Pelajarwajo.com – So, you’ve secured your acceptance letter to NUS, NTU, SMU, or ESSEC. Congratulations! You are about to embark on a world-class education in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
But once the celebration fades, the panic often sets in: Where am I going to live?
For international students, the default assumption is often university “halls of residence” (dormitories). However, with limited slots and strict rules, hall life isn’t for everyone. In recent years, private co-living has emerged as a popular alternative, bridging the gap between a strict dorm and a lonely private apartment.
Here is a breakdown of the two options to help you decide which “uni life” is right for you.
Option 1: On-Campus Halls (The “Hall Life” Experience)
Staying on campus is the quintessential student experience. In Singapore, this is often referred to as “staying in Hall.”
The Pros:
- Proximity: You can roll out of bed 15 minutes before your 8 AM lecture and still make it on time.
- Cost: Subsidized rates make this the cheapest option, typically ranging from SGD $400 to $800 per month depending on whether you have a roommate and air conditioning.
- Community: “Hall culture” is huge here. Expect late-night supper runs, inter-hall sports games, and a very active social calendar.
The Cons:
- The “Points” System: At universities like NUS and NTU, staying in hall isn’t a guarantee for your entire degree. You often have to “earn” your spot for the next year by participating in ample extracurricular activities (CCA).
- Strict Rules: Many halls have curfews, visitor restrictions, or rules against cooking in rooms.
- Lack of Privacy: Shared bathrooms and shared rooms are the norm.
- No AC: A surprising number of older halls do not have air conditioning—a brutal reality in Singapore’s tropical heat.
Option 2: Private Co-living (The “Adulting Lite” Upgrade)
Co-living is essentially a modern, managed version of house-sharing. You rent a private bedroom in a fully furnished apartment, sharing the living room and kitchen with other students or young professionals.
The Pros:
- Freedom: No curfews, no “points” system, and you can have guests over. You live on your own terms.
- Full Amenities: Unlike dorms, co-living units in condominiums come with swimming pools, gyms, BBQ pits, and tennis courts.
- Diversity: Instead of just meeting people from your major, you mix with students from other universities (like ESSEC or INSEAD) and young expats working in the CBD.
- All-Inclusive: Utility bills, Wi-Fi, and weekly housekeeping are usually bundled into one fixed monthly fee, so you don’t have to argue with housemates about who left the lights on.
The Cons:
- Commute: You will likely need to take a bus or MRT to campus, though many co-living spaces are strategically located near educational hubs (e.g., Clementi for NUS, Bras Basah for SMU).
- Cost: It is more expensive than a subsidized dorm, though often cheaper than renting a private studio apartment.
Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Halls if: You are on a tight budget, want to be immersed in school spirit 24/7, and don’t mind sharing a bathroom or sweating without AC.
Choose Co-living if: You want a balance of study and lifestyle, value your privacy, or if you missed out on the limited on-campus balloting.
How to Secure Off-Campus Housing Safely
For students new to Singapore, the private rental market can be tricky to navigate without a local guarantor or a bank account. Scams do exist, so it is crucial to use verified channels.
Cove is widely considered one of the most trusted platforms for student accommodation in the city. They are particularly popular among students from SMU, NUS, and ESSEC because they offer flexible lease terms that match academic semesters (rather than the standard 1-year minimum). You can filter their listings to find student-friendly room rental in Singapore that are fully furnished with study desks and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring you have a secure, comfortable environment to focus on your grades from day one.
