u n iv ersity su ppo rt serv ic es - NUS - Home

Dear Graduate Students
Welcome to the NUS Family!
We have prepared this International Student Guide to assist you in your journey to NUS and
Singapore. In this guide, you will find information on the upcoming events, pre-departure and arrival
checklists, key administrative matters as well as an introduction to Singapore. Do take time to look
through this guide which we have specially prepared for you.
We wish you a safe journey and look forward to seeing you at NUS.
With Best Wishes
The International Students Section (ISS) Team
Office of Student Affairs

International Students Section (ISS)
● Services/Programmes provided by ISS
● Important Upcoming Events
Contents Page
01 – 02
Pre-departure Checklist 03 - 04
What to Bring
● Items / Documents to bring
Arrival Checklist
● Arrival at a Glance Checklist
05
06 – 07
Getting to NUS 08
Adjusting Your Mindset 09 - 11
Immigration Matters
● Application for Student’s Pass
● Documents
● Fees
● Payment for Student’s Pass Fees
● For Dependants Pass Holders
● Cancellation of Student’s Pass
● Sponsorship of Social Visit Pass for Spouses and Children
University Support Services
● NUS Accommodation and Private Housing Option
● Health & Insurance Matters
● Financial Matters
● Career Services
● Student Card and NUS Email
12 - 14
15 – 19
Campus Facilities & Amenities 20 - 21
Introduction To Singapore 22 – 23
Living In Singapore
● Employment
● Banking Facilities
● Getting Around
24 – 26
Useful Telephone Numbers and Websites 27 – 28
CONTENT PAGE

The International Students Section (ISS) of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) provides a
wide-range of services / programmes for international students studying in NUS.
ISS is your "home away from home" at NUS. We are dedicated to assist you in any way we
can and encourage you to drop by to find out what services and programmes are available to
you.
THE SERVICES/PROGRAMMES PROVIDED BY ISS INCLUDES
Services
● Pre-departure Information
● Pre-arrival Guides and Services
● e-Publications: International Student
Guides
● International Student Advisory Service
● International Students Orientation
Briefing
● Exit Briefing for Graduating
International Students
International Students Section
Office of Student Affairs
Yusof Ishak House Level 3
31 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119078
Tel: 6516 4817
Fax: 6778 5902
Website: http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/iss
Operating hours:
Mon-Thurs: 8.30am - 6.00pm
Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
Programmes
● The i.CARE Project (Student Volunteer
Programme)
● Host Family Programme / Friends of NUS
Programme
● Cross Cultural-Awareness Programme
● Social, Cultural and Recreational
Activities
● Language Exchange Programme
● International Fair “Bits & Bites” Night
IMPORTANT EVENTS / SERVICES
01

IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS
The following list of events are organised by the International Students Section (ISS) of the
Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and i.CARE Network. They are designed to help you settle into
NUS and Singapore.
List of events to welcome you to NUS and Singapore
International Students Orientation Briefing for
Graduate Students
Date : Friday, 11 January 2013
Time : 10am
Venue : LT 27 (Faculty of Science)
Language Exchange Day – Singapore
local languages
Date : Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Time : 2pm to 5pm
Meeting Place : NCC Seminar Rooms,
Yusof Ishak House, Level 3
Heartland Tour – West Coast
Date : Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Time : 9am to 1.30pm
Meeting Place : NCC Seminar Rooms,
Yusof Ishak House, Level 3
Asia 101 (Travel Talk)
Date : Thursday, 10 January 2013
Time : 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Venue: NCC Seminar Rooms, Yusof
Ishak House Level 3 (opposite
Starbucks)
City Tour
Date : Saturday, 12 January 2013
Time : 1pm to 8pm
Meeting Place : Plaza@Yusof Ishak House
Kopi Time – Information and Activities
Date : Monday, 7 January 2013
Time : 2pm to 5pm
Venue : NCC Seminar Rooms, Yusof Isak House,
Level 3 (opposite Starbucks)
Drop by for a cup of coffee and chit-chat with our
friendly student volunteers or if you require
assistance. Interesting hands-on activities such as
Arts & Craft and Food making will be held here
too.
Outdoor Film Show
Date : Friday, 11 January 2013
Time : 7pm onwards
Venue : Plaza@Yusof Ishak House
The outdoor film show offers you a glimpse of
getai, a boisterous live stage performance held
during the Ghost Festival in Singapore. Come
down and join us for a taste of local with the
mixture of dialects and languages. Come see
Singapore through the eyes of locals from the
Getai culture and our homegrown film.
More information regarding the above events is available at http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/iss/latest-happenings/353.
IMPORTANT EVENTS / SERVICES
02

Before leaving your country, please ensure that you have completed all items in the
following list
Pre-Registration Graduate Research students must complete the On-line Pre-
Registration before their Registration Day indicated in the Registration
Guide at https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/info/Registration-
Booklet-for-Graduate-Research-Students.pdf
Application for
Student’s Pass
Application for
Student Hostel
Request for Early
Check-in or
Check-in After
Office Hours/
Weekends/Public
Holidays
Passport and Visa
Requirements
Graduate Coursework students should seek advice from their
Faculty/School administrator on their Pre-Registration deadline.
Submitted your application for a Student’s Pass at least a month and
not more than two months before the commencement of your course
through ICA’s Student’s Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR)
System. Please refer to page 12 – 14 on Immigration matters for more
information.
Ensure that you have an accommodation. Students who are not
successful in their student hostel application may refer to the private
housing options at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/has/alternative-accommodation
For matters pertaining to NUS Hostel, you may wish to email
www.hosteladmission.nus.edu.sg
If you have received the NUS hostel offer at Prince George’s Park
Graduate Students Apartment (GSA), Prince George’s Park Residences
Type A and B, UTown Residence (previously known as Graduate
Residence at University Town) or Residential College 4 and would like
to :
(i) check-in to your hostel before 14 January 2013, please check the
following website for more information:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/has/graduate/early-check-in-date
(ii) check-in after office hour, you may contact the respective Hostel
Management Office. The contact information can be found at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/has/contactus
Obtained a valid Passport.
If your SOLAR application is approved and you are from a visa-required
country, the In-Principle Approval (IPA) letter will be emailed to you.
The IPA letter will serve as both a one-way entry visa and an inprinciple
student’s pass approval. To gain entry into Singapore, you will
need to print and present the IPA letter together with a valid passport
to the Duty Office at the Immigration Checkpoint upon arrival.
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
03

