Living in Singapore

Accommodation

This may be your first experience living away from home. It may also be your first experience living in a foreign country. Choosing a suitable place to stay is a major concern, and you would want to settle in as soon as possible.

We urge you to start looking for a place to stay well before you arrive or before the term starts. There is always a strong demand for accommodation, and available units may be taken up very quickly. The earlier you begin your search, the greater the chances of finding a place that meets your needs and budget.

It is not advisable to look for housing by mail or by phone from unfamiliar sources. If possible, you should meet your prospective landlord and inspect the accommodation. It is best also to negotiate rentals and use of facilities in person and together with your room-mate(s) if you are planning to search for accommodation after your arrival in Singapore.

Types of Accommodation

Shared Houses/Apartments

A group of students can get together to rent a house or a flat, and share amenities such as living room, kitchen, bathroom and toilet. Residents do their own cleaning and may have to pay their own utility bills.

Room in Owner-Occupied Apartments (mostly in Housing & Development Board apartments)

This is the most common type of housing for international students. For this type of rental unit, the owner also resides in the flat. Students negotiate with owners on the use of amenities like washing machine, cooking facilities, telephone, TV, etc.

Private Hostels

A few privately run hostels take in polytechnic students. Each has its own range of charges for room and board, and facilities.

Consideration Factors for Accommodation

Rent

Rental charges depend on location, the number of people sharing the accommodation, furnishing, and the facilities that come with the accommodation. If you are looking for lower rentals, you will have to consider rooms further away form the polytechnic.

Suitability

Factors that affect suitability: proximity to campus, public transport, facilities provided, lifestyle of owner and family (for rooms in owner-occupied flats) and environment for studying. Students should visit and inspect, discuss and negotiate the above factors before agreeing to rent.

Furniture

A furnished room should include the basic items such as a bed, wardrobe, study desk and chair.

Tenancy Agreements

We encourage students to have written tenancy agreements with landlords. Tenancy agreements specify terms relating to the amount of rent, length of tenancy, and the rights and obligations of the landlord and tenant. Sample copies of agreements are available from the Department of Student & Alumni Affairs.

In the case of a shared flat, if you are the sole signatory in the tenancy agreement, you are legally accountable for the actions of all the tenants. For example, should a co-tenant leave without paying the rent, you could be held responsible for the rent owing. It may therefore be a good idea to include all the names of the co-tenants in the tenancy agreement to ensure shared accountability.

Deposits

It is a normal practice for the landlord to ask for a deposit. The amount is usually equivalent to one or two months of rent. These deposits are refundable when you move out. Please check with the landlord the conditions for refund before you pay the deposit.

Other Costs

You may have to pay for additional charges such as water and electricity.

Transportation

Singapore has a very well-developed transportation system and all parts of the country are easily accessible via the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and bus services.

Bus Services

Buses in Singapore generally run from 5.45am to 11.45pm.

A detailed bus guide can be found at the SBS Transit website.

MRT Services

Singapore's mass rapid transit system comprises 3 main lines (North-South, East-West and North-East). Republic Polytechnic is on the North-South Line.

For more information about train services, visit the the SMRT website.

Fare Information

Passengers may pay cash on buses (exact fare) and the MRT, or use an EZ-link card, which is available at Transitlink Ticket Sales Offices or the Passenger Service Center at MRT Stations. The EZ-link can be used for buses, MRT and LRT.

Further Information

Transitlink guides for bus and MRT services are sold at all Transitlink Ticket Sales Offices. For further information on how you can get to your destination by bus or MRT, please call Transitlink hotline: 1800-779-9366 or SBS Passenger Relations Centre: 1800-287-2727 (toll free).

Weather

Singapore's climate is warm and humid, ranging from an average temperature of a minimum of 23 degree Celsius to a maximum of 31 degree Celsius. It is ideal for those who enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other water sports.

But for those who do not enjoy the tropical climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst effects of the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its shops, hotels, office buildings and restaurants. You can expect more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January.

Students are advised to wear light clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton for daily comfort. When attending classes on campus, a cardigan will help keep them warm in fully air-conditioned lecture theatres and classrooms.

Cost of Living

Living expenses vary according to individual lifestyles and means. The amount estimated is an average figure.

* Subject to confirmation after negotiation of new terms