NUS1101 Freshman Kickstart Magazine AY16/17 by The Ridge

NUS1101 FRESHMAN KICKSTART MAGAZINE

FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HARD STUFF

16 APPS TO THE RESCUE

Finding your way around NUS

CAMPUS MAPS

PRINTING PUZZLES

SHUTTLE BUS HACKS

20 ACROSS OCEANS

MODULE MADNESS

22 PLANNING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE

Where to go when you are lost

18 NUS LIBRARIES

Finding your way out of the NUS “Libraryinths”

Print like a pro on campus The trials and tribulations of student exchange

From a seasoned traveller

MTBI Personality Types

How to use CORS, NUSMods, myISIS, etc.

FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF Photo: “Faces of our Family” by Emily Lui, Year 1 Business

24 CCAs

Which CCA should you join?

26 IS FIRST CLASS HONOURS REALLY THAT IMPORTANT? The myth of the first class honours

28 Five Tips for Real learning in NUS Tips for learning effectively

30 CAMPUS FASHION STEREOTYPES What’s hot (or not) around school

32 CLASS PART, CLASS FART?

Is class participation really that important?

35 BEING AN EX-POLY KID IN NUS

One ex-poly student talks about the challenges facing adjusting to NUS life

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE

STAYING ON CAMPUS 38 HALL OF FAME: CAMPUS RESIDENCE The “nitty gritty” stuff on applying to halls

40 FOOD

Where to eat, best food on campus

45 SUPPER SPOTS

Favourite spots for supper lovers

NUS SECRETS 48 MAKING YOUR CAMPUS WORK FOR YOU Making full use of your new environment

53 FRUGAL FRESHIE

7 free things to look out for

56 UNLOCKING YOUR NUS DISCOUNTS Using your NUS matric card

MY NUS LIFE 58 FACULTY CLUB PRESIDENT’S MESSAGES

Advice from our faculty club presidents

61 NUS BUCKET LIST

Things to do before you graduate

FRESHMEN ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES 68 NEXUS

Information on NUS Freshmen Orientation Programmes

70 NUSSU RAG & FLAG

The largest performance organised by NUS annually

72 NUS Student’s UNION NUSSU At a glance

74 NUSSU INITIATIVES

Your student benefits!

75 HELPLINES

Who to call when you need help

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Editorial Board EDITORS

Yu Pei Fern Wendy Wong Shumin Try Sutrisno Foo Elizabeth Kamaldin

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chiam Da Jian

DESIGNERS Chiam Da Jian Hor Jen Yee Sun Lixin Teo Geng Hao Vivian Yeong

WRITERS FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HARD STUFF Daniyal Hakim Drishti Baid Elizabeth Kamaldin Ian Ling Irene Arieputri Kelman Chiang Ng Ching Peng Sara Lau Teresa Widodo Try Sutrisno Foo Varsha Sivaram

FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF Andrew Lim Digital Senior Elizabeth Kamaldin Jerlyn Ng Rohit Mukherjee Tan Huisan

STAYING ON CAMPUS Darian Tan Nicholas Ong

NUS SECRETS Daniyal Hakim Wendy Wong

MY NUS LIFE

Alisa Maya Ravindran Oh Han Siang

FRESHMEN ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES Chiam Da Jian

PUblications standing committee Andrew Koh Claire Ann Abraham Tan Li Ting

Editor’s Note “Why did you apply to NUS? Why not elsewhere?” It’s a question you will find yourself answering and asking fellow freshmen as you enter your first year of undergraduate life at NUS. While you might give the same response every time, you probably will hear answers vastly different from yours. Everyone has come to study at NUS for their own reasons and from backgrounds as diverse as Singapore’s social fabric. Some may be more similar than others. Some of us may not even have answers or ones that speak of some deeper meaning – truth be told, when I entered NUS as a freshman, my most compelling reason was the affordability of a local education compared to the overseas universities I had been accepted to. But what I’ve learnt in these past four years is that none of our reasons for coming here really matter. Nor do the various roads taken to come here. What truly matters is that you are all here now and have the next three to five years to grow, and there couldn’t be a better place than NUS for you to learn more about yourself and the world we live in. Because while an education anywhere is one worth having, an NUS education is an experience that is not to be missed.

We, your seniors, welcome you into NUS. This magazine –NUS1101– is our gift to you. Find out about everything from academics (p. 26, Is First Class Honours Really that Important?), the logistics of printing in school (p. 19, Printing Puzzles), to our definitive guide on the best calories to consume on campus (p. 40, Best Food on Campus). We tell you about the things we wished we had known before plunging head first into student life, so that you can take your first steps to Kent Ridge with ease. We wish you all the best in the road ahead.

Yu Pei Fern Deputy Chief-Editor, NUSSU The Ridge 31st Editorial Board.

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE

President’s Message By Loo Weng Heng | President National University of Singapore Student’s Union

Dear freshmen, Welcome to NUS! On behalf of the NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU), it brings me great joy and pleasure to receive you as you embark on this new chapter of your life. The entrance into university marks the beginning of a great new adventure, and I believe that this will be enriched with colourful memories and wonderful experiences. This new 2016/17 academic year offers you a more flexible grading system as compared to previous years. Given this opportunity, you are most welcomed and encouraged to take up more modules beyond your degree discipline to broaden your perspective, and explore the various student activities available on campus at the same time. The comprehensive education that NUS offers - be it through interaction with faculty members, student initiatives, or exchange programmes and colleges - will be crucial to help nurture your academic strengths, promote your personal growth, and encourage your creativity. In NUS, you will find yourself wholly immersed in an international setting and surrounded by peers with varying opinions and interesting insights. It may be unfamiliar to some, if not most of you, but this is where we grow together as one big NUS community - to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the change and diversity before us. The key is to keep an open mind, to listen carefully, think critically, and manage conflicts through reason. This journey may not be an entirely smooth one, but, nevertheless, keep striving relentlessly to overcome the challenges you encounter and learn to be independent. It will definitely be worthwhile. This magazine, or specially tailored NUS1101 orientation “course” for you, aims to provide you with a mini comprehensive guide to navigating NUS life. We have tried to cover as many areas as possible in this magazine, from academics to student life and student perks and privileges, and we do hope that this information will prove useful to you and ease your integration into the NUS community. On a related note, the NUS Students’ Union is here to promote, safeguard and uphold your interests and welfare in NUS, so please feel free to contact us if you have any queries, concerns or feedback at feedback@nussu.org.sg, or, you may send me an email directly at president@ nussu.org.sg! Once again, I warmly welcome you to NUS and wish you the very best for this new journey in your life. Carpe diem! Thank you.☺ “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” Warmest Regards,

LOO Weng Heng, Qmo (Mr.) NUS Faculty of Engineering, Year 4 President | 37th Executive Committee National University of Singapore Students’ Union (NUSSU) Council

FRESHMEN FAUX P THE HARD STUFF The hard stuff that every NUS student should know

“

It is confusing, but don’t worry, as the semesters wear on, you’ll get more and more accustomed to these various systems, and soon enough, you’ll be advising your juniors on how to use them too.

Photos: NUS International Relations Office—Facebook Page

PAS: Campus maps Shuttle bus hacks Module Madness Apps to the Rescue NUS Libraries

Printing Puzzles Across Oceans: The trials and tribulations of student exchange Planning your Academic Life: MTBI Personality Types

FRESHMEN FAUX PAUS: THE HARD STUFF

CAMPUS MAPS KELMAN CHIANG

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Year 4

Getting around campus needs some getting used to and is not entirely idiot-proof. The NUS campus is spread out on the undulating terrain of Kent Ridge, with each faculty being a labyrinth of lecture theatres, classrooms, department offices and laboratories. With some careful observation and exploration, you will realise there is some method to this madness and you shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be too worried about moving between classes. Here are some tips for you! This would serve as your primary means of navigating around campus. It is more detailed than Google or Bing, showing various building names, lecture theatres and facilities that you need on campus. Found at bus stops around campus, you can also get it on your phone through various NUS apps.

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE

NUS Nextbus

This application is highly recommended as it shows bus timings at all bus stops around NUS, along with your location in school. The map function would also be handy in pointing you to the nearest bus stop, and the overall NUS campus map.

Around NUS Besides providing a campus map in your smartphone,

this app also shows the academic calendar, dining options, student clubs and societies, facilities and services around campus.

NUS Carparks If you’re driving to school, this application provides real time parking information on campus!

Besides these apps, http://map.nus.edu.sg/ also provides an authoritative list on numerous facilities and venues of the NUS Kent Ridge Campus.

NUS Campus map

http://www.map.nus.edu.sg

How to Get to Class

Classroom venues represented in your timetable or module descriptions may look like a cryptic line of random alphabets and numbers, like AS6-0212. This is not entirely rocket science, but you might still get lost nonetheless. Let’s break it down for you.

Lecture Theatres (LT) and Auditoriums (AUD) • This is pretty straightforward. Lecture theatres are represented by the acronym LT, followed by a number signifying which lecture theatre it is. You can look at the campus map where this lecture theatre is, usually located within the home faculty of the module.

NUS KENT RIDGE CAMPUS MAP Illustration: http://map.nus.edu.sg

• Various auditoriums in NUS bear the name of its beneficiaries, such as Ngee Ann Kong Si Auditorium in Education Resource Centre in UTown. If you’re unsure, do a search on the NUS map.

10 FRESHMEN FAUX PAUS: THE HARD STUFF

Know the faculty and the block • Most classes are held within the faculty which the module is being taught in. Exceptions to this rule include modules that fall under General Education, Unrestricted Electives and special modules taught by residences. Each faculty has their own code to represent their numerous blocks, with the major ones summed up in this table on the right → • Now that you’ve identified the faculty, look for the appropriate block number on the campus map to know which block it is!

Not all floors are made the same • Navigating within blocks would be the difficult part of finding your classroom. Because of the hilly terrain that NUS is built on, some buildings are higher than others. This results in confusing floor numbering of certain blocks, where the first floor of one building may be the second floor of another, even though you didn’t climb a single stair. • For example, to find AS6-0212, the building number is AS6, correct floor is the first two numbers (02) and the room number follows subsequently (12). Floor and room numbers can found on the top frame of the room’s door and they run in chronological order, so you know which direction of the corridor to head towards.

If you still need help • Follow the signs and the yellow ceiling: The yellow ceilings of various corridors in NUS go beyond aesthetic purposes. Yellow indicates linked sheltered pathways within that building and sometimes between faculty buildings. Signages on these yellow ceiling can also help point you in the right direction. • Ask! If all else fails, it would not hurt to ask a fellow student.

Faculty / Location Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences School of Business School of Computing

Code AS BIZ COM

School of Design and Environment Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Science Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine UTown

SDE E S MD UT

• For disability support: For prospective students that require student support for getting around campus, do let the Disability Support Office know! They can provide guided orientation, on-campus accommodation options and transportation aid if needed. For further details, check out: http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/dso/ studsupport Disability Support Office

http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa/dso/studsupport

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE 11

PRINTING PUZZLES:

Print Like a Pro on Campus

No student in NUS can survive without printing. As much as we like to go green, some of us are very much tactile creatures. And sometimes, you might have to submit your assignments in hardcopy. Before we go on, you’ll need the following items: A laptop (optional) and an EZ-Link card already loaded with cash or a cashcard (optional if you are an SoC student; you get 50 pages print quota every month!) So why are we writing this little printing guide for you? Well, to begin with, not everyone has a printer *gasp* handy at home. This article will prove to be useful if computer clusters are crowded, and you’d have to wait for your turn at the computer. Or if you are not familiar with campus computers and prefer to use your laptop. So here are some printing locations you’d want to take note of.

• NUS Libraries (Science, Central, Hon Sui Sen Memorial, Medical, Music, C J Koh Law) • AS7 PC Cluster • E2 PC Cluster • Thinklab at Computer Centre • UTown Mac Commons & PC Commons • SDE1 Seng City Printing Services (24/7!) • NUSSU commIT at Yusof Ishak House • SoC COM1 • Science CBLC These places usually have computers with which you can send your print jobs from. This is especially useful if you wish to go laptop-free for the day. Once you are there, fret not, there are usually instructions on how one may go about printing their documents. But there’s more. Here’s how you can up your printing game: by connecting your laptop to printers. This means that you can send your print jobs from any corner in NUS to a desired printer. All that’s left for you to do, is to saunter to the print stations and print your document. Be quick though, your print job will only remain in the print queue for an hour! Disclaimer: Infomation accurate as of may 2016.

IF YOU ARE A MAC USER: 1. Open ‘System Preferences’. 2. Click ‘Print & Scan’. 3. Click the ‘+’ sign to add printer. 4. Select ‘IP’. 5. The ‘Add Printer’ screen will appear, you will need to fill in the following: Protocol: (Usually) Line Printer Daemon-LPD Address: Key in the relevant address (refer to end of article) Queue: Select appropriate queue (A4 or A3, B/W or Colour) Name: Name this printer Location: Name the location Print using: ‘Generic PostScript Printer’ 6. Click ‘Add’ then select ‘Duplex Printing Unit’. 7. Go to your Print Release Station with your EZ-Link card. 8. Print like a boss. IF YOU ARE A WINDOWS USER: 1. Connect to the NUS network. 2. For Windows 7 or 8: type network address (eg. \\nus-printserver) in the search bar in the ‘start’ menu. 3. Other Windows OS: Press ‘Windows key + ‘R’ together and then type network address (eg. \\172.18.37.210). 4. Press ‘Enter’ and a pop up window will prompt you to log in. 5. Double click on your desired printer from the list. 6. For double/single sided printing: Printer > Properties > under General, Preferences > Finishing tab > Select/Deselect “Print on both sides”. 7. Go to your Print Release Station with your EZ-Link card. 8. Print like a boss.

