Details

• Singapore
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

Before applying, take some time to really look inward and consider whether you’re ready to live far away from home. Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to immerse yourself in completely different cultures and meet people from all over the world. Singapore, in particular, is an incredible opportunity to experience Asian culture while still being in a highly organized and accessible environment, so you’re not being thrown completely into “cold waters.” Give yourself time to craft a thoughtful motivational letter. And when choosing a university, pay close attention to its location. Some campuses aren’t in the city center, which was a crucial factor for me when selecting SMU.

2. Accommodation

I would recommend starting your search early, there are lots of options. You can either team up with other students and rent a whole flat together, or look for a place on your own. I rented a room in a shared flat with people I didn’t know, but I got lucky because two of them turned out to be SMU exchange students as well. I wanted to live in the city center, which is why I chose that apartment. The building also had a pool and a gym, which was a nice bonus. It was quite expensive, though, so you need to decide whether it’s worth spending a bit more for the five months you’re there. Some areas are better located, such as CBD, Orchard, and Newton. Other neighborhoods are a bit farther out, which can get annoying. Don’t stress yourself by taking the first available option, take your time, and you’ll be able to find something that fits your budget.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is really modern, and the central city location is amazing. Classes usually have around 40–50 students, which creates a familiar atmosphere and makes it easy to connect with professors. The academic culture is a bit different from Vienna. Students tend to be quite competitive, and because there is a curve system, meaning your grade is adjusted based on the class average, people will sometimes try to bring down each other’s work. That said, there are many exchange students, which makes the classes fun and more relaxed. Attendance is almost 100%, so that’s something to keep in mind when choosing your courses. I selected mine so that all my classes were on Monday and Tuesday, which was perfect for traveling. There is also a course bidding system that you need to get familiar with, it can be a bit challenging at first. Overall, I would say I liked the academic experience, but it is definitely demanding. You need to put in the work if you want good grades.

5. Every day life in the host country

Singapore is an extremely safe country. As a woman, you can comfortably walk alone at night. This safety is largely due to the very strict laws, so it’s good to be aware of that. Public transport, especially the MRT, is super easy to use, and otherwise there’s Grab, which works like Uber. At the beginning of the semester, there were lots of events for exchange students, so it was very easy to meet new people. Every Wednesday, most bars and clubs have ladies’ night (free entry ;) ). SMU also offers lots of sports opportunities. I didn’t participate myself, but I heard they’re very good.

6. Testimonial

All in all, going to Singapore was the best decision I could have made. At first, I only planned to apply to European universities, but I’m so grateful I stepped out of my comfort zone and chose Singapore instead. Being so far away from home for a few months was incredibly refreshing, being able to gain perspective, and experience a completely different culture. At the same time, Singapore is small and well-organized enough that it never felt overwhelming. I was able to travel so much and visit so many countries. Each trip was unique, and the experiences I collected along the way were unforgettable. The people I met, both local students and other exchange students, were truly amazing, and many of them have become close friends. I genuinely had the best time. I can only recommend SMU to anyone considering an exchange abroad. The combination of the city, the university, the people, and the opportunities made it an experience I will always cherish. I wish you all the best on your own exchange journey, don’t be afraid to take a leap and explore something new. It might just turn out to be one of the best things you ever do. Feel free to reach out :)