You’re the protagonist of your own movie, starting a new phase of your journey. The road ahead seems daunting, but thankfully, you’ve got this handy guide to start you off. Here are nine things we think you should know, as advised by a senior who’s been through it all
by Bernadette Toh
1. FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC
Even the invincible hero needs their own team of friends along for the ride, and what better time to forge some new friendships than the present! Joining school clubs and hall activities is one of the best ways to bond. Take your pick, from outdoor activities for sports fanatics like mountaineering or dragon boating, to interest clubs such as blockchain or food craft, and leadership opportunities. Not only will you get to know other bright-eyed freshmen like you, you’ll also meet seniors who are able to give you great advice. Such opportunities are great for networking too, and who knows, you may even work on a fruitful collab.
(Psst, an enterprising group of current students are behind the four-wheeled FoodBots you may have spotted delivering meals on campus.)
2. SUPPER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF ALL
Get ready to say goodbye to your tightest pair of jeans, because supper is too good to say no to. It’s a culture of its own. Popular spots around NTU include the S11 Eating House students fondly call the “extension”. If you’re looking for on-campus places, the automated, unmanned Cheers store at the South Spine and 7-Eleven at Hall 2 are some great choices that offer a variety from snacks and instant meals to drinks. But for those too lazy to travel, there are other ways for food to be served right to your hall doorstep. Some hall delivery options include the Raydy food truck (@raydyntu) for bee hoon, Sloppy B Burger, or the classic way of ordering on delivery platforms. What better way to spend the night with your friends than a hearty chit-chat over a meal?
3. WORK IT
We’ve talked so much about food, and you might be starting to miss your pair of jeans. Well, guess it’s time to burn those calories. NTU has plenty of recreational facilities on campus, with most of them clustered at the Sports & Recreation Centre (SRC). Running on the track, hitting the gym, going for a swim, or even giving the rock-climbing wall a shot – you’re free to do any fitness activity you enjoy, but note that some activities require booking in advance with SRC’s office. Fitness corners are also available around campus such as at Yunnan Garden, which is not just an iconic photo spot but also a great place to reconnect with nature during a relaxing walk (and when you’re tired , the pavilions make for great resting spots). If your hall isn’t near SRC or Yunnan Garden, just hit the rubberised blue track nearby to clock those steps.
4. HANG ON TIGHT FOR YOUR CAMPUS RIDE
The campus buses students take most frequently are Campus Blue and Campus Red. (Now you know what “Let’s take red to North Spine!” means!) These Campus Loop buses circle the campus in opposite directions. The Campus Rider, on the other hand, takes us to the University Health Centre (how convenient!) and also off campus, to and from Pioneer MRT station. There are also Campus Loop Express buses that make fewer stops. A new campus app, arriving next month, will track arrivals and passenger volume, plus offer wayfinding with a chatbot. There’ll also be quieter rides soon when the campus shuttles are replaced by eco-friendly electric buses later this year. A tip: If the shuttle isn’t here yet, and you’re running late, the 179 public bus can be a real lifesaver.
PHOTO: @LV_XIANGONG
5. SUIT UP YOUR PHONE WITH THESE APPS
In this digital age, phone apps put everything into your pocket. Blackboard Learn places all your module-related information such as your syllabus and assignment into your device. A new all-in-one app coming up in a few months will make navigating life on campus a cinch – by letting you stay on top of your study schedule, pay fees, access resources and connect with your peers and profs any time. The NTU HEY! AR app brings augmented reality into this magazine so you can have 360° views of locations and a little fun with 3D objects. Use Microsoft Teams to get a group meeting going on a whim, especially if you need to run through a plan or presentation with your classmates. On a smart cashless campus, use apps for cashless payment that is available as an option across the university, including at the unmanned Cheers.
6. JUICE UP AND SCORE DEALS
It’s a Singaporean thing to circle back to food – so let’s put it back on the agenda. NTU has a total of 16 food courts, but that’s not all. Cafes, fast food joints and restaurants are within reach when you’re tired of the “can” food. Keep an eye out for deals, such as $2 LiHO bubble tea, or the flash sales at the North Spine bakery and Cheers at the South Spine. With your matriculation card, you can also get 1-for-1 deals or discounts of up to 50% at some restaurants off campus. Since Milo is a popular comfort drink of students and a quick way to refuel on the move, here’s a quick Milo guide for you:
Fine Food @ South Spine Milo
Good, but drink it quickly before the many ice cubes melt.
Canteen 2 Milo
Very sweet. Very, very sweet.
Canteen 16 Milo
Milo plus water. No milk, just water. For the lactose-intolerant you.
CresPion Canteen Milo
Pay a bit more, but it’s a solid drink in a huge cup.
McDonald’s Milo
If you know, you know. ;-).
Tamarind Canteen Milo
Not milo.
7. GROCERIES ARE A NECESSITY TOO
Like most students, you’ll find yourself going on grocery runs for food. But sometimes, we run out of toiletries or stationery too. That’s when the grocery stores on campus come into the picture. The North Spine’s Prime Supermarket and Canteen 2’s Giant are there for all your needs. Bring your PAssion card or apply for a Prime Supermarket membership card to get discounts on your purchase. Don’t forget to bring your own bag when you go shopping – save the turtles, please!
8. THERE’S A TEE FOR EVERYONE
Nothing screams NTU student more than a T-shirt with NTU printed in bold on the front. But it’s classic in its own unique way and comes in a wide variety of colours from darker shades like navy blue to pastel lavender. Students tend to dress in a more laidback style on campus, and the NTU tee is the perfect top to complete that fuss-free, easy look. Walk, don’t run, and find the one that fits you from the U-Shop at the North Spine Plaza or check out the school-exclusive editions that are up for sale at the start of every semester.
9. TAKE THE LEAP
Starting a new adventure can be intimidating. But with so much to discover and explore, your journey will also be filled with an abundance of enriching experiences. Don’t be afraid to try new things, such as joining clubs, signing up for activities, trying out interesting modules (there’s even a yoga class) or applying for exchange in a country you’ve always wanted to visit. Shoot for the moon. With so many opportunities ahead of you, now’s the time to take the leap.
HEY! STUDENT WRITER
Bernadette loves storytelling, from books to films to documentaries. In her free time, she hunts for the best teh peng in town.
This story was published in the Jun-Aug 2022 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
