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FreshiNUS is proudly brought to you by:

NUSSU International Relations Committee

International Freshman Orientation 2011

We would like to acknowledge the following people for their contributions towards the success of this project:

Project Directors Salman Gadit Feng Jinyu Editorial Team Chief Editors Nalaka Buddika Warnakula Siti Hafidzah Bte Musahar Bian Yingwei Tan Wei Ling Angeline Bian Yingwei Lum Shi Yun Nalaka Buddika Warnakula Ow Shi Hong Shawn Lim Siah Shu Fen Siti Hafidzah Bte Musahar Tan Wei Ling Angeline Titus Teo Teck Lim Logistics Team Lim Kok Hau Pham Ngoc Sao Mai Ryan Dao Duy Duc Duong Marketing Team Ai Zhen Lim Kok Hau Pham Ngoc Sao Mai Titus Teo Teck Lim

Chief Designers

Writers

Creative Team Bian Yingwei Hnin Aye Aye Aung Lim Yew Chen Lum Shi Yun Nam Ryan Dao Duy Duc Duong Siah Shu Fen Siti Hafidzah Bte Musahar Tan Wei Ling Angeline Titus Teo Teck Lim Befrienders Ai Zhen Bian Yingwei Ei Phyu, Jeanie Guo Jiwei Hnin Aye Aye Aung Lim Yew Chen Nalaka Buddika Warnakula Nam Pham Ngoc Sao Mai Ryan Dao Duy Duc Duong Siah Shu Fen Siti Hafidzah Bte Musahar Tan Wei Ling Angeline

Editors Notes
When I was an incoming freshman like you just a year ago, many people said that the University life is probably the best time of your life. For most of you who are attending this orientation, it is the case where by this is your first time in Singapore. You might feel a bit lonely, alienated or taken aback by the culture shock, but it is perfectly normal to feel that way. It is a learning curve that most of us have travelled one point or the other in our lives. Do not worry about it too much; you will get accustomed to the exciting new environment of NUS, in no time. My advice to you is that be ready to embrace the unexpected, be ready to travel in the less explored road. You may feel comfortable doing things in the same old way but do remember it is going out of your comfort zones that will equip you with the life skills; bottom-line being you and you alone have the ability to shape up your NUS experience. In the years to come, there will be many opportunities coming in your way, you will have an enriching NUS experience as long as you challenge yourself and make the best out of those opportunities. As long as you dare to try, you are on the correct track. Let me tell you a thing or two about this guidebook. FreshiNUS is like a huge ice burg in the vast ocean. From outside it might seem like everything but visible part of the ice berg is much smaller compared to the submerged part. Same analogy applies to this booklet; it contains the essentials to survive as a freshman at NUS and Singapore. It is humanly impossible for us to include all the information about NUS and Singapore within the capacity of FreshiNUS. Use this booklet to find out more about NUS and life in Singapore similar to a rough sketch, upon which every great art work is based on. A lot of your seniors have put months of effort into writing articles and finding attractive illustrations to make FreshiNUS lively and interesting. I would like to thank all members of the guidebook team and design team for their hard work and I would specially like to thank my chief co-editor Hafidzah for her dedication and commitment. Last but not the least, special thanks goes to Salman and Jingyu, our project directors for their guidance. Congratulations to all of you and wishing you all the best for you soon to begin NUS life. Always remember it is not the destination, so much as the journey you take. Good luck! Sincerely, Nalaka Buddika Warnakula FreshiNUS Chief Co-Editor

Editors Notes
To be honest, I thought that a year of studying and reading academic texts would have rendered me incapable of writing creatively. Boy, was I wrong! Being a part of the editorial team is truly an enjoyable process as it re-ignited my passion for writing while I get to contribute my thoughts and tips though the articles that bring you an insight into campus life. Thus, I am very grateful for the opportunity to contribute as one of the Chief Editors for the guidebook and also to everyone who had helped ensure that this event is a success. Currently into its second year, the International Freshmen Orientation and guidebook FreshiNUS promises to be more informative, engaging and fun, hopefully to aid your assimilation into campus life. As most of you are probably new to Singapore and her customs, you will probably take some getting used to the many quirks that are present in any country. But, not to worry! As a multi-cultural country, Singaporeans welcome anyone and treat you as they would a friend, bringing you to many places of interest (especially food stalls as eating is a common pastime among locals). As summer vacation is coming to an end and school is nearly approaching, some of you probably may have mixed emotions about how your life here will turn out, especially since you are in an unfamiliar territory far from home. Well, just remember two things; change is inevitable and life is always full of surprises. Who knows what your time here in Singapore will bring? I guess only time will tell, so lets make the best of it! To conclude, heres a quote by Pauline R. Kezer that I hope will inspire you through your fun and tough times here in NUS Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights.

