Edit Guide 
About School 
Academics 
My Campus 
Student Life 
Surrounding Environment 
Accessibility Singapore Management University (SMU)
Located in Singapore, Singapore Management University (SMU) is ranked #10 in Asia and #34 in worldwide in the 2015 Financial Times ranking. Established in 2000, it has 6 schools offering undergraduate, graduate and PhD programmes in Business Management, Accountancy, Economics, Information Systems Management, Law and the Social Sciences. The SMU family now includes about 9,300 students.
Not sure what to expect? Check this video out!
School’s Main Website | International / Exchange Student Website
GPA requirement:
Please check with your home university for further information.
Language of instruction:
English
Courses:
A list of courses available for exchange students will be sent to applicants about 6-8 weeks before the start of the semester, as not all courses are available for exchange students. Course descriptions can be found in respective college’s webpage.
Note: Postgraduate courses are not open to exchange students and graduate students may only take undergraduate courses.
Language courses
Should you be interested in taking up language courses (Mandarin/Malay), you can opt for the classes offered by the university. Check course offerings for further information.
Flying Chalks’ tip: Some courses require students to fulfill pre-requisites that are listed in the online course catalogue.
Academic terms:
Fall Term/Term 1: Late August to early December
Spring Term/Term 2: Early January to late April
Summer Term/Term 3A & 3B: Late April to mid-July
Courses credit & course load:
Minimum course load = 2 SMU credits per semester
Maximum course load = 5 SMU credits per semester
Each full-credit course consists of 3 contact hours per week over 13 teaching weeks. Half-credit course has a total of 21 contact hours per semester.
Course registration process:
Registration for courses is via https://eservices.smu.edu.sg based on class availability and clash-free schedules on a first-come-first-serve basis. Registration dates will be emailed to all accepted incoming exchange students closer to the start of the registration date.
Should you not get the courses you wish to register for, you will bid for courses using the BOSS System (Online Course Bidding System) when the term starts. All exchange students are given e$100 to bid for the classes and the success of the bids are based on the amount placed.
Attendance policy:
Attendance usually counts to your class participation grading. For different professors, there are different class participation grading weightage.
Campus map:
Singapore Management University's campus map can be found here!
Selected facilities:
Gymnasium and Fitness Centre
Singapore Management University has a gymansium and fitness centre located along the concourse under School of Information Systems that is accessible to all students free-of-charge.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (7.00am – 10.00pm); Sat (7.00am – 6.00pm)
Swimming pool
Located on the sixth floor of the Administration Building, the swimming pool is accessible to all students. There is also a sauna room in the pool area. Lockers and shower rooms are available. You must wear a proper swimsuit.
Opening Hours: Mon (11.00am – 8.00pm); Tue – Fri (7.00am – 8.00pm)
Flying Chalks' tip: Take note of block bookings at entrance!
Li Ka Shing Library
Li Ka Shing Library is SMU's very own library with 4 levels and which is accessible for free for all SMU students and staff. The library collections include over 360,000 printed and electronic books, access to over 80,000 print and electronic journals, more than 160 electronic databases, over 16,000 SMU research publications, and oral history collection. Students and staff can have access to public computers, bloomberg printing machines and photocopy machines on level 2 to level 4, and scanning machine on the level 3. Eight bloomberg terminals are also available in the Investment Studio on level 3.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8.00 am to 12.00 am
Saturday: 10.00 am to 9.00 pm
Sunday: 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm
*Depending on the period such as exam period, there can be changes in the opening hours.
Kwa Geok Choo Law Library
The new library at the SMU Law School open its doors in 2017 providing access to the print law collection, including bookings, law reports and law journals. The library is accessible to all student.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 8.00 am to 10.00 pm
Saturday: 10.00 am to 9.00 pm
Sunday: 1.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Food on campus:
Singapore Management University has one main food court “Koufu” that provides a variety of cuisines, from local dishes to international cuisines, like Korean, Japanese and Western. In addition, there are other eateries and cafes scattered around the campus like Swissbake, PastaMania, 1983, Subway, The Tea Party, Hong Seng Curry Rice, O' Coffee Club Xpress, Shine Korea, SMOObar, The Bahn Mi Club and Chillax Cafe.