Before leaving your country, please ensure that you have completed all items in the
following list
Important documents
Obtained a valid passport. Gathered all original educational
certificates , academic transcripts and any other outstanding
documents as indicated in your offer letter, NUS forms and Pre-
Enrolment Medical Examination form sent to you, passport etc
and have them prepared to bring with you to NUS.
Travel Arrangements Completed your travel arrangements, using a reputable travel
agency.
International Students
Orientation Briefing
(11 January 2013, 10am,
Lecture Theatre 27)
You are strongly encouraged to attend the International
Students Orientation Briefing. Through our experience, students
who had attended the orientation briefing had fewer difficulties
in adjusting to their new experience here.
Medical Examination Prepared Pre-enrolment and Student's Pass Medical Examination
Reports. You may choose to either have your medical
examination, chest X-ray and HIV test done in your home
country at any medical clinic licensed to carry out such tests or
at the University Health Centre (UHC), NUS. Please note that if
you choose to do your medical examination at UHC at NUS, it
will take about seven working days for the report to be ready. All
medical forms must be completed in English and in the
prescribed form given.
Note: The laboratory report for HIV and the X-ray report
submitted to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority should be
within THREE Months from the date of the issue of the reports.
The medical report is only required for studies of more than six
months. Please refer to page 16 for more information.
Medical Insurance Taken additional medical insurance coverage for your study in
NUS, for your personal needs if desired.
Financial Preparation Arranged to bring enough money to cover travel expenses,
registration and living costs on arrival and also for the duration
of your studies.
Checked procedures for transferring funds to a bank in
Singapore, if applicable.
Purchased travellers' cheques and arranged for credit cards if
desired. A bank draft in Singapore Dollars drawn from a bank
with a branch in Singapore is preferred. The address of the
Singapore branch should be typed on the draft. Please note that
a bank draft drawn on an overseas bank would take about three
to eight weeks to clear.
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST 04

● Some recent colour passport-sized photographs (35mm x 45mm). The photograph
must be:
- taken within the last three months;
- taken full face without headgear, unless the applicant habitually wears a headgear in
accordance with religious or racial customs. The headgear must not hide the applicant's
facial features;
- taken on white background;
● NUS Offer letter;
● Passport and other identification documents
such as identity card, etc;
● Originals of documentary evidence of
educational qualifications;
● Any original documents that may be
required for processing by the University
or the Singapore Immigration and
Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
Example : marriage certificate if
accompanied by Spouse;
● Pillows and bed linen as NUS student
hostel does not provide them.
Alternatively, you may choose to
purchase these items after your arrival in
Singapore.
● Any other NUS documents sent to you
prior to your departure from home;
● Cash of $2,000 to S$3,000 for temporary
accommodation, transportation, meals,
etc;
● Bank draft (in Singapore Dollar) to cover
tuition and Student Hostel fees;
● Favourite photographs or small objects to
decorate your room and make it feel
more like home;
● Personal belongings (clothing, toiletries,
etc);
● Lan Cables (NUS hostel does not have
WIFI)
Electrical voltage in Singapore is 230 volts, 50 cycles. The electrical outlets are mainly for 3
pin plugs. Adapters can be easily purchased in Singapore allowing you to use 2 pin plugs.
Please note that objectionable literature, controlled drugs, and psychotropic substances,
reproductions of copyright publications, videotapes, video compact discs, laser disc,
records or cassettes, chewing gum, cigarette, lighters of pistol or revolver shape, etc are
prohibited from entry into the country. You may wish to visit Singapore Customs website at
http://www.customs.gov.sg to check out the list of prohibited goods and customs
formalities.
WHAT TO BRING
05

1. Upon Arrival
Complete the Disembarkation/
Embarkation card, which you will receive
while on the plane, taking special care
not to omit anything. You will present
this with your passport and the printed
copy of the In-Principle Approval (IPA)
letter [applicable for those who require a
visa to enter Singapore] to the
Immigration Officers at the airport in
Singapore. Please retain the portion of
the Disembarkation/Embarkation card
which will be returned to you as this will
be required for the application of your
Student's Pass.
2. Singapore Currency
Change your money at the currency
exchange counters in the terminals at
Changi International Airport, if necessary.
3. Getting to NUS
If this is your first time in Singapore, we
strongly advise you to take a taxi to NUS
or your assigned student hostel.
4. Diagnostic English Test (DET)
Sit for the Diagnostic English Test (QET)
on 3 January 2013, if required.
5. International Students Orientation
Briefing
Attend the International Student
Orientation Briefing on Friday, 11
January 2013 at 10am at LT 27 (Faculty
of Science). During the orientation, you
will meet new friends. As you start
sharing expectations, anxieties and
experiences, you will begin to prepare
physically and emotionally for the
commencement of classes. You will also
be able to sign up and participate in
various activities as well as have the
opportunity to meet senior students.
6. Financial Matters
If necessary, open a bank account and
settle all financial matters.
7. Registration
If you are a graduate research student, you
are to report to the Registration Centre
located at the Multi-Purpose Sports Hall
(MPSH1), Sports and Recreation Centre on
the date/ time allocated to your faculty/
school to complete the registration
formalities. For more information, you
may refer to page 4 of the Registration
Guide at
https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/info/Registration
-Booklet-for-Graduate-Research-Students.pdf#page=4
If you are a coursework student, please
report for your Registration, as informed
by your faculty or school.
8. Student's Pass
After you have registered as a NUS student,
you may proceed to the Immigration &
Checkpoints Authority (ICA) counter to
complete the formalities for application of
Student's Pass, according to the scheduled
reporting date and time indicated in the
serialised ICA appointment letter. The ICA
Officers will be present at the NUS
Registration Centre (MPSH1) to facilitate
your application for Student’s Pass on 10
and 11 January 2013. Do ensure that you
have the relevant documents required with
you. Please refer to Page 13 for the
documents you need to submit to the ICA
officer.
9. Contact Us
If at any time after your arrival you are
unsure of what to do or where to go for
information, please contact us at
International Students Section
Office of Student Affairs
Yusof Ishak House Level 3
31 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119078
Telephone Number : 6516 4817
ARRIVAL CHECKLIST 06

