If you didn’t already know, there are a ton of things to do in and around the NUS residences – some of them absolutely free. Here are ten more reasons to get excited about living on campus!
Kuok Foundation House: Close to nature…and culture
KFH may be tiny, but how many residences can call two museums and a concert hall their nearest neighbours? Right across the road is the recently-opened Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, an impressive two-story collection of taxidermy and fossils, including a 27-metre-long dinosaur. Visits are free for NUS students – all you need to do is book tickets and collect them at the entrance 15 minutes prior to your visit.
Museum, NUS Centre for the Arts by Shaun Wong | http://bit.ly/1fvmd5f
Afterwards, walk over to the Conservatory and keep your eyes peeled for free lunchtime concerts by music students, from their “Noon Recital Series.” Schedules here. If you walk further towards University Cultural Centre, you’ll find the oldest university museum in Singapore – the NUS Museum. There, you can find stunning artefacts, including beautiful jade-encrusted pottery from centuries ago, and newer paintings – and polaroids! – from different parts of Asia. Simply walk in – it’s free for the public.
Prince George’s Park Residences: Leisurely strolls
PGP residents are so blessed; not only does PGP have an outdoor gym and sports courts (basketball, squash/tennis, football/cricket courts) that cost zero to use, but PGP is also close to picturesque walking/running routes for those who prefer the great outdoors to the gym:
Kent Ridge Park (Canopy Walk) by Bryn Pinzgauer | http://bit.ly/1LqH0UD
Somewhere behind PGP (map here) lies the entrance to Kent Ridge Park…which is the edge of the famed Southern Ridges. Traversing this 10 km stretch of greenery connecting Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Mount Faber Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve allows one to see up close Singapore’s flora and fauna (from butterflies to macaques, orchids to mangroves), as well as impressive panoramas of our urban jungle. So grab your hiking buddy and get walking now!
Haw Par Villa, a fading attraction by William Cho | http://bit.ly/1dd0htF
Alternatively, Haw Par Villa, a theme park that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the world of Spirited Away, is just one bus stop away from PGP. See gigantic dioramas of your worst nightmares at the Ten Courts of Hell attraction, and walk alongside characters from Chinese folklore, historical figures, as well as creatures from the zodiac scattered throughout the free park.
UTown Residence: Sports unlimited
Organic Wall by Steve Oliver | http://bit.ly/1J1n9I9
Located in the vibrant University Town complex, this residence is at the centre of the action. Across the UTR is the Stephen Riady Centre – home to a gym, a climbing wall and an Instagram-worthy infinity pool. Just flash your student card (except in the case of the climbing wall – your NUS CCA will have to fill up a form), and get your heart racing! And after a good sweat (and a shower!), you can chill by looking down the skyline from the Sky Lounge on the 25th floor of UTR. But keep in mind, you need to book your Sky Lounge visit beforehand – drop by the UTR Management Office for more information.
Residential College 4: Picnic under the stars
Free concert at Town Green | Anna Villarica
Residents could enjoy impromptu picnics at the many green spaces inside and near RC4. Their common roof gardens and nearby Educational Resource Centre rooftop regularly host student events, but if those aren’t available, you and your pals can always lay your mats, snacks and drinks at the expansive Town Green. There might even be a free concert organised by NUS Radio Pulze! Their Live Lounge series invites local acts to perform in NUS for free. Check schedules here.
Did we miss out any of your favourite free activities? Tell us in the comments below!
Love these ideas, but the sky lounge is actually not open for students in most of the cases!