Some printer network addresses Central Library: 172.18.37.210 AS7 Computer Cluster: 172.18.85.232 UTown Commons: nus-printserver.stf.nus.edu.sg School of Design and Environment: sdeserver.stf.nus.edu.sg

Printing costs A4 B/W: 4¢/page | A4 Colour: 45¢/page A3 B/W: 8¢/page | A3 Colour: 90¢/page

12 FRESHMEN FAUX PAUS: THE HARD STUFF

SHUTTLE BUS HACKS (from a seasoned traveller)

3. If you see a direct bus, take it If you’ve been thinking about what an average day as an NUS student is like, you’d be wise to factor in an arduous wait for the shuttle bus – or a sunsoaked trek to your next class. When the bus does finally arrive, so do hordes of other students, with the meaning of personal space completely forgotten. It might seem as if this sweaty rush to an early morning class can’t be avoided, but we’ve got some handy hacks for you to beat the crowd.

1. be rEADY TO BATTLE AT LEAST AN HOUR before YOUR CLASS STARTS Being at the bus stop at least an hour – or more – before your next class starts is likely to get you onto the earlier bus; the one that isn’t packed to the brim, avoiding the battle that is the sweaty crowd of NUS students at Kent Ridge. This might seem ridiculous, especially if a walk to your destination might take less than half the time, but it’s a foolproof way to make sure that you actually attend more of your lecture than you miss. Plus, it gives you spare time to print your lecture notes and grab a bite to eat before you head off to class.

2. Download the NUS NextBus app It’s common knowledge that the NextBus app isn’t 100% reliable, – which is admittedly a hefty expectation – but it can’t hurt to have a fairly accurate approximation of when your bus is coming. The app locates the nearest bus stop to you, or allows you to select the stop of your choice. It then provides a list of the available buses, as well as the timings for when they are due to arrive. It’s essentially the SMRT app customised to NUS, allowing you to see which bus timing suits you best in avoiding human traffic. NUS Nextbus app

https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/nusnextbus/id542131822?mt=8

A shortcoming of the NextBus app is that it doesn’t meet the holy grail of all NUS buses: The direct buses, that go straight between more popular stops, such as U-Town to CLB (University Town to Central Library), or U-Town to FoS (Faculty of Science). If you’ve missed the bus you counted on taking due to the sheer number of people clamouring to get on, these direct buses might just be your lifelines.

4. Give the bus routes a thorough read This tip might seem redundant, but it can make your journeys to class a stress-free experience. It often seems as if only one or two buses go to your destination when you hear it from friends or see where the larger groups of students are going. A good look through the routes, however, might unearth alternative ways of getting to your faculty when the regular journeys are packed. For instance, D1 is usually the bus of choice from U-Town to FASS (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences), but when it’s full, taking the B bus from the Museum stop – a quick walk from U-Town – will get you to FASS as well.

5. Don’t Sweat It Waiting for a D1 during peak hour and only 12 minutes till your next class at UTown? Your best option might be to walk there. The distance isn’t as daunting as it seems - I’ve walked the entire way from FASS to UTown (and back) several times before, without catching even a glimpse of my bus. Similarly, if you’re stuck at the UTown bus stop and are headed in the direction of Faculty of Science or Kent Ridge Station, walk out to the Museum bus stop to hop onto A2 or 95 instead. (Of course, Law students heading to Kent Ridge campus probably shouldn’t attempt this…)

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE 13 Shuttle Bus Infograph by Kelman Chiang for NUS1101

NUS Office of Campus Amenities (shuttle bus routes) http://www.nus.edu.sg/oca/Transport/Gettingaround-NUS.html

*Disclaimer: The shuttle bus map (above) is subjected to changes from 1 July 2016. Please check the NUS Office of Campus Amenities website for the latest shuttle bus routes.

CAMPUS BUS GUIDE PUBLIC SERVICES ON-CAMPUS BUSES A1 and A2 both travel around Kent Ridge campus in an anticlockwise and a clockwise direction. These services cover almost all faculties on the Kent Ridge campus, even stopping at Kent Ridge MRT (Circle Line), and may serve as your likely commute within campus. Bus services D1 and D2 provide access to Utown. D1 links Business to Utown via Arts and Engineering in a North-South Direction while D2 connects Kent Ridge Mrt to Utown via Science and the Sports Centre in an East â&#x20AC;&#x201C; West Direction. This allows seamless access to Utown, the main hub of student activities and research, that rests in a corner of the Kent Ridge campus slightly away from the rest of NUS. Speaking of away from, there is also a shuttle that gets you directly to the Bukit Timah Campus. Just hop on the BTC service and you will be there within half an hour.

The buses 95 and 96 help link you to Buona Vista MRT(Circle Line) and Clementi MRT (Green Line) respectively if you need to travel out of campus. You should also consider taking these buses into school â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 96 will take you straight into the Central Forum/ Arts/ Engineering, while taking 95 from Buona Vista prevents you from being stuck with the crowd at Kent Ridge MRT Station bus stop since it takes the same route as A1 to the Central Library. Business students can also make their way down to Pasir Panjang road to take a bus (188) that would get you to Haw Par Villa MRT (Circle Line) or HarbourFront MRT(Purple Line). Photograph by Try Sutrisno Foo

14 FRESHMEN FAUX PAUS: THE HARD STUFF

MODULE MADNESS

When I first entered NUS three years ago, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of modules offered. In JC and Poly, there’s usually a structured system of pre-determined modules or subjects, assigned to us on a yearly/semesterly basis. In university however, we’re in charge of crafting our own educational path which, while exciting, can be daunting. If you’re experiencing the same module madness, this article is for you. Read on for a senior’s take on structuring modules, planning timetables, and learning about using NUS web systems.

First things first: Using CORS

Unless you’re from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Dentistry (in which case you should refer to your department for modular matters directly), you will most likely need to register for your modules at the start of every semester, which is done via the Centralised Online Registration System, also known as CORS. CORS can be confusing for the uninitiated, but essentially, it works like this. Every semester, students will be allocated bidding points, which tend to be distributed into two accounts—the Programme (P) and General (G) account, which are used to bid for modules from within students’ home faculty/school and outside students’ home faculty/school respectively. Students can then view module listings and pick which modules they’d like to take in a particular semester,

Screenshot from NUSMODS website: https://nusmods.com

before proceeding to bid for these modules in relevant rounds, which, for freshmen, is usually Round 1C. Unsure about when you should bid? You can always refer to the bidding timetable on the CORS website (www.nus.edu.sg/cors/)!

There are open and closed bidding periods for each round; During open bidding, CORS displays information on the number of bidders, highest, lowest and next successful bids. During closed bidding, which follows immediately after open bidding, information about the bids being placed is hidden (though students can continue to place bids). There is no need to rush from open to closed bidding periods however, as students can view bidding summary reports from the open bidding periods right before they end. Plan your module choices widely! Some can get very expensive, costing over 500 points, while some can go for as low as 1 point. (In need of extra bidding points? Don’t forget to participate in the module evaluation exercises at the end of each semester!)

Timetabling issues? Turn to NUSMods An app built by students for students, NUS Modifications (NUSMods) provides a user-friendly way for students to plan their timetables. To use it, simply key in the module code of a module you’re interested in into the search bar, and it will immediately appear in the timetable spreadsheet above. Click and drag tutorials (and lectures, if the option is available) to configure your optimum timetable!

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE 15

NUSMods also includes other useful information, like the modular credits offered for each module and exam timings. Be cautious and also double check available lecture and tutorial slots with the NUS CORS website and if necessary, with your faculty. Like many of your seniors, NUSMods will become your new best friend for the rest of your tenure in NUS.

Pre-requisites & Minimum Credit Requirements

You have (literally) hundreds of options, so plan your modules wisely. As you’ve probably learned from seniors or from researching on your own, most modules in NUS are worth 4 modular credits, and to graduate, you’ll usually need either 120 modular credits (if you’re graduating within three years) or 160 (if you’re enrolled in an honours track). However, some higher level modules have certain pre-requisites and minimum credit requirements. GE3227 (Urban Climates) for instance, requires a pre-requisite of GE2228 (Weather and Climate), and to take many honours levels modules (which are modules with codes beginning with 4-), students often need to have cleared a minimum number of modular credits in their own major. So be sure to plan these early and make sure that you fulfil the necessary requirements to take modules you’re interested in your subsequent semesters at NUS.

S/U Gradeless First Year

If you’re experiencing something of an information overload at this point, don’t worry. Luckily for you, from 2014, NUS has rolled out a grade-free system for freshmen – which, from this August, will extend to a virtually grade-free first year. It’s all to help in your transition to university and allow you time and space to adjust to academic expectations and social culture of NUS life. This means that whether you get an A or a D, your Cumulative Average Point (CAP) need not be negatively affected – you can write off grades for up to eight modules in your first year of study, and opt to include only modules you score well in within your CAP. So be unafraid to try modules you’re interested in but unfamiliar with, because even you don’t score for them, you will still have gotten the benefit of learning from classes. Hopefully this takes some of the pressure off!

Screenshot from IVLE website: ivle.nus.edu.sg

IVLE

After you do get your modules, do familiarize yourself with NUS’ Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE), which is NUS’ custom designed and built Learning Management System. IVLE will become the main platform where you will be able to access all module-related matters, including modular descriptions, reading lists, schedules, announcements, discussion forums, and lecturer information, among other things.

MyISIS & GAPS

When planning your academic journey, MyISIS and GAPS are two crucial systems that will help you greatly in your NUS career. On MyISIS, among other things, you can view your exam schedule, exam results, and unofficial transcript. You can access all these records on a semesterly basis. The Graduation Academic Planning System, or GAPS, is also important – every semester, you will be asked to classify modules you’ve taken in GAPS according to for instance, major modules, exposure modules, unrestricted elective modules, and minor modules, among others. These help you keep track of how many modules you’ve done, and how many more you need to do to graduate. Hopefully, this guide has been helpful to you as you embark on your NUS academic journey. It is confusing, but don’t worry, as the semesters wear on, you’ll get more and more accustomed to these various systems, and soon enough, you’ll be advising your juniors on how to use them too. Good luck!

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APPS TO THE RESCUE: Finding your Way Around NUS

There are many mazes presented in the monolith that is NUS, but there are as many ways to get out. Here are a few nifty apps that can save you a lot of headache as you begin your NUS journey.

NUS NextBus

After a long day in school, the thing on most of our minds is to leave school as quickly as possible. But waiting for the NUS internal shuttle bus (ISB) can be excruciatingly painful, especially when your mind is someplace else. From my experience, it can be helpful to know how long you have to wait for the bus. This is where the NUS Next Bus app comes in. It shows you relatively accurate information about NUS internal shuttle bus (ISB) arrival timings so you can plan when to head down to your bus stop to catch your bus. Moreover, it is equipped with the NUS map and the stops of each ISB. This is especially useful if you are still not familiar with the NUS ISB routes. You can always refer to the map when you are lost or simply looking for that lecture theatre (LT) you have never been to.

IVLE Downloader

There comes a time where you will grow tired of downloading the seemingly endless pile of lecture notes from IVLE and then having to organise them on your laptop. Not to mention how annoying it can be when your lecturer likes to change the content of the lecture notes without changing the file name and you end up studying the old versions. Fret not, because NUS IVLE Downloader is here for you. Simply download the latest version here (http://yjyao.com/2012/08/nus-ivle-downloader.html) and install it on your laptop. Once it is installed, your lecture notes, readings and assignments will be directly synced into the designated folder â&#x20AC;&#x201C; more importantly, it will save you lots of time and trouble! Note: the app is currently not available for mobile phones. IVLE Downloader

http://yjyao.com/2012/08/nus-ivledownloader.html

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APPS FOR STUDYING AND PRODUCTIVITY Monospace

Despite keeping a painstakingly curated diary, my phone bore the brunt of my wonderfully amnesic mind. Deadlines, examination seat numbers, even the names of new acquaintances were all dutifully recorded in the default note-taking app. However, mortal note-taking applications simply cannot handle the sheer mass and variety of information that we pour into it constantly. Most of the time, the information we encounter belong to multiple categories: splitting the information up to its different categories breaks it up into an unintelligible, overwhelming tide of documents. Hashtags. Cap off your memos in Monospace with a couple of these and the entropy of everyday life falls into little piles of #neat and #tidy. (PS: sorry iOS users, this one’s available on the Google Play Store only.)

ClearFocus

If my time in the army has taught me one thing, that would be the work-rest cycle. Work only gets done with rest; rest earned only through work. An egg timer of sorts, ClearFocus alternates between work and rest in set intervals. Work intervals can be set between 1 and 120 minutes (who are we kidding), rest between 1 to 30 minutes. I’ve got my timer set to 3 minutes’ rest for 17 minutes of work, rewarding myself with an extended break of 15 minutes every 4 cycles. That works out perfectly for me, although I do find myself yearning to get up for a walk every hour or so. The rules are clear: work when the timer says you have to and rest when it says you can. No mad rushes to complete that last problem set when the timer flashes green: drop your pen and indulge in your Instagram fix – go ahead! ClearFocus also offers the ability to disable your device’s WiFi connection, notifications, and sounds, and can even lock apps (with the usage of sister app ClearLock) – in an ironic twist, allowing the app to control you. But of course, we all are fully sentient human beings capable of self-restraint, aren’t we …? (PS: Pomodoro Timer for iOS does just about the same thing, too!)

