New to Singapore? Here’s Your SG Survival Guide 🇸🇬

friendshipsatsg22
2 days ago
2 min read

Welcome to Singapore! 👋

Starting school in a new country is exciting, but there’s also a lot to figure out — getting around, understanding local habits, knowing what to do when something goes wrong, and eventually figuring out what “chope” means.

So we put together the SG Cheat Code: Surviving & Thriving as an International Student in SG — a survival guide made with international students in mind.

What’s inside?

🚇 Get around without getting lost

MRTs, buses, ride-hailing, bicycles, EZ-Link cards — the guide covers the basics of moving around Singapore, plus useful transport apps to make life easier.

🇸🇬 Understand the Singapore things no one explains

Why are there tissue packets sitting alone on hawker-centre tables?

Why is everyone standing on one side of the escalator?

And yes, you really do need to return your tray.

We cover some of the everyday Singapore habits and culture shocks that can take a little getting used to.

🫠 When the honeymoon period wears off...

Moving overseas isn't always one big adventure.

There may be the initial “wow, Singapore is amazing” phase, followed by FOMO, homesickness, stress, frustration and eventually — hopefully — the point where Singapore starts feeling a little more familiar.

The guide walks through some of these transition stages and gives practical suggestions: observe, ask questions, try new things, connect with locals and give yourself time to adapt.

🆘 And because things happen...

Lost something on the MRT? Misplaced your student pass? Lost your bank card?

There’s also an SOS section with practical next steps and key emergency information, so you know where to start when something goes wrong.

Singapore doesn't have to feel like home immediately.

You don't need to understand everything in your first week — or even your first few months.

Explore the city. Try the food. Ask the “stupid” questions. Meet people outside your school and nationality. Learn some Singlish along the way.

And slowly, you’ll find your own rhythm here.

Welcome to Singapore. We’re glad you’re here. ❤️

👉 Check out the full SG Survival Guide below: SG CHEAT CODE — Surviving & Thriving as an International Student in SG