Living in Singapore as an International Student: What to Expect

Published: 24 March 2026

Moving to a new country for your studies is always an exciting adventure, and for many, that dream destination is Singapore. This vibrant city-state warmly offers a world-class education alongside a memorable cultural experience. Still, we know settling into any new place always brings questions, from daily living to local customs.

That’s precisely why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide, packed with essential insights designed to support foreign students in Singapore. We'll cover everything from crucial practicalities like cost and transport to adaptation tips, all aimed at helping you make a well-informed decision and smoothly transition to life here. 

Singapore: Weighing Up Your Study Destination

When evaluating Singapore as your potential study destination, it's helpful to think about the pros and cons of living here. Here’s a look at what makes this city stand out, both in its advantages and some common considerations for international students.

Pros

Let's start with the many compelling benefits that make Singapore a top choice for international students: 

• High-Quality Education: Singapore is renowned for its excellent academic standards, offering globally recognised Degrees and a robust learning environment where English is the primary medium of instruction.
• Global Hub & Connectivity: Positioned in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore provides easy access to explore diverse cultures and offers fantastic connectivity for travel.
• Multicultural Environment: You'll find a beautiful blend of cultures, languages, and traditions living side-by-side, making for a truly diverse and enriching experience.
• Strong Economy & Career Opportunities: Singapore boasts a thriving economy, and for those considering post-study careers, it presents a wealth of professional growth opportunities. 

Cons

Of course, like any destination, there are also a few aspects to keep in mind:

• High Cost of Living: While it's a common perception, expenses in Singapore, particularly for accommodation, can be higher than in some other study destinations.
• Hot and Humid Weather: Get ready for tropical temperatures year-round! Adapting to the warmth is part of the experience, but air-conditioning is widely available.
• Small Geographical Size: Unlike larger countries, Singapore is compact, meaning less vast wilderness to explore, but it makes up for it with efficient urban planning and green spaces.
• Strict Rules and Regulations: Singapore is well-known for its adherence to laws. While this might seem daunting initially, it contributes significantly to the country's renowned safety and order.

Your Well-Being: Quality of Life and Renowned Safety

Your personal well-being and safety are paramount when choosing a place to live and study. Fortunately, Singapore shines in these areas, offering a living environment that allows you to focus on your studies with peace of mind.

High Quality of Life

Singapore consistently ranks highly for quality of life, and for good reason:

• Efficient Infrastructure: From seamless public services to modern amenities, everything here just works. This means less time worrying about logistics and more time for your studies and social life.
• Green City, Clean Environment: Despite being a bustling metropolis, Singapore is incredibly green with lush parks and a commitment to cleanliness, providing a pleasant living space.
• Diverse Culinary Scene: Prepare for a foodie paradise! From affordable hawker fare to international gourmet dining, your taste buds are in for a treat.
• Excellent Healthcare System: Singapore boasts a world-class healthcare system, so you're well taken care of throughout your stay.

Renowned Safety

Perhaps one of Singapore's most celebrated attributes is its safety. So, if you're wondering, is Singapore safe? The answer is yes!

• Low Crime Rates: The country maintains incredibly low crime rates, making it one of the safest cities globally. This means you can walk around confidently, even at night.
• Sense of Security: There's a tangible sense of security that permeates daily life, which is invaluable when you're away from home.

• Importance of Adhering to Local Laws: While strictness is a characteristic, it directly contributes to this high level of safety and order, ensuring a harmonious environment for everyone.

   

Navigating Daily Life: Practicalities for International Students

Beyond the big picture, living in Singapore means navigating the everyday practicalities. Let's break down the essentials to help you transition smoothly.

Cost of Living – Making Your Budget Work

Since Singapore can be an expensive destination, making informed choices is crucial to make your budget work. Here’s a realistic breakdown of key costs:

• Accommodation: This will likely be your largest expense. When looking for student accommodation, options range from purpose-built student hostels to renting rooms in HDB (Housing Development Board) flats or shared private apartments. Prices vary based on location and amenities.
• Food: Your food budget can be very flexible! Hawker centres and food courts offer incredibly delicious and affordable meals (often S$5-S$8). Regular dining at mid-range restaurants will, of course, increase your expenses. Cooking at home from groceries bought at supermarkets or wet markets is the most budget-friendly option.
• Utilities & Internet: Essential services like electricity, water, and internet will be recurring monthly expenses. These can be shared if you live with housemates.
• Miscellaneous: Don't forget to budget for personal care items, study materials, occasional entertainment, and social outings.