Sincerely, Siti Hafidzah FreshiNUS Chief Co-Editor

About NUSSU IRC

Contents
I. NUS Essentials: What you NEED to know Moving around NUS . . . Financial Aid and Schemes . . LIVE without IVLE! . . . Printing Rampage: Places with Services II. Being NUSavvy Clubs and Societies at NUS . Survival Tips for Freshmen . Food-hunting in and Beyond NUS Top 10 Things and Places in NUS NUS Events Highlights . A Semester in a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . 23 . 25 . 27 . 30 . 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 . 14 . 16 . 19

III. Fun in the Sun: Beyond the Campus Interesting Places in Singapore Tourists Checklist . . IV. Mapsaviours Kent Ridge Campus . Bukit Timah Campus. . SMRT . . . Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 . 41 . 42 . 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 . 37

I. NUS Essentials: What you NEED to know

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Moving around NUS

Travelling from one place to another in a tricky campus like NUS may seem like a daunting task, but fret not! This article will be a simple guide to exploring the terrains of NUS Kent Ridge and the smaller Bukit Timah campuses.

Map of NUS Kent Ridge campus

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Map of NUS Bukit Timah Campus Libraries Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the library as you do your projects, research and revision throughout the year. Currently, there are 6 libraries: Central Library Chinese Library Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library at NUS Business School Medical/Science Library at Faculty of Science Music Library at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music CJ Koh Law Library at Bukit Timah campus

You can find your way to these libraries either by foot, bus or even by following huge crowds of students who, like you, have to get work done in these scholarly places. Opening hours during the semester is stated below: All Libraries*^ Opening Hours 8.00am - 10.00pm 9.30am - 4.30pm CLOSED*

Day Monday - Saturday Sunday Public Holiday

* If a public holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday. ^ Except for Music Library.

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12 Sports and Recreation Centre As the name suggests, this is the place to be if you want to stay active and have fun with sports. Various facilities are available here, from squash and tennis courts, a swimming pool, a gym to multi-purpose halls and fields. However, you do have to book for certain facilities online before using them. Also, do not be surprised if you see huge crowds as the multi-purpose sports halls are also used as venues for the examinations. University Health Centre & National University Hospital If you are feeling unwell, head over to the University Health Centre (UHC) to get medicine for your illness. Of course, UHC also provides basic medical services such as flu vaccination shots and medical screenings. However, for more serious ailments, go to National University Hospital (NUH) which has specialized medical services. Yusof Ishak House This place is a great hangout for students as it has a food court and other convenience stores; self-study and lounge areas; computer labs where you can do your lab reports, projects and essays; printing services, and a Student Service Centre that you will visit quite a lot as it takes care of student-related enquiries and services. University Hall This is one of the most important places that every student should know, as it is the main administrative centre for students and lecturers alike. Located near the Faculty of Science, it boasts not only excellent staff who can efficiently respond to your enquiries about administrative matters, but also a chic caf and beautiful architecture that compels one to wander around just a while longer. University Cultural Centre & Museum For art lovers, be it visual or performing arts, this is the place to go to for exhibitions and concerts. Look out for them all throughout the school year as some will be advertised through your NUS email. Did I mention that admission to the museum and some concerts are free? So whenever you have the time, make your way there to fulfil your artsy mind!

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13 Halls and Residences Unless you are planning to live outside of campus, residential halls are going to be your second home during your stay as a student here. Depending on which hall you are staying in, be prepared to participate in many activities such as Inter-Hall Games which are aimed to promote friendly competition, camaraderie and a sense of belonging among other hall mates. Most halls are accessible by bus, but all of them are a short walk away from some faculties. Internal Shuttle Buses If you want a fast alternative to travelling around the campus and not pay for the rides, take the internal shuttle buses available. Basically, there are 4 bus shuttle services within Kent Ridge: A1/A2, B, C and D. To go to Bukit Timah campus from Kent Ridge, you can take bus service BTC. For more information regarding the frequencies and routes of the internal shuttle bus services to Bukit Timah campus and within Kent Ridge respectively, you can access the following websites: http://www.nus.edu.sg/oed/services/transport/btcshuttlebusservice.htm http://www.nus.edu.sg/oed/services/transport/shuttle-bus-services.htm

