What To Do During Your First Week In Singapore As An International Student

You’re here. You’ve officially landed in the Lion City and the adventure you’ve been dreaming of is finally happening. That first week is a wild mix of jet lag, excitement and a touch of "What on earth do I do now?". Let's be real, moving to a new country is a huge deal—but you’ve already done the hard part. Now it’s time to conquer your new home.

Forget wandering around aimlessly. This is your playbook for turning those first seven days from overwhelming to unforgettable. Get ready to be set up, plugged in and thriving from day one.

Step 1: Health And Life Essentials

Before you dive into the excitement, a little preparation can save you loads of stress down the line. Taking care of these basics will let you focus on enjoying all Singapore has to offer.

Health First: Know Your Clinics And Pharmacies

A change in environment, new food or different weather can hit harder than expected. Search for the nearest clinic and 24-hour pharmacy (like Guardian or Watsons) in your neighbourhood as soon as you arrive. Pin their locations and hours to your phone. Having this info at hand will keep you one step ahead—and make a world of difference if you find yourself feeling under the weather.

Get Connected Instantly

Don’t rack up roaming fees or get stranded without data. Grab a prepaid SIM card from 7-Eleven, Cheers or a provider shop (Singtel, StarHub or M1). A local number and data package will be your lifeline for maps, ride-hailing, messaging and even food delivery. Let your friends and family know you’ve arrived and get your digitally connected Singapore life rolling.

Unlock Your Financial Freedom

Life’s so much easier without conversion stress or international bank fees. Open a local bank account with DBS/POSB, OCBC or UOB. You’ll need your passport, student pass approval letter and proof of address. Go early in the week to skip the queues. With your local debit card, you can tap to pay nearly everywhere and settle in like a true resident.

Master Public Transport

Singapore’s transport system is clean, efficient and straightforward. You can pick up an EZ-Link or Nets FlashPay card at any MRT station—these cards work on trains and buses islandwide. Even better, you can tap in and out with your MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card, so you don't need to top up separately. For hassle-free fare tracking and payment management, check out the SimplyGo app. Download MyTransport.SG or Citymapper for real-time route info. With these tools, exploring the city like a pro is just a tap away.

Step 2: Explore And Claim Your Territory

With your foundation set, it’s time to make Singapore feel like home. The city may be bustling, but now is your chance to anchor yourself and build your own routine.

Conquer Your Campus

Get familiar with your university before classes start. Don’t just look for lecture halls—locate the best libraries, campus lounges, gyms and the legendary coffee spots. Familiarity will settle those first-week nerves and help you hit the ground running.

Find Your "Third Place"

You’ll need somewhere outside of home and class to unwind or focus. Maybe it’s a quiet corner in a library, a bench in your favourite park or a bubble tea shop where they already know your go-to order. Explore your neighbourhood on foot with an open mind—your ideal sanctuary is waiting for you.

Take A Green Escape

Singapore is a “City in Nature”. Embrace it! Parks and green connectors are everywhere. Try a walk on the Henderson Waves bridge or the treetop trail at MacRitchie Reservoir. These natural spaces offer the perfect recharge between busy days and a tranquil contrast to city life.

Step 3: Integrate Into The Local Vibe

Now that you’ve got the basics and lay of the land, it’s time to live like a local and let the culture become part of your daily life.

Master The Kopitiam Code

Ordering kopi (coffee) or teh (tea) at a local coffee shop is a must-try student ritual. Learn how to order your favourite brew, like Kopi C (coffee with evaporated milk and sugar) or Teh O Kosong (tea without sugar or milk). It’ll help you blend in and earn you some local cred.

Go On A Hawker Centre Crawl

Hawker centres are the beating heart of Singapore’s food scene. Challenge yourself to try a new dish every day—don’t just stick to the basics. Roti prata, laksa, char kway teow or ice kachang—ask the stall auntie or uncle for suggestions and find your own favourites.

Decode Singlish

Singapore’s blend of languages and cultures is reflected in Singlish—a lively mix of English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Phrases like "can lah" (sure thing) and "chope" (reserve a seat) are part of everyday banter. Don’t be shy, soak it in and give it a try. Locals will love your effort and welcome you into the conversation.

Step 4: Build Your Community

Your first week is only the beginning and the people you meet will define your experience. Open yourself up to new connections and community.

Say Yes To Everything

Be open. If someone invites you for a neighbourhood walk, food outing or club meeting—just say yes. Every spontaneous decision leads to new people and memories. Push through any awkwardness. These “yeses” may be the seeds of lifelong friendships.

Join A Club (Literally)

Take orientation seriously—not for the free stuff, but for finding clubs and societies that speak to your passions. Sign up for something familiar and something totally new. Whether it’s dragon boat, photography or cultural societies, this is how you find your people and expand your horizons.

Host A Potluck

Bring together classmates, dorm buddies or friends from orientation. Ask everyone to share a dish or snack from their home country. It’s an instant community-builder and a fantastic way to swap stories and celebrate your diversity.

Your first week in Singapore is the blank page at the start of a great story. Every admin task, every new taste, every “yes” to something unfamiliar is another step toward making this city your own. Embrace the excitement and chaos, celebrate every small win and trust yourself—you belong here. Let the adventure begin.