Mass Rapid Transport (MRT):

Singapore boasts one of Asia’s most comprehensive train systems that allow commuters to get to all parts of the city easily.

Flying Chalks’ recommendations: There are many free mobile applications that you can download to help navigate Singapore’s MRT system.

For Android users, you can download “Singapore MRT and LRT FREE by RoarApps”.
For IOS users, you can download “Singapore Transport Map by OnDemandWorld”. To calculate the cost of your ride, click here.

To begin your commuting journey, simply purchase an ez-link card at any of the TransitLink Ticket Offices, Concession Card Replacement Offices or Passenger Service Centres located at most MRT stations. It costs $12 with a stored value $7 for use and you can top up your card at all General Ticketing Machines at all SMRT and SBST stations.

Find the interactive version of the map here.

SMRT & SBS Buses:

Apart from trains, buses are another convenient mode of transportation to get to your destination. Click here to navigate to your destination in the fastest way possible!

Taxi:

Taxis are plentiful and safe, but slightly costly in Singapore.

Taxi Fares (as of March 9, 2016)

Flying Chalks’ tip: for an estimation of your taxi fare, click here. You can also take Uber or Grab Taxi (via respective apps) during off-peak periods.

Taxi Booking Contact Numbers:

CityCab / Comfort Taxis – 6552 1111

SMRT Taxis – 6555 8888

TransCab – 6555 3333

Premier Taxis – 6363 6888

To set up a bank account, you would require:

• Passport (original and photocopy)
• Student's Pass or Letter of Acceptance from the school
• Matriculation Card (if available)

Once a bank account (savings or current account) is open, the bank will usually issue a cheque book, an ATM card with deposit / withdrawal functions and a PIN for phone or online banking.

Each bank has different requirements to open an account, with differing minimum balances and service charges.

Major Banks in Singapore:

1. DBS Bank Ltd

Closest Outlet to Queenstown Campus:

DBS Holland V Branch

Holland Village, 118 Holland Avenue #02-05 Singapore 278997

Business Hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am to 4.30pm, Sat 8.30am to 1.00pm, Sundays and Public Holidays Closed

Closest Outlet to Orchard Learning Centre:

Plaza Singapura Branch

68 Orchard Road #B1-25 Plaza Singapura Singapore 238839

Business Hours: Mon - Fri 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM, Sat 10.00 AM to 2.30 PM

*Opening hours vary for each location. Find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.

Homepage: DBS Website

Customer Service: 1800 111 1111; +65 6327 2265 (from overseas)

2. OCBC Bank

Closest Outlet to Queenstown Campus:

Holland Village Branch

20 Lorong Mambong Singapore 277679 (with Premier Banking centre)

Business Hours: Mon – Fri 11.00am to 7.00pm, Sat: 11.00am to 1:30pm, Sundays and Public Holidays Closed

Closest Outlet to Orchard Learning Centre:

SMU Frank Store

70 Stamford Road #B1-43 Singapore Management University Singapore 178901

Business Hours: Mon – Fri 9.00am to 4.30pm, Sat/Sundays and Public Holidays Closed

*Opening hours vary for each location. Find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.

Homepage: OCBC Website

Customer Service: 1800 783 5911; +65 6363 3333 (from overseas)

3. United Overseas Bank Ltd

Closest Outlet to Queenstown Campus:

UOB Branch - Holland Branch

211 Holland Avenue #01-12 Holland Road Shopping Centre Singapore 278967

Business hours: Mon - Fri 9.30am to 4.00pm, Sat 9.00am to 12.30pm

Closest Outlet to Orchard Learning Centre:

UOB Branch - Orchard Branch

230 Orchard Road #01-230 Faber House Singapore 238854

Business Hours: Mon - Fri 9.30am to 4.00pm, Sat 9.00am to 4.00pm

*Opening hours vary for each location. Find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.

Homepage: UOB Website

Customer Service: 1800 222 2121; +65 6222 2121 (from overseas)        

Flying Chalks’ tip: Singapore is one of the top financial hubs in the World. Hence, chances are that you will be able to find your preferred bank operating in the country!

For local mail, you can post by 7 pm from Monday to Thursday and by 8 pm on Friday. It takes one working day to deliver the mail.

You can locate the nearest SAM kiosk to your location here.

Flying Chalks’ tip: Shipping rates vary according to destinations, weight etc. Click here for postage rates and delivery time!

Medical Institutions available in Singapore are:

• Raffles Hospital (nearest to Orchard Learning Centre)

• Singapore General Hospital

• Alexandra Hospital (nearest to Queenstown Campus)

• KK Women’s & Children Hospital

• National University Hospital

• Tan Tock Seng Hospital

•  Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

• Changi General Hospital

Those on a budget usually go to polyclinics to treat their illnesses. Guides to Polyclinics and the services offered can be found at here.

Flying Chalks’ tip: There will always be a long queue at the local polyclinics. Hence, be prepared for the wait.

Medicine

You will find pharmacies like “Watsons” and “Guardian” in most major shopping malls. You can purchase both prescription and over-the-counter drugs for colds, headaches, and other minor ailments.

Singtel has prepaid SIM cards with different values ($8, $15, $28, $38, $50). A good deal would be the $50 hi! SIM Card as you get a $100 value + FREE 5GB Local Data. This is available at Singapore Changi Airport. Do note that you will require either your passport or student pass to purchase a SIM card. There are also Top-Up Cards for you to top-up the value in your card.

To find a Singtel store near you, check it out here.  

2. 

Starhub has prepaid SIM cards with different values ($8, $15, $32, $50). A good deal would be the $50 Happy Prepaid SIM as you get a $50 value + 5GB Local Data (valid for 30days upon activation) + FREE 100GB Local Data (valid for 5 days upon activation). Do note that you will require your passport to purchase a SIM card. There are also Top-Up Cards for you to top-up the value in your card – available at all 7-Eleven, Cheers, and Starhub retail outlets.

To find a Starhub retail outlet near you, check it out here.

3. 

M1 has prepaid SIM cards with different values ($5, $15). A good deal would be the $15 M Card as you get a $18 value + 500MB Local Data (valid for 30days upon activation). Do note that you will require your passport to purchase a SIM card. There are also Top-Up Cards for you to top-up the value in your card – available at all 7-Eleven, Cheers, FairPrice Xpress, M1 shops and exclusive distributors.

To find a M1 store near you, check it out at here.

Flying Chalks’ tip: Prices of prepaid SIM Cards are competitive across all providers, so you might want to compare the rates of calls, SMS and data for a better deal.

Important Contacts:

Weather:

Singapore is a tropical country where it is summer all year round. Temperatures usually range from 28-32 degrees Celsius, with frequent rain.