ARRIVAL AT A GLANCE CHECKLIST
You may change your money at the Currency Exchange counters located at the airport.
YES
Take a taxi to your assigned Student Hostel
Check-in to your assigned Student Hostel
with your passport and IPA letter, if available
Attend the
International
Student Orientation
Briefing
11 January 2013,
10am, LT27 (Faculty
of Science)
Have you been assigned a room in
NUS Student Hostel?
If you are required to sit
for the Diagnostic English
Test on 3 January 2013,
do check for the venue
for the test.
Check that you have the completed documents required
(Please refer to page 13 for more details)
You must be registered as a NUS student before
proceeding to complete the formalities for
Student’s Pass.
Proceed to the Immigration & Checkpoints
Authority (ICA) counter at the NUS Registration
Centre to complete the formalities for Student’s
Pass , according to the scheduled date and time in
the serialised ICA appointment letter
(10 or 11 January 2013).
Proceed to your own arranged accommodation
Attend to
registration
matters pertaining
to your academic
Programme
(including module
registration )
YES Application of Student’s Pass
NO
Check if the Short-Term Visit Pass (SVP) in your passport is valid
NO
Apply personally at Immigration &
Checkpoints Authority (ICA). You are to
make an e-appointment before
proceeding to ICA.
07

Taxi service in Singapore is plentiful, convenient, and reasonably priced. Taxis are metered
and the flag down rate of taxis is between S$3.00 - S$5.00 (depending on the type of taxi). A
list of possible additional surcharges can be found posted in the taxis. Tipping is not
expected. Most taxi drivers are conversant in English and Mandarin.
For more information, please refer to the following website:
http://www.taxisingapore.com/
From
CHANGI AIRPORT
to
NUS
(KENT RIDGE
CAMPUS or
UNIVERSITY
TOWN)
and
NUS (BUKIT
TIMAH CAMPUS)
Taxi
The taxi bays are just outside the Arrival
Hall. If this is your first time in
Singapore, we strongly advise you to
take a taxi to NUS. Inform the driver the
exact location you would like to drop off
using the campus map which you have
printed from the NUS website. The
Campus Map can be found at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/campusmap.
From
CHANGI AIRPORT
to
PRINCE
GEORGE'S PARK
RESIDENCES
(PGPR)
Taxi
Go on the AYE and turn off at
Exit 8 and on to South Buona
Vista Road and turn right to
Kent Ridge Road. Take the
first left to turn to PGPR.
GETTING TO NUS 08

A positive attitude is very important as adjustments would have to be made. You may initially
feel lonely and homesick, and may even experience some form of 'cultural shock'. Be rest
assured that most new international students do experience these feelings. However, with a
positive attitude, a spirit of adventure and flexible thinking, you will soon be able to
overcome them. Maintain your perspective and check whether your own expectations were
too high. Keep an open mind, communicate with the other students and participate in
student activities and sports. Counsellors at the Counselling & Psychological Services are also
available should you wish to speak to them.
Tel: 6516 2376 Email: cps@nus.edu.sg Website : http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/cps
HOST FAMILY PROGRAMME/ FRIENDS OF NUS PROGRAMME
Coming to live in any foreign country can be both an exciting and difficult experience.
Exciting because it is exploration into unchartered waters….. Difficult because one is far
from all that is familiar and dear - family, friends and places.
OSA has introduced the Host Family Programme (HFP) / Friends of NUS Programme to assist
you in adjusting to living in Singapore. The HFP / Friends of NUS Programme does not
include home stay; however, it is meant to build relationships among people from different
cultures and to provide a sense of what local life is like in Singapore. Host families/ Senior
students not only benefit from the cultural exchange, but also provide friendship and can
play a supportive family role for you by including you in their daily activities.
Some of the common activities that hosts and students have participated together include
● Savouring Asian cuisine at the local hawker centre
● Meeting up regularly on campus
● Celebrating local festivals
● Visiting historical sites and places of interest
● Hosts explaining cultural practices foreign to students
Participation in the programme is strictly voluntary for both you and the host, and the time
involved is minimal. From our past experience and feedback from participants, these
associations often lead to mutually rewarding exchanges of cultural ideas and lasting
friendships.
If you wish to enrol for this programme, please complete the online form at :
https://esurvey.nus.edu.sg/efm/se.ashx?s=7A0CA45A145A8301
For any enquiry regarding this programme, you may wish to email Ms Lin Jean Yeo at:
jean.lin@nus.edu.sg
ADJUSTING YOUR MINDSET 09

The i.CARE Project
This programme is designed to help new and
existing international students be more culturally
aware; and to help them adjust to Singapore's
way of life, especially during the first weeks after
arrival. It also provides opportunity for senior
students to offer meaningful contributions to
impact on the NUS international student
community - from organising events and trips,
helping students in English conversation skills to
showcasing their talents and creativity. For more
information, please refer to
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/iss/be-a-volunteer or
the i.CARE Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/nus.icare or
i.CARE Blog at http://nus-icare.blogspot.sg
UNIVERSITY RULES AND REGULATIONS AND CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
As a student of the university, you must comply with the Statutes and Regulations, and the
requirements of the Senate in the exercise of its authority. You should behave honourably
and endeavour to maintain and enhance the good name of the University at all times. The
University will not accept a plea of ignorance as an excuse for a breach of any rule. More
details at http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/adminpolicy/statutes.html
You are also advised to read and be familiar with the University’s Code of Student Conduct
and the Intellectual Property Policy which can be found at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/so/guidelines/student-conduct and
http://www.nus.edu.sg/ilo/faculty/guidelines.html respectively.
DRUGS
Drug abuse is viewed seriously under national laws. The trafficking, manufacturing,
importing or exporting of drugs carries a death penalty. Unauthorised consumption also
carries a heavy penalty.
ALCOHOL POLICY
As members of an institute of higher learning, students on campus should always be in a
state of mind that optimises learning and intellectual pursuits. In view of this, no alcohol
should be sold or consumed on University premises unless otherwise provided for such as in
approved food outlets on campus during approved) only issued by appropriate Offices of
the University) events and activities.
In compliance with the Singapore Law, no alcoholic drinks shall be sold or served to
individuals below 18 years of age. Students should observe socially responsible behaviour
when driving example, not driving under the influence of alcohol.
ADJUSTING YOUR MINDSET
10

