Ask any ESSEC student in Singapore what stands out most about their time here, and chances are you’ll hear about more than just classes. Yes, the academics are rigorous and rewarding—but what truly defines the experience is what happens outside the classroom: the connections, conversations, and unexpected adventures.

From spontaneous food crawls in the heart of the city to bonding over group projects-turned-friendships, student life at ESSEC Asia-Pacific is as vibrant and multicultural as Singapore itself.

A Campus That Feels Like Home

While ESSEC Singapore’s campus may be smaller than Cergy’s, it comes with an undeniable advantage: intimacy. You’ll recognize faces, bump into friends daily, and have closer interactions with professors and staff. This sense of community makes it easy to settle in, especially for students coming from abroad.

“There’s something really comforting about how tight-knit the campus feels,” says Adrien Rivet, a Master in Management student from France. “You’re never just a number here.”

Eating Our Way Through Singapore

Let’s face it—food is practically a national pastime in Singapore, and ESSEC students quickly join the ranks of local foodies. The nearby hawker centres are student favorites, offering delicious and affordable meals from all over Asia. A lunch for under S$6? Yes, please.

Whether it’s chicken rice at Newton Food Centre or late-night prata runs with your project team, food becomes a way to bond.

Celebrating Cultures Together

One of the most special aspects of being in such a global environment is the chance to celebrate different cultures. Diwali potlucks, Chinese New Year gatherings, Hari Raya feasts—students regularly organize events that bring their backgrounds to life.

And it’s not just about big festivals. Everyday cultural exchanges happen too—like when your Korean classmate brings you kimchi rice for lunch, or you learn the word “lah” from your Singaporean buddy.

Study Breaks That Spark Joy

Of course, everyone needs a break from the books. Students often organize movie nights, board game sessions, and impromptu basketball games just outside the campus. Want something more structured? Join one of the many student-led clubs, or pitch your own idea—chances are, you’ll find like-minded people ready to jump in.

More Than Just Memories

For many, what starts as student life at ESSEC becomes something deeper: a global network of lifelong friends. You might arrive as strangers, but you leave as part of a tight, supportive community that spans continents.

As Chloe Wang, a Master in Finance graduate who’s working as a commodity derivatives broker in Singapore, puts it: “I came here for the degree, but I stayed for the people.”

So if you’re heading to ESSEC Singapore, don’t just pack your notebooks. Bring your curiosity, your openness, and maybe an appetite for sambal. Because beyond the books, this journey is also about discovering people, places, and pieces of yourself you never expected.