Secret spots for grad photos
Say goodbye to the usual backdrops. Let these Class of 2025 graduates show you unexpected, photogenic corners of familiar – and not-so-familiar – places around campus for your graduation photoshoot
by Kwok Pei Fang / Photos by Hillary Tan / Video by Kwok Pei Fang & Rahila Daud
1. Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Building foyer
How to get here: Look for the stepped seating near the Level 1 lift lobby.
Shaniah’s favourite spot:
“I like the rainbow-coloured lights that stream through the glass roof. I often walk through this area on my way to class, but I’d never really noticed how pretty the lighting is.”
Shaniah Kiew
Sociology
Shaniah is a runner-up in Mediacorp’s 987 STAR 2025 competition, a talent search that tested stage presence, vocal prowess, spontaneity and charisma. Keep your ears peeled for her fresh new voice on the weekend airwaves of 987FM.
2. Nanyang Lake lily garden
How to get here: Wander to the area behind Hall 1, near Nanyang Valley, and you’ll come across this garden with a water feature.
3. Halls 12 & 13
How to get here: Use the flight of stairs near 13 Bites to reach the amphitheatre nestled between Halls 12 and 13.
4. Nanyang Lake deck
How to get here: Head to the viewing deck near the playground and Microscopic Garden.
5. Nanyang Lake burdock garden
How to get here: From the food court at Hall 1, cross the road to Nanyang Lake near the junction of Student Walk and Tan Lark Sye Walk.
6. Lawn in front of Chinese Heritage Centre
How to get here: From the food court at Hall 1, cross the road to Nanyang Lake near the junction of Student Walk and Tan Lark Sye Walk.
7. Research Techno Plaza
How to get here: Head up the staircase at the foyer.
Grace's favourite spot:
“This place brings back many good memories, as I took a number of entrepreneurship classes here, some of which were at night. I like how I’m still discovering new things, like the blue-tinted lighting that illuminates the place.”
Grace Wiggins
Bioengineering and entrepreneurship
Grace creates content and hosts on the side for fun, and even bagged Shopee’s Superstar Creator title in 2024 for her engaging online presence.
Passionate about the biomedtech startup scene, she brings her flair for communication and pitching skills to this field. Earlier this year, her team won the top prize of $50,000 in an NTU entrepreneurship and innovation competition for a project aimed at revolutionising diabetes care.
8. Yunnan Garden
How to get here: Take the stairs in front of the Chinese Heritage Centre down to the garden, and look for the circular hedges near the replica of the Nanyang University Arch.
9. Crescent & Pioneer Halls
How to get here: Make your way to the pavilion beside Pioneer Food Court.
10. The Wave
How to get here: You’ll find this spot just across The Wave’s car park near Anytime Fitness on the ground level.
11. The Wave, Level 3
How to get here: From the passenger drop-off porch, turn right and take Stairs 1 near the car park up to the third floor.
Mazhai's favourite spot:
“I like this spot on the third floor of The Wave. I’ve taken exams in the sports hall and sometimes played football on the field, but this is my first time at this spot with a view of pure greenery. The timber structure and architectural design make it feel extra special.”
Mazhaimegan VS
Civil engineering
12. Nanyang Lake boardwalk
How to get here: Walk along the stretch of boardwalk near Hall 4 and the butterfly garden at Nanyang Lake.
This story was published in the Jul-Aug 2025 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
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