Flying Chalks’ recommendations:
- The eatery serving Western food in Koufu is one of the hot favourites amongst students. Be sure to check it out!
- The Tea Party located at School of Economics/Social Sciences is highly popular amongst students for its value-for-money pasta.
- Hong Seng Curry Rice located at School of Economics/Social Sciences is an eatery serving rice with side dishes and topped off with curry
Flying Chalks’ tip: Presenting the SMU Student Card grants you a 10% discount at Koufu and Food Republic food courts!
Campus transportation:
Within the campus, you can get from one building to another easily on foot.
Singapore Management University offers you one of the most vibrant student life experiences that one can ask for in Singapore! With student clubs from 4 non-schools Constituent bodies (Arts & Cultural Fraternity, SMU Sports Union, SMU Xtremists, and Special Interest & Community Service Clubs), there are about 92 clubs for you to explore and discover!
Orientation program:
You will be welcomed to the school through a mandatory orientation program that includes an important briefing on academic, administrative matters and upcoming social events. You will also have the opportunity to interact with other exchange students and local students.
Buddy program:
The buddy program in Singapore Management University is organized by SMU ICON where upon successful sign-up, you will be paired with a local student. These buddies will be of great assistance to all international students since they know where best to get good food and where to visit in Singapore!
Student clubs:
There is one main student club which has their activities specifically catered to international students:
International Connections (ICON)
SMU ICON is a student organization under the Office of Global Learning (OGL) in Singapore Management University that helps international students settle down in Singapore. It organizes various activities and programs for cross-cultural learning and to forge friendships with both international and local students. There are welfare drives, festive celebrations, and the annual Peace Day and Food Festival organized for all international and local students to partake in.
SMU ICON Contact Information
Blog: http://icon.smusa.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smuicon/
University events:
Singapore Management University offers a vibrant campus for its students by hosting many events round the year.
Patron’s Day
Held on January, Patron’s Day is a special day in SMU that commemorates SMU’s birthday and honours their patrons. It is a carnival-styled event with games, delicious food, exciting competitions, and performances till late at night.
Waikiki
Organised by SMU Sports Union, Waikiki is an annual beach party with exciting competitive sports like Soccer, Softball, Tug of War, Frisbee, Volleyball, and Touch Rugby for all to take part in. Looking for a day out under the sun with exciting beach games? Waikiki is for you!
Starry Nite
Held at the end of every semester, join the night party with good music and alcohol where students celebrate the end of semester before starting an intense week of revision for the final examinations.
SMU Peace Day and Food Festival
Every September, SMU’s annual peace day celebrations are held to commemorate the spirit of peace amongst nations. Some of the signature events include the traditional Peace Pledge and the observance of one-minute silence to remember those who fought for peace.
U+ Arts: SMU Season of Arts
Happening from August to November/January to April, U+ Arts: SMU Season of Arts is an annual Arts Festival that serves as a platform to showcase the kaleidoscope of arts practices flourishing on campus.
Singapore Management University’s campus is located in the city center that is extremely accessible with lots of food, entertainment, and shopping!
For food:
Around the campus, there are many restaurants, eateries, fast food restaurants and shopping malls with food stalls where you can find a variety of cuisines!
- Leong Yeow Famous Waterloo St Hainanese Chicken Rice is a famous chicken rice stall in Waterloo Centre coffee shop. Check this place out for some authentic delicious chicken rice!
Address: Blk 261 Waterloo Street #01-29 Waterloo Centre (Near Bras Basah MRT)
- Parklane Zha Yun Tun Mee House at Sunshine Plaza serves really good Yun Tun Mee (Wanton Noodles) and Fried Yun Tun (Fried Wantons).
