Details

• Singapore
• BBE-18
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Even though the first round of the application process at WU is quite well structured, it still requires early planning. I would strongly recommend starting the preparation phase as early as possible, especially when it comes to choosing partner universities, as I personally struggled for quite some time to find the right fit. Creating a clear overview of all required documents (e.g. transcript, motivation letter, language certificates) was extremely helpful. In particular, starting the motivation letter early is important, as it gives you enough time to revise it and ask friends or family for feedback. For the motivation letter, it is crucial to clearly explain why the exchange fits both your academic background and your personal goals. I found it especially helpful to read previous exchange reports and to talk to friends who had already completed an exchange semester. In terms of preparing for the semester abroad, I would strongly recommend arranging accommodation as early as possible, especially in competitive housing markets like Singapore. I personally struggled with finding accommodation because we started relatively late. Additionally, researching visa requirements and health insurance well in advance can help avoid unnecessary stress shortly before departure.

2. Accommodation

SMU provides a comprehensive list of recommended accommodation providers and is generally very supportive when it comes to housing-related matters. However, most official SMU housing options are primarily intended for students staying for a longer period and are therefore usually not available for exchange students. At the beginning, the accommodation search can feel quite overwhelming, as it is not immediately clear how and where to find suitable housing in Singapore. We eventually found a private apartment in Geylang through The Assembly Place, a provider recommended by SMU. The accommodation itself was very good and fully sufficient for our needs, offering four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a shared kitchen. While the neighborhood is not considered one of the most attractive areas in Singapore, the price-performance ratio was very reasonable. In terms of location, the apartment was well connected by public transport. Commuting to SMU by MRT took less than 30 minutes door-to-door and worked reliably at all times. The apartment was also located close to the Geylang River, which is a great area for jogging and offers a nice running route towards the National Stadium. In general, the area is well suited for various sports activities such as swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Singapore is an extremely safe city, and this was also true for Geylang. I never felt unsafe, even when walking around the neighborhood late at night. One thing I wish I had known beforehand is that for a slightly higher budget, it is often possible to find comparable accommodations in more central or attractive locations, sometimes even with additional amenities such as a swimming pool.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus infrastructure at SMU is outstanding. The university is very modern and centrally located in the heart of Singapore, which makes it extremely convenient for daily student life. Most campus buildings are connected via underground walkways that also lead to food courts, shops, and MRT stations, allowing students to move around comfortably regardless of the weather. The academic culture at SMU is noticeably more competitive compared to WU Vienna, mainly due to the bell curve grading system. Nevertheless, the overall atmosphere among students is very positive, and local students in particular are extremely friendly, supportive, and open to collaboration. Teaching at SMU is conducted almost exclusively in small groups and is highly interactive. Classes often include quizzes, discussions, and continuous participation, all of which contribute to the final grade. This leads to a very engaging learning environment but also requires consistent preparation throughout the semester. Compared to courses at WU Vienna, classes at SMU are generally more interactive and involve significantly more group work, which can be seen as both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on personal preferences. In terms of difficulty, more quantitative and math-heavy courses tend to be more challenging than at WU. In contrast, courses in management or business-related fields are comparable in difficulty or slightly easier than at WU Vienna.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transportation in Singapore is, in my opinion, among the best in the world. The MRT and bus system is extremely well organized, reliable, and very clean, which makes getting around the city easy and convenient. One minor downside is that public transport usually stops operating around midnight, which can be slightly inconvenient when returning home after going out late at night. In terms of safety, Singapore feels exceptionally safe. I never felt unsafe at any time, regardless of location or time of day. This greatly contributes to the overall quality of everyday life. Social and leisure activities are very diverse. At the university, there are numerous student initiatives, sports clubs, and academic societies, including finance-related clubs. Connecting with other exchange students is also relatively easy, especially during the first weeks of the semester. There are many events organized specifically for exchange students at the beginning of the semester, which I would strongly recommend attending, as they are a great opportunity to meet new people and build a social network quickly. Nightlife and clubbing in Singapore is very enjoyable, although it is generally not comparable to major European cities. Sports options are excellent both at the university and throughout the city. Many facilities are state-subsidized, which makes them very affordable. For example, through the ActiveSG program, gym access is available for around 2 euros per day, and tennis courts can be rented for less than 5 euros.

6. Testimonial

I loved my exchange semester in Singapore. For me, it was the perfect balance between studying, traveling, and enjoying a high quality of everyday life, including sports and social activities. Having been to Southeast Asia before, I did not feel the need to travel extensively, as life in Singapore itself was already very fulfilling. However, for students who have never been to Asia, I would highly recommend exploring the region, as short trips to places like Kuala Lumpur are definitely worth it. Overall, I found the people, the lifestyle, and the environment incredibly inspiring, forward-looking, and personally enriching. One minor aspect I missed over time was the European bar and café culture. In Singapore, there are fewer casual bars or cafés that are both cozy and affordable. Going out for a beer often means visiting places like Boat Quay or Clarke Quay, which, while being among the more affordable options, can feel somewhat artificial compared to the atmosphere one is used to in Vienna or other European cities. Nevertheless, I still had a great time going out, but this was one aspect of everyday life that I occasionally missed.