Nicolas Del real, University of Southampton, Maths with Finance
Arrival in Singapore
Relocating to the other side of the world is always going to be a stressful experience. There were many time-sensitive to-do lists that I had to organise but Singaporeans are uber organised and I managed to get to my halls of residence in time to check in. The humidity and heat were a welcome change after the European January weather! NTU is pretty spectacular (as is Singapore). The campus is massive, with some real architectural gems, even though the dorms are basic. All the international students are paired up so it’s really easy and quick to meet people and make friends.
Academic Life at NTU
The modules I took had to be approved by the Maths department and the application process for modules at NTU is convoluted and nerve-wracking – you don’t know if you can take the necessary modules until you get there! Luckily NTU and University of Southampton were flexible and helpful and made sure that I was eligible to take the modules I needed to graduate.
Classes are relatively small with a mixture of lectures and seminars. As they are all recorded, it’s very easy to catch up or go over anything that you missed or didn’t understand.
Social Life and Travel
The social scene at NTU is vibrant and diverse. The international students tend to stick together to explore the city and even travel to nearby countries – everything is so relatively close.
Highlights in Singapore include Orchard Road, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island.
One of the biggest perks of studying in Singapore is its strategic location in Southeast Asia. I took advantage of the proximity to travel to several countries. My trips included Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia – all stunning and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Each trip added a new dimension to my cultural understanding and provided a refreshing break from academic life, even though it meant cramming when I got back.
Apart from the stunning scenery, the friendly people and the safe environment, I have to make a special mention of the food. So delicious, affordable and varied – although I don’t want to see another noodle for a while.
Reflections on the Experience
My study exchange program at NTU Singapore has been a transformative experience and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The exposure to a different education system, the diverse cultural interactions, and the opportunity to travel around Asia have broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined and I can thoroughly recommend it to all students. It’s an experience you will never regret or forget.