Address:91 Bencoolen Street #01-53 Sunshine Plaza (Near School of Economics)
While you’re there, do check out Thai Gold Food that serves authentic and flavourful Thai dishes!
- Another good and affordable Thai restaurant to check out is Aroy Dee Thai Kitchen, famed for its Phat Thai, Pineapple Fried Rice, Chicken Green Curry and Thai Milk Tea!
Address: 262 Middle Road (Near School of Economics)
- Craving for some affordable sushi and sashimi? Head down to Standing Sushi Bar on weekday nights (except Fridays) for discounted sushi and sashimi!
Address: 8 Queen Street #01-03 Singapore Art Museum (Near Bras Basah MRT)
- Some other shopping malls with a variety of food:
- Raffles City Shopping Centre (City Hall MRT/Near School of Business);
- Plaza Singapura (Dhoby Ghaut MRT/Near School of Economics);
- The Cathay (Near Dhoby Ghaut MRT/School of Economics)
- Located close to LASALLE College of the Arts are cafes and eateries such as LOWECASE Café, nestled within LASALLE itself (Blk D #01-01, 1 McNally St, Singapore 187940). The school is located right next to Rochor MRT station, walkable distance from SMU School of Economics/ Information Systems.
Flying Chalks’ tip: Eateries are in abundance in Singapore hence more often than not, you will be able to fund “hidden jems” (Just keep walking).
For nightlife and entertainment:
There are cinemas at both The Cathay and Plaza Singapura where you can head to for movies after classes! You can also find bars, clubs and KTV (singing rooms) around the area. For a vibrant nightlife scene, you can take the MRT to Clarke Quay Station (North East Line) – a place with many bars and pubs by the Singapore River!
Flying Chalks’ recommendations:
- Closer to SMU (Town):
Bistro bars with good food, drinks & music
- Timbre @ The Substation (Near School of Business); Switch (Near Admin Building)
Affordable bars
- FIV五 Izakaya Bar (16 Collyer Quay #01-05B or 25 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace);
- Harry’s @ Boat Quay (28 Boat Quay);
- Orgo Bar & Restaurant – more pricey but with an Alfresco concept on the roof terrace of The Esplanade (8 Raffles Avenue #04-01 Esplanade-Theaters on the Bay, Roof Terrace)
Clubs
- Zouk Club (17 Jiak Kim Street);
- Attica (3A River Valley Road #01-03 Clarke Quay); Club Kyo (133 Cecil Street); Home Club (20 Upper Circular Road), The Butter Factory (1 Fullerton Rd)
Karoke
Teo Heng KTV Studio (9 Bras Basah Road #02-03 Rendezvous Hotel Gallery, near School of Economics) is highly popular amongst students for its affordability. It has outlets located all around Singapore.
- Other areas in Singapore:
- Holland Village is the to-go place if you are in search for live music and bars at night.
- Apart from Holland Village, you can take the Downtown Line towards Telok Ayer MRT. Across the street from Telok Ayer MRT is Club Street that links up to Cross Street and Ann Siang Hill where an alcove of bars and restaurants can be found.
- Kilo Kallang, located at Kampong Bugis is a hidden gem, great for late night drinking and parties
For daily necessities and groceries:
Apart from the “mama stores” and abundant convenience stores strewn around the area, do also check out these stores for daily necessities and groceries.
Flying Chalks’ recommendations:
- Nearest supermarket to SMU:
- Raffles City Shopping Centre Marketplace (Premium supermarket with international brands);
- NTUC Fairprice Supermarket @ Blk 1 Rochor Road #01-640 (near Bugis Station). Prices at NTUC Fairprice,
- Giant Hypermarket and Sheng Siong are competitive and affordable.
- For cheap daily necessities, you can visit:
- Mustafa Centre (near Little India Station),
- Daiso (Plaza Singapura at Dhoby Ghaut station) and
- Value Dollar stores.
- Should you need any furniture or electrical appliances, check out IKEA Tampines, Courts and Japan Home.