Wunderlist

Illustrations source: apple app store icons by iconsmind.com

A lesser-known application for creating To-Do lists that is just as functional as the next. Wunderlist allows you to create a simple-looking To Do list by adding tasks to your main page. You can set deadlines and reminders for these tasks, write additional details in their descriptions, or raise the importance of urgent tasks by bookmarking them. With every completed task, simply click on the checkbox beside each task description to send it to the ‘completed tasks’ list archived below. Does this sound like every other checklist application out on the market? Perhaps it does. Wunderlist is a To Do list application that serves that one purpose and little else, but its simplicity lends effectiveness to its functions. Without distraction from other gimmicks or options within the application, Wunderlist’s simplicity keeps you focused on what you have to get done and helps you get to completing your tasks.

18 FRESHMEN FAUX PAUS: THE HARD STUFF

FIND YOUR WAY OUT OF THE NUS “LIBRARYINTHS”

#1 #3

Borrowing a book

NUS has seven libraries across campus and sometimes it can be a bit confusing when you’re new to NUS. Here are some tips to help you navigate the library labryinths of NUS.

There are two ways to borrow a book: the Loans Desk at the entrance of the library where our friendly librarians help you out or the self-help station. Make sure you know your library PIN if you want to use the self-help station.

Requesting for a book

Sometimes a book you want might be with someone else. In this case you can ‘request’ for the book, and ‘put it on hold’. When you put a book on hold, the person who has borrowed the book cannot renew it and must return it within a week. Once they’ve returned it, you will get an email from the library informing you that you can pick up the book.

#5 Library Fines

When your book is due, you will be given a reminder notice each day until your book is returned. No fine is charged for the Ist Overdue Loan Notice. However, if you keep a book for more than 2 days after its due date you will be fined 50 cents each day. To pay your library fine head to the Help Desk at the library - but remember you can’t pay via cash (only NETS or ezlink accepted!)

If you have not finished using the book, you can also login to your NUS LINC account and renew your loan period. Renewing a book gives you an extra week with a book, and you can renew a book for a maximum of 3 times.

The Library Portal

Before borrowing you might want to search for the book in the NUS Library Integrated Catalogue (aka LINC). You can log on to linc. nus.edu.sg to search for a book, academic journals and past year exam papers too. Additionally, each student has a NUS LINC account where you can check the details of the books you have borrowed , your loan record, and outstanding fines all at this link: https://linc.nus.edu.sg/patroninfo/

The Library PIN

When you want to check your NUS LINC account, take a look at your loan record or library fines you will need your library PIN and no, this is not your NUSNET password/ login. To find out your PIN, take a look at these steps given on the NUS Libraries webpage: “By default, your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is your student SMARTCARD PIN issued by the NUS Computer Centre during Pre-Registration. If you don’t know or remember your SMARTCARD PIN, you can use the Retrieval of SMART CARD PIN (https://myaces.nus.edu.sg/pinRetrieval/) to retrieve your library pin.This is a service by the NUS Computer Centre and only works if you have not changed your default PIN before.” from <http://libfaq.nus.edu.sg/ faq/71251>

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Returning your books

Introducing the RBR

Returning your book is simple—regardless of where you borrowed your book, you can return it at the library closest to you. There is a bookdrop outside every library, and three extra book drops : at Engineering Block 5, Engineering Block 3A, and one at Utown outside Stabucks.

There is a section in every library known as the RBR - the Reserve Books sections. This section contains books which can only be borrowed for 2 hours at a time. Often, professors put textbook copies in the RBR to ensure everyone can have access at some point or another. You can’t take an RBR book home unless you borrow it just before the library closes. In this case you can keep the RBR book overnight, but must return it as soon as the library opens the next morning.

Bonus Tip: Using the Library Study Space

During the exam week, you might want to use the library to study just remember, that it’s not just you. Choping seats in the library is common especially during the week prior to midterm/final exam week, and students go as early as 8.30am (just when the library opens) to get a seat for the day. Honestly, there is no way to ‘hack’ this - the only way to get a seat is to go early!

List of Libraries in NUS Library Central Library

Address 12 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119275

Phone Information desk 6516 2028 Reception desk 6516 6949

Chinese Library C J Koh Law Library Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library Medical Library

Music Library Science Library

12 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119275 469D Bukit Timah Road Singapore 259773 1 Hon Sui Sen Drive Singapore 117588 Block MD6, Centre for Translational Medicine 14 Medical Drive, #05-01, Singapore 117599 3 Conservatory Drive Singapore 117376 Block S6, Level 4 10 Science Drive 2 Singapore 117548

Email Information and Reception askalib@nus.edu.sg

Loans and Membership 6516 2016 6516 6237

Loans and Membership loans@nus.edu.sg chlib@nus.edu.sg

6516 2043

cjkohlib@nus.edu.sg

6516 3131

hssmlib@nus.edu.sg

6516 2046

mdlib@nus.edu.sg

6516 8130

musiclib@nus.edu.sg

6516 2454

sclib@nus.edu.sg

20 FRESHMEN FAUX PAUS: THE HARD STUFF

ACROSS OCEANS

The Trials and Tribulations of Student Exchange

ne of the most talked-about topics for NUS students is the student exchange programme, largely considered to be a highlight in university life and perhaps rightfully so. However, most students only know of the semestral student exchange programmes, when in fact there are several other overseas programmes. Here’s a quick rundown of the different exchange programmes that NUS has to offer, and who these programmes are suited for:

SEMESTRAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME

SUMMER/WINTER PROGRAMMES

This programme allows students to spend one semester abroad as a student at a partner university enrolled in regular curriculum and participating in campus life. It is a great opportunity for students to fully immerse themselves in a different country for an extended period of time.

The best alternative to the semestral student exchange programme would be the summer or winter school programmes, held during the school holiday periods in an academic year. These programmes are unique as they are often tailored as an international programme, facilitating interaction with students across the globe.

Suited for: The independent and the resourceful. A semestral exchange means living on your own for up to 6 months, so you need to have some ability to look after yourself. Basic cooking, language and navigation skills are essential!

Suited for: The easily homesick. These programmes are a much better alternative for those who miss home quickly but still want to experience studying abroad, as they only last up to 3 months. They also allow you to map back at least two modules, so you’ll have the option of underloading credits in some semesters.

Illustration: Vector Open Stock (www.vectoropenstock.com)

INTERNSHIPS AND RESEARCH ATTACHMENTS If you are looking to learn outside the classroom or utilise what you have already learnt in NUS, international internships and research attachments are likely to be more suitable for you. The partner organisations and universities offer an extensive variety of internship and research opportunities across many industries and fields of study. Suited for: Those who want a break from the classroom. If you are looking to apply your existing skills and knowledge and perhaps pick up some things you cannot learn in the classroom, then internships and research attachments are definitely for you.

STEER (STUDY TRIPS FOR ENGAGEMENT AND ENRICHMENT) STEER is a newer programme designed to familiarise students with emerging regions, and are often thematic to the country they are based in. Students get to explore the socio-culturaleconomic environments through a hybrid of classroom and experiential learning. Suited for: The adventurous. The STEER programmes often involve field and industry visits and are usually located in fast-changing and lesser-known regions.

OTHERS There are plenty of other programmes that cater to different learning experiences and industries, including the AIESEC Global Citizen Programme, the Yale Visiting International Student Program and the Yenching Academy in Peking University. To be kept up-to-date and informed on all programmes, do check out theInternational Relations Office (IRO) website as well as your faculty’s website.

TIPS FOR SECURING YOUR INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION Application processes for studying/working abroad can be quite complicated, but there are a few points that you definitely need to take note of. 1. For all programmes, it is crucial for you to prepare before you apply - take note of all the important deadlines and prepare all the necessary documents so that application goes smoothly. 2. For SEP and summer school, the modules you take may not always be related to your course so find out whether you are able to get any academic credits from them. 3. Make friends with seniors and talk to them about your application – most are more than willing to help. 4. As for internships, it would be helpful to take note of what kind of applicants and relevant skill set the internship organisation is looking for. Overall, the more prepared you are, the better your chances, so good luck!

DO YOUR RESEARCH! “I think research is super important! I knew London was expensive but I didn’t realise how expensive it was until I was there… Also, research on the hostel. For King’s College London, it cost me nearly SGD10 every time I did laundry, which is okay for me since it was summer school. However, for my friend on exchange, it was really hard to pay that much every time she had to wash clothes.” - Year 3, FASS student, Summer School at King’s College London

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

“Be open to making new friends, it’s always good to go around with a group in a foreign country. Also, I think for SEP/Summer school, it’s good to make friends with people from other countries! Singaporeans tend to stick to each other but I think we had fun because of our friends from other countries.”

STAY SAFE AND KNOW YOUR LIMITS “It was the last night of the programme and as expected, some of us were getting sloshed that night. I dropped by the laundry room with my friends to check on our clothing and this Belgian guy from the programme came in to talk to us, clearly a little inebriated. Then, he pointed to the industrial sized dryer, and asked, “Can you fit inside?” A little tipsy myself, I laughed and climbed into the dryer, unsurprisingly managing to fit comfortably. And then, still plugged in, they shut the dryer door on me, and the machine began to blow hot air and spin me around. Thankfully they weren’t that drunk and they quickly stopped the machine to let me out. I escaped physically unharmed, but traumatised. I did all kinds of crazy things on my summer exchange from bungee jumping to lion encounters, but “I got shut in a dryer” somehow managed to edge out these antics for the top prize.” - Year 4 FASS Student, 2014 IPSU Summer school in Stellenbosch, South Africa

- Year 3 Science student

CHOOSE WISELY “I think many people just sign up for exchange for the sake of it, like they’re okay with any university or city, which really isn’t a great idea. SEP isn’t always for everyone — some people get homesick easily, such as my friend in London, so maybe summer school or summer internship would have been better.” - Year 3 BIZ student, SEP in London

22 FRESHMEN FAUX PAUS: THE HARD STUFF

PLANNING YOUR ACADEMIC LIFE

MBTI Personality Types Your Myers-Brigg Type Indicator® (MBTI®) personality types, can influence your decision making process. There are four categories:

Extraversion/Introversion (E/I) Sensing/Intuition (S/N) Thinking/Feeling (T/F) Perceiving/Judging (P/J)

EXTROVERTED JUDGERS (EJ)

An example personality type would be ENFP, a Extroverted Perceiver, who processes information by iNtuition, and makes decision based on Feeling. Here are some tips and pieces of advice for the different personality types when it comes to planning your academic life.

EXTROVERTED PERCEIVERS (EP)

Always enthusiastic, they tend to decide early. They are the die-hard risk takers who always seize available opportunities. They are fine with being busy and are generally more easy going with their plans.

This group of people prefer trying different classes and majors that interest them. They are good evaluators and will make their decision after testing the waters.

ALERT: Be kept informed! While it is true that you

ALERT: You may not have the time to test all the mod-

TIPS: Be informative about your choices. Take your

TIPS: Research modules and majors you are planning

have a few chances to change your major or drop your modules, no one wants to waste their time and energy unnecessarily. time and ask – extra information never hurts. Also, take note of the deadlines for major or minor declaration, and module dropping exercise.

INTROVERTED JUDGERS (IJ)

ules you wish to take! Take note of other constraints and deadlines, such as the module dropping exercise! to take. You can even sneak into some classes (most professors will not mind, but be respectful).

INTROVERTED PERCEIVERS (IP)

As a more reflective group, they will conduct their own research on modules, majors, minors, etc. They are often strong-willed, and can also be resistant to change.

A group that does things at their own pace, they prefer delaying the decision-making process until the last possible moment. They tend to be more relaxed and silently observant.

ALERT: Don’t be overly obsessed with your desired

ALERT: While it may be perfectly fine to slowly make

TIPS: Be flexible! There are always alternatives to

TIPS: Get your feet wet! Don’t hesitate to try out

plan. Unexpected changes can suddenly make your plans seem unattainable. icons by iconsmind.com

Planning your academic life can be strenuous and intimidating. While some may spend hours researching online for modules, CCAs, and other exciting opportunities (such as exchange and research programmes), others may find it interesting listening to the stories and cautionary tales of upperclassmen.

help you achieve your plans. Always be willing to try new things. Do not be afraid to ask your seniors, tutors or professors about possible opportunities.

your decisions, do not let yourself get caught unprepared for a deadline.

some of your interests! Do not be afraid of bad grades as the S/U option is there as a safety net for your freshman semester.

In this section, our writers pen their thoughts on the aspects of university life that strike a chord - the ‘heart’ stuff.

“

Beyond keeping yourself updated about the latest campus happenings and the essentials of surviving university life, your experience in NUS may also be very much tethered to your personality and attitude towards learning.

CCAs: Which Should You Join? Is First Class Honours That Important? Real Learning in NUS Campus Fashion Stereotypes Class Part, Class Fart? Being an Ex-Poly Kid in NUS

Photo: NUS Students’ Union Freshmen Orientation Projects - NEXUS—Facebook Page

FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

24 FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

WHICH CCA SHOULD YOU JOIN?

id you know that there are over 100 student organisations and interest groups in NUS? Well, don’t be overwhelmed by the neverending list of clubs and interest groups! Simply complete this quiz to find out which clubs you might be more interested in. There is something for everyone here at NUS!

