Student accommodation, flats, and rooms for rent in Singapore

Student apartments for rent in Singapore

Are you considering renting a student apartment in this Asian city? Apartments are usually shared rather than individual studio apartments, because rental prices are very high. This means that students rent a private room and share spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and laundry room with the other tenants.

Another fact to keep in mind is that the HDB (Housing and Development Board), are very common, which are typical public housing in Singapore, where much of the local population lives. They’re well maintained, safe, close to public transport, and often offer more affordable prices. Many students rent a room in a HDB for all those reasons.

All apartments are usually furnished. In addition, private buildings and condominiums offer access to extra facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, study areas or security. The HDB offers fewer amenities, but is more economical.

Student rooms for rent in Singapore

As we mentioned before, student rooms for rent in Singapore are the most common and affordable option. Most are single rooms, although there are also some shared rooms —especially in student residences.

These rooms are usually part of shared flats (HDB or condominiums) or residences, which can be private or university-run. In addition, they’are usually furnished with a bed, desk, and wardrobe.

Some characteristics in which they may vary are: they may have a private or shared bathroom with the rest of the tenants, and they may or may not have air conditioning. In addition, the use of the kitchen isn’t always allowed in shared apartments (depending on the owner or the rules of the place), while in residences there are usually communal kitchens available.

It’s also important to keep in mind the minimum contract duration, which is usually three to six months, and which is usually requested for security deposit. In addition, in some cases there may be rules about guests and check-in/check-out times, especially in the case of residences.

Student accommodation in Singapore

In this section, you’ll find some of the favorite areas for students to live in this Asian city. Regardless of which area you choose, it's generally recommended to look for accommodation that has good access to public transportation, both bus lines and the subway (MRT).

Flats for rent in Clementi

Clementi is one of the favorite areas among international students, especially for those who are going to the National University of Singapore (NUS). It’s a quiet and residential area but with a variety of shops, malls, and local food stalls at reasonable prices. It’s also very well connected by MRT and buses, making it easier to get around the city.

Apartments in Queenstown

This neighbourhood also has a quiet and residential environment, but it’s quite chosen by students because it has good access to institutions such as MDIS, ESSEC, and INSEAD. In addition, it has a good selection of apartments, as well as supermarkets and cafes nearby, and transport connection with MRT and buses to the rest of Singapore. It’s also worth noting that it’s close to Holland Village, one of the liveliest areas for nightlife and dining.

Rooms for rent in Orchard

Orchard’s one of the most emblematic and lively areas of the city. Here, you’ll find Orchard Road, one of the streets with the most shops, restaurants and attractions, both for locals and tourists. This means that this neighbourhood is ideal for those who want to be at the centre of everything, but not for those who prefer a quieter atmosphere. It has very good public transport connections, with several MRT stations. It’s one of the most expensive areas both for rent and for daily expenses, which can increase the monthly budget.

Student accommodation near the Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

The main campus of this prestigious institution is located in the district of Jurong, less than an hour away from downtown Singapore, to the west. If you want to live close to campus, some of the neighbourhoods you can consider are Jurong West, Boon Lay, Pioneer, and Jurong East. Each of these neighbourhoods has a different atmosphere and rental prices. Some are closer to campus than others, but all have good bus or MRT train connections.

Student residences in Singapore

In Singapore, student residences are divided into university-run (run by universities) and private. Each has distinct characteristics:

The university residences are usually on campus. Usually, both offer single and shared rooms at affordable prices. They have an academic, multicultural atmosphere and clear rules. However, space is limited, and you must apply in advance.

For their part, the private residences are managed by companies and are off-campus. They offer more flexible contracts, modern facilities (such as a gym or shared kitchen), and varied locations, although prices tend to be higher.

FAQ about studying in Singapore