Student Accommodation in Singapore: Types, Costs, Best Areas to Stay

It is important to find the right and cheapest accommodation in Singapore. This will help you to balance budget, commute, and comfort. Students typically choose between on-campus halls, university-managed housing, private student residences, HDB (Housing & Development Board) rooms, or homestays.

Moving to Singapore for the first time can feel exciting and a little overwhelming. You are going to live there alone, managing rent, utilities, and a new routine without mummy, papa or your loved ones. The good news? Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world, well connected, and predictable, if you plan right. This guide will help you choose the right student accommodation in Singapore, understand costs, shortlist areas, and rent confidently.

Here, we will break down your housing options in Singapore, what they cost, location, and how to rent confidently, without getting trapped by fine print or too good to be true deals. We hope that you have received the admission letter from the university. Alternatively, if you are still deciding on intakes and timelines.

Start by exploring student guide to Singapore.

Types of Student Accommodation in Singapore

It is important to find the right and cheapest accommodation in Singapore. This will help you to balance budget, commute, and comfort. Students typically choose between on-campus halls, university-managed housing, private student residences, HDB (Housing & Development Board) rooms, or homestays.

Each option differs in cost, rules, inclusions, and availability across intakes. Here are the types of student accommodation in Singapore:

On‑Campus Halls and Residences

University Managed Off‑campus Housing

Private Student Residences (PBSA)

Related Read: Cost of studying in Singapore

Shared Accommodation in Singapore or HDB Flat

Student Accommodation in Singapore: Costs and Monthly Budget

Typical monthly rent by accommodation type

• On-campus halls: SGD 400 to 900
• Uni‑managed off‑campus: SGD 900 to 1,400
• PBSA: SGD 1,000 to 2,2005
• HDB room: SGD 700 to 1,200
• Condo room: SGD 1,200 to 1,800
• Studio/1‑bed: SGD 1,800 to 3,000+

These ranges are compiled from university fee pages, HDB rental data, and major market platforms. For a full monthly breakdown beyond rent, explore the cost of living in Singapore.

Upfront Costs You Should Have

Such costs are similar to Indian metro cities, such as:

• Security Deposit: 1 to 2 months’ rent (refundable if no damage).
• First Month’s Rent: Advance rent, due at signing.
• Stamp Duty: Payable on certain private leases. Amount depends on rent and term.
• Agent fee (Brokerage): Often nil for room rentals. For private leases, you need to pay up to half or one month's rent.
• Initial setup: Bedding, kitchen basics, transport card, possible Wi‑Fi router and more.

These expenses are not new for Indian students. They understand these expenses well. However, if you are not familiar with these rules and expenses. It is important to understand this.

Monthly Bills to Plan

• Utilities: SGD 60 to 120/person in shared units (more for studios).
• Internet: SGD 35 to 60/month per household plan (split with roommates).
• Food: SGD 350 to 600/month, depending on cooking vs hawker food.
• Transport: SGD 70 to 120/month with student concessions and frequent MRT use.

Best Areas for Students to Live in Singapore

At the time of selecting the area to live in Singapore as a student, you need to consider a few factors. Safety, proximity to university, local market, and transport system are a few of them. Below, we have mentioned a few areas in Singapore for students:

Near NUS: Clementi, Buona Vista, Holland Village

This location is near the National University of Singapore. Here, the buses are available at a frequent time. It is best for short commutes, late labs, and first-time students who want to live near the university.

Near NTU: Jurong West, Boon Lay, Pioneer

This location is closest to the west campus of Nanyang Technological University. The bus and shuttle links are easily available. Also, many major malls are at nearby. It is best for students who want accommodation in Singapore with a limited budget.

Budget North: Woodlands, Yishun

Competitive HDB rents, full amenities, and direct North–South Line access make these areas wallet-friendly. Expect lower monthly costs but longer rides to city campuses. Best for students prioritising the cheapest accommodation and willing to trade commute time for meaningful savings.

How to Choose Cheapest Accommodation in Singapore?

Start early. As soon as you get the admission offer letter from the universities of Singapore, shortlist the accommodation options. Here is the step by step process to explore accommodation in Singapore:

• 8 to 10 weeks: Before arrival, apply for on‑campus housing (if eligible) and attend housing webinars.
• 6 to 8 weeks: Shortlist 6 to 8 listings of housing options. Book virtual or in‑person viewings.
• 4 to 6 weeks: Choose one property, negotiate, review the tenancy agreement and then pay the deposit.
• 2 to 4 weeks: Confirm handover date, then sign the inventory and move into the property.

Where to Find Accommodation?

 Now the question is, where to search for the accommodation option? Here are some options:

• University housing pages (NUS, NTU, SMU, SUTD)
• Reputable operators
• Established property platforms with verified listings
• Official student groups for roommate matching.

Other than this, the university administration or website can help you get more information. Well, you need to keep few documents ready to get the housing such as passport, an admission letter, and a student visa of Singapore (If available). In some cases, you need to show proof of funds.

Tenant Rights You Should Know

• Rental Legality and Minimum Stay: Most residential leases’ duration is 6 to 12 months. It is suggested to avoid illegal short‑term stays. Your contract must show the full address, legal lease term, tenant names, and landlord/agent details.
• Agreement: Check the lease term on the agreement, deposit, renewal, maintenance, guest/visitor rules, early termination clause, and the inventory annexure. In short, every possible rule.
• Do Not Pay in Cash: Use traceable methods and request receipts with a signed copy of the agreement.
• Red Flags: Pressure to pay before viewing, cash‑only deposits, deals far below market, mismatched IDs, refusal to provide a written contract are clear red flags and potential fraud. Avoid it!
• Verification: Ask for landlord/agent licence details, proof of HDB subletting approval (if applicable), and property address documents.

For more details related to studying abroad and foreign admissions, reach out to Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for free.