Singapore's education absorbs the essence of both Eastern and Western cultures, and adopts flexible teaching methods to cultivate and develop students' potential. It has become one of the most popular study abroad destinations for many Chinese students who are preparing to apply to study in Singapore.What to bring with you when studying in SingaporeTips for Studying in Singapore, ,Singapore study life coach, ,Things to note when studying in SingaporeThe problem.
What to bring with you when studying in Singapore
1. Daily necessities to bring when studying in Singapore
1. Pharmaceuticals:
Cold medicine, anti-inflammatory medicine, diarrhea medicine, skin disease medicine, cooling oil, floral water, band-aids, and other personal medicines. You can prepare some vitamin tablets and digestive tablets to prevent indigestion caused by acclimatization. Medical expenses in Singapore are quite expensive, so it is better to be prepared with common medicines. But don't bring too much, because many medicines may have expired before they are used. In addition, for people with weak constitutions (especially girls), due to the large latitude, various physiological disorders are likely to occur. If conditions permit, you can bring some conditioning medicines or supplements.
2. Clothing:
Summer clothes commonly worn in Singapore include T-shirts, jeans, trousers, casual shorts, etc. Campus underwear is more casual, so these clothes can be worn daily, but you don't need to bring too much. You can also bring a jacket or sports top to keep warm in the colder air-conditioned room. A good set of shirts, ties, trousers and leather shoes (no need to bring a suit) for very rare formal occasions. You can bring a few more pairs of sneakers, a pair of casual/travel shoes for daily wear, a pair of sandals and two pairs of good quality slippers are also necessary.
3. Bedding:
Accommodations here generally have mattresses, and other bedding can be purchased locally. If you bring from China, it is recommended to bring: two sets of pillowcases and sheets (standard pillowcases are 45x70cm), one or two towel blankets. If it is convenient, you can also bring a mat. Pillows can be bought here. No need to bring a mosquito net.
4. Personal hygiene products:
You can bring teacups, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, etc. with you. Except for toothbrushes, daily necessities are generally not expensive. Shampoo and bath gel are heavy and difficult to squeeze, so you can buy them here. They are not expensive either.
5. Small electrical appliances:
Small (imported) electrical appliances in Singapore are very cheap, and it is best to buy Walkmans, CD players, cameras, computer accessories, etc. in Singapore.
6. Currency:
When you first arrive in Singapore, you can bring some money with you in case of emergency. RMB, Hong Kong dollars, US dollars, etc. can all be exchanged for Singapore dollars here. Although the local RMB exchange rate is lower than the official domestic exchange rate, due to the current strong value of the US dollar and RMB, it is still more cost-effective to exchange now than before.
7. Food:
It depends on your personal taste. You can bring some hot sauce, pickles, snacks, etc. Many of them may not be available in Singapore.
8. Others:
Spare glasses, music CDs, school bags or backpacks, photo albums of relatives and friends.
A year actually goes by very quickly, so don't bring too many things with you like you're moving house. Many things here are not too expensive, and you can go home to replenish your equipment after a year at most. The power supply is also 220, the same as in China.
2. Interpretation of entry matters for studying in Singapore
1. Apply for IPA before entering the country
All students need to obtain an IPA (In-Principle Approval) issued by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) before entering the country. The school will apply for an IPA for the students. The IPA is usually valid for (3 months/9 months). Students need to arrange entry within the time specified in the IPA.
2. Apply for entry permit
The school submits the student's entry permit to ICA and MOE. After the application is successful, the school will receive an Entry Approval letter from the Ministry of Education of Singapore. If the flight is cancelled, students need to provide relevant documents. If you miss the entry time due to personal reasons, you need to reapply. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the review period.
3. Book flights and hotels
At the same time, the school needs to submit the student's flight information and address information during the SHN (Singapore local home quarantine order) to the Singapore Education Department. According to Singapore's policy, the SHN period for people traveling from mainland China to Singapore is reduced from 14 days to 7 days. The school will submit an application for entry permit to the Singapore Education Department after receiving the student's specific flight information and hotel information.
