Navigating life in a foreign country can be both exhilarating and challenging, especially for first timers in a new country. From budgeting expenses to embracing cultural diversity, this article will delve into essential tips to help foreign students who are thinking of moving to Singapore. Whether you’re preparing for your journey or already in Singapore, these tips will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city-state.
Table of Contents
Budget
Here is the average budget breakdown in 2024 for a foreign student living in Singapore for one month:
Category | Cost (per month) |
| Accommodation | $800 – $4,000 |
| Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.) | $30 – $100 |
| Food (Dining out) x3 meals/day | $545 – $800 |
| Transportation (Public) | $85 – $150 |
| Local Mobile Plan | $15 – $75 |
| Wi-Fi Plan | $25 – $75 |
| Total | $1,500 – $3,200 |
If you are a student looking to study with us and stay in Singapore long-term, feel free to scroll down to the sections below for important information and tips on how to make the best of your budget.
Accommodations
There are many types of accommodations available for international students in Singapore. Here is a breakdown of typical accommodation costs for one individual international student studying in Singapore:
| Hotels | Usually includes breakfast and other facilities available for guests to use. | $165 – $250 per night |
| Student Dormitories/Hostels | Often includes breakfast and other facilities available for guests to use. | $1,100 – $2,500 per month |
| Condominium Rental | Private housing with more facilities and 24/7 security provided for residents. | $2,000 – $4,000 per month |
| HDB Rental | More affordable and accessible public housing. | $800 – $2,600 per month |
For more information on student accommodation, please contact our Student Admissions Officers.
Visa & Immigration
All international travellers require a valid visa or pass to enter Singapore. Learners are recommended to check the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA’s) website for the list of countries that require a visa to enter Singapore.
Generally, most short-term visitors can enter and stay in Singapore for a maximum of 4 weeks under the Short-Term Visit Pass, which is an electronic visit pass issued at the point of entry to visitors who are eligible for short-term stay within Singapore.
In order to stay in Singapore long-term, there are many types of passes/visas that allow foreign nationals to stay in Singapore without applying for residency, and here are a few examples:
- Student’s Pass
- Work Pass
- Dependent Pass
- Long-Term Visit Pass
At inlingua, we can help you apply for a Student’s Pass if you are studying for more than 4 weeks under our full-time courses. For more information on Student’s Pass application, check out our previous blog post on Student’s Pass Application.
Local Transportation
Singapore is very easily and conveniently connected through our public transport systems, which are very efficient all year round. Our transport system is one of the best in the world. If you travel by public transport frequently, you may consider looking at the monthly concession rates offered by transitlink.
Regardless, make sure to get yourself an Ez-link card for your transportation needs around this little red dot! You can purchase an Ez-link card from any convenience store or MRT station.
| Adult Monthly Travel Pass + Card | $128/month + $8.10 application fee |
inlingua School of Languages is located in the heart of the city centre near Somerset MRT, which makes it convenient for students who wish to travel around and explore Singapore during their free time after school.
Address: 51 Cuppage Road, #10-11 Singapore 229469
Nearest MRT: Somerset station
Nearest Bus Stop: Opp Somerset Stn
Buses servicing the area: 7, 14, 14e, 16, 16M, 65, 106, 111, 123, 175, 502, 502A
Telecommunications and Wi-Fi Plans
Staying connected in Singapore is easy with our reliable telecommunication systems. There are several types of data plans and wi-fi plans available, along with a selection of telecommunication companies to choose from.
| Mobile Plan | Average Costs |
| SIM only | $15 – $30 per month |
| Prepaid Plan | – |
| Contract Plans (24 months or more, with phone) | $80 – $108 per month |
| Wi-Fi Plan | Average Costs |
| Home Broadband | $25 – $75 per month |
Here is a non-exhaustive list of telecommunication companies you can find in Singapore:
- Singtel
- Starhub
- M1
- SIMBA
- Circles.Life
Food (Dining out / Groceries)
Singapore is a multicultural nation offering a wide selection of culinary choices from various cultures. You can easily find this variety at different food establishments catering to various budget levels.
| Restaurants | $20++ per meal per person (one main dish + one drink) | |
| Food Courts | Food Courts are air-conditioned spaces with various stalls selling different cuisines. Ordering and collecting food are usually on a self-service basis in these establishments | $10++ per meal per person (one main dish + one drink) |
| Hawker Centres | Hawker Centres are similar to Food Courts, except they do not have air-conditioning. They are the most budget option within the list of food establishments | $8++ per meal per person (one main dish + one drink) |
Grocery stores include supermarkets with a wide range of products, convenience stores for quick essentials, and specialty stores for organic or gourmet items. Here is a list of a few commonly known supermarket chains in Singapore:
| CS Fresh by Cold Storage | Supermarket with ready-made or pre-packed meals to go |
| Giant / Giant Hypermarket | Heartland supermarkets with a variety of products and groceries |
| NTUC Fairprice | Supermarket that sells fresh ingredients, household supplies and basic groceries |
| NTUC Fairprice Finest | Supermarket with a greater range of international products, including organic produce and deli foods at a premium quality |
| NTUC Fairprice Xtra | Hypermarket that sells fresh groceries and household merchandise such as electronics, clothing and other appliances |
| Sheng Shiong | A major supermarket chain with a wide range of products and affordable prices |
Culture (and where to have fun!)
During your stay, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore numerous local sites that are rich in history and culture. If you are looking for suggestions on places to visit in Singapore, here is a list of top sites in Singapore:
- Marina Bay Sands
- Gardens by the Bay
- Sentosa Island
- Clarke Quay and Singapore River
- Little India
- Chinatown
- Kampong Glam (Arab Street, Haji Lane)
- Tree Top Walk
- Botanic Gardens
- Changi Airport
Join us in our weekly activities (every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) where we explore Singapore’s hidden gems, play games to strengthen (or test) your friendships, and build lifelong connections with fellow peers from all around the world!
