SINGAPORE ESSENTIALS
New journey, new chapter — and we’re here for all of it.
Whether you're flying in from halfway across the world or starting your very first semester away from home, navigating life in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why we created this site — a cozy corner of the internet filled with tips, tricks, and real talk about studying and living in Singapore. From food hacks to cultural quirks, budgeting to making friends, ICON’s here to help you settle in, feel at home, and make the most of your SMU experience. 🌏💼🍜
Explore, bookmark, and don’t be shy — this is your guide, and we’re just a message away. 💬( ๑˃̶ ꇴ ˂̶)✨
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Useful Lifestyle Mobile Applications
From food delivery services to hailing a cab — or even snagging a good deal — having a few handy apps can go a long way in making life more convenient, especially in a tech-savvy place like Singapore!
Ride-hailing & Taxi Services
Grab
Gojek
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ComfortDelGro
All fares are shown upfront, and you can choose the type of vehicle that suits your needs.
Public Transit
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MyTransport
Includes a subway (MRT) map of Singapore and useful features for navigating public transport. Provide real-time bus arrival times and let you bookmark frequently used bus stops for quicker access to updates.
Citymapper
Offers detailed step-by-step directions for getting around Singapore, including estimated travel times and transfer info.
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Google Maps
A reliable app for navigating the city—helps you find the fastest routes and transit options to reach your destination.
Food
Food Deliveries
GrabFood
FoodPanda
Deliveroo
Food Deals
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You can make restaurant reservations in advance and enjoy deals such as up to 50% off or 1-for-1 promotions.
Helps you search for food based on cuisine and location as well.
Eatigo
Chope
Burpple
You can find a McDonald’s and Starbucks almost anywhere in Singapore!
Redeem Offers
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McDonald’s
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Starbucks
Weather
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MyEnv
Shopping
Clothing and Other Goods
Shopee
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Lazada
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Zalora
EZbuy
*Online marketplace to buy and sell goods
Carousell*
Grocery
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Fairprice
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Sheng Siong
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Cold Storage
Cheap Grocery Shops
+ Neighbourhood shops
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Japan Home
Daiso
Entertainment
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Fave
Get cool deals on food, activities, beauty and more!
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Shopback
Get cashback for your purchases from participating merchants
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Popcorn
Book movie tickets and check out what's showing in the local theatre
Banking
to easily transfer money via your phone number
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DBS PayLah!
Paynow
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Google Pay
You can also make payment for several food/ clothing items using the features in the apps listed above such as GrabPay, FavePay, AliPay and DBS PayLah!
Check out these services to make life a little easier — just remember to stay vigilant and watch out for scams!
Messaging
Telegram
This is one of the most essential apps you'll need at SMU. With the heavy emphasis on group work, Telegram is the go-to communication platform for most students. You'll use it frequently to stay in touch with group mates, keep up with school updates, and discover new opportunities.
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Zoom
Online classes are typically conducted via Zoom, so it's a good idea to get familiar with the platform early on.
Microsoft Teams
These platforms are also commonly used for online group meetings and project discussions. Make sure to set up accounts for them to stay ready for collaboration.
The Art of Connecting
Mobile Phones
How to stay connected & choose which provider?
Main providers on the market
Other plans to consider
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Each service provider offers different types of subscription plans; you can compare and choose the subscription plan that meets your needs.
All major telcos in Singapore offer similar service quality, so it's best to compare individual plans before choosing.
Opening a Bank Account
A bank debit card is very convenient and useful while you are here living in Singapore! You are advised to get one immediately as you confirm your residence spot and settle in.
Super convenient to pay anywhere using PayWave & PayNow services.
All banks in Singapore allow the use of PayWave & PayNow, as well as granting customers access to Internet Banking (IB), just download the respective bank application and set up your online account, and you are ready to go!
Transportation
Click for the SMU Interactive Map!
MRT Stations Near School
City Hall (EW13/NW25) Green & Red line
Bras Basah (CC2) Yellow line
Bencoolen (DT21) Blue line
Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1) Yellow, Purple and Red line
Bus
Singapore has more than 300 buses to take you to almost every street. While this offers the benefit of sending you to the doorstep of your destination, the journey usually lasts longer than a MRT ride.
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The fastest and most convenient means of transport- especially when you're running late. Taxi fares may be expensive and there are considerable surcharges at peak hours. Be sure to check out the various taxi hailing apps to get the best price.
Payment System
EZ Link
You can pay for public transport with your prepaid EZ-Link card. While coins are accepted for bus rides, they are rarely used. The EZ-Link card is sold at all MRT stations. It costs $10 to buy one, which comprises a one-time, non-refundable fee of $5 and a value of $5 for your transport payment.