SMOKE-FREE CAMPUS
The University believes in providing an environment of clean air for everyone on campus and
so has made our premises a “smoke free” zone.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Generally Singapore is a safe city with many well-lit roads. Public transportation services
also operate till midnight throughout the week.
Nevertheless, students should still keep the following points in mind when going out
• When you are not in your room, ensure
that all windows are closed and doors
properly locked.
• Avoid waiting inside lonely, closed-in
shelters. Keep to open, populated and
well-lit areas.
• If someone is following you, go to a
place where there are other people.
Police (Emergency) – 999
Campus Security Hotline (Kent Ridge) – 6874 1616
Campus Security Hotline (Bukit Timah) – 6874 3636
Campus Security Hotline (University Town) – 6601 2004
• Avoid walking through dark, poorly-lit places
at night. If necessary, walk in groups.
• Stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Carry your mobile phones, coins or a phone
card in case you need to call for a taxi or a
friend.
ADJUSTING YOUR MINDSET
11

APPLICATION FOR STUDENT'S PASS
All international students admitted to full-time graduate programs must have a valid
student’s pass during the period of study at NUS. Admission is contingent upon successful
application of student’s pass. If you are not successful in your student’s pass application,
your offer of admission will be withdrawn and you will not be able to continue your
studies at NUS.
Registration for a Student’s Pass
NUS Registrar’s Office /Respective Faculty/School will facilitate your student’s pass
application via the Immigration & Checkpoint Authority (ICA) Student’s Pass Online
Application & Registration (SOLAR) System. Following that, you will be informed via
email to confirm your details by submitting eForm 16 via the same SOLAR system before
the student’s pass application can be processed. If your SOLAR application is approved,
ICA shall grant you an In-Principle Approval (IPA) Letter. If you are coming from a visarequired
country, the IPA letter will be emailed to you.
The IPA letter will serve as both a one-way entry visa and an in-principle student’s pass
approval. To gain entry into Singapore, you will need to print and present the IPA letter
together with a valid passport to the Duty Officer at the Immigration Checkpoint upon
arrival. You will then be issued with a short-term Visit Pass which is normally valid for
one month. During this period, you are required to complete your student registration
formalities where you will be issued the original IPA letter with the NUS stamp and a
serialised appointment letter telling you the date and time to apply for the Student’s
Pass at MPSH1. The Onsite Student’s Pass Application Exercise at MPSH1 will be from 10
to 11 January 2013 where you are to report to the ICA counter to complete the
Student’s Pass formalities on the scheduled reporting date and time in the serialised
appointment letter and submit the relevant documents.
Please refer to the Registration Guide at the Registrar’s Office Website at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/event/registration.html for more information
regarding application of Student’s Pass.
COMPLETION OF FORMALITIES
ICA officers will be present at the NUS Registration Centre (Multi-Purpose Sports Hall 1)
on 10 and 11 January 2013. If you have the following completed documents, you may
proceed to the ICA counter to complete the formalities for Student’s Pass, according to
the scheduled reporting date and time indicated in the serialised ICA appointment
letter.
IMMIGRATION MATTERS 12

COMPLETED DOCUMENTS
• Hardcopy of the In-Principle Approval
(IPA) Letter with NUS official stamp
(issued upon completing the student
registration formalities at Registration
Centre/Faculty/School);
• Original Passport;
• A photocopy of the passport particulars
page;
• Disembarkation/Embarkation card,
granted upon entry into Singapore or any
existing passes (Employment, Dependent,
Long term, Student) or cancellation letter
of any of the passes;
• eForm 16, to print from the SOLAR
system, duly completed and signed;
• One recent coloured passport-sized
photograph showing the full face
(taken on white background);
• ICA Medical Form completed and
endorsed by doctor and original
laboratory report (to be translated if
not in English); The laboratory reports
must not be more than three months
from the date of issue.
• Two copies of the Terms & Conditions of
Issue for Long Term Pass (LTP) Card
(copies are issued upon completing the
registration formalities at Registration
Centre);
• Copy of receipt for payment for the
Student’s Pass-S$60 insurance fee, S$30
processing fee (non-refundable) and S$30
multiple-entry visa fee (for visa-required
nationals);
• The ICA appointment letter (issued
upon completing the student
registration formalities);
Please ensure that you apply for your Student's Pass within the validity of your Social
Visit Pass in your passport. You must also register as a NUS student.
If you miss the appointment or do not have the appointment letter due to late registration,
you will need to make online appointment via ICA e-appointment facility at
http://eappointment.ica.gov.sg and proceed directly to the ICA Headquarters located at
Kallang Road (next to Lavender MRT station) to complete the student’s pass formalities. Do
note the expiry date of your short-term visit pass and to renew it if it expires before the eappointment
date with ICA.
IMMIGRATION MATTERS
13