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Financial Aid and Schemes

Education comes with a cost; often people say education is a form of investment. One specialty of NUS is that it does not let financial difficulties of the students bar them from getting access to a world class education. As a result, you will find that when compared to many top-tier universities in the region, there are numerous financial aid and schemes available at NUS. Here is a look on the various forms of financial aid and schemes available in NUS that can be used to finance your education in NUS. The deadline for application of financial aid is indicated in the NUS website. However, if you missed the deadline (due to a valid reason) you can approach the Office of Financial Aid. MOE Tuition Grant This is a monetary grant that will subsidize the tuition fee by 55 - 80% depending on ones course of study and nationality. There is no need for a repayment of the grant for Singapore permanent residents and international students, but they are required to serve a bond of 3 year (5 years for Dentistry and Medicine) in a Singapore registered company. It is actually a pretty good deal for an international student as most other universities do not allow their students to work in the host country for more than a year upon graduation. They have to return back to their home countries with limited or no work experience and seek jobs. The application for the grant will commence once the semester starts. An announcement regarding the grant will be received via your NUS email. So do check your NUS email account frequently. Tuition Fee Loan (TFL) This is available to all full-time undergraduate students at NUS except for international students who had not applied for the MOE tuition grant. The TFL covers 90% of the remaining tuition fees payable by Singapore citizens after the tuition grant subsidy. There is no interest accumulated on the repayments until you graduate from NUS and you can take up to 20 years to repay the loan. In order to apply, you need a guarantor who is not a bankrupt and between 21 60 years of age. She/he must not be a borrower or a guarantor of more than one loan. NUS Study Loan (NSL) Needy undergraduate students who have taken the maximum TFL and whose gross monthly per capita income does not exceed S$ 1200 (for international students) are eligible to apply for NSL. The loan quantum is 10% - 20% of the tuition fees payable by Singaporean citizens and/or S$3600 living allowance.

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In order to apply, you need a guarantor who is not a bankrupt and between 21 60 years of age. She/he must not be a burrower or a guarantor of more than one loan. NUS Bursary Needy undergraduate students who have taken maximum TFL and NSL with living allowance are eligible to apply for NUS Bursary. The Bursary amount is dependent upon the accessed level of neediness of the applicants and bursary quantum is up to S$ 1850 per year. However the Bursary is only valid for one year and students need to re apply in order to be eligible for subsequent years. Student Assistance Loan (SAL) Needy undergraduate students who are recipients of NSL with living allowance are eligible to apply. In addition to needy students under different scholarships are also eligible to apply for SAL. The loan quantum is based on the assessed level of neediness of the student. In order to apply you need a guarantor who is not a bankrupt and between 21 60 years of age. She/he must not be a burrower or a guarantor of more than one another loan. Work Study Assistance Scheme Needy undergraduate students who are recipients of NSL may be considered for the program. However maximum number of hours an international student can work per week is capped at 16 hours. NUS Notebook Ownership Scheme It is highly recommended that each student have a laptop/notebook when studying in NUS. The notebook ownership scheme provides an interest free one-time loan up to S$ 1500 to purchase a laptop at NUS IT Co-op. The students can pay back the loan within three years after graduation from NUS. Above are number of need based financial aid schemes available for international students at NUS. There are also merit based scholarships and awards which are given to senior students based on academic and extra curricular merit.

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LIVE without IVLE (Integrated Virtual Learning Environment)!

IVLE is not just another permutation of the letters from the word LIVE (or EVIL), but also the most important study and social tool in NUS. It is an online database, which allows the NUS community to access and share information. Specifically, you can access your lecture notes, tutorials, web-casts and announcements there. Interestingly, you can also sell and buy textbooks in the forum! So let's check it out! 1. Login to IVLE

- Access http://ivle.nus.edu.sg - Enter your NUSNET User ID and Password - Select NUSSTU, and then click LOGIN.

2. A First Look at IVLE (a) The left column gives access to a useful calendar, which helps you to organize and manage your time. The announcement board below the calendar notifies students about upcoming events and activities. (b) The middle column is divided into 2 parts. The upper box shows all the important announcements from your lecturers. Thus, it is important for you to check regularly. The second box lists all the modules and courses that you have successfully bided for in CORS. You can obtain your lecture notes, tutorial questions as well as webcasts there. (c) The right column lists all the important links to upcoming Student Events and various facilities in NUS. To highlight, you may click the used textbook to buy and sell textbooks among your peers. You will get a good deal there! 3. Using tools on IVLE

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(a) The Menu bar

- Workspace: Gets you back to home page (module listing, etc.). - Tools: Consultation: You can sign up for the consultation slots with the Lecturers / Instructors / Teaching Assistants Groups: You can create or manage your own groups. - Profile: Alerts: You can manage the way you receive content changes in IVLE. Profile: You can edit your own personal information. Usage Statistics: You can view your usage statistics. - Resource Banks: You can share and view Multimedia files, if there are any. - Communities: You can stay connected with other communities, depending on your faculty and individual modules. (b) Under each module in the middle column Though the modules will vary with each faculty, weve listed the most important ones for you. Lesson plan: By clicking the name of the module (e.g. CM1401), you can access the main page of that module with all the official information and details that you must know during the semester. Announcements: Usually, the alert for new announcements will appear as a small box on the top right hand side of the screen with a microphone logo and number, which you can click for easy viewing. However, you can also view the announcements of each module through the modules announcement folder. Workbin: This is a virtual storage area of the study materials uploaded by your lecturers / instructors / teaching assistants (TAs) which you can download or print. Occasionally, you will also have to submit completed assignments into the Workbin. To upload your files, go to the submission folder designated by your lecturer: Click Upload files, then click Browse to attach your files, give some descriptions if necessary, and then click Upload. Be careful with the deadline, because these folders usually close automatically after the deadline. The Discussion Forum: This is an open forum for you to participate, discuss and learn together with your peers and lecturers/ TAs. Most students find this is a useful place to discuss things outside of class. You can start a new topic, or post replies/ comments on others topics. Some lecturers give credit to useful and active participation. Sometimes participation on the forum is mandatory and points are awarded for posting comments. So do take note of any such requirements! Multimedia Webcast Lectures: This section is not available for every module,

