Diversity and multiculturalism abound in Singapore which continues to maintain strong connections with the West. This makes the forward-thinking city-state an attractive alternative to Western universities for prospective international students.

But “The World’s Greatest City,” is also deemed the “World’s Most Expensive” city. Like everything else, student accommodation in Singapore can get pricey. However, with Student.com you can use our robust search feature to compare and find student housing that matches your budget. We list lots of reasonably priced and convenient, all equipped with high-quality modern amenities. 

For more information give us a call, one of our consultants is waiting to assist you. 

Get to know Singapore

Singapore is a sovereign island city-state located in maritime Southeast Asia. The territory is composed of a combined area of one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet.  

The ‘Lion City’ is home to 5.7 million residents, 61 percent (3.4 million) of whom are Singaporean citizens. One of the ‘Four Asian Tigers’, Singapore is world-renowned for being a centre of innovation and one of the world’s leading financial centres. So it might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think about top study abroad destinations, but with two universities in the top 10 of the 2019 Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings, grand shopping malls, luxury restaurants, graceful colonial buildings and historic street marts amidst high rises, it is definitely one to consider. 

The city-state earned the title of the "World's Greatest City" by CNN, considering its high quality of life, citizen-friendly policies focused on healthcare and safety, an unparalleled city planning redefining the term “urban oasis,” and its breathtaking technologically-advanced infrastructure.

Diversity

Another source of attraction for international students and visitors is Singapore’s celebrated diversity. It isn’t just accepted, it’s abundantly welcomed and offers a comfortable environment for both residents and visitors alike. 

For students who want to explore different cultures, the melding of so many different cultures in Singapore offers a unique worldview. International students quickly acclimate to life in Singapore thanks to its four large ethnic groups: Chinese, Eurasian, Indian, and Malay, each having their own mother tongues. Notwithstanding the strong language diversity, the official language in Singapore is English, which is spoken by approximately 75 percent of the population.

Safety

Singapore is diverse, vibrant, and beautiful. But perhaps its biggest positive is its safety record. Notorious for its extremely strict laws and famous for its correspondingly low crime rates, the city-state is undoubtedly one of the safest places to live in the world. 

It’s actually regarded as the second safest city in the world by both CNN Travel and TripAdvisor, only behind Tokyo, Japan, on their 2019 lists of the World’s Safest Cities. With heavy surveillance and general friendliness, the city streets and public transportation are exceptionally secure for wanderers. 

Student life in Singapore

If you’re a person of action then you’ll love life in Singapore. The city is abuzz with people and activities throughout the day and well into the evening. From opportunities to explore superb regional cuisine, multiple unique attractions, vibrant festivals, and unparalleled shopping, it’s hard to be bored in Singapore. 

Nightlife

When the sun goes down in buttoned-up Singapore, ties loosen, and skyscrapers shine like rock stadiums. Singapore’s vibrant nightlife scene is a surprising contrast to its business-like days. 

From award-winning cocktail bars to glitzy nightclubs to spectacular rooftop bars, the ‘Lion City’ roars loudly at night. As long as you follow the strict alcohol laws (consumption of alcoholic drinks in public is prohibited from 10:30pm to 7:00am) chances are you’ll have a great time.

The nightlife scene is as diverse as its population with several after-hours establishments scattered across the city catering to different crowds. 

Clarke Quay

Set around a picturesque body of water in the shadow of the towered CBD skyline in the background, it has one of the best locations in the city. A favourite amongst locals and visitors, rows of swanky bars and restaurants line the colourful boulevards of the historical riverside quay offering great alfresco dining, and clubs like Attica and Zirca. 

Marina Bay Sands

The iconic three-pronged building dominates the city’s horizon. Stunning looks are not the only thing going for this imposing complex. It’s also a great place to visit after dark with its 360-degree observation deck on the roof, the uber-cool CE LA VI bar on the 57th floor, and the 15,000m2 24-hour casino.

