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International student moving to Singapore
Posted: Thu, 26 Jul 2007 7:07 pm
by vuieeuivnzpi
Hey everyone, I'm a student from the US and I'll be studying in Singapore this academic year. I'm currently looking for apartments, which I've never done before anywhere, and I was wondering what is meant by a 'common room'? Does that literally mean like a room in the middle of other bedrooms that everyone shares (but I would be sleeping in)? I know that sounds silly, but I'd hate to get stuck with that.
Also, how reasonable is it to get a bike in Sg (eg is it always raining unpredictably or will I be killed by traffic)?
And if there are any NUS students reading, I'd like to know if there is time to get from one class to another as many of my classes are listed as flowing straight from one to the next without time in between.
Finally, what are the major cell phone carriers? Anything really different from the US system I should be aware of? Thanks!
Re: International student moving to Singapore
Posted: Thu, 26 Jul 2007 9:06 pm
by sundaymorningstaple
vuieeuivnzpi wrote:Hey everyone, I'm a student from the US and I'll be studying in Singapore this academic year. I'm currently looking for apartments, which I've never done before anywhere, and I was wondering what is meant by a 'common room'? Does that literally mean like a room in the middle of other bedrooms that everyone shares (but I would be sleeping in)? I know that sounds silly, but I'd hate to get stuck with that.
The common room is the same as the US "Living Room" The bedroom are normally attached to the common room or down a short hall of sorts. A master bedroom is a bedroom with a full bathroom attached (entrance to bothroom within the bedroom) A common Bathroom will usually be attached to the kitchen area. A master bedroom is the way to go but be prepared to pay 200~300 more for this (especially now that rents are escalating out of control at the moment). 
http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic41120.html
Also, how reasonable is it to get a bike in Sg (eg is it always raining unpredictably or will I be killed by traffic)?
I'm a couple of weeks shy of 60 and I still ride (bicycle I hope your talking about). Having said that in answer to your question, it's reasonable and yes it rains every day somewhere and always unpredictably and most probably you will be killed by traffic or an irate pedestrian now that they have finally allowed cyclists to ride on the sidewalks (not a good thing at all).
And if there are any NUS students reading, I'd like to know if there is time to get from one class to another as many of my classes are listed as flowing straight from one to the next without time in between.
Can't help you there, sorry.
Finally, what are the major cell phone carriers? Anything really different from the US system I should be aware of? Thanks!
US phones won't work here unless they have a removable SIM card and are tri-band. Singapore uses GSM-1800 while the US uses GSM-1900
This link should help to explain all: http://www.singaporeexpats.com/forum/ftopic41120.html
Posted: Sun, 29 Jul 2007 8:52 pm
by vuieeuivnzpi
Yes, I was talking about a regular old bicycle. Thanks for the great response. I'm here now and I love it so far!
Posted: Sun, 29 Jul 2007 9:02 pm
by vjsimon
Welcome to singapore bro..
Posted: Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:56 am
by vuieeuivnzpi
Thanks dude ^^
do you need basic household items?
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2007 3:19 pm
by angieharris
I have some basic appliances for sale because we're leaving the country.
I have kitchen stuff too. Small oven, blender, hand mixer, iron, rice cooker, fresh fruit juicer, rice cooker - all very cheap -must sell...but you're a guy and maybe you don't do kitchen stuff.
Angie 9239 3754
Posted: Fri, 03 Aug 2007 3:39 pm
by vuieeuivnzpi
I can't be sure of what I need until I see how much space I have
but I'll be living with a Chinese guy and I myself like rice so we would probably be interested in a rice cooker. If we need anything we'll contact you as soon as possible. Thanks
Re: International student moving to Singapore
Posted: Wed, 08 Aug 2007 9:13 pm
by headless
vuieeuivnzpi wrote:
And if there are any NUS students reading, I'd like to know if there is time to get from one class to another as many of my classes are listed as flowing straight from one to the next without time in between.
Hi.. i'm also an exchange student studying in NUS, I've been here since January.
The classes here usually start 10 mins after the stated time and end 10 mins before the stated time as well. so I'm sure you will have enough time to get to the next class.
Posted: Thu, 09 Aug 2007 5:31 pm
by vuieeuivnzpi
Ah great, haha. Thanks so much.
Posted: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 5:45 pm
by thuvan_t
Hi!
I'm an international student that will be studying in Singapore, NTU.
Are you undertaking an exchange scheme?? Because the University, or college you applied to, might have on site acomodation - which are cheaper than renting outside.