Singapore is actually a very popular country for studying abroad. It is also recognized as a country with a high standard of living in Asia, but its consumption is very low and reasonable.Basic knowledge about food, clothing, housing and transportation for studying in SingaporeWhat is the common sense for studying in Singapore?, ,Common knowledge about renting houses for international students in Singapore, ,Common knowledge about unpopularity among international students in SingaporeThe problem.
Basic knowledge about food, clothing, housing and transportation when studying in Singapore
1. Clothes
The weather in Singapore is relatively warm, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. You can prepare a few more T-shirts and coats when packing clothes. You don't need to bring thick clothes in winter, and you won't be able to wear them even if you bring them. If you come back from Singapore in winter when it's very cold, you may need to wear them on the way home. You will definitely buy clothes here when you arrive in Singapore. The clothes here are very cheap, and when they are on sale, many clothes are very cheap.
Students who live in student dormitories don’t have to worry about eating, as the school has solved the problem for them. Those who rent houses need to solve it by themselves. There are many delicious foods in Singapore, and the streets are full of various restaurants, hotels and snacks. If you want to eat Chinese food, you can also find it here. If you think eating out is too expensive, you can go to the supermarket to buy some fresh vegetables and meat and cook your own meals. Many students have learned to cook after returning from studying abroad.
3. Accommodation
Before going to study in Singapore, you must first solve the accommodation problem, otherwise you will have no place to stay after arriving in Singapore. One option is to live in the apartments provided by Singaporean schools for foreign students. These apartments are generally larger and are filled with many students from abroad who come to Singapore to study. Some are for two or three people, but the cost is generally very expensive, because it not only includes accommodation, but also food expenses, as well as students' haircuts, medical care, etc. Another option is to rent a house from the Singaporean government, or a private apartment. These are generally cheaper, but the conditions are generally not very good. There are various housing prices, and the prices are also very cheap. This fee only includes the cost of accommodation, and nothing else is included.
4. Transportation
Singapore's transportation is very complete, with all kinds of transportation. If you are not traveling far, you can take the bus or subway. The subway is open very late, until 1 a.m. Taxis are also available 24 hours a day. Singapore's laws are very strict, so you don't have to worry about taking a taxi very late, but don't go out very late either.
Further reading: Checklist for studying abroad 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.
Further reading: Things to note when choosing to study in Singapore
1. Illegal employment
In Singapore, there are strict regulations on part-time work for international students holding student passes. Only full-time students from designated institutions can work in Singapore (basically public institutions), and they may not work more than 16 hours per week during class. Students from private institutions are generally not allowed to work outside the school.
Although you cannot work part-time outside, the student clubs and activities within Curtin Singapore, as well as the practical projects arranged in some courses, can enrich your extracurricular experience.
2. Attendance Rate
For international students, the Singapore Immigration Department attaches great importance to students' attendance rate. International students with low attendance rates are likely to be deported and easily denied visas. Therefore, when studying in Singapore, you must attend classes on time and maintain an attendance rate of more than 90% (generally, being late for 15 minutes is counted as absenteeism). This is to respect teachers and to be responsible for yourself. For students whose attendance rate is less than 90%, the Singapore Immigration Department has the right to reject their student pass applications. If students leave the country during holidays or classes, they need to fill out a form at the International Student Services Department. If you need sick leave, you need to apply to the school and provide a sick leave certificate issued by a regular doctor, and be sure to go to a Western medicine clinic.
3. Avoid overstaying
When you arrive in Singapore, no matter what pass you hold, overstaying is prohibited. If you hold a student pass or other long-term pass, be sure to pay attention to the validity date and renew it in time before it expires.
Overstaying can result in a fine, or even imprisonment and caning. Once you have overstayed, it will be more difficult to apply for a visa in the future, and you may even be unable to enter Singapore again. Therefore, international students must pay attention to the expiration date when they get a permit.
If by any chance you need to take a leave of absence from your studies, you must cancel your student pass before leaving the country, otherwise it will be difficult to apply for a visa for a new course.
4. Vandalism
Vandalism is a serious crime in Singapore, so don't play pranks... Climbing or breaking flowers, plants, or trees in public places will result in a fine, and spraying graffiti in public places will result in arrest and caning in Singapore.
