The day you move into NUS halls and residences is no doubt a truly memorable one, exciting yet nerve-racking at the same time. You (and sometimes with the help of your parents for all you lucky kids out there) unload your luggage from the car, into the building, up the stairs and into the room that you’ll soon call home for the next one year. This is the place of unfamiliar walls and friendly faces, of sleepless nights and supper calls, of intense joy and indescribable sadness, of making memories, be it good or bad, that will be imprinted in your mind forever. So much to expect, so little heads up. So this one’s for really just anyone out there, whether you’re considering this whole staying-on-campus thing or are already calling school a home away from home.
1) You really can do without all that jazz
Now, it is normal for any of us to wish to bring a piece/many pieces of home with us. But let’s face it, there’s a limit to how much things you can squeeze in 9m². You have the same limited space like everyone else, and that translates to priorities. You really don’t need your whole wardrobe or every single teddy you own. Everyone has their own packing list but we suggest a keepsake box or photo album with things and pictures that bring a smile to your face. Who knows they can be the push you need to help you get through the toughest of times aka Week 13 and Finals period!
2) You’ll miss home-cooked food like crazy
And by crazy, we mean you might slowly go insane missing them. Don’t get us wrong, NUS canteens’ food are super-duper-awesome and there are plenty of great supper places around NUS (Check out our list of supper places here). But sometimes there is just something about that bowl of hot soup your mom cooks – some magical ingredients that have yet to be replicated anywhere else, that warms both your tummy and soul. Once the initial excitement of moving in wears off and the stress starts to step in, going home where you can happily chomp down on plates and plates of your comfort food is just about the best thing in the world.
3) You are now your own manager
Living on campus means no more time and energy wasted on commuting back and forth and you can afford to squeeze in just a few more activities and fulfill the passions once set aside or discover another side of you. However, juggling 101 activities together with the many projects and assignments WHILE reserving pockets of time for loved ones and friends is no easy feat. On top of that, our family and teachers do consider us mature and thus hold back on nagging and allowing us the flexibility to design our own schedules. So ultimately, it is up to you to manage your time in the most efficient way to ensure none of your priorities got left out somewhere along the way.
BUT THEY ALSO NEVER TOLD YOU:
4) Here’s the time to try anything. Really, anything!
With halls and residences offering TONS of CCAs, activities and events, there’ll surely be one that interests you. Beginner or professional, you’ll be welcome with open arms. Wish to expand your audience to more than just your shampoo bottles and the bathroom’s four walls? Join Choir! Want a venue to brush up on your rusted dribbling skills? Basketball is waiting for you! Hope to channel your creative energy into something meaningful for the community? Step up to be an organizer of the next big event! What we’re trying to say is: the possibilities are endless and at the end of the day, you just have to gather up the courage and brush aside the fear of failure and just TRY! No better time to try than now!
5) This might be the place where lifetime friendships are made
Aside from the added advantage of proximity and shared events and CCAs, your hall-mates or fellow residents might end up sticking around and being one of the best things you can take away from your university journey. Granted, they’ve seen you at your messiest state when you just woke up with that sexy bed hair or when you’re on the verge of a nervous breakdown before a major event or test. They’ve seen it all and they choose to stay, for they love you for who you truly are. So step out of your comfort zone, knock on your neighbor’s door and get to know them just a little bit better!
6) Time will pass way faster than you imagine
While it may seem like 1 (or 2) years is a long time, it really isn’t. When you are so involved in your studies, residential activities, other commitments and your social life, you may forget to sit back and take in what you are really doing. And in a blink of an eye, a year passes by just like that. Soon enough, you’ll be packing your bags and looking at your room for the last time, only to realize how much you will miss all this. So cherish all the time you have now and keep in mind that every experience you have here, no matter good or bad, will help you to learn and grow.
How about you? Do you have any advice you wish someone had told you before moving on campus? We love to hear from you!