SimplyGo
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With SimplyGo, you can use your contactless bank cards or Mastercard/Visa cards for fare payments. Your train and bus fares will be processed and charged to your bank account or credit/debit card bill directly.
Online Payment System
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As you obtain your bank account & credit card, PayNow & PayWave can pretty much allow you to make most of your transfers that you will need. Many modern bank cards can double up as EZ Link cards as well. You may check with your bank while setting up your account if you wish to activate this service.
Concession card: Enjoy significant savings as an SMU student!
The concession card charges a fixed amount of fee monthly and allow unlimited rides to the entitled mode of transport, based on the concession scheme you sign up to:
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The bus concession pass $55
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The MRT concession pass $48
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The Hybrid concession pass (a combination of Bus and MRT concession) $81
Without concession, students are charged adult fare ~ $1.19+ per trip!!
To apply, proceed to any Transit Link concession card replacement office with a passport-sized photo, your passport and student card. Alternatively, you can apply for a tertiary EZ Link Card which is personalised. The procedure for this will be sent to you via The Office of Admissions and handled by Student Services Hub.
Note:
You may also use your EZ-Link card to operate laundry machines in Prinsep Street Residences (PSR).
Food Recommendations
Must-try Singaporean Dishes
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and that is truly evident in the cuisine which draws inspiration from the various regions in Southeast Asia. You may have heard of the famous Chicken Rice, Laksa and Hokkien Mee. But there are just so many exciting dishes awaiting in Singapore- the list is truly endless, but here are some must-try (perhaps not as common) dishes to get you hyped and ready!
*This is still not the end! We hope you discover your favourite dishes in Singapore. Remember, the best way to start a conversation with locals is to talk about the food!
Places to get hometown snacks
Please note that these are just suggestions from ICON Cultural Clubs!
🏠SMU Freshies’ Guide to Housing in Singapore🏠
SMU Campus Housing
TIPS: Dorm spaces are limited and competitive. Apply early!
Use online housing platforms to search for alternatives:
TIPS: Look for accommodations near MRT lines like the Downtown Line (DTL) or Circle Line (CCL) for easier daily travel to SMU.
TIPS: Also, check your travel time to school; the ideal time is not more than an hour.
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HDB Room Rental
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Public housing, usually the most budget-friendly.
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You’ll be living with the homeowner or other tenants.
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Whole Unit Rental (HDB or Condo)
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Renting the entire flat — best if you’re sharing with friends or want full privacy.
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Higher cost, so be mindful of your budget.
02
Condo Room Rental
More expensive than HDB, but often comes with facilities like a pool and gym.
1. Compare prices across different listings.
Budget range for shared rooms: SGD $700–$1,200/month depending on location.
2. View the room in person whenever possible before committing.
3. Talk directly with the landlord or agent to clarify:
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Rent and deposit terms: Most rentals require a 6-month to 1-year lease minimum (HDB) and a 3-month rent (Condo).
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Utilities and WiFi: Sometimes included in rent; always double-check!
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House rules
4. Read the contract carefully before signing. Don’t rush your decision
☕️Singapore Kopi Guide for Freshies ☕️
Singaporean “kopi”, also known as Nanyang coffee, is a traditional Southeast Asian coffee beverage that is typically strong, dark, and served with condensed milk and sugar. It's a staple in local coffee shops such as Kopitiams and hawker centres. The unique flavor comes from robusta beans roasted with butter or margarine and sometimes other additives, then brewed in a cloth sock.
*You can also do the same for Teh (tea), like “Teh-C Peng” = iced tea with evaporated milk!
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Kopi at hawker centres or kopitiams: SGD $1.20 – $2.00.
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Iced kopi (Peng): Usually $0.20 – $0.50 more.
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At cafes, local kopi-style drinks may be slightly pricier ($3+), but still cheaper than Western-style lattes.
Simply order your kopi combo to the stall vendor.
“Auntie, one Kopi C Kosong Peng, da bao!” (Takeaway iced coffee with evaporated milk, no sugar)"
Don’t be afraid to repeat or clarify — they’re usually friendly once they know you’re learning!
For a Fast Grab:
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Koufu @ SMU Basement – Local kopi, bubble tea, toast sets
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Toast Box / Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Bras Basah Complex/Raffles City) – Best for a traditional Singapore breakfast
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Starbucks (SMU Concourse) – Reliable & fast
Mr. Bean (Bras Basah MRT exit) – Soy milk & pancakes
For Study Vibes:
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Starbucks (Lazada One) – Great quiet spot with charging ports
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Kurasu (Waterloo Centre) – Hidden gem, minimalist Japanese coffee shop
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Twenty Grammes (Queen Street) – Waffles + coffee combo, 5-min walk from campus