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but it is really useful if you cannot attend all the lectures, or if you missed something during the lecture. These webcasts are recorded live and uploaded for your viewing later. (c) Facilities On the right hand side column, you can see list of facilities and services like my ISIS, Career Centre, Student Services, Libraries, and others. Student Service Centre (SSC): directs you to the SSC homepage to help you find answers to questions about administrative matters, tuition, etc. Open Lectures: where you can access and watch/listen to various free of charge lectures. Used Textbook Forum: this is very important for those who want cheaper, used textbooks. You use it similarly to the discussion forums. Take note of the search function! Student Events: List of upcoming events, where you can see information on some interesting activities, including opportunities to get some extra cash by participating in a paid study experiment etc

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Printing Rampage: Places with Services

Are you tired of replacing your printers ink cartridges constantly? Do you need to print out hundreds of pages of your lecture notes, readings or lab reports? Well, look no further, for NUS has printing services that are not only user-friendly, but also pretty affordable too! Lets take a look. Printing services are available at the following PC clusters around school: Info Commons PC cluster at Central Library Think Lab PC cluster on the 3rd floor of the Computer Centre YIH CBLC PC cluster at Yusof Ishak House Computer Lab 1 Business faculty AS7 CBLC PC cluster at Arts faculty

*Printing services are also available at Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library located at the Faculty of Business too :) Printing in black usually costs 5 cents per piece, but the price is reduced if one prints in bulk. However, printing in colour costs slightly more and you may have to ask for assistance from the staff. Photocopying services are also available in any of the libraries, any of the Co-op stores (at Central Forum, Science faculty and Architecture faculty), and also at YIH (which is the cheapest!). However, the libraries issue strict limits on the amount of any material to be photocopied on the self-service photocopiers due to copyright issues: Published books (of at least 10 pages): not more than one chapter or not more than 10% of the total number of pages Periodicals: not more than the whole or part of one article in the periodical

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III. Being NUSavvy

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Clubs and Societies at NUS

NUS has provided a lot of activities that can make your life in NUS more colourful. It is the place where you can interact with others, get to know people from various backgrounds, widen your social network and have fun! There are a lot of societies in NUS that you can take part in, and you can participate in as many clubs as possible as long as you dont forget about your books along the way. NUS Students Union (NUSSU) NUSSU is the bridge that links each student with the University, a lifeline that boosts the welfare of the student body. NUSSU partners the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and other NUS departments to create avenues for dynamic student development. The Freshmen Inauguration Ceremony, Rag and Flag and Matriculation Week are exciting events co-organized by NUSSU which aim to promote a vibrant student life. NUSSUs presence is also strengthened with the support of its constituent bodies in every faculty, for example Students Science Club, Medical Science Club, University Scholars Club, etc. More information about NUSSU can be found in http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/activities/svcs/union.html. NUSSU has 12 branches under its wing: NUSSU CBLC NUSSU Hotline NUSSU International Relations Committee (IRC) NUSSU Public Relations Unit (PRU) NUSSU Biz Com NUSSU Welfare NUSSU SAVE (Students Against Violation of Earth) NUSSU Students Fund NUSSU Ridge (Monthly Publication) NUSSU Travel Service NUSSU Volunteer Action Committee (NVAC) NUSSU Video and Photography Committee (VPC) Societies and Interest Groups Societies are formed with the sole objective of bringing people who share similar thoughts together. Societies range from interest groups to religious and cultural themes. To name a few NUS boasts clubs such as NUS Toastmasters Club, NUS Political Science Society, NUS Investment Club, NUS Sathya Sai Society, NUS Comic and Animation Society, NUS Motoring Club, NUS navigators, NUS Original Music Siety.