4. Obtain Entry Approval
When submitting the application, the school will send students a link to the COVID-19 testing fee required by the Singapore Education Department, which is S$186.
After payment, students will receive an Entry Approval from the Singapore Ministry of Education within 1-2 weeks. Students can then start packing their luggage and enter the country according to the time of the previously purchased flight ticket (if within the validity period of IPA and Entry Approval). Entry Approval generally requires entry within 2 weeks.
5. Fill out the electronic arrival card and electronic health declaration
Three days before the official entry, students fill out the electronic health declaration form online, and after completing it, they will receive an official email receipt. The receipt needs to be kept and printed in paper form.
3. Reasons for considering studying in Singapore
1. Academic achievements are world-renowned
Singapore enjoys an excellent academic reputation not only in Asia but also in the world. The country's education system is considered to be excellent, and it cultivates academic talents with advanced thinking and strong competitiveness.
In the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Singapore has been ranked as a top performing country for many consecutive years. Singapore also has many universities that have won global recognition for their academic performance and advanced research facilities. For example, in the 2022 QS World University Rankings, the National University of Singapore ranked first in Asia and 11th in the world.
Many internationally renowned scholars are attracted here to conduct teaching and research. No matter where the students come from, Singapore's education can always teach students in accordance with their own strengths and expand their horizons to develop their personalized advantages.
2. Top industry practice opportunities
Singapore became independent in 1965 and has flourished since then to become an economic powerhouse. Today, it is a world industrial hub in aerospace, precision engineering, information technology, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, creative industries and professional services.
Many multinational companies have set up their Asian headquarters and global R&D laboratories in Singapore, including well-known companies such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Dyson and Tencent.
Singapore's connectivity and influence in the Asian region, its blend of Eastern and Western cultures, and its openness to foreign investment have made it an important business hub in Asia.
Aspiring change leaders and entrepreneurs also look to the quality student body. Singapore’s universities have formed collaborations and strategic partnerships with many key industry insiders (as well as government agencies) to jointly establish advanced research labs, innovative incubation programs, and an entrepreneurial hub known as “BLOCK71.”
3. A multicultural society
Singapore is a multicultural society where people respect different religions, races and cultures. Singapore has four official languages - English (the main language used in schools and workplaces), Chinese, Malay and Tamil.
This diversity enables Singapore to attract international students from all over the world. On the one hand, international students in Singapore can maintain their own characteristics in diversity, while at the same time practicing English communication to adapt to a more international external society.
Singapore’s lifestyle has many similarities with other parts of the world, so you don’t have to worry about not fitting in. At the same time, you can find Singapore’s own characteristics everywhere, which is also one of the magical things about this country.
4. High quality of life
Efficient urban planning, developed economy, superior geographical location, sound legal system, convenient transportation, warm climate, and tolerant and friendly social atmosphere make Singapore a place suitable for studying for people from all walks of life.
Singapore also has rich cultural and artistic resources, unique history, distinctive architectural scenery, a wide variety of cuisines, beautiful natural scenery, and various leisure activities and celebrations, which attract many international tourists every year.
International students who come to study in Singapore will gain valuable learning memories. Here, learning is not limited to the classroom, but extends to the entire outside world.
5. Safe social environment
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranked Singapore as the third safest city in the world in its Safe Cities Index 2021. Singapore has very strict laws, which makes it a city with a low crime rate, making it one of the safest countries in the world.
In general, Singapore's political and social environment is relatively stable. Government agencies and business entities are developing towards efficiency and systematization, which makes management relatively easy. At the same time, the average literacy of Singaporeans is also very high. A person who looks ordinary on the street may actually be a technical talent.
Summary of daily necessities to bring when studying in Singapore
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