Discovering Singapore: My Exchange Adventure at NTU

Hi! My name’s Anthony, and I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to study abroad at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. If you’re considering studying here or just curious about student life overseas, I’m here to share my experience.

From the moment I arrived, Singapore’s unique architecture stood out. At Changi Airport, I was greeted by “The Wonderfall,” the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, setting the tone for the city’s futuristic design. This continues inside NTU, where “The Hive,” or the “dim-sum basket building,” serves as a hub for classes and study sessions. It’s an eight storey architectural marvel and a great place to immerse yourself in campus life.

NTU looks after exchange students very well. They provided a complimentary tour around Singapore and around their campus in the first two weeks of my exchange. This made settling in much easier, as I quickly got familiar with the university’s main sporting, canteen and academic areas and the city’s key attractions. The tour also helped me connect with other exchange students while immersing myself in Singapore’s vibrant culture.

Speaking of university life, the class structure is very similar to UTS. There is a lecture (with pre-lecture readings of course), followed by a tutorial. Since I am studying direct equivalents in the biological sciences field, I also had practical classes as well. The professors here also value collaborative work. From group discussions in tutorials to group presentations, there are always opportunities to get to know the local students more. However, lectures can last up to three hours, which took some getting used to! I quickly learned that making concise notes was key to staying focused and retaining information.

The university’s facilities are top-notch. The Lee Wee Nam Library has been my go-to study spot—it’s quiet, well-equipped, and most importantly, air-conditioned (a lifesaver in Singapore’s humidity). You could essentially live on campus; there are supermarkets, convenience stores, food canteens and gyms located all around the campus.

Life at NTU extends far beyond academics. With a diverse student body and countless clubs, there’s always something happening. I personally joined their basketball, soccer and mahjong club. I found the local students were very welcoming and never hesitant to fill you in on anything you needed to learn. Within your hall of residence, you will be immersed in several student events. These are mostly organised by the students within the hall itself and happen quite often. These include dinners, games, sporting events or simple catch-ups.

Studying at NTU has been an eye-opening experience. From world-class facilities to an engaging academic environment and a vibrant student life, it’s the perfect place to step out of your comfort zone. If you’re considering an exchange, I’d highly recommend Singapore—just be prepared for the heat, long lectures, and unforgettable adventures!

Anthony Feng
Bachelor of Molecular Biotechnology
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant

For more information about the UTS Global Exchange Program visit: www.uts.edu.au/thinkglobal