31% Taoist, 28% Buddhist, 18% Muslim, 10% 
Christian, 4% Hindu

Government:

Parliamentary democracy

President:

Tony Tan Keng Yam

Prime Minister:

Mr Lee Hsien Loong

If you come from a temperate climate, the first thing that hits you is the heat. Temperature ranges from 24°C to 32°C (75-89°F) with an average daily maximum relative humidity of 84.3%. Fain falls all year round but is most abundant from November to January. Rainfall occurs mostly as sudden showers. It is good idea to carry an umbrella whenever you go out. Wear light, comfortable, cotton clothing to beat the heat.

Cost of Living in Singapore


Living conditions in Singapore are amongst the best in Asia with state-of-the art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. Singapore has one of the highest living standards in the South East Asia. Daily necessities and luxuries are readily available. These are estimation of how much is required during your stay in Singapore. They do not include tuition fees, costs of books, telephone expenses, and travel expenses from your home country to Singapore.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Accommodation (off-campus):

S$1800

Food:

 S$500

Local Transportation:

S$150

Personal expenses:

 S$300

Total:

- S$2750

 Will need money (cash) immediately on your arrival for transport, meals, phone cards, etc. You should bring along at least S$300 cash upon arrival.

Generally, there is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency, travellers’ cheque and bank draft into Singapore. It is always wiser and safer to bring your sum of money in the form of a bank draft.

You may bring along additional funds using bank drafts made out in Singapore dollars and drawn from a Singapore bank. Telegraphic transfers may also be made through another bank to your account.

For currency converter: http://www.xe.com/currency

Study Abroad in Singapore

There's nothing like the transformative experience of studying abroad to gain new perspectives, create fresh impressions and be inspired by what's happening beyond your corner of the world. So what makes Singapore so refreshingly different from other countries for a Study Abroad experience?


Best of East and West
No other city offers a more alluring mix of cutting-edge infrastructure, world-class education system and dynamic cosmopolitan vibe thanks to a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Beneath the city's towering skyscrapers, you'll discover the rich and vibrant sights and sounds of ethnic precincts like Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. Combine with our status as a leading finance, business and education hub with our colourful multi-cultural heritage; you will experience a unique learning experience that is global yet Asian.

Cultural Inspiration
Stimulate your mind in an environment where ethnic diversity is celebrated, and immerse your soul in Singapore's melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian history and culture. As English is widely used, you will never feel out of place while experiencing the local culture. The meeting of minds is more than just making new friends, take the opportunity to pick up an Asian language here, while immersed in a milieu enriched by the variety of spoken vernaculars.

24/7 Fun In And Out Of The Sun
Outdoor sport fans and sun-seekers will have a blast thanks to the year-round sunny climate. Activities such as wakeboarding, windsurfing, over-night biking excursions and dragon boat racing are readily available for the full tropical island experience. Culture aficionados can have their pick from the museum, international and local music, and art offerings throughout the year. For party-goers, Singapore takes partying to dizzying heights with an array of themed nightclubs, multi-outlet mega clubs, live music bars, pubs and beach bars. Whatever your leisure preferences, there\'s always something new to discover on this surprising island.

Gastronomic Delights 
Now don’t say we didn't warn you. The probability of falling passionately in love with Singapore over the food alone is very high. From the budget-conscious to the discerning, Singapore will enthral, titillate and tickle your taste buds with the wide array of international and Asian flavours. With eateries in almost every part of the island operating round the clock, it's easy to see why eating is considered a national pastime, if not obsession, in this food paradise.

The Living Space
There is good reason why Singapore is also referred to as a city in the garden. With lush belts of greenery contributing to the cityscape, Singapore offers a comfortable living environment. The citys hostels, home stays, private and public apartments are unrivalled for their modernity and comfort.

It is easy and inexpensive to get around Singapore on our integrated transport system of efficient air-conditioned bus services, modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines and affordable taxi services.

Gateway To Asia
Singapore's excellent geographical position makes travel within the Asian region a breeze. Using Singapore as your base, explore the ancient cities of Cambodia or island-hop your way through Indonesia or Thailand. China and India are a mere 5-6 hour flight away. With so many budget airlines operating from Singapore's Changi Airport, backpacking is an affordable reality.


 

By choosing to study abroad in Singapore, international students have an opportunity to not only be plugged into an education system that promotes excellence, but also be a part of a global community.

 


 

Banking Services

Banks in Singapore offer savings and cheque services, as well as other financial services such as bank drafts, fund transfers and currency exchanges. Traveller's cheques can also be cashed at banks, where you will need to present your passport for identification.

Before deciding on a bank and type of account, you should compare interest rates, bank fees and accessibility features. Typically, students open an account that gives them an automated teller machine (ATM) card. This makes cash accessible round-the-clock via ATMs. Most ATM cards also act as debit cards on the local Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS), which can be accessed at supermarkets and many retail outlets.

 

Banks In Singapore

Name of bank Web Site
DBS / POSBank www.dbs.com
Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) www.ocbc.com.sg
United Overseas Bank (UOB) www.uobgroup.com.sg
HSBC www.hsbc.com.sg
Standard Chartered Bank www.standardchartered.com.sg
Citibank www.citibank.com.sg
Maybank www.maybank.com.sg

 

Opening An Account

To open a bank account, you have to visit the bank in person. You will also need the following documents:

  • Valid passport
  • Student Pass
  • Initial deposit (amount varies according to bank)

 

Study Loans & Financial Aid

If you require financial assistance during your studies in Singapore, please secure a loan in your home country. Currently, banks in Singapore do not offer loans to international students.

 

Singapore Laws

As a student in New Cambridge, you are are required to be familiar with Singapore laws e.g. drug trafficking, working illegally, over staying on expiry of passes etc. Visit the websites below for information and updates.