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Food
Food
Food
Food

Living in Singapore

Language

The four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. English is the most common language used and is the language, which unites the different ethnic groups. The use of the English language is widespread in the education system, in business and in daily life. In addition, Singaporeans are effectively bi-lingual given our education system and various ethnic groups. Every visiting student should thus feel at home.

Cost of living

Living conditions in Singapore are amongst the best in Asia with state-of-the art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. The inflation rate is also comparatively lower than most other countries. The estimated costs below provide a rough guide to the monthly expenditure an international student may incur. The amount will vary depending on individual lifestyle and values. An international student in Singapore spends on average about S$700 to S$1,800 a month on living expenses.

Estimated Cost of Living Estimated Expense Per Month
Accommodation (Cost varies depend on the type of accommodation S$480 - S$1000
Public Transport S$80 - S$200
Meals S$200 - S$350
Personal Expenses (Cost varies depend on personal spending habits, clothes, entertainment ect, ) S$30 - $100
Culture

Singapore is a cosmopolitan society where people live harmoniously and interactions among different races are commonly seen. The nation′s rich multicultural heritage is highlighted through the various ethnic groups (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians) who have gradually acquired a distinct identity as Singaporeans whilst still maintaining each race’s traditional practices, customs and festivals.

Getting Around

Getting around the city and the suburbs is a breeze with Singapore’s extensive and reliable public transport system.

Bus

Public buses run daily from 5.30am to midnight. There are also extended night services, which cost slightly more. There are full-day scheduled bus services with fares between S$0.58 and S$1.70.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

The MRT network of trains serves business, shopping and most residential areas. Fares range from S$0.60 to S$1.80.

Weather

The tropical climate makes Singapore warm and wet most of the year. December is the coolest month of the year while May is the warmest. Normal temperature ranges between 25°C - 33° C. With this weather, most people in Singapore put on casual wear like T-shirt and jeans. Probably only need additional clothing in classroom or offices that are mostly air-conditioned.

Useful Numbers
Emergency
Police 999 (toll-free)
Emergency/Ambulance/Fire Brigade 995 (toll-free)
Important
Police Hotline 1800 225 0000 (toll-free)
Traffice Police 1800 547 1818
AAS Emergency Road services 6748 9911
Non-emergency ambulance 1777
Information
Flight Information (24 hours) 1800 542 4422 (toll-free)
STB Touristline (24-hr automated tourist
information system)		 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in
Singapore only)
CitySearch (Operation-assitted Yellow Pages) 1900 777 777
Time of day 1711
Weather (65) 6542 7788
International Calls 104
Trunk Calls to Malaysia Dial 109 for operator assistance, or 02 for direct dial
Dial-A-Cab
Comfort CabLink 6552 1111/6552 2222
Citicab 6552 4525
Premier Taxis/Silver Cab 6476 8880
SMRT Taxis 6555 8888
Smart Automobile 6485 7777
Trans-Cab Serices 6555 3333
Food in Singapore

One of the best things about being in Singapore is undoubtedly the food. Foods are adapted to fit the many different cultures. There are many Chinese, Thais, Malays, Indians, Bengalis, and other nationalities living in Singapore, and their regional dishes are also prominent. Singapore does have an annual Food Festival which feature local hawker cusine like Haianese chicken rice; laksa, chili crab, satay etc. With an endless variety of food choices around you, there is no reason why you should deprive your taste buds of any of the excitement these dishes can offer.

Accommodation

Accommodation is an important consideration while you are living away from home. You should arrange for temporary accommodation before you leave your country unless you have already arranged long-term accommodation for the duration of your course.

Your institution in Singapore may be able to make short-term accommodation arrangements for you.Alternatively, THStudy.com can arrange your accommodation for you too! Just simply let us know you need an accommodation and we will send you information of a few hostels for your reference. We will advise you on the most appropriate hostel that suits you best!

Once settled in your temporary lodgings, you will have sufficient time to find the ideal permanent accommodation to suit your needs and lifestyle. The type of accommodation you choose will depend on your personal circumstances and your budget. There are a wide variety of accommodation types in Singapore to suit different budgets and needs.

There are 3 other kinds of housing in Singapore. About 80% of locals stay in government apartment that we call HDB flat. Secondly, there are landed properties like bungalows, semi detached & terrace house and the other will be private apartment/ condominium.

Staying in a room of HDB cost about S$300 to $450 (with air condition) and the other 2 options will cost more. Usually HDB have 2 to 3 rooms in it. Some students will rent the whole house and share the cost together. For private apartment, you can request for studio apartment if you want to live on your own. This probably cost at least S$1,000 and above.

Differences between Hostel, HDB apartment and private apartment:

Private Homestays S$500 to S$1000 per month
HDB S$250 (Room only) to S$1000 (whole flat) per month
Private Property S$1300 to S$4000 per month
Hostel S$140 to S$440 per student per month depending on the number of students sharing the room
Serviced Aparments S$3000 to $6000 per month
Hotel from S$30 to S$600 per room per night