PAYMENT
Before proceeding to the ICA counter, you should have made payment for the Student's Pass.
Insurance fee of S$60 and a further S$30 multiple-entry visa fee for visa required nationals,
where applicable. You are advised to make the payment online via ICA SOLAR system.
Alternatively, you can also pay by cash or NETS at any SingPost Post Office. For payment at
SingPost, an administrative fee of S$10.00 will be charged. You are to bring along the receipt
when you report at the ICA counter at the NUS Registration Centre.
FEES
● A S$30 processing fee (non-refundable)
for a Student's Pass application
● A S$60 issuance fee for every student's
pass issued
● A S$30 multiple-entry visa fee (for visa
required nationals, where applicable)
FOR DEPENDANT'S PASS HOLDERS
If you are a Dependant's Pass holder, you are
required to apply for a Student's Pass
(application must be made through SOLAR)
to study in NUS. For more information, your
may wish to refer to ICA website at
http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=32
5&secid=182
ICA is located at the following address
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
Building
4th Storey, 10 Kallang Road, Singapore
208 718 (Beside Lavendar MRT Station)
www.ica.gov.sg
Operating hours:
Mon - Fri: 8.00am - 5.00pm
Sat: 8.00am - 1.00pm
Immigration Enquiry Service
Tel: 6391 6100
CANCELLATION
International students are required to surrender their Student's Pass to Immigration and
Checkpoints Authority for cancellation within seven days from the date of cessation or
termination of their studies. ICA will issue you with a Social Visit Pass in your passport to
allow you to exit the country.
Please note that it is an offence to overstay without a valid pass.
UNIVERSITY SPONSORSHIP OF SOCIAL VISIT PASS FOR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN
International Graduate Research students may obtain NUS sponsorship for their spouse
and/or child’s Social Visit Pass. For further details on the application procedure, please refer
to http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/event/socialvisitpass.html
Graduate coursework, NGS and SMA students, please refer to the respective Faculty/Schools
web page or administrator on sponsorship matters.
IMMIGRATION MATTERS 14

GRADUATE STUDENT ACCOMODATION OPTIONS
You may wish to refer to the Hostel Admission Services website at
http://nus.edu.sg/osa/has for more information.
For enquiries on student hostel application
and admissions, please visit
www.hosteladmission.nus.edu.sg
For specific queries not in our FAQ, please
click the "Ask a Question" tab to send us an
online email.
PRIVATE HOUSING OPTION
Hostel Admission Services maintains several resources to assist students searching for
private rentals in the vicinity of the University.
Please visit http://nus.edu.sg/osa/has/alternative-accommodation for tips on how to
secure a private accommodation in Singapore. Do note that lease arrangements made
between you and the householders are strictly private and the University will not be
liable for any dispute or disagreement.
HEALTH & INSURANCE MATTERS
Pre-enrolment Medical Examination (Compulsory for ALL Students)
It is compulsory for all graduate students to undergo a pre-enrolment medical examination
before reporting for Registration. The University reserves the right to refuse your admission if
you decline to undergo such health examination and/or to be tested for any organic or
communicable disease. This medical examination can be done at the University Health
Centre (UHC), or as in the case of international students, in the student’s home country. Due
to high volume of visitors to UHC during peak period, international students are encouraged
to get their medical check-up in their home country.
Please use the prescribed pre-enrolment medical report form which is enclosed with your
admission offer letter. Alternatively, you can download the same medical form at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/healthservice/services/preexams.html. The medical check-up
consists of the following:
(i)Physical Examination
(ii)Laboratory Examination
(iii)Chest X-ray
(iv)HIV Test
The cost of the medical examination shall be borne by students. The rates charged by UHC
can be found at: http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/healthservice/services/preexams_process.html and may be
subjected to change without prior notice.
Candidates who accepted the offer from Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing or Public Health may
also be screened for immnunity to Hepatitis B, Chicken Pox and Rubella. For graduate
students with Hepatitis B, they cannot be admitted to the programmes which have a clinical
component. Please refer to the UHC website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc for more details.
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES
15

Medical Examination for Student's Pass Application (For Full-time International Students
only)
In addition to the pre-enrolment medical examination, all full-time international students who
have obtained in-principle approval for their student’s pass have to undergo additional checkup
conducted by a qualified medical practitioner either in Singapore or in their home country.
This is to further strengthen the control of communicable diseases like Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Tuberculosis in Singapore.
(a)Those who opt to do the medical examination in Singapore can do so at the University
Health Centre (UHC). Due to high volume of visitors to UHC during peak period, international
students are encouraged to get their medical check-up done in their home country. If you are
unable to complete the medical check-up before the Onsite Student’s Pass Application
Exercise (OSE) on 10 and 11 January 2013, you will have to complete your Student’s Pass
formalities at ICA Headquarter. Issuance of the student’s pass is subjected to the outcome of
the medical report.
(b)The medical practitioner must record and certify the results of the medical examination
conducted using the official medical report form given by the Immigration & Checkpoints
Authority (ICA). A copy of the ICA Medical Form is enclosed with your admission offer letter.
The report must be in English. A medical report in any other form or format is not accepted.
(c) The original copy of both the radiologist report on the chest X-Ray, and the laboratory
report on the HIV Test must be attached to the completed medical report for submission to
ICA. Please note that the reports must not be issued more than three months prior to
submission to the ICA.
NUS Student Insurance Scheme
It is compulsory for all full-time graduate students (including those who have submitted thesis
for examination but yet to be conferred the degree) to subscribe to our NUS Student
Insurance Scheme. Those exempted are students who (i) pass their final examination and
complete their course, (ii) convert to part-time and (iii) are on term Leave of Absence. The
benefits are as follows:
● Personal Accident Insurance Coverage
● Hospitalisation, Surgical & Mental Health Insurance Scheme
● Outpatient Specialist Care
For further details, please refer to University Health Centre website at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/healthservice/insurance/G&NG.html
The NUS Medical Scheme does not cover all forms of overseas outpatient medical treatment
of illnesses. Thus, you are strongly advised to have adequate medical coverage when
travelling overseas for exchange or study programmes. You may wish to contact any insurer
for detailed information to provide such coverage to suit your need during your stay overseas
on study programmes or other related activities.
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES 16