For shopping:
Head down to the heart of Singapore – ORCHARD Road! Walking distance (or just 3 stations) away from SMU, it is a paradise for all shopaholics out there. From clothes to shoes, bags to accessories, there is definitely something out there for you!
Starting from ION Orchard shopping mall, you can go via underground walkways to other malls like Wisma Atria, Ngee Ann City, 313@Somerset and Orchard Central.
Flying Chalks’ recommendation: The shopping haven – Bugis street is easily accessible via the Downtown or East West line especially if you are on a tight budget. It is also one of the best shopping places in Singapore offering the latest and trendiest fashion at affordable prices.
Singapore Management University is located in the city center and is most commonly accessed via the MRT by alighting at Bras Basah Station (Circle Line).
If you’re getting to School of Business, you can alight at City Hall Station (North South/East West Line) and take a 5-10 minutes’ walk.
If you’re getting to School of Economics, you could alight at Dhoby Ghaut Station (North South/North East/Circle Line) and take a 5-10 minutes’ walk.
Getting from Changi Airport to your Accommodation:
Private Pickup Service (Limousine & Large Taxis)
If you have a larger group, private pick-up services are available from the 24-hour Ground Transport Desks located at the arrival halls of all Changi Airport Terminals.
The rates are as follow:
4-seater limousine: SGD 55.00* per departure from airport
7-seater large taxi: SGD 60.00* per departure from airport
Note: Top up SGD 15.00 per additional stop
More information on the above can be found here!
Taxi Services
Although taxi is the most comfortable and convenient mode of transport (especially when you have lots of luggage), it also the most expensive. Taxi services can be acquired from the Arrival Halls of any airport terminal. Fares are metered and there is an additional Airport surcharge for all trips originating from the Airport:
Amount | Times |
$5 | (Fri – Sun, 5.00pm to midnight) |
$3 | (All other times) |
50% of final metered fare | (Midnight – 6.00am) |
25% of final metered fare | (Mon – Fri, 6.00am to 9.30am;
|
By Train (Mass Rapid Transit, MRT)
Taking the MRT is the most affordable option to get around Singapore. Travelling from Changi Airport to the heart of Singapore requires only less than an hour!
Rides can be paid through a stored-value EZ-Link Card which can be purchased from ticketing counters in train stations.
Otherwise, single ride tickets can be purchased at all train stations.
Directions (to city):
All the trains and gantries at the stations are luggage-friendly. From the Arrival Hall, head for Changi Airport MRT station located at Terminal 3. Then take the train towards Tanah Merah interchange.
Transfer to the westbound train towards Joo Koon at Tanah Merah station.
Directions (to SMU):
From Tanah Merah Interchange, transfer to the westbound train towards Joo Koon and alight at Paya Lebar Interchange. Transfer to the Circle Line towards Dhoby Ghaut Station. SMU is conveniently located at Bras Basah MRT station.
For more information, click here!
Flying Chalks’ recommendation: This option is recommended for students who are on a tight budget but it might get burdensome with all your luggage as you are not assured a seat on the train. Do also note the train timings in order not to miss it:
Destination and Direction | First Train | Last Train | ||
Mon - Fri | Sat | Sun / PH | Daily | |
East-West Line | 05:43 AM | 05:43 AM | 06:13 AM | 11:45 AM |
East-West Line | 05:14 AM | 05:14 AM | 05:44 AM | 12:25 AM |
East-West Line | 05:19 AM | 05:19 AM | 05:47 AM | 11:18PM |
Find out the first and last trains of the specific stations here!
By Bus
If you’re heading to the city, take public bus service 36/36A to the city. It is estimated to cost $2.50 and takes about an hour to get to the city via bus. You can pay using a stored-value EZ-Link Card (purchased at Changi Airport train station or from any Changi Recommends store) or by cash in exact amount.
If you’re travelling to your accommodation out of the city, check out the Transport Fare Calculator to estimate the cost of your ride.
Directions: Head down to the basement of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to the bus bays where the bus stops are located.
