The Ultimate Pre-departure Checklist for International Students Moving to Singapore

Congratulations—you’re officially embarking on the adventure of a lifetime! If Singapore is your destination for studying abroad, you're in for a treat. From the breathtaking Marina Bay skyline to a melting pot of cultures and some of the world’s best street food, Singapore has everything to offer. But before you get swept up in the excitement, you’ll need to plan and prep like a pro.

Don’t worry—we’ve got your back! This comprehensive checklist will walk international students and their parents through all the essentials. From sorting paperwork to cultural tips, this guide ensures a smooth transition to your new home away from home.

Visa & Documentation

Step 1: Nail the Paperwork

First things first—no visa, no entry. International students will need a Student’s Pass to study in Singapore unless if you hold a valid Dependant's Pass, Long-Term Visit Pass or Immigration Exemption Order. Here's a quick rundown of what you’ll need to start your on-line application with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA):

• The Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the school or university you’re attending.
• A copy of your passport, valid for at least six months beyond your stay and birth certificate (if applicable).
• Your personal information, including the list of countries / places you have previously resided in, your educational background, employment history and financial support.
• Your parents’, spouses, and/or siblings’ personal information (if applicable)
• Your residential address and contact details in Singapore.
• Your email address.
• Your recent passport-size photo. Singapore has specific photo requirements:
  • Digital dimension is 400x514 pixels in jpeg format, less than 60 KB
  • The head size must be 32-36 mm which takes about 70-80% of the photo.
  • Photos must be taken within the last three months with even brightness.
  • Photo background must be in white colour.
  • Photo must be original without alterations.
  • Facial features must be taken at full frontal view and eyes must be fully visible.

Check on the ICA website for all the details you need.

Helpful tip: Explore mobile apps like “IC Photo Singapore,” “Passport Size Photo Maker,” or “Passport Photo ID Maker Studio – ID Photo Editor.” These tools are designed to make the process easy, empowering you to take professional-quality photos with confidence.

💡 Pro Tip for Parents: Scan and save backup copies of all critical documents in the cloud. You’ll thank yourself during any emergency. Also, you'll need to provide original documents and official translations (for documents in languages other than English), as well as copies of the documents for ICA to retain.

For a detailed, step-by-step guide on applying for your visa, dive into our post: "Navigating the Singapore Student Visa Process: Everything You Need to Know." It's packed with everything you need to feel confident and empowered as you embark on this exciting chapter. Let’s make it happen—together!

Packing Essentials

What to Bring 🧳

While it’s tempting to pack your entire room, remember—you’ll want to leave space for all your Singaporean finds! Here’s what deserves a spot in your suitcase:

• Light, breathable clothing suited for Singapore’s tropical climate. Think cotton T-shirts, shorts, linen clothing and summer dresses.
• A light jacket or cardigan for lectures in arctic air-conditioned classrooms (yep, the air-con game here is strong).
• Essentials like medication (with the prescription) and your go-to gadgets.
• Personal mementos: Something small from home (a framed photo or keepsake) can help combat homesickness.
• Umbrella and rain gear, as Singapore is known for its frequent showers.
• Comfortable walking shoes with good traction, as you’ll likely be exploring the city on foot.
• Basic toiletries, including sunscreen and insect repellent. These can also be easily purchased in Singapore, but it’s always good to have them on hand when you first arrive.
• Adapters and chargers for all your electronic devices, as the voltage in Singapore differs from many other countries.
• Important documents, such as your passport, visa paperwork, acceptance letter from your university, and flight tickets.

Remember, it’s always better to pack light and leave some room for souvenirs or necessities that you may need during your stay. Plus, lugging around heavy suitcases can be quite a hassle when navigating through crowded streets and public transportation.

What Not to Bring ❌

Here are some items that you should consider leaving at home:

• Heavy winter clothing, as the temperature in Singapore rarely drops below 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Expensive jewellery or other valuables that could potentially get lost or stolen during your travels. It’s always better to err on the side

💡 What NOT to Bring: Leave your winter wear and bulky items back home unless you’re heading to a cold holiday destination during term break.

Phone and Data Plans

Stay Connected with Ease

“How affordable is mobile data in Singapore?” Great question—it's very wallet-friendly! Here are our top picks for prepaid and postpaid plans you should check out once you land:

• Prepaid (ideal for students starting fresh): SIM cards from Singtel, StarHub, or M1 can be picked up at Changi Airport or a nearby retail outlet, starting at S$8.
• Postpaid SIM-only plans (if you're staying long-term): Providers like Circles.Life, Zero1, SIMBA or GOMO offer competitive monthly subscriptions starting at S$7.06 for 4G Plus network.

