First impressions

When we landed to Singapore I had prearranged so that my big brothers local friend was waiting me at the airport. He was like a saving angel and still is! He took us to the NUS new U-Town Graduate Residence which had opened on the 23th of July, and it's the place where I'm staying. At first it was a bummer that all the rooms with air-con had been taken already but I can say that I don't mind sleeping under this ceiling fan that I have. The rooms are great, i have brilliant view and we have our own kitchen and living room, shower and bathroom. There is four of us living in this apartment and everyone has their own rooms. My roommates in order of arrival are from South-Africa and two from Spain. Back to the point... After the registration to the U-Town GR we hurried to the IKEA to get some basic stuffs like sheets, pillow, table lamp, hangers etc.

Before closing it for the first night we decided to go for a meal and drink to a close by food court in Holland village. We had a group of seven exchange students and some foreigners who are working here in Singapore. It was a really nice first evening and I think we came back to the GR around 1am so actually we did get a good night sleep before the first morning.

The second day in Singapore started with enthusiasm. We had to do the registration to the NUS and apply for the ICA student pass (visa). I did the first part with the NUS and got my student card. The reason behind why I didn't yet apply for the student pass is that you have to give your disembarkation card to the ICA and then you would get the new visa like the 5th of august. If you don't have the disembarkation card you cant leave the country and I already had made some plans for the weekend!

The second day went basically with chilling, shopping for some missing necessities and meeting new exchange students. In the evening we left to get some supper and EZ-link card for one of the new roommates. After that I met with my new local friend to have some beers and a good conversation. (We actually met the head of the whole Graduate Residence area also who told me to email directly to her if I or my friends need something or have new ideas)

There has happened a lot, I've got a very warm welcoming to the country and to the student culture. Actually at the moment I'm been considered to be one to carry on some of the exchange student activities here in Singapore and to organize some of the travels for smaller groups. Let's see what happens!

Love it here!