Students seeking off-campus housing should begin their search before departing for Singapore. In fact, many students make it a practice to secure a room at a student hostel in neighbourhoods near NTU before their arrival. These include Boon Lay, Jurong West and Jurong East.
Student hostels
Located near NTU are student hostels with rooms for rent. These hostels are a short bus ride to campus and near amenities such as a shopping mall, supermarkets and food centres, where you can shop for essentials and buy your meals. They currently house many graduate students. Please approach the hostels direct for more information.
Rooms/ apartments offered by private home owners
Where to begin your search:
- NTU off-campus accommodation system
- NTU public folder (for postings by staff and students)
NTU email -> public folders -> Common (staff & students) -> Buy & Sell -> Rent
- the Internet, for e.g., http://www.mocca.com/
Guide to off-campus housing
Factors for consideration before beginning your search
- your budget
- location and proximity to public transport and shops
- journey to NTU
- size of the house/room
- whether it comes furnished or unfurnished
- date room/ apartment is available
- single vs shared occupancy
Viewing/ inspecting prospective housing
- you need not pay to inspect the room/ apartment
- view more rooms/ apartments to better assess whether a piece of property meets your requirements
- make a list and take notes and pictures of properties viewed for easier comparison
- inspect the room/ apartment thoroughly to ensure everything is in good working order
- ensure repairs are carried out by the owner before you sign the lease
- assess noise levels both by day and night to ensure you can sleep and study
- clarify all doubts and concerns before you sign the tenancy agreement
The tenancy agreement
The tenancy agreement is a legal agreement designed to protect the rights of the tenant and landlord by setting out all the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. Do research your rights and responsibilities before signing the tenancy agreement and related documents. Get promises for repairs and improvements in writing before signing the agreement and placing any deposit. Get a receipt for any money you pay with a description of what it is for and whether it is refundable.
Tips for harmonious living
- keep your room and common areas clean
- be responsible and maintain shared appliances in good working condition
- create an atmosphere of open communication with your housemates
- bring up concerns with your housemates in a calm and tactful manner and avoid letting tensions build
- respect your housemates’ privacy and opinions, and compromise on sensitive issues
- take into consideration the religious rules that your housemates observe when storing/ cooking food
- keep your religious rituals private
- keep noise to the minimum