8. What is your favourite TV show? A) GLEE B) Ugly Betty C) Survivor D) Game of Thrones

1. Summer vacation is almost here! You plan to…

9. If you had to pick, which class would you sit in all day?

2. What do you want to be known for?

10. Pick a famous couple:

3. The weekend has arrived! You would rather…

11. You and your friends are having a game night. You would choose to play…

A) Stay home with good books and tea B) Volunteer at the local animal shelter C) Hike up Mount Bromo in Indonesia D) Organize parties for your friends

A) Your passion B) Your compassion towards others, always ready to lend a helping hand C) Your determination D) Your ability to lead others in accomplishing tasks

A) Ceramics B) Geography C) Gym D) Math

A) Vanessa Hudgens/ Zac Efron B) Angelina Jolie/ Brad Pitt C) Victoria Beckham/ David Beckham D) Kim Kardashian/ Kanye West

A) Head to the music/ craft beer festival in town B) Help with spring-cleaning! C) Hit that beach party with friends D) Plan a sleepover at your crib

A) Guitar Heroes B) Game of Life C) Wii Sports D) Monopoly

4. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

12. In your circle of friends , which role describes you most?

A) Art curator B) Working in a social enterprise C) Working as a physical therapist D) Working as a wedding planner

5. What do you do to relax?

A) Write B) Take deep breaths C) Doing crunches and push ups D) Talk on the phone

6. What would you wear on a normal day? A) Most likely dark colours B) Jeans and a nice blouse C) Sweatpants or related comfy attire D) Something preppy

7. Where do you usually shop?

A) Vans B) H&M Conscious Collection C) F21 D) Lacoste

A) The one who doesn’t play by the rules B) The peacemaker C) The athletic guy/girl D) The brain

13. Your all-time favourite cuisine is…

A) Your homemade creations B) Japanese C) Give me anything new! I love trying new cuisines! D) Western

14. Why do you want to join a club? A) To let my talents shine through B) To help others C) To have fun D) To meet new people

15. Your favourite genre of shows is… A) Musicals B) Documentaries C) Reality TV D) Soap Operas

the hard stuff

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RESULTS Mostly As: PERFORMING PEACOCK The variety of interest groups and clubs representing the arts is countless. Try your hand out at photography or realize that childhood dream of trying out new dance moves with clubs such as NUS Dance Blast. Alternatively, relive the GLEE days with our very own acapella groups like NUS Resonance under the NUS Students’ Cultural Activities Club (NUSCAC)!

Mostly Bs: GENEROUS GIRAFFE

Compassionate and generous, you want to give back to society and extend a helping hand to those around you. Join one of the community service groups around campus! Some popular ones include the NUS Students’ Community Service Club (NUSCSC), NUS Enablers and NUS PEACE.

Mostly Cs: ADRENALINE ALLIGATOR You are adventurous and a risk taker! Your love for sports and the outdoors will take you to many of the sports clubs that we have in NUS. Keep your summers and school holidays packed with sports camps, rock climbing trips to Malaysia, hiking trips with the NUS Rovers and more!

Mostly Ds: PLANNING PENGUIN

Keep your hands full with the faculty and academic clubs on campus, which will provide you with the opportunity to plan events for your fellow schoolmates such as the ever popular annual freshmen social camps, RAG and various faculty events! Illustration: Peacock By Sitara Shah; Giraffe By Isabel Martínez Isabel; Penguin By Jens Tärning and Alligator By Corey Felter for thenounproject

26 FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

IS FIRST-CLASS HONOURS THAT IMPORTANT? This article originally appeared on digitalsenior.sg, 28 Oct 2013. It is reproduced in THE RIDGE as part of a collaboration with Digital Senior for this issue.

The myth of the first class honours

tudents in the first class enjoy certain kind of pride, much like passengers in the business class cabin on a plane: they are still in the same plane as the economy class passengers, but somehow are a little different. Students in non-first classes either admire people with such high CAPs or think of them as “mugging too hard”, just as how passengers in the economy class cabin may think those seated in business class are paying too high a price for something not much different from theirs. While there are no right or wrong answers (just opinions), whose opinions should we listen to? Perhaps there is one group of people whose voice deserves our attention: your future employers.

Some industries are more “snobbish” than others It has been shown that in certain industries, a high CAP is extremely favourable to a job applicant. Such industries are mostly characterized by high competition, high demand for the quality of workforce and high pay as a reward for the hard work and talent of employees. Most of such industries state explicitly their requirement for CAP. The most famous one is probably the banking industry where the base requirement to even glance at a job

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candidate’s CV is second-upper degree qualification. Some other sectors are even more “snobbish” where top jobs are restricted to graduates with first-class degrees. It has been said that competitive positions in some statutory boards such as Monetary Authority of Singapore look for students with firstclass GPA. Consulting firms also have a reputation of chasing after grades. If you are interested in such industries, having a high GPA is crucial and a firstclass degree opens many doors for you.

These are desirable qualities that a student can bring to the workplace. However, if grades are achieved at the expense of one’s social skills due to a lacking school-life balance, such a candidate is unlikely to contribute to the workplace.

So what else do employers look at?

Fortunately, most industries do not have such strict restrictions. They welcome all applicants, but may view students from higher classes more favorably. The most commonly seen example is the difference in starting pay. In the government sector, a student graduating with a first class honours may receive higher pay at the start.

Job interviews give a good opportunity for employers to get a better picture of the candidate. This is where you display your confidence, to keep calm and to communicate well—in short, essential career skills. Interviews have evolved to take many forms. We have one-to-one interviews for employers to know you on a personal basis, group interviews and even activities for employers to see how you work in a team. Other than interviews, employers nowadays also offer online assessment, psychometric tests, among a variety of assessments whose results are at least as important as GPA.

Another example is the application for further studies. Better graduate schools have higher requirement for GPA, which is a primary consideration for admission. If you would like to get a scholarship for further studies, getting a first class first seems to be a wise goal considering the quality of the applicants.

Having a first class honours does not guarantee a job. The best way to think about grades is to think about it as an indicator. Employers never value grades for the sake of grades. They value something behind the grades, namely the qualities highlighted. Strengthen yourself in those aspects, not just your grades alone.

Are your grades everything?

Then what should I do now?

Your grades form just one sentence on your job application. Studies have shown that there are shortcomings of relying too much on grades when screening job candidates. Good grades can be taken as an indicator of an ability to learn, the discipline to work hard and motivation to do better than others.

So don’t just spend ALL your time in maintaining or striving for a first class in university. Go out and engage in extra-curriculum activities where you display your perseverance, leadership qualities and interpersonal skills.

How about the rest of the industries?

The greatest honour you can have is knowing that you are an asset to someone else and when people value you as a person beyond your grades.

Strike a balance between extraordinary grades and stellar CCA records. There is no point in being good in only one area. Employers prefer a second class honours graduate with decent involvement in CCA to a first class antisocial. The usefulness of good grades is to give a positive first impression, but there are many things that can do the same thing. How far you can your search has little correlation with how high you can score during an exam. The greatest honour you can have is the recognition that you are an asset to someone else and when people value you as a person beyond your grades. Quotation mark text box by zhaolifang for vecteezy.com Illustration: Report by Lil Squid and Degree by Creative Stall for thenounproject All photos are author’s own unless otherwise stated

28 FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

FIVE TIPS FOR REAL LEARNING IN NUS I sat in Lecture Theatre 7 (LT7) for the first time, surrounded by students from all over the world. We were eager to find out what the future held for us as the Dean of Electrical and Computer Engineering tried to inspire us and sow the seeds of excellence into us. I turned left and smiled at my new friend from Hanoi, Vietnam. I could see the nervous excitement in her eyes; the anticipation for new beginnings. I quickly scanned across the row and saw my batch mates in similar states. It was 2011. Fast forward three years later, I found myself late and rushing for my last lecture in university. As the lecturer droned on about information security and authorisation tokens, my mind slowly drifted away and I started taking stock of my time in NUS...

1. Most of the learning happens outside the classroom.

Lectures and tutorials might be a good place to get some exposure to the course material for a rudimentary understanding. However, in my experience, most of the learning occurs when I’m mulling on a difficult problem in my head or discussing problems with my friends. Not only is this a good way to solve problems and gain insight into different ways of approaching problems, it’s a great way to get to know your schoolmates and learn from them.

Not only will you expand your social circle and explore novel solutions to problems, you’ll end up building a network of trust and resources you can always count on. Learning isn’t just about managing good grades. It involves managing your time, being open to picking up new things and making connections in your daily life.

2. Spend some time exploring the real world.

Assignments may help you understand subject matter but can get repetitive and contrived. Spend some of your holidays interning with companies or working on research projects to hone a well–rounded skillset. The Industrial Attachment programmes provide good

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE 29

opportunities for you to get this experience and goes a long way in preparing you for the workplace.

3. Give freely and help openly.

Be generous with helping your peers because they will be your lifelines to surviving university. Spend an hour helping someone with an assignment instead of watching the latest episode of your favourite show. Relationships last much longer than the university experience itself.

4. Be the worst member of the band.

Legendary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny once said, “Always be the worst member in the band”. You will be part of several project teams during your time in university. Although it’s not feasible to always have group mates who have a better understanding or more experience, it’s good to work with people who can teach you things. Working in a team with more experienced students will push you to perform better than you think you can and also learn from their experiences. This combination leads to rapid growth and learning that surpasses rote textbook learning.

5. Follow your own learning curve.

The emphasis on academic excellence and competition is fairly high during university life. It’s quite easy to get caught up in a race where learning takes a back seat and the focus is on academic performance. This may have short-term benefits, but it’s important to realise that true grasp of the subject and academic performance don’t always go hand in hand. It’s important to take some time off academics and work on real – world projects or invest time in acquiring new skills inside your field of study. Real learning transcends university and goes on till the end of your career. Therefore, making time to learn industry relevant tools and theory is crucial. To conclude, university is a great time to learn, grow, make friends and avail yourself to all the opportunities generously provided by university. Make the most of your undergraduate life!

All photos are author’s own unless otherwise stated

30 FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

CAMPUS FASHION

What’s Hot (Or Not) Around School

utorials and group projects can be a real yawn fest, but there’s one thing about campus life we all enjoy – the freedom we’re given when it comes to our dress code. Well, most of us anyway. We either use this opportunity to unleash that inner fashionista in us, or stay our contented slob selves and show up in our sleeping attire. So where do you fit in this spectrum? Here are eight campus-fashion tropes that we have observed.

THE BOLD FASHIONISTA

Here’s the one who parades the campus grounds like it’s a fashion runway. We have one of them in each of our tutorials and lectures and it’s always exciting to see the impressive (or sometimes ludicrous) outfits they’re decked in every week.

THE ONE WHO IS EVER-READY FOR A PRESENTATION Commonly spotted around the Business faculty, these friends of ours are perpetually suited up in their crisp and professional looking pressed shirts, paired with polished shoes and presentation clickers sticking out of their pockets.

THE FACULTY/ HALL PATRIOT

We all have that one friend who seems a little too zealous over school and they can’t seem to get over the long-gone orientation camp fever. Or perhaps they’re just too lazy to think of what to wear everyday so: bam! School tee + shorts + flip flops = all’s good!

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THE CLIQUE WITH WEEKLY DRESS THEMES

5 7

Week 1: tribal pants. Week 2: uniforms. Week 3: plaid shirts. Don’t forget that obligatory OOTD group shot against the white-tiled wall outside your lecture theatre.

THE ONE WHO LOOKS GOOD IN ANYTHING Oversized pants? Check. Retro blouses? Lookin’ fab! Mismatched socks? Mhm. Heck, they’re even looking all chic and on point in their pajamas. These are the people we’re secretly jealous of. I mean, how is it possible for someone to look so effortlessly fine in an ensemble that I can find in my grandma’s wardrobe?

THE ONE WHO JUST ROLLED OUT OF BED Especially prevalent in your dreaded 8 a.m. classes, this bunch of students probably woke up literally 10 minutes prior to lessons. Their hair is in all directions and their t-shirts are still freshly creased from all the bed-rolling.

THE EXCHANGE STUDENT

This one goes out to our lovely exchange-student friends who never fail to turn up at classes looking like they’re all ready to hit the UTown infinity pool once lessons are over.

6 8

THE ONE WHO JUST CAN’T BE BOTHERED I need my CAP 5.0 and ain’t nobody got time to dress to impress!

Photos: youth.sg; lovelypears.com; streetpeeper.com; wkwsci.wordpress.com; fb.com/nusiro.sg; pchew-nostalgia.blogspot.com; wallpaperstock.net and melissacelestinekoh.wordpress.com

32 FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

CLASS PART, CLASS FART?

used to instinctively avoid classes with a heavy focus on class participation, as they often meant ripe opportunities for instinctive panic, horrific embarrassment, making oneself stand out and therefore, committing social suicide. Even though these jitters have since faded, it hasn’t stopped me from questioning the prevalent focus on graded class participation (colloquially known as ‘class part’), especially in FASS where I’ve studied for the last four years. During my brief stint on Student Exchange Programme (SEP) in the U.S., I saw classroom enthusiasm among students skyrocket, with everyone contributing to the lesson through both questions and answers despite the fact

“

Is class participation really that important? One seasoned senior ponders on the value of speaking up in class.

