Study in Singapore:Pre-departure Checklist

Studying in Singapore could be an exciting choice. Apart from being cosmopolitan, the place is very approachable. However, when you pick Singapore as a study destination, delve deeper into what all you should carry with you. May sound old fashioned, but a departure checklist could help you keep everything organised and save you from last minute panic attacks.

Here is your pre-departure checklist before you pack your bags for Singapore as a student:

• Ensure that you receive the Student's Pass in-principal approval (IPA) letter before you leave for Singapore. You will also need IPA letter when you apply for student visa to Singapore. Besides, you should also carry Form 16 which you will get along with your student visa from Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Letter of Offer from your college or university, personal identification such as birth certificate of I-Card, and half a dozen passport-sized photos.
• Make sure that you undergo medical examination in India itself, as specified by the visa authorities. In Singapore, you will have to submit your medical report at the authorised hospital at Singapore and get it endorsed by a doctor there.
• Keep your passport ready and make sure that it has at least six months validity.
• Applicants should make sure that they have all the original copies of their high school results, work experience letters, graduation results, SAT reports etc. for verification in Singapore. It might also be a good idea to keep two to three sets of attested photocopies of all your documents with your trusted family and friends at home. In case your documents are not in English, please get their official translation done in English.
• Arrange for your accommodation, at least for the first few months after you arrive in Singapore. The confirmation e-mail or letter stating that you do have a place to stay at Singapore might be needed when you apply for study visa.
• Make sure you carry enough currency that can last you for at least the initial few weeks. You may carry a cash amount of about S$1,000 (about Rs 40,000) and keep the rest ready in the form of bank drafts or travellers' cheques. Bank drafts drawn on overseas banks take about three weeks to clear in Singapore.
• Singapore, generally, has a hot and humid environment. So, cotton is a logical choice of fabric. Casual summer dresses and a few formal dresses for special occasions should do the trick.

Here are some things you will need once you arrive in Singapore:

• You will need to complete the Embarkation/Disembarkation Form in the plane or at the Immigration Checkpoint at Singapore airport. You will need to submit it along with the original copy of the Student's Pass approval letter (IPA) or student visa and your passport to the Duty Officer at the airport. You will be returned a portion of the form and approval letter, which you will need later to complete student visa formalities at Immigration Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
• If you do not have Singapore currency already, you will find currency exchange counters at the airport in Singapore.
• To reach your hostel of accommodation at Singapore from the Airport, you will be able to find taxis easily. They are metered and reasonably priced. Night charges are applicable from midnight to 6 am. The taxi bays can be found in the arrival halls of the airport. Most taxi drivers at Singapore can speak English and Mandarin and do not expect tips. In case, you are not satisfied with taxi services, you can note down the taxi number and the time you board the tax and contact the respective taxi company.
• It is advisable for you to open a bank account at Singapore for the duration of your study there.
• At almost all good educational institutions at Singapore, there is a department providing specialized services to international students. Contact the department and ask for help, whenever you need it.
• While at Singapore, do not just study. Venture out, mix with the locals, and explore more about the exotic culture of the place. Singapore offers a unique and holistic study abroad experience. It will be wise to look beyond academics and pick up much more about global outlook of the country to really make the stay there worthwhile.