Introduction

Welcome to the prospective Student Life page for the Asian School of the Environment. Through this page and subsequent links, we aim to give you an idea what life is like as a student in the Asian School of the Environment. Please check out the links below for some basic information. If your questions about the program are not answered here, please email the Undergraduate Academic Officer.

Culture and Community

• ASE brings together people from diverse academic fields and different parts of the world to work on research relevant to life in SE Asia. The wide range of personal backgrounds and perspectives that people bring to ASE make it a welcoming and exciting community. The whole department is open, dynamic, and collaborative, which makes it a vibrant and fun place to study and work.
• Lecture series - The School organizes weekly lectures by visiting scholars and our own researchers, which exposes our students to the most current research being done around the world and provides unparalleled opportunities for networking and collaboration.
• Friday Social Hour! - After Friday afternoon lectures, everyone in the department gathers together in one of our comfortable lounge spaces to enjoy drinks, food, and casual conversation. It’s a great way for students, staff, and faculty to unwind and catch up with others in the department about the week’s work, upcoming trips, or weekend plans.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• As part of ASE’s commitment to research and education, we have constructed multiple new research laboratories for our scientists in the last few years, and more are in the planning stages. We have a new state-of-the-art geochemistry laboratory, 3D visualization laboratory, and several new teaching laboratories, with other specialty labs currently in development. The labs are built in a way that emphasizes collaboration between scientists, with most of the specialty equipment our researchers need right at their fingertips. We often have new equipment coming in, allowing new research projects to start on a regular basis.

• As with any scientific department, we also have offices where much of the coursework, writing, collaboration and real thinking take place. In each section of the department, professors’ offices are right across the hall from the semi-private offices of students and staff (including undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral and staff). Our open-door policy encourages communication between all of our students, staff, and faculty, which is enhanced by the creative layout and flow of the department. Our offices and classrooms are comfortable, inviting, clean, and stylish. Meeting rooms in each section provide space for classes and research groups to meet and discuss their work, equipped with the top audiovisual technology necessary for a successful presentation or class. Most people enjoy using EOS’s own interactive GeoTouch GIS App on large touchscreens located in each section. GeoTouch is an application developed by EOS that provides an interactive touch screen for recording data, learning, and communicating about the Earth using maps, satellite data and other scientific information input by EOS scientists. Glaciers in Alaska, volcanoes in the Caribbean and mountains in Nepal are literally at your fingertips. Looking at the wall sized maps, up-to-date research posters, earthquake-inspired lights and tables, and the large fossils on display at the entrance, it becomes obvious that every detail of the ASE facilities fully support the work of our researchers, staff, and students. 


• Undergraduate students: Most of your time will be spent in classes in the brand new teaching laboratories, with some courses taking place in the field. You will also get time in the research labs working on your senior research project or in one of our partner businesses in the industry. You will have access to microscopes, the new rock and mineral collections, and the several GeoTouch screens in each lab. Some of the undergraduate courses offered by ASE take you into the field, where you will get up-close and personal with real-world examples that build upon your classroom learning. The best part about an Earth Systems Science degree is the opportunity to see what you are studying both in the classroom and in the field.

• Graduate students: You will have your own desk, computer, and space in one of the graduate student offices. This setup encourages a sense of community and collaboration among fellow students. Depending on your advisor and research project, most of your time will be divided between the lab, library, field, or at your computer. Our labs house the best equipment to meet your needs, and our libraries grant you access to the academic journals you will need throughout your graduate career. As a student at ASE, you will also have access to many of the most advanced computer programs to aid your research.

Housing and Accommodation Options

• NTU is a residential campus, and hall-living options are available to undergraduate students as well as 1st-year graduate students. Many students also enjoy living off-campus with peers and friends in rented apartments in the nearby Jurong area. Both undergraduate and graduate students must apply for on-campus accommodations. See details at the following links:
  • Undergraduate Housing
  • Graduate Housing

Travel

• Singapore’s location in the heart of Southeast Asia provides access to a wealth of exciting travel destinations for both field research projects and weekend getaways. One of the great experiences of living in Singapore is the ease of travel and proximity to many unique places. As a student here, you will most likely travel for both work and fun.
• Undergraduates will travel for school during their field course after their first academic year. After that, some advanced courses will offer field trips to local field sites to see what is taught in the classroom in the “real world.” Students may also participate in field work if they choose to complete a Senior Research Project.
• Graduate students may travel for field work and for international conferences. Field work in Southeast Asia can vary greatly, from beaches to volcanoes to active fault zones. Southeast Asia is home to many of the world’s most significant active geologic processes, especially geologic hazards, and Singapore is ideally located for studying this natural laboratory. Talk to your prospective advisor to get a better idea about what type of field work you can anticipate in which locations.
• Many ASE students also travel for leisure in Southeast Asia and beyond. Singapore’s Changi Airport is an international hub, and having access to it in such a small country makes air travel quick and convenient. You will never have a problem finding somewhere new to explore, but make sure you don't run out of pages in your passport!

Food and Beverage Matters

• Some say eating is Singapore’s national pastime, and trying the plethora of food options on-campus and throughout the country will satiate anyone’s appetite for a cultural experience. From popular chains to locally-owned favorites, there is a wide range of food options at NTU that are both delicious and highly affordable. Eating at any of the hawker-centres throughout Singapore offer a competitive option to cooking at home as one can readily find a quick and satisfying meal for S$3 - 5. For groceries, there are western-style grocery stores and organic home-delivery options for tropical fruits and veggies. There is a supermarket called Giant on campus along with some convenience stores for quick snacks.
• To learn about the full range of on-campus options, see: Food & Beverage at NTU.

Transportation

• Singapore has developed an extensive system of easy-to-use public transportation options including the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), busses, and taxis. The following links can help you figure out how to get to NTU, specifically, and how to travel around campus once you arrive
• Getting to NTU
• Getting around NTU

Healthcare

• All students are provided with medical coverage. There is a convenient medical centre located on campus as well as a variety of clinics in neighborhoods throughout Singapore.
• Details of the medical scheme coverage and clinic hours and locations may be found here: Healthcare @ NTU

Heritage and Culture at NTU

• Singapore is committed to promoting religious freedom and harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures. Students from many religious and cultural backgrounds may find groups of like-minded people at NTU and join one of the Cultural and Religious Societies.

Sports and Recreation at NTU

• In addition to the free intramural, club, and varsity sports activities organised through NTU, many graduate students both in and outside of our department organise sports activities, including football (soccer) and running groups to name a few. Facilities available to the NTU community include gyms, indoor sports halls, outdoor courts, an Olympic swimming pool, and a running track with turf infield.
• Find out more about NTU’s fitness and recreation facilities here.

Clubs and Communities at NTU

• There are over 100 student organisations at NTU covering arts to public speaking to volunteering, providing opportunities to meet new people and learn beyond the classroom. Students always have the option of forming a new group with like-minded peers as well.
• See more at NTU's Clubs & Communities page.

Retail and Services at NTU

• Members of the NTU community do not have to look far for important services and shops as many are located on campus, including a bank, post office, supermarket, convenience stores, hair salon, and book store.
• Find complete store hours and locations here.

Official NTU Student Life Pages

• If you would like to further explore Student Life at NTU, see the pages below:
  • Undergraduate Student Life page
  • Graduate Student Life page