Rooftop Bars

With spectacular views of one of the most iconic skylines in the world, rooftop bars are a big deal in Singapore. 1-Altitude is the highest with more of a club-vibe than that of the more laid-back and luxurious KU DÉ TA (Marina Bay Sands). LeVeL33 (highest craft brewery in the world), and Kinki (a real sushi-lovers’ favourite) are worth mentioning too. 

Sentosa Beach Bars

If you want to start the partying early, Sentosa is home to some sumptuous Ibiza-style beach bars that are abuzz by mid-afternoon. Azzura Beach Club or Tanjong Beach Club, which holds monthly beach parties like Smack My Beach Up and Full Steam Ahead, are the liveliest spots. 

Festivals

The vibrant heritage and diverse ethnicities of the city-state lend to some internationally renowned festivities. Here are some of the top festivals that take place annually in Singapore:

• Chinese New Year (January/February) – the entire Chinatown comes together for a fortnight every year. Malls and streets are dolled up with extravagant decorations.
• Dragon Boat Festival (June) - occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the traditional Chinese calendar. It has a long and rich history of ancient ceremonial and ritualistic traditions.
• National Day (August) - the most popular festival in Singapore. The nation celebrates its independence with a National Day rally and parade. 
• Singapore Night Festival (August) - from traditional performances to original works of street artists, this festival attracts a lot of tourists every year.
• Singapore River Festival (August) - a week-long festival in Singapore that entails folk performances, optical illusions, and a heritage show along the river to celebrate the origins of Singapore. 
• Deepavali (November) - Singapore celebrates Diwali like nobody else does outside of India. Look out for fireworks, light displays, shops full of fragrant garlands, and incense sticks.
• Singapore Film festival (November) - a global platform for the best of Southeast Asian and Singaporean cinema where you can attend the screenings of some of the greatest international films.  
• Christmas (December) - come mid-November the streets of Singapore turn into an enchanting fairyland at night with thousands of glittering lights and bulbs and decorated trees.

Universities in Singapore

The city’s commitment to education has helped to make it one of the world’s most desirable spots for international students. In the 2021 QS World University Rankings, The National University of Singapore is ranked 11th and the Nanyang Technological University 13th in the world.

National University of Singapore

Formed from a merger of the University of Singapore and Nanyang University in 1980, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in the country. With over 370 different degrees, including bachelor's, master’s, doctoral degrees, and graduate diplomas, it has a lot to offer across its three campuses and 16 faculties. 

NUS’s multicultural community brings together students and members of staff from over 100 countries around the world.

The university’s alumni consist of numerous elite figures including Benjamin Sheares and former prime ministers Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong.

Nanyang Technological University

NTU was previously named the fastest-rising young university in the world by Times Higher Education. The institution is committed to extensive research in the fields of engineering, business, humanities, arts, social sciences, and medicine. 

Its award-winning courses help two-thirds of its graduates secure graduate employment to companies such as JP Morgan and Deutsche Bank before completing their courses. 

Frequently asked questions about student housing in Singapore

How do I apply for a student apartment in Singapore?

With Student.com it’s easy for you to book student accommodation in Singapore. Use our intuitive search filter to compare different student housing options to find your ideal match. 

After selecting your preferred property, click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’ on the property page. You'll then be informed of the next steps by one of our booking consultants. A contract will then be prepared for you to sign. 

What are the different types of rooms you offer in Singapore?

Our student accommodation options in Singapore come in three different types. 

Shared Rooms - Two or more people sleep in separate beds in the same room. Living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are all shared with other tenants from other rooms.

Private Rooms - Similar to the Shared Rooms but with a private bedroom and, depending on the property, possibly a private bathroom. 

Entire Place – With this option, you won’t have to share any living spaces. You’ll get a fully self-contained studio with a private bedroom, bathroom and typically a kitchenette for cooking meals.

Can you arrange viewings for me before I book?

Yes! If you would like to see a property before booking it, contact us and our booking consultants will gladly set up a viewing for you. 

Do I need a visa to study in Singapore?

Yes, international students will need to obtain a student visa to study in Singapore. You can find more information here.