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The list is nearly endless! You can find out all about these societies at: http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/activities/svcs/societies.html http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/activities/svcs/interestgrps.html Sports Various types of sports at NUS are waiting for you. In these clubs and sporting societies, there are a lot competitions (local / international) and events for you to participate in. You can find out more on: http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/sports/sportsclub/ You can also represent your faculty in the annual Inter Faculty Games (IFG) held in the later part of the academic year. For more information check out: http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/sports/src/ifg.htm NUS Centre For the Arts (CFA) NUS Arts Festival (NAF) is a NUS flagship arts season to showcase our talents students, staff and alumni and their unique partnerships with industry professionals. CFA has a myriad of groups under its wing, some of them being NUS Dance Synergy, NUS choir, NUS Indian Instrument Ensemble, NUS Symphonic Orchestra, NUS Chinese Orchestra which are a few of the more larger ones. ExxonMobil Campus Concert is a performance platform for student talents and professional artistes to reach out to audiences on and off campus. It has also played host to international artists too, for example classical pianists Konstantin Scherbakov (from Russia) and others. The EMCC season runs from August to October and January to March with weekly featured performances. More information about CFA can be found in: http://www.nus.edu.sg/cfa/index.php

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Survival Tips for Freshmen

First and foremost, let me tell you that college life is going to be so much more different than your high school experience. Most of you who are reading this article are probably foreigners who just arrived in Singapore. It is perfectly natural to feel homesick and taken aback by the culture shock. I guess we all went through these experiences at one point or another. Here are some useful survival tips for your freshman year ahead. Make lots and lots of friends If you do not like a place, chances are you are not going to like it very much. Since you will be calling NUS your home sweet home for the foreseeable future, you might as well make NUS a place that you will love and where you will have fond memories. One way to deal with the culture shock and homesickness is probably to make friends. However, people usually tend to mingle and make friends with their own nationality and race. Try to avoid this as far as possible. NUS is an amalgam of different nationalities, so try making friends outside your own circle. You may not think this is very important. However, as you will advance in your university life and life outside, you will understand the endless opportunities of networking and making friends with different nationalities. Get involved in activities There are numerous extra-curricular activities in NUS. So get involved in them. I am not saying that one should get involved in so many activities such that you do not even have time to get a breather, but get involved in an activity or two that you are passionate about or try something new. Those who are staying in one of the halls or University town would not find much of a problem in this area. There will be lots of events within the hall which you can participate in. However those who are staying in the residences, you may find that PGP lacks in this aspect. These activities not only will give you a break from your routine academic life but also will enable you develop essential life skills. Do NOT procrastinate This is one important tip for your academic success. Whatever that is said and done, I guess it is right to say that most of us love to procrastinate. We think that we can relax now and a few weeks before the exam we can study 24/7 and pull through at the exam. I would say you could do that if you want to just pass. It is not difficult to pass a module in NUS. However if you are not consistent with your commitment towards a particular module during the semester, chances are you will not score that high in your exams. So the moral of the story is, do not leave things to the last minute. Do not leave revision and assignments to the last minute rather, do it consistently.

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GET a life! Life is not all about studying! Do try to make the best out of your time here. So please do not devote your entire time for studies. Instead, go out of campus every now and then and have some fun exploring your surroundings. Since most of you are probably new to Singapore, there will be lots and lots of places to discover. It is essential to strike a balance between academics and social life because life is not as simple as the theories that you learn in text books. It is only by experiencing the outside world that we can truly develop ourselves holistically.

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Food-hunting in and Beyond NUS

Food is undoubtedly an integral part of our lives. On top of that, Singapore is renowned worldwide for the wide variety of food that it has to offer and indeed, food related activities play a major role in the lives of Singaporeans. So get ready to eat your hearts out in campus! Faculty Canteens Every Faculty has its own canteen, so do not worry for you are never too far away from food! Each canteen comprises of a number of stalls that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. There is also an event held annually where the student body votes for the best canteen and for the academic year of 2010/2011, the canteen at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences was voted as the best canteen! By the way, did I mention that each canteen has its own unique name? The canteen at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is called The Deck while the one located at the Faculty of Engineering is known as Techno Edge. So do not be alarmed when your friends or seniors mention that they are heading to The Deck, it just means they are going to the canteen! Fast food outlets What will we ever do without our comfort foods? Luckily, a few fast food outlets (MacDonalds, Burger King and Subway) are located in NUS. So, each time you have a craving for McDonalds you dont have to go out of the campus. The MacDonalds outlet is located near Technoedge while you can find Subway and Burger King at YIH and The Deck respectively.

Places to eat at Halls and residences PGP has the widest selection of food outlets compared to other halls and residences. You can head over to two canteens situated there- while one is air conditioned, the other is not. Other notable outlets are K Gourmet and Super Snacks. While the former serves affordable food in a cozy restaurant setting, the latter sells snacks and tidbits and is also opened until 2 a.m. during normal term time, so this is the place to grab your late night snacks which you can munch on while you study. Another great food joint is the food court situated near Ridge view Residences at YIH which operates during the day. If you are wondering where to go for supper, you can go to the canteens at Raffles and Sheares halls. But at the more popular supper hangout in Sheares Hall, supper ends as late as 3 a.m. during term time!

