Getting around the campus to attend classes on time is the all-time struggle that every NUS student knows all too well. The NUS campus is fairly large after all – just the Kent Ridge campus alone is approximately the size of 200 English Premier League football fields. Nonetheless, NUS students have embraced the challenge enthusiastically, or perhaps simply out of need – to get to class on time!
We hereby present to you: Residential Life’s expert list of the top seven ways to get around NUS campus. Some are fun, some are annoying, some are designed to test your patience… Read on and decide what applies to you best!
The Waiting Game
NUS operates its own line of shuttle buses — eleven in total (A1, A2, A1E, A2E, B1, B2, BTC, C, D1, D2, UTown-FoS Direct). These buses are probably one of the more frustrating transportation options to take on campus. They are cost-effective and friendly for the environment, but they are notoriously difficult to board. During peak hours, a shuttle bus could arrive at a bus stop and find 200 students waiting – way more than a bus could handle. Other times, several shuttle buses pass by, but are so packed to the brim that no one can board it. For any student rushing to classes, the most miserable feeling is seeing buses right in front of their eyes, yet not being able to board them.
Students boarding A1 at the bus terminal at Prince George Park Residence
Tips for a more pleasant experience for everyone:
- Move all the way to the back of the bus, if you’re able to board.
- Don’t be a phone zombie once you’re on the bus – stay alert and move in where appropriate, so that your fellow students can also get up the bus!
- Where possible, try to get to a bus stop early, so that you can maximize your chances of boarding a bus!
The Waiting Game 2.0
When it seems impossible to squeeze into the shuttle buses, the next best option for anyone is the public bus operated by SBS Transit. Usually less crowded than shuttle buses (maybe due to the fact that you need to pay bus fare for each ride), they are a life-saver. The 95 bus brings students from Buona Vista to the Science and Arts faculties; the 33, 96 and 151 buses all make stops around the Arts faculty.
Skip the human queue and crowds at school bus stops by opting for public buses
The Pay-per-use
Cars – be it the private hires or the public taxi – are extremely convenient for travelling around campus and they send you straight to your destination. For those who are prone to snoozing, RYDE, ComfortDelgro and Grab are your best friends, and are literally one call away (or one click?). But this mode of transport is the costliest out of all the options we’ve listed so far. Beware – your allowance could be drained in just a week if you take one too many of these!
Taxis and private-hire cars are the most time-saving transportation options, yet they also incur the highest cost. Convenience comes at a price!
The Sneaky Zigzag
Students riding motorcycles to classes are always a cool sight to behold. Riding on motorcycles allow you to cruise at higher speeds than any other transportation devices on this list. The greatest advantage is that they are usually not obstructed by traffic, given their ability to weave in and out of cars and buses, albeit dangerous as it can cause other drivers to be flustered. They are also versatile enough, that you can just park, hop off and walk to class if roads are too badly congested. The only caveat is that you need to have a license in order to consider this. A Vespa for your next birthday, anyone?
Motorcycles parked at designated areas on campus
The Fit & Fun
Bicycles and scooters are increasingly common ways for NUS students to head to classes, especially with the pervasiveness of bike-sharing and e-scooter-sharing schemes from Obike, Mobike, ofo, Telepod. Easy to locate and maneuver, they can cut waiting and travel time down significantly. The NUS campus also has bicycle racks and designated parking zones for these two-wheeled devices. On top of that, the 15 to 20 minutes of exertion from biking or scootering can double up as extra exercise to boost your fitness and get your blood pumping! The downside is that you risk entering class covered in sweat since the Kent Ridge campus is rather hilly… But hey, a little exercise is better than being late right? Or is it?
Bicycles and scooters are a common sight around NUS campus, even at Stephen Riady Centre
The Balancing Act
There was a time, in the not so distant past, when skateboards, longboards and Penny Boards were in vogue. The hype seems to have returned, as our blogging team has spotted a surprising number of boards on campus recently! Lightweight and portable, they are a good long-term investment for you to roll into school with a little style and speed. They are, however, only useful when covering flat surfaces, unless you are an expert in tricks that allow you to grind on railings to bypass the stairs. There’s also the little problem of getting into a nasty, bloody fall when you lose your balance. But hey, arriving in style and making a statement always involves a little risk!
People looking goofy on these little boards
The Pilgrimage
If all else fails, walking is your trusty backup plan. The Kent Ridge campus has well-maintained pedestrian sidewalks. No matter what the conditions are, one can always walk if you are able, and there are also routes available for those who can’t. Not only is it a good way to ensure you stay active throughout the day, it is sustainable and definitely eco-friendly. You are performing a huge service to the environment by not participating in the unceasing bumper-to-bumper, fuel-burning vehicle traffic. Kudos to you!
Walking to school reduces your ecological footprint and increases calorie burn
What is your favourite, or most recommended mode of transportation? While you’re at it, we’re happy to hear your suggestions on how to improve rush-hour traffic on campus. 🙂 Drop us your comments and let us know what you think about the best ways to get to classes on time… That is, if you are getting to classes at all!
