Recommended Housing Locations for International Students in Singapore

Finding the right place to live in Singapore can be challenging for international students. The city-state offers a wide range of housing options, but navigating the rental process and choosing the best location requires clear information and practical advice. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about renting in Singapore, from understanding the rental steps to identifying key neighborhoods and MRT stations near major campuses.

Singapore’s MRT system is the backbone of public transport, connecting students to campuses and neighborhoods efficiently. By referring to the map above, it helps students choose accommodation with easy access to their schools.

Rental Areas near Major Universities and Polytechnics

National University of Singapore (NUS)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Kent Ridge

Nearest MRT Stations: Kent Ridge (CC24), Haw Par Villa (CC25)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Clementi, West Coast, Bukit Timah

NUS is located in the western part of Singapore. Clementi is a popular residential area for students due to its amenities and transport links.

Nanyang Tachnological University (NTU)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Jurong West

Nearest MRT Stations: Pioneer (EW28), Boon Lay (EW27)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Jurong West, Boon Lay, Bukit Batok

NTU is further from the city centre, so students often live in nearby neighbourhoods with good MRT access.

Singapore Management University (SMU)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Downtown Core

Nearest MRT Stations: Bras Basah (CC2), Dhoby Ghaut (NS24 / NE6 / CC1)

Neighborhoods Nearby:Bugis, Rochor, Orchard

SMU’s city centre location means students can live in vibrant neighbourhoods with plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Changi Business Park

Nearest MRT Stations: Upper Changi (DT34), Expo (DT35 / CG1)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Pasir Ris, Tampines, Changi

SUTD is located in the east, with nearby residential towns offering affordable housing.

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Clementi

Nearest MRT Stations: Clementi (EW23)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Clementi, Bukit Timah, Dover

SUSS shares proximity with NUS, making Clementi a convenient choice.

James Cook University (JCU) Singapore

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Sims Drive

Nearest MRT Stations: Aljunied (EW9), Kallang (EW10)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Geylang, Aljunied, Kallang, Paya Lebar

JCU is located near the city fringe, offering relatively convenient access to central Singapore.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Bencoolen

Nearest MRT Stations: Bencoolen (DT21), Bras Basah (CC2)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Bugis, Rochor, Little India

NAFA students often choose neighbourhoods with artistic vibes and cultural diversity.

LASALLE College of the Arts

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Rochor

Nearest MRT Stations: Rochor (DT13), Little India (NE7 / DT12)

Neighborhoods Nearby:Little India, Bugis, Jalan Besar

The area is lively and artsy, fitting for creative students.

Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Stirling Road

Nearest MRT Stations: Queenstown (EW19), Redhill (EW18)

Neighborhoods Nearby:Queenstown, Redhill, Bukit Merah

MDIS students often find affordable housing in these mature estates.

Kaplan Singapore

(photo taken from Google search) Campus Location: Wilkie Edge

Nearest MRT Stations: Bras Basah (CC2), Bugis (EW12 / DT14)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Bugis, Rochor, Bras Basah

Kaplan’s central location offers many housing options close to the city.

PSB Academy (City Campus)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Marina Square

Nearest MRT Stations: City Hall (NS25 / EW13), Esplanade (CC3)

Neighborhoods Nearby:Civic District, Marina Bay, Bugis

Students here enjoy proximity to the central business district.

Singapore Polytechnic (SP)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Dover

Nearest MRT Stations: Dover (EW22)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Dover, Clementi, Bukit Timah

SP students often live in nearby residential estates with good MRT access.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Clementi / Upper Bukit Timah

Nearest MRT Stations: Clementi (EW23), King Albert Park (DT6)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Clementi, Bukit Timah, Dover

Clementi is a hub for polytechnic students due to its convenience.

Temasek Polytechnic (TP)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Tampines

Nearest MRT Stations: Tampines (EW2 / DT32), Tampines West (DT31)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Tampines, Pasir Ris, Simei

Tampines is a mature town with many amenities and transport options.

Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Ang Mo Kio

Nearest MRT Stations: Yio Chu Kang (NS15), Ang Mo Kio (NS16)

Neighborhoods Nearby: Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Yishun

NYP students often choose affordable housing in these heartland towns.

Republic Polytechnic (RP)

(photo taken from Google search)

Campus Location: Woodlands

Nearest MRT Stations: Woodlands (NS9 / TE2)

Neighborhoods Nearby:Woodlands, Admiralty, Sembawang

Woodlands offers quieter residential options with good MRT connectivity.

Choosing the right place to live as an international student in Singapore is a crucial step towards ensuring a successful and enjoyable academic experience. With a variety of neighborhoods to consider, each offering unique advantages in terms of affordability, amenities, and proximity to major universities, students can find an option that best suits their lifestyle and needs. By utilizing the information provided in this guide, including detailed MRT connections and popular residential areas, students can navigate the rental process with greater confidence. Ultimately, the right accommodation can enhance the overall experience of living and studying in this vibrant city-state, making it a memorable chapter in their educational journey.