HEALTH & INSURANCE MATTERS
University Health Centre (Health Service) is committed to the care of the health needs of
the entire NUS community. The location and operating hours of the clinic are stated below:
Kent Ridge Campus (Main Clinic)
Level 1, 20 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119 080
Tel: 6776 1631
Email : uhc_health@nus.edu.sg
Website : www.nus.edu.sg/uhc
Operating hours:
Mon-Thurs: 8.30am to 6.00pm
Fri: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.
Closed for lunch from 12.30pm-1.30pm
Last registrations is 30 minutes before closing time.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Tuition Fees
Please refer to https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/gd/GDTuitionCurrent.pdf for more
information on tuition fees for different categories of government-subsidised graduate
programmes.
Tuition fees for self-funded graduate coursework programmes can be found at the respective
programme websites. The list of self-funded graduate coursework programmes
is set out here (https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/gd/Self-Funded-Graduate-
Programmes.pdf ).
Mandatory Miscellaneous Fees
For detailed information on the annual miscellaneous fees payable, please refer to:
https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/gd/GDMisc.pdf
Payment of Fees
For details on the fee payment deadline and other available mode of payment, please refer
to Office of Financial Services website at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/student/financialServices/notice/index.html
Financial Assistance
An array of financial assistance and scholarship/awards available to help graduate students
finance their studies in the University. For more details, please refer to
http://www.nus.edu.sg/admissions/graduate-studies/fees-faid-scholarships.php
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES
17

FINANCIAL MATTERS
Service Obligation (For Self-Financing International Students)
Self-financing (i.e., paying tuition fees on your own) international students who are offered
a place to read a government-subsidised graduate programme (Refer to Page 4 at
https://share.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/gd/GDTuitionCurrent.pdf for the exceptions), may
be eligible to apply for Service Obligation Scheme with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to
pay reduced, subsidised tuition fees.
The Service Obligation Scheme will require you to work in Singapore-based companies for 3
years upon graduation.
A copy of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found at
https://tgonline.moe.gov.sg/tgis/files/SOA-FAQ.pdf. For any clarification, you may contact
the MOE Tuition Grant Unit at (65) 6879 7333/ (65) 6879 7334 or the NUS Graduate Student
Unit at (65) 6516 2302.
Online Application
All international students who are eligible and would like to apply for the Service Obligation
Scheme should do so online from 3 January 2013 – 16 January 2013 at
https://tgonline.moe.gov.sg/tgis/secure/challengeStudent.action
Students will be able to retrieve their Matriculation /Student Number from the preregistration
system upon completion of their online pre-registration.
Execution of Service Obligation Agreement Schedule
Date : 6 February 2013
Venue : Multi-Purpose Sports Hall 4
NUS CAREER SERVICES FOR STUDENTS
The NUS Career Centre isn’t just for undergraduates. It also supports postgraduate
students who need counsel on career directions, advice on job opportunities and
preparatory skills training in their career pursuits.
For more information, please refer to NCC website at http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/ncc
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES
18

STUDENT CARD AND NUS EMAIL
Your Student Card will be given to you on the day of registration.
You will obtain your student card PIN and NUSNET account information upon completing
the online pre-registration. Please note that your NUSNET account will be activated one
working day after the completion of the pre-registration.
Your student card, PIN and NUSNEET account information will enable you to access not
only physical facilities such as specific buildings/laboratories but also a variety of online
resources via the NUS intranet. As such, please keep your PIN and NUSNET account
strictly confidential.
Should you forget your PIN, you can retrieve it online at :
https://aces01.nus.edu.sg/pinRetrieval/login.jsp with your NUSNET account information.
Your PIN will then be sent to you via email at your NUS Student Account.
All correspondence from the university will be sent to your mailing address and/or your
Official NUS student email address. It is important that you keep your mailing address upto-date
and read your emails frequently. Students are also expected to be aware of the
latest notices/circulars may be posted on the student intranet. The university will not be
accountable for delayed or lost mail due to incorrect or obsolete students’ addresses
and contacts.
COMPUTER FACILITIES
Personal computers are available within campus provided in the Computer Centre,
Computer Based Learning Centre (CBLC) in libraries and various location in faculties.
For any enquiries or assistance on your computer account, please visit IT care, located at
Level 1, Computer Centre.
For Counter Walk-In Service
Level 1, Computer Centre, 2 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117584
Mon-Fri: 8.30am to 6.00pm
Sat : 8.30am to 1pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays
Tel: 6516 2080
Fax: 6872 5231
Email: itcare@nus.edu.sg
Website: http://www.nus.edu.sg/comcen/gethelp/itcare.html
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES
19

OFFICES, FACILITIES & FOOD OUTLETS FOUND IN YUSOF ISHAK HOUSE
Office of Student Affairs
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa
● Student Service Centre
● Hostel Admission Services
● International Students Section
● Residential Life
● Sports & Recreation
● Student Organisations
● Learning & Development
● NUS Career Centre
Facilities ● Air-conditioned Student Lounge/Study Rooms
● Discussion Rooms
● Internet Connectivity
● Dance Studio
● NUS Student's Union (NUSSU) Secretariat
● DBS/POSB ATM Services (24 hours)
● DBS Bank
● Plaza@YIH
F & B Outlets ● Food Junction@Central Square
● Old Chang Kee
● 7-Eleven Store
● Starbucks
● Subway
● Ya Kun Kaya Toast
CAMPUS FACILITIES & AMENITIES
20

