Students should make prior arrangements for accommodation before arrival in Singapore. If your institution offers on-campus accommodation, this is generally the best option for first-year students because of the proximity to classes and student services and the secure environment. Otherwise, temporary accommodation should be arranged before you leave home, giving you time to plan your living arrangements when you arrive.

Most educational institutions have an International Student Office that can help in selecting the accommodation type that best meets your needs, as well as advice and information about accommodation procedures, contacts for private rental offers, room-mate matching services and tips about renting student homes.

On-Campus Accommodation

Halls of Residence and University Student Residences. Halls of residence are located on or near the institution’s campus. Bedrooms are private or shared with a roommate. Amenities such as television rooms, reading rooms, laundry rooms, computer rooms, kitchenettes and so on are shared with other students, and meals plans are available at an extra charge. First-year international students are usually given priority normally given priority when they apply for on-campus accommodation.  

Average costs for this type of accommodation are S$140 – S$440 (US$92 – US$290) per month (2003 estimate).

Boarding Schools (secondary education)

Boarding schools provide accommodation on the school campus. You will usually share a room with another student, and bathrooms, dining and recreational areas are also shared. This type of accommodation includes meals, laundry services and recreational facilities. Students are supervised at all times.

Costs for this type of accommodation, including tuition averaged S$8,000 - S$15,000 (US$5,273 – US$9,887) per academic year in 2003.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Students often prefer to live off-campus. In addition to providing more personal freedom, off-campus accommodation shared with other students can be less expensive than living on-campus. However, the amount of security and proximity to campus varies depending on the residential area.

Your institution’s International Student Office can usually provide help in finding accommodation and understanding lease and tenancy conditions. The classified advertisements in the local newspapers are another good source for finding rental apartments and rooms for rent.

Hostels

Private hostels are run by educational institutions or independent agencies. Students usually have the option of a single or shared room. 

Hostel prices averaged S$750 (US$494) a month in 2003.

Rental accommodation. Some students decide to rent a room, apartment or house directly from the owners of public or private housing. In this type of arrangement, you usually have your own bedroom but share living areas, kitchen and laundry. Rent, electricity, gas and telephone costs are shared with other housemates, and you may have to provide your own furniture.

Landlords generally require one month advance rent and a security deposit equal to one month's rent. Before committing to an agreement to rent an apartment, spend some time in the area to decide if it feels safe and is convenient to the campus and places like grocery stores. Read the lease carefully before signing. If you do not understand any part of the lease agreement, ask the landlord or someone from the university housing office to explain it to you.

A room in public housing averages S$300 - S$500 (US$298 – US$330) a month, and a room in private housing averages S$800 - S$1,100 (US$527 – US$725) a month.

Homestay

Some households in Singapore open up their homes and offer full boarding for international students. Students will usually have a private room and will share living spaces with the family, which provides meals. Homestays are a popular choice for younger students and those studying short-term courses.

EduStay is a type of homestay arrangements that includes guardianship, and is recommended for students under 18 years of age. In this arrangement, the homestay family’s parents act as foster parents to the student and are carefully screened by the implementing agency, the Association of Management Corporations in Singapore (AMCIS). For more information, visit: www.homestayholidays.com.sg.

The cost for homestay accommdation ranges from S$500  (US$329) to S$1,000 (US$658) per month. 

Serviced apartments

Serviced apartments are a more luxurious accommodation option. Apartments are fully furnished and include hotel-style service such as daily cleaning and laundering of bedding and towels. This is a  good option for families and short-term study. Costs vary according to the type of accommodation and level of service provided so it is best to check with the individual company.