Moving to Singapore for your studies is exciting but let’s be real, it can also feel like a lot at first. New country, new climate, new everything. But here’s the good news: with a few intentional steps, you can go from feeling like a tourist to living like a local in no time. Many ESSEC Asia-Pacific students have done it, and you can too. Here’s how to make Singapore feel like home.

1. Learn the local rhythm

The first thing you’ll notice about Singapore is how efficient everything is, especially the public transport. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and buses are reliable, clean, and easy to use. Grab an EZ-Link card or use your contactless credit card to tap in and out. Apps like Citymapper, Google Maps, or MyTransport.SG [Google Play | App Store] will help you navigate like a pro.

Knowing your nearest hawker centre, supermarket, and pharmacy will help you settle in faster. Before you know it, you’ll have a regular grocery run and a favorite bubble tea stall.

2. Eat like a local

Singapore’s food scene is a cultural experience in itself. Forget fancy restaurants and explore the heart of local dining—hawker centres. Try Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, roti prata, or nasi lemak. Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, and Amoy Street Food Centre are great starting points. Eating where locals eat doesn’t just save money. It immerses you in the everyday culture of Singapore.

Go during lunch to see the full buzz of office workers, aunties, and uncles sharing tables and stories.

3. Celebrate the festivals

Singapore is a multicultural city, and that means celebrations all year round. Every festival tells a story of community and heritage, from the light displays during Deepavali to the lion dances at Chinese New Year.

Don’t just observe. Participate. Attend a Hari Raya bazaar, join a Holi celebration, or try mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival. You’ll gain cultural insight and memories that go far beyond the classroom.

4. Make your space feel like home

Whether you’re living in student housing or a shared apartment, the little touches matter. Bring items that remind you of home—photos, snacks, scents, or even your favorite mug. Decorate your space with things that bring comfort and joy.

This small act can go a long way in helping you feel grounded, especially during those first few weeks when everything feels unfamiliar.

5. Build your community

It’s easy to feel isolated in a new country, but most people want to connect. Join university clubs, attend social events, volunteer, or say yes to that casual kopi (coffee) invite.

The ESSEC community is filled with students from around the world, and you’ll quickly find peers navigating the same transition as you. Friendships formed here often last well beyond graduation.

Home is a mindset

You won’t feel completely at home on day one and that’s okay. But by staying curious, connecting with others, and embracing the rhythm of daily life, the city starts to feel familiar. And soon, you’ll find yourself giving directions, recommending food spots, and calling Singapore home too.