What will it take to make a really great university town? YouthInk writers weigh in with their views on what they think should be the dos - and don'ts - of this masterplan
TWO-LEVEL LINK: The proposed university town will be linked to the NUS campus across the Ayer Rajah Expressway by a two-level bridge - one for vehicles and the other for pedestrians. -- PHOTO: NUS
Consult Clementi residents
MY FIRST thoughts concern the potential impact this development will have on residents in Clementi. An obvious one is a mini economic boom - shops will definitely benefit from the increased business brought by the university students. Less predictable will be the socio-cultural impact. Will the old uncle be denied his usual kopi-o spot by a 'milo dinosaur'-chugging NUS student after his early morning run? Will the wonton mee stall give way to 'Pastamania Clementi' in anticipation of a different customer base? Granted, the proposed site is some distance from the main housing areas.
However, the creation of a university town will inevitably have a noticeable effect on surrounding areas. If it has not already been done, Clementi residents should be consulted.
Angela Xu, 22, will read for her Master of Law at University College London
Still a financial barrier
SCHOOL is back in session and for most undergraduates, the upcoming weeks will burn a deep hole in their pocket with tuition payments due and academic material to be bought.
Even if one studies at NUS and lives in the most affordable hall on campus, it still means shelling out an additional $680 in accommodation costs each term.
Meanwhile at the SMU hostel, a double room goes for $1,350 for a 15-week tenancy. Varying meal plans and registration fees have yet to be added to those figures.
It hardly seems economically viable for Singaporean students to pay for additional accommodation with home and family just a number of MRT stops away.
Ultimately, the limited availability of rooms in the universities creates financial barriers - where students who qualify for a dormitory room also need to be financially capable of paying for it.
Hostel living may strengthen collegiality among residents. However, it will be a shame this widens the divide with non-hostel residents, especially with those who cannot afford it.
Alicia Ng, 23, is a final-year accounting student at Singapore Management University
Don't leave polys behind
WITH the current developments at the universities, it seems the polytechnics have been left behind.
In building a university town, there is less need to worry about availability of lodging for NUS students.
In contrast, my school struggles to accommodate foreign students on campus due to lack of accommodation, let alone provide Singaporean students with the hostel 'experience'.
As plans for the site are drawn up, could there be accompanying developments at the other tertiary institutions?
If the universities and polytechnics can cooperate in development schemes that involve sharing facilities and experiences, it will be a win-win situation for all involved.
Cheryl Tan, 19, is a final-year interior architecture and design student at Temasek Polytechnic
Opportunity for cultural exchange
I AM heartened by NUS plans for a university town at the former Warren golf course.
A university should no longer be just academics-based, where students are moulded merely in classrooms and through exams.
They should also gain insights by living with both Singaporean and foreign students and through cultural exchanges.
I hope to see modules where one has to learn more about the cultures and countries of one's foreign roommates.
At the same time, participants in these activities must be willing and able to juggle them with their schoolwork, and not be compelled to do so.
Hence, NUS should be stringent in selecting hostelites for the university town.
Eisen Teo, 23, is on exchange at the University of North Carolina
Are luxuries really necessary?
RENT on accommodation at the university town could be two to three times more than what is charged at a Kent Ridge hostel.
Is comfort really necessary? Wouldn't it be ironic if students choose their flats solely for the facilities?
For example, the cluster lifestyle at NUS Prince George's Park Residences is meant to offer opportunities for interaction.
But students are known to apply there for the convenience of a gym and mini-mart.
To a great extent, the lack of luxury facilities in halls suggests a better chance for NUS' objective to be achieved.
Berton Lim, 19, has a place to read business administration at the National University of Singapore
Foster bonding between students
THE concept of the new NUS college sounds impressive but it may not have the desired effect of promoting interaction between Singaporean and foreign students.
Even with the higher Singaporean-to-foreign-student ratio, students of different nationalities may prefer to spend time with those from their own country and culture.
This may happen even if occupants, comprising students from different cultures, find themselves living under the same roof.
There must be residents charged with responsibility to foster bonding and a sense of community between the occupants in an apartment or across different apartments.
Only then may the aims of the college be achieved.
Kenny Tan, 21, is a second-year Economics student at SMU
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