5. Littering or spitting
Singapore is famous for its neatness and cleanliness, so don't try to litter or spit. If it is your first offense and you are caught throwing a cigarette butt or a small piece of paper, you may be fined 300 SGD; but if you throw garbage out of the window, throw objects from a high place, or throw large items randomly, you may be fined 2,000 SGD or even more.
6. Safety
In Singapore, the night is just like the day. Wherever there is a sidewalk, there are street lights. In every block at night, you will see community police patrolling and on duty. Girls don’t have to worry about walking at night no matter how late it is. Of course, if you are not walking in a particularly remote place, you generally don’t have to worry about your personal safety.
7. Smoking everywhere
Singapore has very strict control over cigarettes. Smoking is not allowed in most public places, including indoor and outdoor places, bridges, outside hospitals, and even within 5 meters of bus stops. Smokers can only smoke in designated smoking areas. Violators can be fined up to 1,000 Singapore dollars. Don't even think about throwing cigarette butts away after smoking...
Further reading: Etiquette matters to pay attention to when studying in Singapore
1. Clothing etiquette
People of different ethnic groups in Singapore have their own characteristics in clothing. Malay men wear a brimless hat called "Songkok" on their heads, a collarless, wide-sleeved garment on their upper body, and a sarong that reaches their ankles on their lower body; women wear a wide robe-like top and a sarong on their lower body. Chinese women love to wear cheongsam. Government departments have strict requirements on the clothing of their employees, and they are not allowed to wear strange clothes during working hours.
2. Posture and etiquette
Singaporeans behave in a civilized manner and show respect for others. When they sit, they are well-behaved and do not spread their legs apart. If they cross their legs, they just put one knee directly on top of the other knee. When they stand, they are well-behaved and do not put their hands on their hips, as this is a sign of anger.
3. Meeting etiquette
In social situations, Singaporeans usually shake hands with guests. Men and women can shake hands, but for men, the more appropriate way is to wait for the woman to extend her hand first before shaking hands. Malays touch each other with both hands first, then put their hands back to their chests.
4. Dining etiquette
The staple food of Singaporeans is mostly rice, and sometimes they also eat steamed buns, but they don't like steamed bread. Malays usually grab food with their hands when eating. They have the habit of washing their hands before eating, and they must use their right hands when eating. Drinking tea is a common hobby of the locals. When guests come, they often entertain them with tea. Chinese people like to drink Yuanbao tea, which means good fortune.
5. Wedding and funeral etiquette
In the eyes of Singaporeans, marriage is a big deal, and both Chinese and Malays take it very seriously. Malay marriages have to go through the procedures of courtship, engagement gifts, and marriage contracts. Singaporean Chinese people value filial piety, and if an elderly person is about to die, his or her children and grandchildren must return home to stay by his or her bedside. Funerals are generally very grand.
6. Travel etiquette
Singapore has a well-developed public transportation system. It is very convenient to take the bus during your trip. Each bus stop is clearly marked. Singapore is a multi-ethnic country, and the distribution of shops also has ethnic characteristics. For example, there is a "Malay Market" in the eastern region, which mainly sells Malay clothing and food. The Singapore government strongly discourages tipping. Even if you tip the waiter for extra service, the other party may refuse to accept it.
7. Business etiquette
The best time to go to Singapore for business is from March to October to avoid Christmas and Chinese New Year. Most business people in Singapore speak English. Business cards should be exchanged when meeting. Business cards can be printed in English. Try not to smoke during the meeting. Singaporeans do not like to waste money. Don't be too ostentatious when entertaining others, especially in business activities. The thank-you banquet should not exceed the level of the host's banquet, so as to avoid the other party having other ideas.
8. Main taboos
The beliefs of the various ethnic groups in Singapore are as follows: Most Chinese believe in Buddhism or Taoism; Most Malays believe in Islam; Indians believe in Hinduism; Most Pakistanis also believe in Islam; Westerners generally believe in Christianity. Singaporeans are afraid of the number 7 and do not like turtles. Setting off fireworks is strictly prohibited.
Basic knowledge about food, clothing, housing and transportation when studying in Singapore
Summary of basic knowledge about food, clothing, housing and transportation for studying in Singapore
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