Resources for Visitors

Internet Access

Participants will have to request for account name and password for WI-FI access on their own notebook/laptop. Approach the IT support staff for account name and password (subject to availability).

Getting Around NUS

The internal shuttle buses A, B, C, D, and UT-FoS (free-of-charge) serve the Kent Ridge campus. Bus A1 and A2 cover substantial parts of the campus. A1 stops outside Kent Ridge MRT station, NUH and opposite S17, while A2 stops outside S17, opposite NUH and opposite Kent Ridge MRT station. Bus A1E and A2E operates during term time on weekdays except public holidays. Bus A1E operates from 7.30am to 9.00am and stops outside Kent Ridge MRT station, and opposite S17. Bus A2E operates from 5.30pm to 7.00pm and stops outside S17, and opposite Kent Ridge MRT station. Bus B is a loop service that serves Kent Vale and the other part of the campus. It does not stop at or anywhere near S17. Bus C is a loop service that serves Kent Vale. It stops in front of and opposite S17. Bus D is a loop service that serves the University Town. Bus D1 does not stop at or anywhere near S17. Bus D2 stops outside Kent Ridge MRT, opposite S17, University Town, outside S17 and opposite Kent Ridge MRT. Bus UT-FoS is a direct service provided during term time on weekdays except public holiday at 9.40am, 9.50am, 11.40am, 11.50am, 1.40pm, 1.50pm, 3.40pm, and 3.50pm. Bus UT-FoS stops only at University Town and opposite S17. More details on NUS internal shuttle bus. The public bus SBS95 (fare-based) stops at the same stops as A1 and A2 between S17 and Kent Ridge MRT station. It also stops near and opposite Buona Vista MRT station (which is off-campus).

Public Transport

The public transport network in Singapore consists of bus, MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), LRT (Light Rail Transit) and taxi. Buses and MRTs are the most affordable modes of public transport with standard fares ranging from S$1.40 to S$3.00 (depending on distance). Bus fares are charged on board by tapping a stored-value card or paying the exact fare in Singapore currency to the driver. Bus and MRT fares can be calculated using the Fare Calculator on the Public Transport website ( http://www.ptc.gov.sg). MRT fare is paid by tapping a Stored Value Smartcard or a Standard Ticket at the gantry. The Standard Ticket can be used up to six times within 30 days from the date of purchase. The purchase price includes a deposit of 10 cents which will be automatically returned through an off-set against the passenger’s fare on the third trip. A user also enjoys a 10-cent discount on the sixth trip. The Standard Ticket can be purchased at the General Ticketing Machine (GTM) at all MRT and LRT stations. LRTs are only available in selected residential neighbourhoods and operate similarly as MRTs. Typically, the first bus and train starts running at 5.30am and the last service is 11.30pm daily. Special night bus services, NightRider (NR), with specific routes charge a flat rate of S$4.50 per trip are available from 11.30pm to 2.00am on Fridays, Saturdays and eves of Public Holidays. Taxis can be flagged down 24 hours a day on most roads or at taxi-stands outside most major shopping centres and hotels. There is no need to bargain for prices as the taxis are all metered. The basic fare consists of a flag-down fare and a metered fare. The flag-down fare for the first kilometer or less is between S$3.20 and S$5.00, depending on the type of taxi (standard or premium). The metered fare after the first kilometer is based on the distance and waiting times during the journey. Additional charges may also be incurred depending on the time of travel and origin of the journey. A detailed rates guide is posted on the rear door of each taxi for reference.

Getting to the Airport

The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi. For reference, the journey from NUS with smooth traffic would take about 30 minutes and cost about S$28.00 without surcharge. Surcharges may be incurred depending on time of travel and if the taxi was pre-booked. To get to the airport by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), connect to the East-West line (green line) going in the direction of Pasir Ris/Changi Airport. The Changi Airport MRT station is located under Terminals 2 and 3 which are connected to Terminal 1 by sky train. A one-way MRT fare from Kent Ridge station is about S$2.30 (using the Standard Ticket) and takes approximately 56 minutes. Actual travel times may be affected by transfers, waiting times, train system faults and peak/non-peak hour carriage frequencies. More information on MRT Network Map and fare can be found at: http://www.smrt.com.sg/

Food & Shopping

Food centres and food courts serving local, Asian and sometimes international cuisine at affordable prices are commonly found in neighbourhoods and shopping malls. There would usually be at least one each of Halal and vegetarian stalls in most establishments. Operating hours of the stalls vary but most of them open by 10am and close by 9pm. Cafes and Restaurants are usually found in shopping malls and bigger neighbourhoods. Operating hours depend on the types of meals served but most would be open between 11.00am and 9.00pm. Most shopping malls in Singapore operate from 11.00am to 10.00pm every day.

Bank Services & Foreign Exchange

Participants may use major credit cards to withdraw cash using the Auto Teller Machines (ATM), which can be found in various locations on campus. Alternatively, the local banks offer regular banking services including processing foreign exchange and traveler’s cheques. The nearest branches are:

DBS (Holland Village Branch)
Address:	257 Holland Avenue, Singapore 278984
Tel:	1800 111 1111
Operating hours:	8.30am – 4.30pm (Monday – Friday) 8.30am – 1.00pm (Saturday)

 

OCBC (Clementi Branch)
Address:	3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, #04-52 to 55 The Clementi Mall Singapore 129588
Tel:	1800 363 3333
Operating hours:	11.00am to 7.00pm (Monday – Sunday)

 

UOB (Holland Village Branch)
Address:	211 Holland Avenue, #01-12 Holland Road Shopping Centre, Singapore 278967
Tel:	1800 222 2121
Operating hours:	9.30am – 4.00pm (Monday – Friday) 9.00am – 12.30pm (Saturday)

Post Box & Postage Stamps

Postage stamps can be purchased at the NUS Coop store below Lecture Theatre 27. Other goods and services available at the co-op include books, stationery, sundries and photocopying.  

Operating hours (co-op):

9.00am – 6.00pm (Monday – Friday)

A post box is stationed near the bus stop in front of Block S17.

Useful Phone Numbers