RESOURCES, FACILITIES & SERVICES FOUND IN KENT RIDGE CAMPUS
Facilities / Services ● Sports & Recreation Centre, Sporting Facilities & Services
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/src
● Libraries
http://www.lib.nus.edu.sg
● NUS Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd
http://coop.nus.edu.sg/
● NUS Notebook Sales and Service Centres
http://www.nus.edu.sg/comcen/notebook/centres.html
RESOURCES, FACILITIES & SERVICES FOUND IN BUKIT TIMAH CAMPUS
Facilities / Services ● Bukit Timah Campus Management Office
● CJ Koh Library
http://libportal.nus.edu.sg/frontend/ms/c-j-koh-lawlibrary/about-c-j-koh-law-library
● Student Lounge
● DBS/POSBank ATM
● University Co-op @ BTC
http://coop.nus.edu.sg
● Sports & Recreation
● Postal Service - Self-Service Postal Automated Services
Machine (SAM)
● Student Lockers
F & B Outlets ● Sapore@The Thinking Corner (Li Ka Shing)
● The Summit (Blk B)
RESOURCES, FACILITIES & SERVICES FOUND IN UNIVERSITY TOWN
Facilities / Services ● Education Resource Centre (from research facilities and
computer labs, lecture theatres to seminar rooms,
e-learning cafes and clusters of study spaces)
● EduSports
F & B Outlets ● Subway
● Fish & Co Express
● Koufu Foodcourt
●Starbucks
● Hwang Korean Restaurant
● Bruce Cafe
● Cheers Convenience Store
CAMPUS FACILITIES & AMENITIES
21

AN ISLAND
REPUBLIC
A small, tropical island and islets in the heart of Southeast Asia,
between Malaysia and Indonesia and has a land area of about 710
square kilometres.
HISTORY Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore was first called
"Temasek" or "Sea Town". According to a legend, a 14th century Sri
Vijayan prince saw an animal he mistook for a lion on the island and
Singapore's modern name "Singa Pura" (meaning "Lion City") came
about.
In 1819, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles founded Singapore and
established a trading station so that the British could refit, feed and
protect the fleet of their growing empire. Independence as a sovereign,
democratic nation was attained on 9 August 1965.
POPULATION Singapore has a resident population of about 5 million people, of whom
2.91 million were born locally. The Chinese constitutes 74.2% of the
population, the Malays 13.4%, and the Indians 9.2%. The Eurasians,
Peranakans and other races make up the remaining 3.2%.
CLIMATE It is hot and sunny all year, with two monsoon seasons (December to
March and from June to September) bringing heavy rain.
LANGUAGES There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Chinese
(Mandarin), Tamil and English. Malay is the national language and
English is the language of administration as well as the main medium of
instruction in educational institutions.
Singapore's multi-racial & multi-cultural society has brought a diversity
of festivals celebrated throughout the year. These include Chinese New
Year, Deepavali, Christmas and Hari Raya. For more information, please
refer to http://www.yoursingapore.com
SOCIAL CULTURE People are expected to form queues to either board buses, or to wait
for service. It is impolite to push someone who is ahead of you in the
queue. Do be punctual. Allow yourself sufficient time to travel. It is also
considered impolite to miss an appointment. Address the people you
meet with titles such as Mr, Mrs, Miss, Dr or Professor unless you are
invited to use their first names.
INTRODUCTION TO SINGAPORE
22

FOOD CULTURE A common initial greeting amongst Singaporeans is "Have you eaten?“.
Singaporean love to eat, more so with such a wide variety of food
offered in different settings.
Food centres in local neighbourhoods or air-conditioned food courts in
shopping complexes offer you a wide variety of dishes.
When dining at a food court or hawker centre, get a table, note the
table number and then look at the pictures at the stall to order. Give the
stall operator your table number and wait for your food to be delivered
before making payment. Do take note that some stalls are self-service
and you are expected to make payment, wait and bring food to your
table.
WHAT TO WEAR In tropical Singapore, loose and light summer clothing is recommended
especially for outdoor activities. Please note that in lecture theatres,
libraries and administrative offices, you should be appropriately attired.
Improper attire includes shorts, slippers and clothing with indecent
words or pictures.
DRUGS Drug trafficking and drug abuse are serious offences. Trafficking,
manufacturing, importing or exporting of drugs carries a death penalty.
Unauthorised consumption also carries a heavy penalty.
SMOKING Smoking is prohibited in most buildings and many public areas in
Singapore.
LITTERING Singapore has strict laws against littering.
VANDALISM Defacing public and private property carries a severe penalty.
BARGAINING Bargaining is not normally practiced in Singapore shops. The prices
marked are the prices at which the goods are sold.
TIPPING Tipping is not necessary as a service charge of 10% is normally levied at
restaurants, hotels and other establishments. A tip should only be
exercised in instances where the bill does not include a service charge.
GOODS AND
SERVICE TAX
(GST)
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7% is levied on all nearly all supplies
of goods and services as well as goods imported into Singapore.
OVERSTAYING Overstaying is a punishable offence under the Immigration Act. Please
take note of the expiry dates of your Social Visit Pass upon arrival or
your Student's Pass and apply for extension at least a month before
they expire.
Please note that laws in Singapore are taken seriously and penalties
are severe.
INTRODUCTION TO SINGAPORE 23

PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
Part-time Employment during semester
All full-time international graduate students are allowed to engage in part-time employment
as long as they meet the MOM's stipulation of not exceeding 16 hours per week of
employment during NUS semester time.
Please ensure you can manage your time well to balance studies with part-time
employment, and to observe the cap of 16 hours per week for employment during semester
time.
Employment during vacation
There is no cap on the number of hours during the University's official vacation periods.
Please refer to the Registrar’s Office website at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/calendar.html for the Academic Calendar.
EMPLOYMENT AFTER GRADUATION
A resource centre “Contact Singapore” provides information and advice on working, studying
and living in Singapore.
Contact Singapore
250 North Bridge Road
#28-00 Raffles City Tower
Singapore 179101
www.contactsingapore.sg
BANKING FACILITIES
Many banks in Singapore offer a wide range of services. These services may include checking
and savings accounts, ATMs (Automated Teller Machines), fixed deposits, safe deposit boxes,
loans, overdraft and transfers, travellers cheques and changing of foreign currencies.
The three major local banks in Singapore are the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS)/Post
Office Savings Bank (POSB), United Overseas Bank (UOB) and Oversea-Chinese Banking
Corporation Limited (OCBC Bank).
You may open an account at a bank of your choice.
LIVING IN SINGAPORE
24