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26 Cafs There are a handful of small cafs situated in some faculties, so if you want to grab a quick bite in between a lecture, you dont have to walk all the way to the nearest canteen. These cafs serve an array of tit bits and hot or cold beverages that will perk you up anytime. Places to eat outside Campus Finding good food to eat in Singapore and beyond campus grounds is not a problem! There are number of places to eat near NUS. The eateries behind Eusoff Hall are very popular among the NUS community. There is also a pub/restaurant behind PGP serving western food and a restaurant serving Indian food. Should you decide to go bit further, why not take a bus to Clementi or Harbour Front and explore the food haven that you have yet to discover?

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Top 10 Things and Places in NUS

NUS Students' Sports Club Interested in skating? How about water sports such as swimming to canoe polo? Or even martial arts like Judo, Aikido and Wushu? As one of the largest clubs and societies in NUS, NUS Students' Sports Club offers all these and more. Subsequently, each sub-club under the NUS Students' Sports Club ranging from volleyball and floorball to windsurfing is organised by an independent committee. Every semester, sports clubs and its sub-clubs organize numerous sporting activities. Sports Camp, VolleyFest and Legs & Paddles are just a few examples. Even if you are just the casual sportsman, visit them at their welcome tea to see what fun-filled events they have to offer! CAC+US In NUS, CAC+US isn't just the name of the desert plant, it also refers to an annual concert by performers from all the sub-clubs in NUS Cultural Activities Club (CAC). Consisting of showcases from Angklung, Guitar, Resonance (Acapella), Voices, BBoys, d'Hoppers (Hip Hop), Jazzitude (Street Jazz), Lindy Hop, and Social & Ballroom, CAC+US is one concert most students look forward to every second semester of the year. NUS Carpool NUS Carpool started as a student initiative by a group of undergraduates, for all fellow undergraduates. Within a semester, it has garnered the support of close to 1700 members, and has organized competitions and charity drives. It has also brought the student body closer together as it has provided a platform for fellow campus-mates to travel together to and from lessons everyday. For more information, simply join their Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_125958460810145&ap=1 Holland Village Although Holland Village is not a part of the NUS campus, this uptown residential estate just a ten minutes (traffic permitting) bus ride away, is definitely worth mentioning as one of the top places one has to make a pilgrimage to as an NUS undergraduate. Known by many for its many eateries and drinking spots, it is usually referred to as Holland V by the locals. Some of the musttry outlets include Frolick and the Crystal Jade Xiao Long Bao buffet. Wala-Wala

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Caf Bar is loved by many music-lovers for their live band performances after 9pm, but caveat emptor, the service there leaves much to be desired. Bukit Timah Campus Besides Holland Village, another place worth mentioning off the NUS Kent Ridge campus would be the university's Bukit Timah Campus. The university's original site, now our Faculty of Law, boasts of a quaint, colonial architecture that is almost surreal in today's Singapore. While one is travelling along Bukit Timah Road, take an afternoon off to visit Udders for some incredible ice-cream. Ashley Chicken Naan While one of its shops is located at Buona Vista MRT Station, the real treasure of Ashley Chicken Naan is the Uncle Vincent Supper sold every weeknight at Raffles Hall during the school term. Relocated from Sheares Hall, Ashley Chicken Naan is famous for its delicious Sheares Chicken that is popular among all who stay on campus, and regular customers. Every Thursday, hungry undergraduates gather at the hall's communal hall for the honey-glazed, perfectly marinated whole chicken, served complete with fries. Look out for the surprises INSIDE the chicken too! Of course, Uncle Vincent, together with his partner, Auntie Ashley, caters to those who are simply looking for something to munch on after a night of mugging. Visit Raffles Hall on any weeknight to try their cheese fries, hashbrowns, and their off-themenu daren fried rice. Yong Tau Foo @ The Deck Food makes for a stimulating topic for conversation, which is why NUS students love to compare canteen stalls. Unlike Uncle Vincent's supper, food stalls in each NUS canteen face stiff competition throughout the day, and of course, only the best among them deserves a mention. Situated at the right-most corner of The Deck, the staff of the Yong Tau Foo stall is among the busiest people in NUS. Whether it is lunchtime at 1pm, or an off-peak period at 4.30pm, the queue outside the stall never ceases to exist. Try their laksa with rice noodles to know what Singaporeans mean when they say lagi bagus. A few other eating places within NUS worth trying out are the Indonesian stall from Techno Edge, the Korean stall and Pepper Lunch Express at YIH, and Reedz Cafe at the new Mochtar Riady Building. MNO1001 A part of the vibrant NUS life comes from the many bazaars that student groups organize either at the Central Forum, outside the Lim Seng Tjoe Building or anywhere