For more in-depth financial tips and tricks, we highly recommend checking out our budgeting strategies for students.

Getting Around: Transportation

Getting around Singapore is a breeze thanks to the country’s efficient public transport system.

• Reliable Public Transport: The MRT (train) and bus networks are extensive, clean, and connect almost every part of the island.
• SimplyGo EZ-Link Card: Your best bet is to get a SimplyGo EZ-Link card for convenient travel. You can also use your credit or debit card for contactless payment, which is completed with a quick tap.
• Ride-Hailing/Taxis: While public transport is your go-to, private ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek, as well as taxis, are readily available for convenience, though they are a more expensive option for regular use

Staying Healthy: Healthcare Access

Singapore prides itself on its high standard of healthcare, which is accessible to international students.

• High Standard of Healthcare: You'll find modern medical facilities and highly trained professionals across Singapore's healthcare system, where efficient processes generally lead to reasonable wait times.
• How International Students Access Services: Most international students will need to arrange their own student health insurance. However, if you're a full-time student at Kaplan, this is already taken care of through our group medical insurance scheme. It provides coverage up to S$30,000 per year and includes subsidised consultations with affiliated GPs. For everyday health needs and non-emergencies, polyclinics offer consultations, or you can opt to visit private clinics for more immediate access.
• 24/7 Emergency Services: In case of any emergencies, hospital Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments operate 24/7, so you can rest assured that urgent care is always available.

Connecting: Mobile Plans & Internet

Staying connected with family and friends, and for your studies, is simple in Singapore.

• Ease of Getting SIM Cards: You can easily purchase a prepaid SIM card upon arrival from various telcos or convenience stores.
• Prepaid vs. Post-Paid: Prepaid plans offer excellent cost control as you only pay for what you use, and they come with various data bundles. Post-paid contracts are also an option if you prefer a monthly bill.
• Campus Wi-Fi Availability: Your educational institution, like Kaplan, will provide Wi-Fi access on campus, which helps reduce your mobile data usage.

Embracing Singapore: Culture, Community & Adaptation Tips

Wondering what it's like to live in Singapore culturally and become part of its community?

Cultural Nuances

Singapore is a fascinating melting pot of cultures:

• Multicultural Society: It's home to a diverse population with strong Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian influences, reflected in everything from festivals to food.
• English as the Working Language: English is widely spoken and is the primary language of business and education, making communication easy for international students.
• Respect for Different Cultures/Religions: Singapore places a high emphasis on multicultural harmony and respect, which you'll experience firsthand.
• Foodie Culture: Food is a national obsession! Be prepared to explore an incredible variety of cuisines when living here.

Tips for Adapting

Thinking about how to approach your new environment? Here are some tips:

• Be Open-Minded and Curious: Embrace new experiences, try different foods, and learn about local customs.
• Connect with Local and International Students: Your university or institution will have orientation programmes and student clubs that are great for making new friends.
• Explore Beyond Tourist Spots: Venture into local neighbourhoods, wet markets, and heartland areas to see authentic Singaporean life.
• Be Aware of Local Customs/Laws: While we've highlighted Singapore's strictness as a positive for safety, it's also good to be aware of rules regarding littering, chewing gum, and public transport etiquette. This ensures you contribute positively to the well-ordered environment.

Master Your Experience: A Fulfilling Study Journey in Singapore

So, is Singapore a good place for students to live? Definitely!

With its blend of high-quality education, renowned safety, and a well-developed living environment, this city offers an incredibly valuable study abroad experience.

By applying the useful strategies shared in this guide, you'll find that any initial financial strain or adaptation challenges can be easily overcome. Now, you're well-prepared to fully immerse yourself, learn, grow, and explore this amazing city, ensuring you make the absolute most of your time as an international student.

Ready to experience life while studying in Singapore with confidence? Learn more about the supportive environment and world-class programmes, from Diplomas and Bachelor’s Degrees to Master's Degrees, at Kaplan today!