The fear of speaking, the fear of embarrassing or differentiating oneself is less so a personal fault as it is a learnt habit; a way of life and acting that gradually cemented over time to produce the mute souls we are today.

that class participation was not graded. Compared to Singapore, my experience is that questions posed by tutors are often met with silence. Perhaps it’s a cultural difference: expressing one’s opinion remains more of an exception than a norm in Asian societies. The fear of speaking, the fear of embarrassing or differentiating oneself is less so a personal fault as it is a learnt habit; a way of life and acting that gradually cemented over time to produce the mute souls we are today. But there are implications for staying in our comfort zones. Be it participating on the IVLE Forum, tutorials or seminars, you know you’ve got to learn to speak up or end up screwing up. If you lose that 10 or 20 per cent, you might be on course for tanking the bell curve. Worse still, some professors or tutors don’t seem to register the students’ names, leaving us to wonder if our participation (however scant) is counted for.

Unpacking the farce

Illustration: http://www.thinkstockphotos.ca “Citizenship” by Alberto Miranda for thenounproject

In September 2010, a paper by the NUS Centre for Development of Teaching and Learning (CDTL) extolled graded class participation for its ability to force students to think spontaneously, provide educators with feedback on student progress, increase interest in classes through interaction, and of course – build confidence and expression

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE 33

as a skill in the so-called “real world”. In reality, things could not be further from the truth. Here are three reasons why. The Usual Suspects Having taken classes in a variety of departments, I’ve found that it’s often the usual suspects, a few individuals amongst the silent majority who dominate the conversation. You may find some of them familiar: Accordingly, one professor (who declined to be named), when asked if he thought class participation was meaningful, commented, “Honestly, no, it isn’t useful. Students don’t always say helpful things, and usually it’s just one or two people talking.” Naturally, the presence of one to two of these individuals is more than enough to sour the classroom environment. Classroom chaos

Many a time, class part can result in a colossal waste of time. I for one have noticed many poor tutors glancing at the clock while pretending to listen attentively to the verbal vomit of a few who bring the term digression to new lengths. So don’t be surprised if your lecture or tutorial questions never get finished because of a raucous minority. Participatory plagiarism “She expects us to write like at least 500 words on the (IVLE) Forum every week… unlike you I’m really not the writing type. So I always look at what others write first, then just copy slash paraphrase.” An affirmative confession by an Engineering student, but unfortunately this doesn’t just happen to our friends from faculties with less emphasis on the written word. Even us flowery, more verbose types know how to copy smartly; often (especially in more theoretical, abstract mods) I’ve witnessed and

“

In the end, graded class participation really is a just sloppy way to solve the deafening silence of our students. No offense to those who do it out of interest and that rare, purist desire – there are often many more black sheep than white ones. We have to be forced to speak up now rather than learn from young the inherent worth of giving our voice to an often faceless system.

34 FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

know people who simply reproduce what others have written - yes, we undergrads rely on Spark Notes too.

Learning to speak up

So why do such problems continue to persist? This being Singapore, we can almost blame everything on one thing: the education system. No longer do we have the luxury of disappearing into our seats, hiding behind classmates to avoid the teacher’s gaze and relying on our more vocal classmates to take one for the team. Yet, if we put aside our fears for just a second, isn’t that precisely the problem? The fear of speaking, the fear of embarrassing or differentiating oneself is less so a personal fault as it is a learnt habit; a way of life and acting that gradually cemented over time to produce the mute souls we are today. In Primary School, I remember with distaste that it was characterised by intense repetition. Languages were about compositions, comprehensions and penmanship. Math emphasised frequent practice of the same types of questions (i.e. drilling) and Science was about memorising definitions word-for-word. The curricula, teachers themselves and the system encourage a pervasive mode of rote learning and memorising. Then, without warning, vigorous class part suddenly becomes an expectation.

“

The curricula, teachers themselves and the system encourage a pervasive mode of rote learning and memorising. Then, without warning, vigorous class part suddenly becomes an expectation. Photograph by chiam da jian for nus1101

In essence, there was a tremendous amount of rote learning – a fact of life exacerbated by even-morerepetitive assessment books, and regular tuition. I called it life support because it kept me barely alive even as learning was dead. When we were nearing the exams, ten year series (TYS) became our best friends. Even if it wasn’t an absolute bore, it certainly drummed in the idea that school was a lot about practice makes perfect. Given the insignificance of class participation in one’s educational career, it comes to no surprise that many become uncomfortable with speaking up in university. Changing the context does little to change us as students. The disjuncture between largely anti-participatory public education and university is enormous in this respect. The curricula, teachers themselves and the system encourage a pervasive mode of rote learning and memorising. Then, without warning, vigorous class part suddenly becomes an expectation.

Shutting out the white noise

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CONFESSIONS OF AN EX-POLY STUDENT IN NUS We all come to NUS from various walks of life – some more common than others. One former polytechnic student talks about the challenges she faced adjusting to NUS life and learning that it really is just school after all.

W nine.

hen I received my acceptance letter from the National University of Singapore (NUS) three years ago, I was on cloud

Here I was, excited and ready to embark on the next phase of my life in a highly-ranked global institution. Entering NUS had been a seemingly unattainable dream of mine since my ‘O’ level days. However, my feelings of being over the moon were shortlived. Coming from a polytechnic, I felt like a far cry from students from top junior colleges (JCs) here in

Singapore. Can I cope here? Will I survive? Such thoughts ran through my head. Only very recently, I realised that I was not alone in my fears. Over casual conversations with my closer polytechnic friends who had just matriculated this year, I was surprised to learn that they felt just as fearful about starting school as I did four years ago. Yet, it’s easy to understand why.

Polytechnic students are a very un-/ underrecognised bunch. Polytechnic students are a very un-/underrecognised bunch. Even before school starts – in orientation camps and whatnot – typical conversation topics start with, ‘What JC are you from?’ Feelings of exclusion start from there, and change little even after the school term commences. In class, more often than not, I was the only ex-poly student present. When friends make conversation of their JC days (as they will and as they very often do), it’s hard not to feel a little left out. Sometimes, professors and lecturers will casually mention that they’d be teaching material which “will build up from what you probably already learned in your JC”, without bearing in mind that there are students from all walks of life in NUS.

I’ve learnt that it really doesn’t matter where you’re from. As time progresses, you will catch onto the rhythms of university life. My polytechnic friends and I, posing for a shot after having successfully put up a photo exhibition of our service learning trip to Dumaguete, the Philippines, at The Arts House. All photos are author’s own unless otherwise stated.

Some of my friends and I could barely keep up with the heavy workload in the beginning. We had

36 FRESHMEN FAUX PAS: THE HEART STUFF

the lecture-tutorial system and you don’t need to be spoon-fed to get your stuff done. You also know all about the joys and pains of group work, so handling less-than-stellar partners isn’t new to you. Besides, you are used to doing everything yourself, if need be. Of course, I should probably catch my breath for a minute. All the fears I expressed here could just be things specific to me, myself and I. No two people walk down the same road. But I’m pretty sure that it’s more than likely you’ve felt the same way before.

My fellow Geography friends and I on a field trip with Professor T.C. Chang to Clarke Quay. a lot of catching up to do. Let’s not even mention the distancing effect age differences create. (Panic mode: ON) Now, I am about to enter my seventh semester in NUS and my fears and insecurities about coming from a polytechnic are firmly located at the very back of my mind. Because I’ve learnt that it really doesn’t matter where you’re from. As time progresses, you will catch onto the rhythms of university life. You get used to the ebbs and flows of the school term – the very slack first few weeks of school, the xiong periods of catching up in recess week, hell in weeks 10 to 13, death during the exam period, then a burst of freedom for a few weeks before it starts all over again. You’ll get to know the system inside out, and develop your own learning strategy. You also realise that while you may be the ‘minority’ in practically every class you take, in more ways than one, you are also privileged. As your poly seniors will tell you, the style of learning in a university is very similar to that in a polytechnic. You’re used to being an independent learner with

Even if you did not come to NUS from a polytechnic, most of us can relate to being the awkward, quiet one in class. Everyone, regardless of where they come from, has to come to terms with their fear of not belonging in a new environment.

Everyone, regardless of where they come from, has to come to terms with their fear of not belonging in a new environment. This article is for you. You aren’t any better or any worse off than your peers. So don’t let your reservations overwhelm you. As The Ridge’s former Chief Editor, Wendy Wong, wrote in a similar article (http://theridge.sg/2013/09/15/lifestyle-nussurvival-guide-uni-tips-for-freshies-foreigners/) on a guide to survive NUS life three years ago, “Ignore what the educational culture and societal norms have pounded into you all these years. NUS has accepted you based on the same grounds and merit as all the rest, and where you came makes no difference at all.” In any case, it’s just school, right?

In this section, our writers show you the fantastic life on campus!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Far more fun in NUS after lesson time.

Hall of Fame Best Food on Campus Supper near Nus

Photo: Office of housing services, NUS

STAYING ON CAMPUS

38 STAYING ON CAMPUS

HALL OF FAME

rom Sheares Hall to Residential College 4, NUS offers a great range of residential experiences for you to enhance your university experience in the manner of your choice! That being said, there truly is a myriad of choices and it could get confusing to choose what is for you. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you know to get you started:

1. What are my options? Office of Student Affairs, NUS http://www.nus.edu.sg/osa

First things first, you have to know what your options are. In NUS, there are six Halls of Residence, four Residential Colleges and two

Residences.

2. How much do they cost?

On the Office of Student Affairs website, you are able to compare the prices. Right off the bat, you can tell that Residential Colleges are the most expensive while halls cost the least. Do note that both Halls of Residence and Residential Colleges have compulsory meal plans, hence the higher cost. While these prices are important things to consider, you should always check out the various

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independent living while having opportunities to interact with fellow residents if they wish so.

3. What does it mean to be a resident of the various residences?

The most distinct difference that should be the crux of your decisionmaking would be the experience of the various residences. Halls of Residence place major emphasis on student development through active involvement in all aspects. From sports to community engagement, residents gain exposure to an intense experience they customise themselves. Residences, on the other end of the spectrum, provide a minimal framework of programmes and community engagement. This gives students the opportunity of

It is imperative to note that even within Halls of Residence and Residential Colleges, there may be differences in tone and character of each residence. Hence, it is crucial to visit their respective websites or even Facebook pages to find out what fits you best.

4. How to apply?

The application process differs across all three types of residences. If you are applying to stay in a student residence, it will be based on a random selection and you will be allocated based on availability. Halls of Residence select freshmen based on their Co-Curricular Activities records. A place in a Residential College, however, requires a short essay and an interview if selected. Just like culture, this might result in slight variations in selection within the Halls of Residence and Residential Colleges. This article might have shed some light on what the various residences are like. However, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that your time in university is a good chance to put yourself out there to experiment and reinvent yourself. You might discover a new you!

Photos from nus.edu.sg

scholarships and grants offered by both the Halls of Residence and Residential Colleges. These scholarships and grants are typically bond-free and can pay for your entire stay!

For the experience of an integrated living and learning environment, you might find Residential Colleges more suitable for you. Residents read multidisciplinary modules and participate in college interest groups, while being exposed to various settings such as Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teas and forums.

40 STAYING ON CAMPUS

BEST FOOD ON CAMPUS “What should we eat for lunch today?”

•Ayam Penyet (Frontier, Faculty of Science)

While the NUS campus may be somewhat inaccessible, there’s hardly any need to head out for good food. With many dining options scattered around the campus, students and staff at NUS definitely find themselves spoilt for choice to satisfy their cravings.

•Yong Tau Foo (The Deck, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences)

The NUS Best Food on Campus Contest, held on the NUS Kent Ridge Alumni Day (15 August 2015), pit contestants against one another to clinch the 8 awards up for grabs. These eateries/ stalls include: •Reedz Café (Mochtar Riady Building, School of Business) •Astons (Flavours@UTown, Stephen Riady Centre) •Hwang’s Korean Restaurant (Town Plaza, University Town)

The contestants dished out their signature dishes with an added visual flair before facing a panel of judges from diverse and reputable backgrounds. Among them was MediaCorp heart-throb Tay Ping Hui, a former NUS student (Class of 1996). These are the winners – do you agree with the judges’ decision? Looking at the list sure felt like a food trail was waiting to happen. In light of the recent contest, my stomach could not resist the temptation to fulfill my role as a foodie and sample the winner’s fare myself. So off I went…

Astons

Flavours@UTown, Stephen Riady Centre 11am – 10pm daily Representing the western food stall at the Flavours @ UTown food court, Astons has been dishing out affordable comfort food since its inception. The Astons brand has grown from its humble coffeeshop beginnings to the many outlets and restaurant outfits across the island – you could say Astons has indeed spread everywhere, with an outlet located right on our campus. The brand has certainly won the hearts of many western food aficionados and is synonymous with affordability and quality. While I wasn’t surprised by the long queue during lunch hour, my stomach was growing impatient. Fortunately, I did not have to wait a long time. The stall emphasises efficiency – upon placing your orders, you get a buzzer that will prompt you to collect your food from the counter. Within ten minutes (a perfectly reasonable waiting time considering the staggering queue), my Grilled Fish With Herbs (NUS $7.50, Public $9.50) (with a choice of Mac & Cheese and Garden Veggies as my side dishes) was ready. The fish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The sauce, however, I didn’t like too much; it was too viscous and lacked flavour to complement the fish. The dish would do just as well without the sauce. But the sides were thoroughly enjoyable – the pasta was cooked al dente and the vegetables well cooked. All in all, with the exception of the sauce on the fish, I couldn’t have asked for a better meal. With my western food craving satisfied at a lower price compared to other Astons outlets, I will return

for another affordable meal again.

