What should International students in Singapore choose?
Housing is always one of the biggest challenge for all the foreign students. Studying in Singapore is no exception. Should we choose to stay in a dormitory or rent a boarding house when studying in Singapore? SOON CHENG will help you answer this question!
Should I stay in a dormitory or rent a boarding house?
Dormitories and boarding houses are two popular options of accommodation for international students in Singapore. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different needs and preferences. By comparing these two options, SOON CHENG will help you make the right decision for yourself.
Dormitory
Advantages of Dormitory:
- Safe environment: Dormitories are often strictly managed, with 24/7 security and surveillance cameras, ensuring safety for students.
- Full facilities: Dormitories are often fully equipped with amenities such as bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, shared bathrooms and living areas, etc. to meet the basic living needs of students.
- Opportunity to socialize and make friends: The dormitory is a place where many students from different countries gather, which facilitates communication and interaction among students, encouraging them to make friends and learn new cultures.
- Near Distance: Most dormitories are built right on campus or near school, helping students save travel time.
- School support: Some universities have supporting programs for students in dormitories, such as free electricity, water, internet, etc.
Disadvantages of Dormitory:
- Limited private space: Students have to share bedrooms and bathrooms with others, so private space is limited.
- Regulations and constraints: Dormitories often have regulations on travel times, the use of amenities, etc. which students must comply with.

Dormitory at a University in Singapore
Boarding house
Advantages of Boarding house:
- Diverse choices: Singapore has many rental services from shared boarding houses to luxury apartments. They all meet your needs, so you’ll have a variety of housing choices.
- Private space: Students have private spaces to live and study.
- Flexibility: Students can freely choose travel time and amenities, etc.
- Near desired destinations: Students can choose to rent a boarding house near schools, shopping malls, entertainment areas,etc. in line with their own needs.
Disadvantages of Boarding houses:
- High cost: The cost of renting a boarding house is often higher than staying in a dormitory.
- Unsafe environment: Boarding houses are often not as strictly managed as dormitories, so there are potential risks of insecurity and theft.
- Limited amenities: Boarding houses are often not fully equipped with amenities like dormitories. So in some cases, students may have to equip themselves with some necessary items to meet their own needs.
- Few opportunities to socialize and communicate: Students living in boarding houses often have few opportunities to interact and make friends with other students.
- Self traveling: Living in board houses means that students must travel on their own to school and other areas.


Boarding houses in Singapore
Should international students in Singapore stay in dormitories or renting boarding houses?
The answer depends on many factors such as students’ personal needs, interests, and financial conditions. Hopefully, through SOON CHENG’s sharing, it will help you get good suggestions and make your own choices.
If you need any assistance for accommodation in Singapore, please contact SOON CHENG for professional advice!
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