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else on campus. Besides bazaars, students often canvass for various causes by selling clothes, donuts and, more often than not, bubble tea. Now, you may be wondering, what has all these activities got to do with a Bizad module? Well, after Freshman Orientation Projects and Overseas Youth Expedition Projects, MNO1001 students are among those who set up stalls and booths around campus actively. You see, a major part of these management students' grades come from their projects, and one of our most readily available target audience is none other than NUS undergraduates ourselves! ExxonMobil Campus Concerts Twice every year, ExxonMobil sponsors an entire series of free admission concerts that takes place around NUS. Opening with a blast with the Timbre MusicFest on Campus in late August, this series of concerts provides NUS students a chance to let their hair down. While the spotlight of the concerts is definitely on the musicians and their gigs, there are also fabulous food and drinks to make the night absolutely perfect. Some of the concerts even have a lucky draw segment! Lovers' Park No list of NUS places is ever complete without a mention of the Lovers' Park right next to the Central Forum, though there is not much to do other than sit down and get bitten by mosquitoes, unless... well, the Lovers' Park is thus named for a reason, go figure!

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NUS Events Highlights

Looking forward to fun activities with your fellow friends? Heres a look at some of the most anticipated events in NUS! Rag and Flag Day This is an annual 2-part event organized by the NUSSU to mark the spirit of giving. o On Flag Day, NUS freshmen and seniors go around Singapore to raise funds for the different charity organizations. o On Rag Day, freshmen from 11 faculty groups and six NUS Halls of Residences will show their appreciation for the public donations by showcasing their customized, hand-made floats in a parade. In addition, they will also perform dances during the showcase.
o

Infusion (international fiesta)

o

Usually held in January or February, this event aims to bring people of different nationalities together! The International Fair will showcase the cultures of many countries and everyone is welcome to participate in the various games and activities held at the booths. Infusion serves as a platform for students to get to know more about each other as well as their cultures and traditions.

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IHG (inter hall games)

o

A sports event whereby students staying in halls will represent their respective halls in competitions such as basketball, volleyball etc.

IFG (inter faculty games)

o

Similar to the IHG, fellow students will represent their faculties in the competitions instead. Besides going for lectures together, why not join the IFG with your course mates too!

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A Semester in a Glance
Are you feeling excited for the start of the new semester or nervous about what the semester will bring? Fret not, for this timeline of the school semester offers you an approximate idea of what to expect as you study and have fun along the way. A few weeks prior to start of semester: As you get ready for life in NUS, be prepared to go for the compulsory medical examination, make necessary arrangements for accommodation, financial expenses etc but most importantly, to bid for modules to study for the semester! This is also a good time for one to participate in orientation camps to familiarize with the campus surroundings and also to expand your social circle. Week 1: Put aside all your inhibitions and take part in O-week and Rag Day before lessons start proper! Week 2: Lectures begin, providing you with the gist of what to expect for the modules, from the expectations of the lecturers and tutors, workload, difficulty and your interest in the module, so that you can gauge how well you can do for the module. Week 3: Cherish this week before tutorials, assignments and projects kick in. In week 3, remember to register for tutorials slots at CORS as they will begin in week 4 or 5. Week 4-6: Work starts to increase as deadlines for essays, lab practicals, presentations and projects are drawn. If you are starting to regret taking a certain module and struggling to cope, you can drop the modules at CORS and will get a W grade for the module around week 4. School is also bustling with groups raising money for overseas community projects, and promoting their events which are happening during recess week. Go ahead and relax by walking around various bazaars around school. Recess Week: The holidays are here! As much as you want to let loose, remember that some deadlines and mid-terms are due after. So manage your time well for both work and play. Do not forget to do your module verification exercise as well.

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Week 7-11: This is the steepest part of the mountain to climb in your journey as a student here. In week 7, you can get another chance to drop a module that you are struggling with, but sadly you will get an F grade for it. This busy period can induce increased stress levels and mood swings thus it is important to stay calm and focused as you plod through tons of work till late at night, love or hate cooperating with group members and feel conflicted between slacking and studying. Moral support from friends is a big boost in the midst of chaos. Week 12 & 13: This is the cooling off period before the exam mayhem. Most deadlines have already been met, while projects, presentations and essays have been graded. While you contemplate about the uncertainty of how the exams will be like, take the time to appreciate the company youve had throughout the semester. At the same time, do the online student feedback exercise and get 100 free bid points which you can use for modules in the next semester. This is also a good time to start on revision for the examinations as a lot of material has been covered which one simply cannot finish revising in a week. Reading Week: One thing left to do: study as effectively as possible. Try past year papers and write down notes for you to study more efficiently Exams! Examinations will take from one to two weeks, and will fly by in a blur. Check your exam schedule so that you can arrive early at the right place for the correct module to prevent any pre-exam panic. Holidays! Once exams are over, it is time to celebrate! Reward yourself for having gone through a tumultuous ride and you will realize how short 13 weeks of a semester really is. So chill!