THE GOOD: The waiting time was adequate and I was spared the agony of watching my friends eat their food first.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD: I was a little disappointed with the sauce that accompanied with the fish as it lacked flavour and was too thick for my liking.

Hwang’s Korean Restaurant

Town Plaza, University Town Monday – Saturday, 10:30am – 10pm (last order at 9pm) This place never fails to draw the crowd and can get really packed during the lunch hour. The variety of food and drinks, coupled with its affordability, contribute to its overwhelming popularity. Serving traditional dishes from Dak Bulgogi (spicy marinated chicken) to Dolsot Bibimbap (stone bowl mixed rice), this is where you should go to get your quick fix of authentic Korean food. Do note that you have to decide on your preferred dish before you join the queue. The staff’s efficient service means your order will be taken as soon as eye contact is made from a reasonable distance away. So although the queue appears long, it moves at a quick rate which means you’re able to get your food within a short period of time. Dak Bulgogi (NUS $5.50, Public $6.50), or spicy marinated chicken, is definitely one of my recommendations when you’re dining at the restaurant. Besides a generous amount of chicken,

42 STAYING ON CAMPUS

the set also includes seaweed soup, a bowl of rice and two side dishes of kimchi and seasoned anchovies. The chicken, each piece a mixture of spiciness, sweetness and saltiness, were also accompanied with sliced onions to give each bite an additional texture and flavour. What’s more, the dish was served on a hot plate, keeping my food hot while whetting my appetite as it sizzled.

THE GOOD: The serving size was just right, so I was delightfully full!

THE NOT-SO-GOOD: The dish could probably be served with more onion slices to better accentuate the taste of the marinated chicken (though this is up to your personal preference!).

Ayam Penyet

Frontier, Faculty of Science Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 4pm (several stalls operate till 8pm) Saturday: 7:30am – 3pm

Located at the corner of the Frontier (also known as the Science canteen), this Indonesian Panggang Uncle Penyet Fusion stall never fails to draw a long line of hungry students seeking to satisfy their deepfried food craving. This is especially so during lunch hour, when its queue often intertwines with that of other stalls’. Do be sure you’re at the right queue; you wouldn’t want to end up queuing for a fruit juice instead – a common mistake for people new to this canteen! The stall does not just serve greasy food; it also

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caters to the needs of the slightly more health conscious (and thriftier) individuals with dishes like Steamed Chicken ($3) and Bakso (Beef Ball Soup) ($2.50). As for myself, I couldn’t resist ordering one of their deep-fried dishes, and chose the stall’s renowned Ayam Penyet, which clinched the Grand Winner for Best Food on Campus Contest award. The stall’s rendition of Ayam Penyet ($4.30) comes atop a bed of salad (lettuce, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes) with a piece of fried tofu and a portion of white or brown (for an additional $0.10) rice covered with curry sauce. The fried chicken was cooked to perfection, the skin adequately crispy and the meat tender. Moreover the crispy bits of batter atop the chicken gave the dish additional texture, which accompanied well with the rice. Apart from the chicken, another highlight of the dish was the stall’s iconic chili sauce, which would normally be served with the rice. But this sauce is not for the faint-hearted because of its intense spiciness – in fact, there used to be a sign saying “WARNING: CHILI IS VERY SPICY” placed at the cashier. In other words, it’s possibly highly ranked on the Scoville Heat Scale and shouldn’t be underestimated!

As someone who can take the heat, I did not find the chili overpoweringly spicy – in fact, it gave the dish a good kick, and its absence would certainly diminish the overall experience. That being said, those who are unable to tolerate too much spiciness should start with only a tiny bit of the sauce first; don’t set your mouth on fire!

THE GOOD: Definitely the fried chicken. THE NOT-SO-GOOD: The greens and the fried tofu were a little dry for my liking.

Yong Tau Foo

The Deck, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Monday – Friday: 7.30am to 4pm (several stalls at The Deck operate till 8pm) Saturday: 7:30am – 3pm

Situated at the entrance of The Deck (also known as Arts canteen), the Yong Tau Foo & Laksa stall is hard to miss. It is even harder to miss it during the lunch hours when there’s a long queue (or two) in front of the stall! With a wide variety of ingredients to choose from, as well as being easy on a student’s wallet, it is no wonder the stall attracts students from all over the campus. Yong Tau Foo is a Hakka Chinese dish which, unlike its name, does not solely consist of Tau Foo, or

44 STAYING ON CAMPUS

Tofu (bean curd). In fact, the amount of ingredients ranges from vegetables like bok choy and tomatoes, to fish balls and fried wonton. Although the ingredients may vary by stalls, typical choices also include eggplant, quail egg and stuffed bitter gourd. There is a particular way to order your food at this stall. There are two queues, with the one on the right for selecting your ingredients. Once you have handed your order over to the cashier, join the queue on the left (which is usually longer) and wait for your turn to pay and collect your food. Rest assured that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll receive the right order! Do look out for the yellow

A4-sized paper located on top of the ingredient shelves to aid your order. It will give you a breakdown of your costs and inform you of the available carbohydrate accompaniments. I decided to have an early lunch to avoid the lunch queue (which has been known to stretch past the entrance of The Deck), and arrived at the stall at around 10am. There were only about two students in front me for the right queue, and only five on the left.

THE GOOD: Without a doubt, the soup base will certainly keep me coming back for more!

THE NOT-SO-GOOD: The fried wanton that I had order

was not re-fried, and was soaked in the soup, giving the dumpling skin a soggy texture. Having sampled the food of the contest winners, I can definitely say that they deserved their respective titles. It is crucial in the food business to ensure that quality remains consistent. These stalls have achieved that and more especially in terms of service and affordability. Congratulations to the winners of the NUS Best Food on Campus Contest! Photos: Title Photo by Lixin Sun. Other photos by Nicholas Ong

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SUPPER NEAR NUS

46 STAYING ON CAMPUS

earing that incessant growling, while you’re burning the midnight oil to revise for upcoming mid-terms or churning out assignments? Yes, that’s your belly vying for your attention! It’s time to fill it up with hearty (though a little sinful) grub! A favourite haunt of supper lovers (encompassing NUS students staying on campus), these four dining options along Clementi Road will be sure to satisfy the food cravings of any night crawler!

Niqqi’s The Cheese Prata Shop 18 Clementi Rd Singapore 129747 24 hours

Something about its oily and crispy features that have food lovers go gaga over eating prata for supper! Niqqi’s, like many other prata restaurants, doesn’t disappoint as it serves up many, many variations of this doughy delight, catering to different cravings! Of course, you wouldn’t not want to order the cheese prata – the flavour is satisfyingly strong with each bite – and the tissue prata is a good sharing dish with your pals!

Fong Seng Fast Food Nasi Lemak 22 Clementi Rd, Singapore 129751 6am to 4am

Think cai png (economy rice) and typical Nasi Lemak ingredients and you’ll get Fong Seng’s version of the traditional and well-loved Malay dish. Allowing you to select from more than 10 different types of side dishes to pile onto your plate, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice as you strategically give in to your temptations, while ensuring that your wallet can handle your heart’s desires!

Fei Fei WanTON Mee

18 Clementi Rd Singapore 129747 24 hours

If you crave for good ol’ Wanton Mee and are especially particular about the springiness of your noodles, then we’ll bet that Fei Fei will be able to win you over with their specialty dish! We highly recommend getting a set, which includes their signature Wanton Noodles, either the Wanton or Dumpling Soup and a plate of Oyster Sauce Vegetables.

Al Amaan Restaurant

12 Clementi Rd Singapore 129742 11am to 3am (Last order: 2.45am for dine-in, 2.30am for delivery) If you’re in the mood for some comfort food, you’ll be very pleased with Al Amaan and its offerings! From finger food to hearty dishes, this eatery will be able to cater to different grading of late-night hungriness. Did we also mention that the restaurant offers delivery service as well? If you’re too overloaded with work and are unable to afford the time to eat at its premises, simply give them a ring! Feeling hungry already? Simply take SBS Bus 95 from Kent Ridge Station and alight at Kent Ridge Terminal (8 stops away); head out of the terminal and all it takes is an approximately 2-minute walk to the supper food haven! Afraid of the extra calories? Well, I’m sure this worry can be put off to a later timing.

photos by Deshawn Toh

NUS SECRETS

Photo: NUS Student’s Union—Facebook page

Our writers reveal the less well-known facts about NUS.

“

There are ways to make full use of your new environment – from finding hidden study spots to shortcuts around school...

Making the campus work for you Frugal Freshie guide Unlock your NUS discounts

48 NUS SECRETS

MAKING THE CAMPUS WORK FOR YOU Libraries

eing a new student in university is certainly daunting. Campus life in NUS is very different from the regular Singaporean junior college experience (although those hailing from polytechnics might find it more familiar). But fear not! There are ways to make full use of your new environment – from finding hidden study spots to shortcuts around school.

Study spots

With all the deadlines, exams and assignments coming your way (don’t say we didn’t warn you!), there is always a high demand for study spots in NUS. Apart from the run-of-the-mill libraries, food courts and tables along walkways, there are also dedicated study spaces found in nooks and crannies across campus.

• C J Koh Law Library, Faculty of Law • Central Library: caters to the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, School of Computing, School of Design & Environment, Faculty of Engineering and the University Scholars Programme • Chinese Library, which has Chinese and Japanese language resources • Science Library, Faculty of Science • Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library, School of Business • Medical Library: caters to the Faculty of Dentistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine including Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and the Department of Pharmacy • Music Library, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music

The newest areas to mug and hang out include AS8, located beside AS1 and Central Library, which has a computer cluster, study area and a cafe; the space at Central Forum below Central Library; and the recently renovated Frontier Canteen at the Faculty of Science, which boasts a student lounge, sheltered walkway, study area with a computer cluster and an air-conditioned eating space. In UTown, the ground floor of the Education Resource Centre underneath “the big fan” is one such spot. Right beside it is the largest Starbucks in terms of seating capacity in Singapore, which is one of the more popular student hangouts. There are also 24/7 study clusters, Computer Commons (where you can use a Mac or PC) and discussion spaces around UTown. Also, during the final examinations period, seminar rooms in all the faculties and at UTown will be opened to provide you with extra air-conditioned rooms for mugging. Staying in a hall or residence? Your new home away from home should have a hostel lounge where you can relax or study with friends. Some residence lounges boast whiteboards which you can write on, too.

the hard stuff

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Photo: https://chueonit.com/2013/08/27/follow-the-yellowpaneled-ceiling-faculty-of-arts-and-social-sciences-nus/

charging points

Charging points can be found virtually everywhere on campus. They’re commonly found at most study areas in the libraries, along walkways and occasionally on pillars at food courts. All if not most study spaces have charging points or at least one situated nearby. Just remember to bring along your charger wherever you go! You can also find Singapore Power charging stations dotted around both Kent Ridge and Bukit Timah campuses - a lifesaver when you’ve forgotten to bring your phone or tablet chargers and your gadgets are running low on juice.

eating points

Did you know that there are four canteens, six food courts, and more than 30 cafes and restaurants on campus? NUS definitely offers a wide range of food options for us students. Aside from every faculty’s food courts, there are fast food joints and kiosks, cafes, a salad bar, coffee places, restaurants and even a bar! Tip: Download the NUS Foodie App to find out the latest F&B promotions and the complete rundown of all the eateries on campus. See p. 15 for more useful apps.

Follow the yellow brick road ceiling, à la Wizard of Oz

To get around on rainy (and overly sunny) days; one tip that not many students know about is to follow the yellow-panelled walkway ceilings. This sheltered path snakes around the entire Kent Ridge campus, connecting all the faculties - from Yusof Ishak House (YIH) to Central Library and the School of Engineering, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, School of Computing and Business School. According to one student, the only disjointed portion is a short stretch between YIH and University Hall, and from UHall to the Faculty of Science.

50 NUS SECRETS

#OOTD backdrops

Need a suitable background for your latest Instagram outfit? There are a couple of places you can

Mochtar Riady Building

Located in the School of Business, this building immediately stands out as one of the most iconic buildings in campus. Often the backdrop for business students taking group shots after a gruelling project, this buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive architecture would certainly provide a unique subject for those fanciful Instagram Shots.

FASS

Probably one of the more homely faculties on

campus, FASS has plenty of areas for that hipster shot. From its brick walls, the newly installed Peranakan-inspired backgrounds at the study spots along AS3, to the newly constructed AS8, it is unlikely that there will be any areas on campus as diverse in setting as those in FASS.

UTOWN

Completed in 2011, UTown is without a doubt the star of Kent Ridge Campus. Its highlight: Town Green. It is ideal as a place for you and your friends to spend a day basking in the sunshine. You can relax from all the studying with a picnic on the green and get great Instagrams with all your friends (think: natural lighting!).

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Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

One of the newer buildings that has just recently been completed, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum has interesting exhibits, like a complete model of a dinosaur, but also provides great background for photos. Combining earthy tones with the use of plants growing in the facade, the museum is both an interesting place to visit on your downtime and a locale that can beautify your feed on the Gram.

Central Library

What on Earth is a boring library doing on a list of Instagram-worthy places on campus? Well, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little secret. Along the walkway from Central Library to Yusof Ishak House, you will come across

the walkway that gives you the most amazing view of the Singapore Straits and the port of Singapore. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even more beautiful is the fact that this corridor faces the West; if the conditions are right you will be treated with the most beautiful sunset seen on campus. Not many NUS students know about this place, so be sure to check it out before it becomes too mainstream!