Opening a Bank
Account
Networks for Electronic
Transfer (NETS) Pte Ltd
Cashcard
GIRO
Transfer of Funds
Banking Facilities
Different banks have different requirements as well as different
types of savings and checking accounts. You may wish to bring
enough cash or traveller's cheques to cover your expenses while
deciding on the bank you wish to open an account with.
To open a saving account, please bring along the following
documents
(i) Passport (original and photocopy);
(ii) Student's Pass or In-Principle Student’s Pass Approval Letter;
(iii) OfferLetter of Admission from NUS or Student Card (if
available) and
(iv) Minimum initial deposit (depending on the bank).
This is a cashless method of payment. Payment can be made with
your ATM card at all participating vendors advertising the NETS
sign.
This is a stored value card, allowing cashless payment.
Participating vendors will have CASHCARD signs on display.
GIRO is a service provided by the bank. It is an arrangement that
you can make with your Billing Organisation (such as NUS) to
debit your designated bank account to pay your bills on a regular
basis. It is a convenient and cashless mode of payment.
Students may transfer funds using bank drafts made out in
Singapore dollars and drawn from a Singapore bank. These can be
credited to your accounts and drawn in one to two days. Cheques
drawn on banks with no branches in Singapore may take about
three to eight weeks to clear.
Telegraphic transfers may also be made indirectly through
another bank to your own account.
LIVING IN SINGAPORE
25

GETTING AROUND
Getting around in Singapore is easy and convenient. An efficient public transportation network
offers taxis, buses and the modern MRT rail system.
Fares may be paid by cash or ez-link card which can be used for both the MRT and public
buses. The ez-link card is a contactless stored value card . The cost of your journey will be
automatically deducted when you alight from the MRT/bus. The ex-link card can be purchased
from any TransitLink Ticket Office (S$12) or 7-Eleven Store (S$10). Top up of the ez-link card
can be done at the General Ticketing Machines (GTM), TransitLink Ticket Offices, TransitLink
Add Value Machines at selected MRT stations, bus interchanges and bus stops, 7-Eleven
Stores, SingPost, ATMs (DBS/POSB, OCBC) and AXA Stations.
For the latest travel information, please refer to the Transitlink website at
www.transitlink.com.sg
For integrated public transport service information, call the Transitlink Hotline at
1800-225-5563.
Operating Hours: 8am to 6pm daily except public holidays.
SBS Transit operates 3 services in NUS Kent Ridge Campus:
SBS No. Route
95 From Holland Village to NUS (Looping)
96 From Clementi Interchange to NUS
151 From Hougang Central Interchange to NUS
MRT Station nearest to Kent Ridge Campus (NUS):
Kent Ridge MRT Station (Circle Line)
NUS INTERNAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
The NUS campus is serviced by Internal Shuttle Bus (ISB) service that plies the entire campus.
More information on their specific routes and timings can be found at all NUS bus stops and
on the NUS website at
http://www.nus.edu.sg/oed/services/transport/shuttle-bus-services.htm
LIVING IN SINGAPORE
26

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Prefix the following numbers with 65 (country code) if calling from another country. There is no city code.
NUS General Line
(Automated)
Registrar's Office
Description Website/Email Telephone Fax
Enquiries pertaining to
Graduate Programme
Office of Student Affairs
Student Service Centre
Hostel Admission Services
(NUS Student Hostel
Applications & Admissions)
International Students Section
(Pre-arrival Services and IS
Orientation Briefing , Social
and Cultural programmes)
University Health Centre
Health Issues
(General Enquiries)
Counselling & Psychological
Services
Campus Services
IT Care (Computer Related
Issues)
Please refer here for the Graduate
Programme Contacts
http://www.nus.edu.sg/admissions/
graduate-studies/graduateprogramme-contacts.php
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/ssc
www.askstudentservice.nus.edu.sg
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/has
www.hosteladmission.nus.edu.sg
http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/iss
http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc
uhc_health@nus.edu.sg
http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/cps
cps@nus.edu.sg
6516 6666
6516 1177 6777 0155
6516 1384 6777 0155
6516 4817 6778 5902
6776 1631 (Main Clinic)
6516 2376
6516 7777 (A 24-hour
hotline for life –
threatening psychological
emergencies)
itcare@nus.edu.sg 6516 2080 6872 5231
STA Travel-NUS nus@statravel.com.sg 6773 9188 6776 5277
NUS Multi-Purpose
Cooperative Society Ltd
Bookstore at Forum (books)
http://coop.nus.edu.sg/ 6777 0325
27

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Prefix the following numbers with 65 (country code) if calling from another country. There is no city code.
Emergencies
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) –
24-hour hotline
Description Email Telephone
www.samaritans.org.sg 1800 2214 444
Police: Emergency 999
Fire Engine/Ambulance
Non-Emergency Ambulance
Campus Security Hotline (Kent Ridge)
Campus Security Hotline (Bukit Timah)
Campus Security Hotline (University Town)
Transport Services
995
1777
6874 1616
6874 3636
6601 2004
Taxi Cabs Hotline: Dial-A-Cab http://www.taxisingapore.com/ 6342 5222
Transitlink Hotline www.transitlink.com.sg 1800 225 5663
Miscellaneous
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
24-hour Call Centre
Flight Information
Some Useful Websites
Ministry of Education, Tuition Grant
Section
ICA_Feedback@ica.gov.sg 6391 6100
http://www.changiairport.com/flight-info
1800 542 4422
https://tgonline.moe.gov.sg/tgis/normal/index.action
6872 2220
Ministry of Manpower www.mom.gov.sg 6438 5122
Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mfa.gov.sg 6379 8000
Immigration and Checkpoints Authority www.ica.gov.sg 6391 6100
SBS Transit www.sbstransit.com.sg 1800 225 5663
SMRT www.smrt.com.sg 1800 336 8900
About Singapore www.yoursingapore.com
Contact Singapore www.contactsingapore.sg
Acknowledgements:
The Office of Student Affairs acknowledges with gratitude the contributions and assistance given by all
administrative departments in the preparation of this guide. Information provided is correct at the time of
printing, but may be subject to revision.
28