Four years, many versions of me: The lessons I learnt outside the syllabus
What can hall hangouts, nail polish and a German classmate’s question teach you? For final-year student Gwenneth Teo, some of NTU’s biggest lessons happened outside the classroom.
by Gwenneth Teo
“How have you changed from Year 1?”
This question was posed by an enthusiastic prospective student at an outreach event. My initial reply was simple: “I have grown more confident and experienced fun things, such as exchange and unique modules.”
But when I sat with the question a little longer, I realised there was much more to my answer.
Fresh out of the COVID-19 batch of polytechnic students in 2023, I entered NTU as a communication studies undergrad eager for the elusive “full campus experience”.
Here are a few of the lessons I’ve learnt outside the syllabus, and what else I hope to do before saying goodbye to NTU without regrets.
At Victoria’s Peak in Hong Kong, where my teammates and I spent two weeks scouring for stories as part of an overseas journalism class. Read about my reflections in the next issue of HEY!.
Hall taught me to say "yes" before overthinking
Staying in Hall 4 in my first year taught me to be more independent.
Before university, I didn’t have to do my own chores, and I liked to be in bed by 11pm to unwind with a TikTok scroll. Late-night hangouts felt uncomfortable and unfamiliar at first, but I challenged myself to say yes without thinking too much.
Those hangouts at my friends’ rooms, mahjong games, and supper runs became things I looked forward to after a long day of lessons. My mates became my support system as I got used to university life.
Our block faced a forest, so we occasionally had tiny visitors in our rooms. I fondly remember being called in to help my hallmates late at night – although my bravery vanished the moment an insect took flight.
Having friends a door knock away, even just for company on a laundry run, was one of the highlights of my year in hall.
Doing good can start with nail polish
A club that does manicures for charity? Yes, you heard that right.
Joining WeeNails, a pay-as-you-wish student initiative at my school, helped me meet like-minded peers while doing something meaningful.
Between classes, we paint the nails of fellow students and donate the proceeds to a different charity each semester. We’ve supported causes ranging from the local Paralympic council to art programmes for persons with disabilities.
The experience taught me that doing good doesn’t always require grand gestures. We can all make a difference using the strengths and interests we already have.
The small but mighty WeeNails team at our school’s yearly Halloween event.
Exchange helped me break out of my bubble
Before spending a semester in Tokyo during my second year, I was sceptical when friends came home and dramatically mourned the end of their time abroad – usually by flooding my Instagram feed with nostalgic stories.
But after going through it myself, I’m not ashamed to admit my stance has flipped by 180 degrees.
My main goal was meeting people from around the world after a senior told me her biggest regret was sticking mainly to Singaporeans during her exchange.
The friends I made in my daily Japanese classes became the cornerstone of my semester abroad. Through them, I got a glimpse of lives vastly different from mine – people who grew up horse-riding, hiking mountains and watching baseball matches in stadiums.
What struck me most was how they connected through their interests rather than their achievements. Our conversations made me think about who I was beyond my grades, university and career plans.
On exchange, my friends weren’t particularly interested in my university or major. They wanted to know if I was having fun. They planned weekend treks, watched live sports matches, and visited Pokémon cafes and card stores. I found myself having nothing to share when it came to my interests.
I’d often blamed Singapore’s small size and how pricey some hobbies can be for limiting my options. But at some point, I realised I could take more initiative to try something new.
Once, I mentioned that I enjoyed nature. My German friend, who loves hiking, then asked: “Why don’t you hike?”
“It seems exhausting,” I replied. Then it hit me: I’d ruled it out without even trying.
Between hall life and exchange, I’ve become more willing to say yes to unfamiliar things. I’ve since picked up several sports for fun, and in June, I went on my first hike.
When my German friend liked my Instagram stories about it, that little notification meant more than she probably realised. It reminded me of our conversation – and how much my outlook had changed.
Now, my first piece of advice to anyone heading off on exchange is simple: step outside your “Singaporean friend bubble”.
My classmates at Rikkyo University in Tokyo came from around the world, including Mexico, Ivory Coast and the US. Together, we immersed ourselves in the local culture, enjoying ramen and sushi, visiting temples and singing karaoke until 2am.
Friends make the world go round
The phrase “a burden shared is a burden halved” is indeed true. The friends I’ve made at university are the ones I turn to when I face difficulties, especially as I find my feet in journalism.
We have a close-knit cohort of journalism students in my school and we regularly share the challenges we face in class and at work. When I have trouble finding newsmakers or shaping a story angle, my course mates offer perspectives I haven’t considered and connect me with people who become central to the story.
When I’ve felt burnt out and unmotivated, hearing them say they understand and faced the same obstacles has been hugely comforting.
As my parents didn’t attend university, I sometimes felt I had less guidance navigating university life and career choices than friends whose parents did. But with my friends beside me, I don’t have to figure out life as a young adult and journalist on my own.
Our advanced photojournalism class of 12 created a zine exploring Gen Z’s life experiences, from careers to relationships, and organised a launch for friends and family.
What I'll treasure in my final year
In my final year, I want to treasure what makes the NTU campus feel like home.
One is spending time with the campus cats. A few minutes with a feline friend is a lovely way to de-stress. Don’t ask how many photos of them I have on my phone.
A common position you’d find me in at NTU – welcoming lap cats and snapping way too many photos.
For juniors, I highly recommend eating your way around campus. Trying new food was one way I spiced up mundane lunch breaks and friend meetups. My picks are the Maggi yong tau foo at the School of Biological Sciences, Crespion’s caifan (go early!) and Hall 14’s banmian.
My advice to juniors
Whether it’s trying a new lunch spot or spending a semester abroad, I’ve learnt to be more open to experiences outside my comfort zone.
I came to NTU wanting to do well in my courses and get good internships. I didn’t expect university to change me so much. My time here has pushed me to stretch my skills and taught me to be a better person and friend.
There are many big decisions in university – like whether to stay in hall or where to go on exchange – which will shape who you are.
No student’s journey is the same, so embrace all the possibilities and enjoy the ride. And say yes to something new, even if it feels a little scary.
HEY! STUDENT WRITER
Gwenneth is a final-year communication studies student. Her fondest memory of exchange is watching the sun rise behind Mount Fuji on Enoshima island with friends at 4am.
This story is part of the Sep-Oct 2026 issue of HEY!. Read other stories from the issue here.