💡 Pro Tip: Set up recurring payments to automatically renew your mobile plan for hassle-free convenience. Download the mobile company's app to monitor your usage.

Insurance Plans

Protection You Can Count On

A reliable insurance policy is your safety net in a foreign land. Here are options tailored specifically for students in Singapore:

• School-provided insurance packages are an easy, convenient choice—it’s included in your tuition fees in most cases.
• Private insurance plans like NTUC Income or Great Eastern offer more comprehensive coverage, including hospitalisation and outpatient care.

💡 Pro Tip for Parents: Read the fine print! Make sure your insurance plan covers repatriation, just in case.

Banking Essentials

Smart Ways to Manage Your Money

Open a student-friendly bank account as soon as possible. Options from local banks like DBS (Development Bank of Singapore), OCBC (Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited), and UOB (United Overseas Bank) offer fee-free accounts for international students.

The "An Xin Account" Opening Witness service from Bank of China makes life easier for Chinese students heading to Singapore. Open an SGD account from home, skip the cash-carrying stress, and enjoy easy remittances, ATM access, and a smoother start abroad. Simple, secure, and hassle-free.

• Prepare the following documents: your Student Pass, passport, and proof of residence including latest telco/utility bill or tenancy agreement or a letter from your school indicating your valid residential address.
• Consider getting a multi-currency account to save on exchange fees for international transfers.

💡 Pro Tip: Download mobile banking apps to easily monitor your spending and manage payments on the go.

Accommodation Tips

Finding Your Home Away from Home 🏠

Whether it’s a cosy dorm, a room rental or a shared apartment, your living space will be your sanctuary. Here’s how to pick the perfect place to call home in Singapore:

1. Choose Your Location: Proximity to campus and access to public transport are key.
2. Set a Budget: Expect to pay between SGD550-800+ for student dorms or SGD 800-2,000+ for shared apartments.
3. Read Listings Thoroughly: Websites like 99.co and PropertyGuru are great for browsing rental options.

💡 Pro Tip: Join Facebook or Telegram groups for student housing—they often have exclusive deals or sublets from seniors graduating. Also check out listings in the Carousell app.

Budgeting Advice

Master the Art of Managing Money

Life in Singapore is amazing, but it comes with a high cost of living. Balance your budget with these student-friendly tips:

• Plan Daily Meals: Affordable hawker centre meals can cost as little as SGD 4-6.
• Use Your Discounts: Always carry your student ID for discounts on transport, activities, and food.
• Track Spending: Use budgeting apps to avoid major overspending.

💡 Pro Tip: Take advantage of free campus recreational facilities or public parks for fun and budget-friendly experiences.

Cultural Tips

Blend into Singapore’s Vibrant Community

From colourful Chinatown festivities to traditional Malay celebrations, Singapore’s multicultural vibe is one to immerse yourself in fully. Here are a few cultural tips to help you fit right in:

• Keep It Clean: Singapore is famously spotless, so avoid littering (unless you want to pay a hefty fine).
• Be Punctual: Singaporeans value time, so aim to be early for classes, meetings, or gatherings.
• Respect Diversity: Celebrate festivals like Lunar New Year, Hari Raya or Deepavali to bond with your classmates.

💡 Pro Tip: Learn some local Singlish phrases like “can-lah”, "shiok" or "alamak" —it’s a great conversation starter and adds a fun local touch.

Health & Safety

Stay Fit and Protected

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, but staying well-prepared is essential.

• Health Services: Polyclinics offer affordable healthcare services, while private clinics and hospitals provide faster access if needed.
• Emergency Numbers: Dial 995 for ambulance services and 999 for police. Always save these on your speed dial!
• Personal Safety: Avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night and always keep your belongings within sight.

💡 Pro Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle—Singapore’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink, so stay hydrated on a budget.

Turn Your Study Abroad Dreams into Reality

Moving abroad is no small feat, but with the right preparation, your journey can be as smooth as Singapore’s MRT (train) system. By ticking all the boxes on this checklist, you'll be ready to thrive as a student in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

Remember, study abroad isn’t just about books and deadlines—it’s also about growth, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.