Bukit Timah Campus

If you are studying at the Faculty of Law, lucky you. Undoubtedly, the Bukit Timah Campus is the nicest campus in Singapore. With the old colonial buildings against the backdrop of greenery in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, there are plenty of photography opportunities for you Instagrammers. It is also quite accessible to get there with a direct shuttle from the Kent Ridge Campus and Botanic Gardens MRT station located nearby.

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RUGAL FRESHIE GUIDE

7 free things to look out for

NUS isn’t just a school you’ll be attending the next three to four years of your life, it’s also a vibrant campus and community teeming with tons of fun activities and events that are (thankfully) free. Here are seven things you can do or look out for:

1. Learn something outside of class Did you know that NUS houses not one but two museums on its Kent Ridge campus within a two-minute walk from each other? (Don’t worry, this isn’t a fact you’ll be tested on.) Located at the University Cultural Centre, the NUS Museum is the oldest university museum in Singapore. It features stunning historical artefacts, including ancient Chinese ceramics and archaeological discoveries found in Singapore as well as paintings and sculptures from around the region. A two-minute walk will bring you to the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, which is the only museum in Singapore dedicated to featuring Southeast Asian biodiversity. Opened in 2015, the two-storey collection showcases more than 500,000 animal and plant specimens, as well as a 27-metre-long dinosaur on display.

2. Enjoy live music Listen to soothing classical music by our musically-inclined peers at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum Photo by Akankshita Dash

the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, which organises weekly lunchtime concerts as part of their Noon Recital series. The recitals feature both solo and ensemble performances. Campus radio station Radio Pulze also organises the occasional Live Lounge series, which invites emerging artists and bands to perform at different parts on campus. Check out their Facebook for the latest updates.

3. Eat leftovers Yes, you heard me right. Often, the various clubs, societies and faculty departments order catered buffets and leave behind leftovers that would ordinarily be thrown away. Enter the NUS Buffet Response Team, an informal group on Facebook that aims to combat food wastage by alerting students on the whereabouts of free leftovers on campus. This is one which you can justifiably defend your cheapskate tendencies with “it’s for a good cause!” Link: https://www.facebook.com/ NUSBuffetResponseTeam/

4. Work up a sweat Need a break from studying (or after eating one too many leftover buffets)? Flash your student card at the Stephen Riady Centre in UTown to get a free workout at the gym and infinity pool. The gym boasts a wide range of equipment, including a long line of treadmills, stationary bikes and ellipticals overlooking Town Green, as well as exercise machines, weights and yoga mats.

54 NUS SECRETS

5. Collect your welfare pack One of the most anticipated events of the entire semester – you’re not an NUS student until you’ve queued in line to collect your free welfare pack. From Week 11 to 13, up to 12 000 welfare packs are distributed by all 10 faculties. You can stock up on a variety of goodies from the pack, which can include foolscap paper, stationery, coupons, instant drink packets and snacks, instead of getting broke during this stressful period.

6. Cool down with a free cone Ice cream on a hot day tastes so much sweeter when it’s FREE! Free Cone Day happens every semester on campus, so do be sure to follow NUSSU Welfare for the latest updates!

Photos from nussu welfare and fass club facebook pages

Photo by Drishti baid

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE 55

7. Attend Animal Therapy Having a “ruff” time revising for finals? Look out for the feline and canine therapy sessions organised by NUS PEACE (People Ending Animal Cruelty and Exploitation) sometime around Week 13. Partnering with animal welfare organisations, the PEACE CatCafe and Therapy Dogs Programme offers stress-relief sessions with furry friends. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates. If you’re looking for more structured support, check out the counselling and psychological services offered by the University Health Centre. See page 75.

Photos by Akankshita Dash

56 NUS SECRETS

UNLOCK YOUR NUS DISCOUNTS

NUStyle is an initiative by the NUSSU Business Committee (Bizcom) that offers exclusive deals to both past and present members–students, staff and alumni–of the NUS community. Since 2006, the NUStyle team has been actively sourcing for the latest and most relevant deals–from cafes and restaurants, to fashion labels and entertainment spots. As of January 2016, NUStyle has 35 partners on board the discount scheme. All you need to do is to present your NUS card at participating outlets to enjoy the discounts and privileges. On top of that, NUStyle holds sponsored contests and giveaways, and even posts reviews of merchants on their Facebook page. The next time you’re craving some froyo or Korean fried chicken, remember check out who NUStyle’s partners are before you whip out your wallet!

Illustration: Price tag by John Merlino for the noun project

What do you use your matriculation card for? Besides entering the Central Library and presenting it to the obviously-bored invigilator in the exam hall, did you know that your matriculation card has a different kind of power? No, it can’t do all your readings for you, but it can make your short-term gratification when you’re struggling under a pile assignments that much more satisfying. Yes, we’re talking about NUS D-I-S-C-O-U-N-T-S.

NUS1101 FRESHMEN KICKSTART MAGAZINE 57

MY NUS LIFE Valuable advice from our seniors on how to live YOUR NUS life!

“

University life is whatever you make out of it

Faculty Club President Messages Things all NUS students should do before graduating

Photo: NUS Students’ Union Freshmen Orientation Projects - NEXUS—Facebook Page

58 MY NUS LIFE

SHEN JIAYI (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ POLITICAL ASSOCIATION) If I’m afforded only one word to encapsulate my four years at NUS, it’s this: curiosity. Curiosity is the remedy for the malady of uncertainty. Life in university can be chaotic, and oftentimes contradictory. What you know often matters much less than how you know, for the only constant is change. What we know is vulnerable to revision, especially when our collegiate world of complexity proves stubbornly resistant to simplifications of the socialintellectual paradigms that we have picked up prior to matriculation. You’re in a different environment now, and the old rules may no longer apply. Perhaps it is impossible to truly know anything with complete certainty, given how provisional seemingly permanent knowledge can be. But take heart, my friend, for this is certainly no reason for pessimism. If you don’t know something, go figure. A critical sense of curiosity will tide you through. If you don’t know something political, come join the NUS Students’ Political Association. We’ll be there to connect you with current developments in the geopolitical landscape of Singapore and beyond. Come engage with prominent office-holders in the social and political spheres of our country, and I assure you that our discussions shall never leave you wanting. LIU GUILIANG (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ LAW CLUB) Law School, at least to my mind, easily takes the spot for the most challenging and rewarding aspect of my life thus far. It is challenging in the sense that the academic content is not just conceptually difficult, but that the study of law is unlike anything that you have experienced in your pre-tertiary education. However, the content is both enthralling and stimulating; trust me on this one, once you have started law school, you will realise that it is probably one of the best decisions you have made. Additionally, I am a strong advocate of the idea that a tertiary education should not and must not be seen as a means to an end; it is more than just a paper chase. University is the place where you finally have the mandate and autonomy to really explore yourself and to actively pursue your interests, be it academic or non-academic in nature. So to this end, come to NUS with an open mind and the courage to step out of your comfort zone – represent your faculty during Inter-Faculty Games, pick up a new instrument, or take up positions of leadership – these are but a mere fraction of the myriad of opportunities available to you in NUS. So in short, congratulations on making it to NUS Law, and do make the best use of your 4 years in law school!

LIM JIA MIN (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT CLUB (DE Club)) Welcome to the SDE family all freshmen! No matter which course in SDE you joined, you will have an interesting 4 or 5 years ahead of you. It will definitely differ from the school life most of you are familiar with. There will be many opportunities to learn more about yourself and the world around you, so take the chance to do so in these 4 years as a NUS student. University is not just about studying! Enjoy your orientation activities before the start of school and make some new friends. It is a good way to help you acclimatise to the university environment. There are plenty of seniors around then who will be willing to help with your questions if you have any. Join some activities even during the school term too. DE Club is always organising events (eg. movie night) for you guys. So join in and have some fun! (: Don’t be too stressed out about what to expect in university. Just relax and have fun. It is going to be awesome!

60 MY NUS LIFE

WONG JUN JIE (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ BUSINESS CLUB (Bizad Club)) Let me introduce to you a new word: Bizader. As a student of NUS Business School, you will officially become a Bizader. As a Bizader, we uphold the traditions of our school and pride ourselves with its core values: Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, Teamwork and Care. Our school color is Red. We have 5 Freshmen Orientation Projects (FOPs) in place to prepare you into being a Bizader, starting from June, and all the way till the first week of school! But first of all… let me pick my favorite memory as a freshman: Wait, I can’t. All FOPs are equally memorable to me! *Hint* Once you have joined all the FOPs, you will truly understand what is “Bizad Spirit”, as a Bizader. Before I end off, let me tell you something important as a NUS student: Don’t be too stressed out in worrying about your academics or what are you going to do in future, there will be many opportunities made available to you! Treasure your time in university and participate in student club activities, because before you know it, you’re graduating and entering the workforce. So, enjoy the process! Once a Bizader, Always a Bizader.

HAMZA NAQVI (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ ENGINEERING CLUB) First and foremost, on behalf of the entire Club, I am pleased to welcome you as a student in the Faculty of Engineering. I am sure you will find, as have thousands of others, that the Engineering curriculum empowers its students with the tools needed to compete in today’s global economy, while also preparing them to be tomorrow’s Engineering leaders. Not too long ago, I was a freshman myself. Like you, I was both nervous and excited. So as to slowly acclimatise myself in NUS, I attended a total of seven camps in merely two months. While I was physically exhausted by the end of this ‘campathon’, I knew I had forged bonds with my fellow engineers that will last a lifetime. As your senior now, I urge you to explore and grab every opportunity that comes your way. The Club has been working tremendously hard to prepare numerous events for you, and it is our promise that we will provide you with the best possible freshmen experience. As your current President, I also take this opportunity to urge you to join the Management Committee. Elections are held annually at the start of the academic year. The Club has relied heavily upon passionate leaders to serve the faculty. I am sure that through your positive freshman experiences, you too will have a strong desire to contribute to your faculty. To find out more about Engin Club and the activities we have planned for you, visit us at www. enginclub.com. Should you have any queries, do not hesitate to drop me an email at president@ enginclub.com For the Students, By the Students safeguarding the interest of our students since 1978 TAN LI TING (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ SCIENCE CLUB) To all incoming freshmen of the University, I would like to extend a warm welcome and for those joining the family here in Science, I add the promise that numerous exciting events await you! As a freshman, part of the multitude of activities the seniors hope to engage you with are the series of Freshmen Orientation Projects lined up for the whole of summer! University life is how you define it. Mundane or not, it is your choice to make. I made mine years ago and I never regretted being part of the community here I am with today. Be it sports, music or even committees, the vibrant student life in NUS has much to offer. Within the Faculty herself, we truly believe in ‘Unity through participation’, hence, we embrace greater inclusivity within the various communities in Science by providing countless opportunities for you to partake in. Believe me, university life in the past three years would never be the same without the many people I met here in Science, from helpful professors to encouraging friends. No doubt the intense and rigourous curriculum to train your intellect may be overwhelming at times, yet the lovely people you meet here will make university life enjoyable. Be open to meeting new people— the camaraderie forged and memories created will be your best takeaways.

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TAN YONGMING (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ COMPUTING CLUB) Hello freshmen! I’m Yongming, a 2nd year Information Systems student, and the current President of the NUS Students’ Computing Club. Welcome to your new life at the National University of Singapore :D My life in NUS has been a fun and fulfilling one. In my short 2 years here, I have met many caring and helpful seniors in School of Computing. These are people who might appear to be strangers to you, but will eventually become your buddies and mates within and beyond your 4 years in NUS. The NUS experience will not be complete without taking part in the student activities. Join in the fun, exciting and meaningful camps and programmes prepared by your seniors. You will find your time in NUS more enjoyable, meaningful, and homely. Keep an eye out for the upcoming orientation projects that we have in store for you! School of Computing will be your second home, if you open your heart and mind to it :) See you around! KENNETH NG (PRESIDENT, NUS STUDENTS’ COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB) Welcome to all incoming freshmen of the University! I hope that you’re excited to kick start your NUS journey and make the most of your experience here doing what you’re most passionate about! I encourage you to make the most of your time here at NUS to explore and actively pursue your passions. Your University experience is what you make of it. What it pans out to be depends on your participation in your time here. In my 3 years at NUS, I have realized that the NUS experience must be more than eventful; it must be meaningful. Come volunteer with our community service projects and programmes, and help make life meaningful for yourself and those around you! My University life would not have been the same without being a volunteer. More importantly, it would not have been the same without the friends I’ve made. Volunteering has allowed me to make friends from across NUS, whose friendships will last beyond university life.

Texture: unevenly painted wall texture—Designed by Freepik.com Illustrations: battery by igor filipe; microphone by tim boelaars; smiley by austin condiff for the noun project

So take the plunge, don’t stress and live in the moment! Actively join in the fun and meaningful activities we have for you, for the University experience entails much more than solely academics. The Community Service Club can offer you some of the most meaningful experiences in your NUS journey, you just have to open your hearts and minds (:

Type a message

62 MY NUS LIFE

THINGS ALL NUS STUDENTS SHOULD DO

BEFORE GRADUATING

F YOU ARE A FRESHMAN entering university, chances are you would have been inundated at some point with cliché aphorisms such as “University will be the best time of your life” and “University life is whatever you make out of it”, or even perhaps “Make the most out of your university life!”. What such adages fail to describe adequately is, what exactly does this great “University life” entail? More specifically to students entering NUS, what exactly does a great student life in NUS mean? As a graduating NUS student looking back at his undergraduate life, I can resolutely say

that there is no such thing as one particular definition of a great NUS student life. NUS students are amazingly diverse and go on to experience and achieve many different things as undergrads. And yet, there are commonalities in almost all NUS students’ experiences, some courtesy of being young adults in this millennium, others due to the great opportunities and facilities provided by NUS. From reminiscing memorable experiences with my fellow NUS students and alumni, I have compiled a list of things that all NUS students should do. Have fun and remember, university life is whatever you make out of it!

