Getting Settled
Welcome to Singapore!
Singapore is well-connected with efficient public and private transport from all ports of entry, making it easy to travel from the airport to NTU.
You can travel conveniently across Singapore using:
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – fast and reliable train network
- Public buses – extensive coverage across the island
- Use an EZ-Link card or NETS FlashPay (available at MRT stations and convenience stores) or pay directly using contactless bank cards via SimplyGo. Note that cash is not accepted on the MRT but buses accept cash (exact fare only).
- Frequent travellers may consider concession or monthly passes.
Download Bus and MRT navigation apps (e.g., Google Maps, Citymapper).
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Common options include:
- Grab, Gojek, TADA, ComfortDelGro taxis (Only download official apps from trusted app stores.)
- Use the NTU Campus Map to locate lecture halls, hostels and facilities.
- NTU offers free campus shuttle buses connecting North Spine, South Spine, halls, and MRT stations.
- NTU Omnibus App is a good way to track shuttle timings and routes.
a. Mobile Services
Singapore has a plethora of telecommunication providers. There are online websites to help you identify the best fit for your needs.
- Providers include Singtel, StarHub, and M1.
b. NTU IT & Wi-Fi
- NTU students enjoy free campus-wide Wi-Fi (NTUSECURE).
- Set up your student account via NTU’s IT Services onboarding guides.
c. Wireless@SG
- Free public Wi-Fi across many locations in Singapore.
NOTE: Always practise safe browsing and protect your personal data.
- On-Campus
- NTU has multiple canteens, food courts, and cafes that cater to various dietary preferences: halal, vegetarian, international cuisine and more.
- Convenience stores and mini marts are available in halls and academic areas.
- Off-Campus (nearby options)
- NTUC FairPrice / Sheng Siong (groceries)
- Jurong Point & Jem (shopping and dining)
- IKEA (Jurong) for furniture
Tip: Check what furniture is already provided in your hall before buying. Consider second-hand platforms for cost savings.
All full-time international undergraduate students are covered under NTU's student insurance scheme, which provides access to essential healthcare support throughout their studies. The insurance package includes:
- Group Hospitalisation and Surgical Insurance – Covers eligible hospitalisation and surgical expenses.
- Group Specialist Outpatient Insurance – Covers eligible specialist consultations and treatments.
- Group Outpatient Clinical Insurance – Provides coverage for outpatient medical consultations and treatment.
- Group Personal Accident Insurance – Covers accidental injury, disability, and other accident-related claims.
In addition, NTU offers Student Travel Insurance for approved university-related overseas travel. Full-time matriculated students admitted in Academic Year 2019 or earlier are required to pay a premium to be covered under this scheme.
Students can access policy summaries, claim procedures, and insurance contacts through NTU One Stop's insurance portal.
NTU provides comprehensive medical and accident insurance coverage for international students, helping to reduce healthcare costs and ensure access to medical treatment, specialist care, hospitalisation, and accident protection during their studies.
Scams are increasingly common, especially targeting new students.
Do be vigilant against government official impersonation scams that involve the impersonation of officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and other government offices.
Be careful of fake requests of payment of tuition fee - https://www.ntu.edu.sg/announcements/it-security/public-advisory-tuition-fee-payment-scam
Visit https://www.scamshield.gov.sg/ for details and ways to protect yourself from scams.
Singpass is Singapore residents' trusted digital identity for convenient and secure access to thousands of government and private sector services, online and in person. You can apply online or at community centres once your Student’s Pass is issued and you have a local residential address. Click here for more information.
Uses:
- Update address with ICA
- Open bank accounts
- Access other government services
Two Factor Authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security to protect against unauthorized access to NTU services and data. It requires two methods to verify your identity, which include (1) something you know i.e. your Office365 account username (i.e. username@e.ntu.edu.sg) and password, AND (2) something you have i.e. your mobile phone or the Microsoft Authenticator app configured on your mobile device to authenticate access. This guide provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how you can complete the one-time enrolment process to activate 2FA.
- Many services use One-Time Passwords (OTP) and 2FA
- Never share your OTP with anyone
- Keep your email and phone secure
Students can open a bank account in Singapore after arrival by providing key documents such as their passport, valid Student Pass, NTU offer letter, proof of a local residential address, and initial funds. Once the account is set up, they are encouraged to apply for Interbank GIRO, a system that allows automatic payment of fees and other expenses directly from their bank account.
The GIRO application should be completed online after the bank account is opened, and the submitted form must be handed in to One Stop@SAC on campus. If students are unable to meet the submission deadline, they can still submit the form later. However, this may mean that their Semester 1 fees will need to be settled through alternative payment methods instead of GIRO.
- Local banks: UOB, DBS, OCBC
- Required documents typically include passport, Student’s Pass, and proof of address
- Remote bank account opening options may also be available before arrival. Check local banks for more information
Singapore is a largely cashless city. Common methods used for payment:
- PayNow (bank transfers)
- PayWave (contactless cards)
- Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
- EZ-Link for transport
Financial Aid (Subsidised Tuition Fee Students)
Students on subsidised tuition fees can apply for NTU financial aid through the Higher Education Student Loan (HESL), available from 1 July 2026. More details are provided on the NTU financial aid webpage.
Tuition Fee Payment Deadlines
- Non-subsidised students: Semester 1 fees must be paid by 3 July 2026.
- Out of the total fee paid, S$7,500 is non-refundable.
- If the student withdraws before Week 2 (21 August 2026), only the remaining balance (after deducting S$7,500) will be refunded.
- Refunds take over 3 months, and any exchange losses or admin fees are borne by the student.
- Subsidised students: Payment is due by September 2026.
- Student bills will be issued via the NTU portal in late August 2026, showing the payable amount and deadline.
- Students should stay alert for scam payment requests.
NTU Rules and Regulations
Familiarise yourself with:
Notable Singapore Laws
It is important to be aware of the local laws in Singapore.
- Vaping: Vaping is illegal in Singapore. Learn more about the penalties for vaping offences here.
- Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in most places and restricted to designated smoking areas. The minimum legal age for purchasing, using and possessing tobacco products in Singapore is 21 years old.
- Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol is not allowed in public after 10:30 PM.
- Drugs: Severe drug penalties apply (including the death penalty for trafficking).
- Self-help portals (NTU intranet & student services)
- Hall Buddies, friends, seniors, and student networks
- NTU support services: University Counselling Centre (UCC) is located at Level 2 of University Health Service Building, 36 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639801.
- Counselling
- After-hours psychological emergency line (PEL): +65 6790 4462. Please note that all calls made to UCC after office hours are managed by an external service provider.