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IV. Fun in the Sun: Beyond the Campus

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Interesting Places in Singapore

Singapore is known for its hustle and bustle, boasting well-known attractions and places such as Sentosa, Merlion and big shopping malls such as those in Orchard Road. Yet, Singapore also has quaint little treasures waiting to be explored by both locals and foreigners alike. Here is a list of unconventional places to visit whilst your stay here as a student. Have fun! Kampong Lorong Buangkok Hidden amongst trees surrounded by an urban landscape, one would not suspect that a rural area exists in Singapore! Built in 1956, Kampong Lorong Buangkok is the last remaining village left in the mainland and houses 28 families. This place provides a different perspective of Singapore life, where mostly derelict wooden houses with tin roofs, kampong chickens and stray animals abound. Thus, one feels like an explorer unearthing lost relics of a past civilisation. Take the time to talk to the residents as they reminisce about their fond memories of the village and their struggles towards preserving this area in land-scarce Singapore before the village disappears in the face of development. Singapore Science Centre and Discovery Centre Located at the Western part of Singapore (just a few MRT stops away from NUS), these two centres are a great place for some good, clean edutainment. The various attractions there allows one to immerse in a plethora of general knowledge and facts through experiential learning, much like a curious child wandering in a shop full of sweets waiting to be tasted. While Singapore Discovery Centre engages one with information about Singapore using interactive media, Singapore Science Centre promises interesting information presented in colourful and unique ways relating to topics ranging from climate change, space science to the mechanics behind optical illusions! Admission prices cost just ten bucks for each centre, thus you can have guilt-free fun without burning a pocket in your hole. The Offshore Islands For those who love nature, the outdoors and bits of history, myth and folklore, why not make a trip away from the mainland and relax in an island away from an island? Access is granted to these islands- Pulau Ubin, St Johns Island, Kusu Island, Sisters Island and Pulau Hantu (Ghost Island in Malay). While ferry services are

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provided for the first three islands, only a two-way trip by a 12-seater bumboat that one has to hire personally for a price is possible for the remaining two islands. Nevertheless, Pulau Hantu and Sisters Island pristine environment invigorates the true nature lover in you as you explore marine life in natural reefs and mangrove swamps and trek through forested areas. Though Pulau Ubin, St Johns Island and Kusu Island are slightly more developed, they too offer endless adventure and great photo opportunities as you take in the sights and sounds of nature through various leisure activities. Farms Singapore offers yet another surprise as a modern city, farms! Whether they are animal or vegetable farms, they offer fresh produce either delivered to markets around the mainland daily or available for purchase there but they are also great places to visit. Organize a group excursion with your friends to Hay Dairies Pte Ltd, the only goat farm in Singapore that is situated in the North-western part of Singapore and learn about the process of milking goats and benefits of goat milk. For veggie lovers, visit Bollywood Veggies and Kin Yan Agrotech Pte Ltd and walk around organically grown plants, from bananas and wheatgrass to cacti and aloe vera. Savour good food as well during cooking demonstrations and at Poison Ivy bistro for the latter. Try your hand at longkang (drain in Malay) and prawn fishing or indulge in a fish spa treatment at Mainland Tropical Fish Farm located at the east. Haunted places If you dare to question the unknown and seek spine-chilling thrills, try organizing a ghost trail with your friends around some of Singapores well-known haunted spots. From famous landmarks such as Old Changi Hospital and Fort Canning Park to ordinary places like our very own campus, good ghost stories and experiences await those who are brave enough to venture into the supernatural. For ideas regarding places to visit, you can always ask your Singaporean friends and also check out Singapore Paranormal Investigators (SPI) website. But remember to stay safe and go as a group so that you do not get lost at night. Good luck!

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Tourists checklist
One of the perks of being an international student is not only the academic opportunities provided in the course of your study, but also the immense potential to experience the unique culture(s) of your host country, Singapore! So during your stay here, why not make the best out of it? Heres a must-do, must-try checklist for the ultimate tourist! Places to go: Sentosa Universal studios Night safari (first night zoo in the world) Singapore flyer Esplanade Integrated resort (Marina Bay Sands & Resorts World Sentosa) Reverse Bungee Helix bridge Singapore River Heritage & cultural sites: Chinatown, Little India, Kampung Glam, Geylang Serai Pulau Ubin Things to eat: Chicken rice Laksa (vermicelli with curry soup) Chilli crab Durian Nasi lemak Bak chor mee (mince meat noodle) Wan ton mee (dumpling noodle) Kaya toast Bak kut teh (pork ribs soup)

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Char kway teow (fried rice noodles) Roti prata Satay Ice kachang (shaved ice)

Things to drink: Sugarcane juice Soya milk Grassjelly Soya milk + grass jelly mix Teh tarik (tea with milk) Singapore sling

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IV. Mapsaviours

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SMRT Map

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Notes

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