Illustration: mortar board by nicholas menghini for the noun project

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1. Attend orientation camps However know that it is not compulsory to join orientation camps 2. Study at all the NUS libraries Find your perfect studying spot 3. Stake out buffet lines around campus There’s always free food if you know where to find them 4. Participate or lurk on NUSWhispers Don’t worry, all posts are anonymous 5. Visit the Lee Kong Chian National Library Museum and NUS Museum 6. Have supper at Amaans Especially for those staying in halls/ residences 7. Collect the welfare packs Remember to collect them early before they run out! 8. Attend performances in the NUS Arts Festival 9. Go overseas There are plenty of opportunities such as the Student Exchange Programme (SEP) or NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) 10. Have lessons in UTown (And complain having lessons in UTown)

15. Get to know your professors 16. Mug overnight in school Do you know certain places are open 24/7 during exam periods? 17. Discover the shortcuts between classes and faculties This can save lots of travelling time! 18. Follow the yellow-panelled ceiling In case you haven’t realised, the ceiling indicates the sheltered walkway between faculties 19. Join a CCA you are interested in Attend the Student Life Fair held every first week of Semester 1 to discover CCAs you may be interested in! 20. Take a picture with ‘I WAS HERE’ outside of UCC upon graduation 21. Complain about the bell-curve 22. Complain about bad group project mates Sometimes life isn’t fair to all 23. Speak up in class Don’t forget about class participation! 24. Participate in NUSSU Rag and Flag 25. Use the UTown Gym

11. Admire the view from rooftops around campus

26. Attend a performance at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music

12. Eat at all NUS canteens And discover where all the good food are

27. Visit Prince George’s Park Residences

13. Visit the Bukit Timah and Kent Ridge Campus

29. Participate in the Inter-Faculty Games

14. Swim in the infinity pool in UTown

28. Catch a coffee break at Humble Origins

30. Graduate and attend commencement

“University life is whatever you make out of it”

FRESHMEN ORIEN In this section, we introduce the major NUS events targeted specially towards freshmen!

“

More infomation can be found on the Union’s website and NEXUS’s facebook page:

Photo: NUS Students’ Union Freshmen Orientation Projects - NEXUS—Facebook Page

NUSSU’s website http://www.nussu.org/ freshmen-category/ orientation

NEXUS facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ nus.students.union.nexus

NTATION PROJECTS NUS Freshmen Orientation Projects NEXUS Union Camp Student Life Fair NUSSU Rag and Flag

66 KEYSTONE NUS EVENTS

NUS Freshmen Orientation Projects faqs What are NUS Freshmen Orientation Projects (FOPs)? As you begin your NUS journey, you will be thrust into a colourful campus life with a vibrant student culture and an exciting range of Freshmen Orientation Projects (FOPs). These projects are meant to orientate and integrate new undergraduates (freshmen) into NUS student life.

Who can participate?

Types

faculty-related • • • • •

These projects range from overnight camps, daylong activities or even half-day workshops that are organised by various NUS groups and societies, including faculty clubs, non-faculty clubs, halls and residential colleges, student interest groups, NUS Offices, and the NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU). What are some of the general NUS FOPs and who can participate in them? Some of the general categories and general NUS FOPs are listed in the table below. While most NUS

non-faculty related

other major NUS FOPs

Social camp Rag Flag Day Orientation Week Bash

• Ethelonter Camp (NUS Students’ Community Service Club) • Camp Estrella (NUS Students’ Cultural Activities Club) • Sports Camp (Sports Club) • Halls & residential colleges • Societies & interest groups

• • • •

Union Camp NUS Freshmen Inauguration Ceremony NUSSU Rag & Flag NUSSU Student Life Fair

• Opened solely to freshmen enrolling into the respective faculty

• Opened to all freshmen • May be focusing on specific interests (e.g. community service, sports, performing arts etc.)

• Open to all freshmen

• Returning NUS undergraduate students can participate in these various NUS FOPs either as an organising committee member, a councillor/befriender, or even a participant.

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Photo: NUS Students’ Union Freshmen Orientation Projects - NEXUS—Facebook Page

FOPs are meant for NUS freshmen (with each FOP having a different participation/admission criteria), participation in them may be extended to returning NUS undergraduate students as well. When and where are the various NUS FOPs held? Most NUS FOPs are held during the long NUS school break that happens from May to Mid-August each year. They are usually carried out on NUS campus but some activities may be based outside campus. Where can information about the various NUS FOPs be obtained? Every year during NUS Open Day, major NUSSU entities - i.e. NUSSU Executive Committee (EXCO), Faculty Clubs, Non-faculty clubs, Halls and Residential Colleges - will hold booths at the Student Village to share about their various initiatives and projects, in particular, orientation projects and camps for incoming students/freshmen. Going down to attend NUS Open Day is a good

opportunity for prospective NUS students to learn about these NUSSU FOPs as they can engage in a more personal and meaningful conversation with returning NUS students to get a first-hand account of their own freshmen experience and learn about NUS student life. General information about the various NUSSU FOPs organised by the major union entities can be obtained from the Union’s website (http://www. nussu.org/freshmen-category/orientation) and the Union’s NEXUS Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/nus.students.union.nexus) which will be regularly updated each year from March (Facebook) and May (website). For more detailed information about each NUSSU FOP or information about other NUS FOPs, students will need to check the respective FOP/FOP organising committee’s webpages or Facebook pages for updates.

68 KEYSTONE NUS EVENTS

NEXUS What is NEXUS? The National University of Singapore Students’ Union (NUSSU) helps in the crafting of major FOPs such as Union Camp, Rag & Flag and Student Life Fair, all of which aim to create a memorable university experience for all. These major NUSSU FOPs are collectively encapsulated in a common theme known as NEXUS, which serves as a link connecting the different participating groups of students together. Through these FOPs, NUSSU hopes to forge lifetime bonds not only among freshmen but also between freshmen and their seniors (returning students). Like the general NUS FOPs, the major Union FOPs are usually held during the summer term-break and take place on NUS campus, with some activities happening outside.

Photo: NUS Students’ Union Freshmen Orientation Projects - NEXUS—Facebook Page

What are the FOPs under NEXUS? The FOPs under NEXUS include Union Camp, Rag & Flag, and the Student Life Fair. Each of these have a unique tagline/slogan attached to it as follows:

• Union Camp (EXordia) • Rag & Flag (EXtending love, EXperiencing NUS) • Student Life Fair (EXplore) Where can information about the major NUSSU FOPs be obtained? Every year during NUS Open Day, the NUSSU Executive Committee (EXCO) will set up a booth to share about these major NUSSU FOPs for prospective NUS students and incoming NUS freshmen. Coming down to visit during NUS Open Day serves as a good opportunity for prospective NUS students to learn about these FOPs as they can engage in a more personal and meaningful conversation with the NUSSU volunteers to get a first-hand account of their own freshmen experience and NUS student life. General information about these major Union FOPs can be obtained from the Union’s website (http:// www.nussu.org/freshmen-category/orientation) and more details can be obtained from the Union’s NEXUS Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ nus.students.union.nexus) which will be regularly updated from May and March onwards, respectively.

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Union Camp What is Union Camp? NUSSU’s Union camp is the largest cross-faculty freshmen orientation camp in NUS. It is usually held in early July on Kent Ridge Campus and spans three to four days. Freshmen who attend the camp can meet and get to know their batch mates from other faculties (fellow camp participants) as well as seniors (returning NUS students) who join as befrienders/ councillors in their orientation groups. Through various indoor and outdoor social games and informative sessions on NUS academia and student

life, students can expect to gain a memorable experience and make some happy memories in this camp to kick start this new university chapter in their lives on the right footing. Is it a must to attend Union Camp or other orientation camps in NUS? It is not compulsory to attend NUS orientation camps, but incoming freshmen are strongly encouraged to do so as these camps grant freshmen a better opportunity to get to know their batch mates and seniors, who can provide valuable advice and insight on NUS student life and academics.

Student Life Fair

NUSSU Student Life Fair is an annual event held during the first school week of each new academic year (early August) that provides the best opportunities for both newly matriculated and returning NUS students to discover and explore the vibrant and multicultural student life of NUS. From the splendid allure of myriad activities ranging from games, sponsor booths, freebies, IT fair to more than 150 student clubs’ showcases and takeaways, students will not be disappointed and definitely left craving for more! Venue: University Town Date: 11-13th August 2016 What to Expect: Games | CCA Booths | Sponsor Booths | Freebies & more!

Photos: NUS Students’ Union Freshmen Orientation Projects - NEXUS—Facebook Page

70 KEYSTONE NUS EVENTS

the various beneficiaries of Rag & Flag. The second part of the project is Receive and Give (RAG). To commemorate the efforts of the students and to thank the public for their kind donations during Flag Day, all halls and faculties of NUS come together to present lively performances that showcase their creative floats and amazing dance choreography on RAG Day.

What is NUSSU Rag & Flag?

NUSSU Rag & Flag is an annual project organised by NUS students that has been part of the Union’s Orientation Programme since 1959 (then known as Welfare Week). The first part of the project is Flag. During Flag Day, NUS students from every hall and faculty will be dispersed and stationed in different areas of Singapore to collect donations from the general public. These proceeds will go directly to

Photo: NUS Students’ Union Freshmen Orientation Projects - NEXUS—Facebook Page

What is the purpose of NUSSU Rag & Flag? NUSSU Rag & Flag was created and is driven by two main goals: 1. To create a memorable university experience for NUS Students—the floats and dance performances seen at RAG Day are a result of hard work by the NUS students throughout their long school break that spans from May to August before every new academic year. Students meet regularly during the break to

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plan their showcase, build their floats, and practice their dance choreography. During these sessions, students get to meet new friends and build a lifetime worth of bonds with them, and make some good memories through the intense dance practices and float-building sessions endured together. 2. To instil a culture of giving and volunteerism in NUS Students – It is hoped that through NUSSU Rag & Flag, NUS Students can learn the importance of giving back to society and be more appreciative of what they have.

What can students expect out of NUSSU Rag & Flag? NUSSU Rag & Flag provides an opportunity for both incoming and current NUS students to come together and make good friends and memories in v participant

NUS through the building of floats and preparation for Rag Day performances. When and where is NUSSU Rag & Flag usually held? NUSSU Rag & Flag is usually held during Orientation Week in early August just before each new academic school year begins. On Flag Day, students will be spread across different areas in Singapore to collect donations from the general public. Rag Day is usually held within NUS on Kent Ridge Campus every year, and brought out of campus once every four to five years or in special years. How can students be a part of NUSSU Rag & Flag? There are several ways in which students can be a part of NUSSU Rag & Flag. Here are the main ways:

organising committee member

1. RAG performers/ float-makers. All NUS undergraduate students can join through their respective faculty and/or hall. Freshmen are usually given first priority to participate.

• All senior NUS undergraduate students (returning students) can join the organising committees of Rag and/or Flag for their respective faculty and/or hall through their respective faculty and/or hall.

2. Flaggers. All NUS undergraduate students can participate to collect donations from the general public for the various beneficiaries of NUSSU Rag & Flag through their respective faculty and/or hall. Freshmen are usually given first priority to join. Usually, all participants in the respective Orientation Week Camps are automatically participants of Flag Day. 3. Spectators. All NUS undergraduate students are welcomed to attend Rag Day as spectators and/or supporters of their respective faculty and/or hall.

• All senior NUS undergraduate students (returning students) can join the main organising committee of NUSSU Rag & Flag. • A recruitment drive for Project Directors and organising committee members is usually held annually in Semester One and students who have indicated their interest will be required to undergo an interview before they can be confirmed as organising committee members.

HELPLINES CS

CAMPUS SECURITY

address

Office of Campus Security, Command Centre (24 hours) 17 & 18 Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park, Singapore 118417 office

6874 1616 OCS reception counter

6874 2368/2363

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UHC

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE

address

20 Lower Kent Ridge Road Level 1, Singapore 119080 operating hours

Mon - Thur: 8.30am - 6.00pm Fri: 8.30am - 5.30pm Sat, Sun & PH: Closed Closed for lunch from 12.30pm - 1.30pm *Last registration is 30 minutes before closing time phone

6601 5035

CPS

COUNSELLING AND PYSCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

address

University Health Centre 20 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Level 2

fax

6778 3173 email

uhc_health@nus.edu.sg

office

6516 2376 website

http://www.nus.edu.sg/uhc/cps email

cps@nus.edu.sg

OFA

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID

address

National University of Singapore, University Town 2 College Avenue West, #01-03 (Stephen Riady Centre) operating hours

NUS COMPUTER CENTRE

address

2 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore 117584 telephone

6516 2080 fax

6872 5231

NUSSU

National University of Singapore Student Union (NUSSU) Secretariat

Mondays to Thursdays: 8.30am to 6.00pm Fridays: 8.30am to 5.30pm Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays phone

6516 2870 fax

6774 4021 email

http://www.askadmissions.nus.edu.sg/app/home website

http://www.nus.edu.sg/financialaid

address

31 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Yusof Ishak House, 119078 telephone

6601 1345

LN telephone

Lifeline NUS 24 hour hotline for life threatening emergencies

6516 7777