Student Accommodation near Singapore Management University

Singapore Management University (SMU) is one of the five public universities in Singapore. Founded in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) specialises in business, economics, law and social sciences, and is renowned for its interactive small-class teaching and world-class research. SMU has modern teaching and learning facilities in the heart of Singapore. It offers a wealth of opportunities for international exchange through its partnerships with many of the world's top universities.

Although Singapore Management University (SMU) does not dominate in the overall rankings due to its small size (e.g. 545th in the QS World University Rankings 2024), its professional rankings in the fields of business, economics and social sciences are extremely impressive, especially in the QS Subject Rankings 2024, where it is ranked 50th globally in Accounting and Finance, 39th globally in Business and Management, and 98th globally in Social Sciences and Management. In addition, the Lee Kong Chian School of Business is ranked 3rd in Asia and 33rd in the world in the UTD Global Business School Research Rankings 2023, and the Master of Finance program is ranked among the top 40 in the world in the QS rankings. SMU graduates are highly competitive in terms of employment, with an employment rate of more than 90% year-round. The average starting salary is among the highest among the public universities in Singapore, especially in the financial, consulting and legal industries, which are highly recognised, and is one of Asia's top business universities with a strong focus on business. 

Singapore Management University (SMU) has been expanding its places. It is now a medium-sized university with 10,000 students from 44 countries and regions, focusing on business, economics, computer information technology, law, social sciences and so on. Students who come to study at Singapore Management University (SMU) can look for off-campus SMU residences on uhomes.com in addition to on-campus dormitories. These SMU accommodations are not only well-equipped but also close to the campus and within walking distance of SMU, so there is no commuting hassle at all. No matter what type of SMU student accommodation you are looking for, our consultants will help you find a satisfactory SMU student accommodation. Private SMU dorms are close to several transportation hubs and MRT stations, making it very convenient to travel.

• Looking for the best SMU residence? uhomes.com offers a large variety of SMU student accommodation. You can find the best student accommodation near SMU Singapore according to your preferences and requirements. Our best SMU residence is not only well-equipped but also close to the campus and city centre. Our best SMU residences are not only well-furnished but also close to the campus and the city centre, where students can walk to the campus. Whether you are looking for a modern single or shared room, we have everything you need. Here are some of the best SMU student accommodations:

• MDIS Residences @ Stirling
• Liv on Sophia - EJ
• Westwood Hostel @ Chancery Court Condominium
• St. Thomas Lodge
• 75 Lorong L Telok Kurau
• 32 Siglap Hill
• Vinga Hall
• Vinga Hall@RG
• STAY by The Assembly Place
• Glendale Park - GB

Looking for cheap and comfortable SMU private accommodation? uhomes.com offers a large selection of cheap SMU hostels with rents starting from S$500/month, including utilities and more. Our cheap SMU residences are fully equipped with modern bedrooms, clean kitchens and spacious lounge areas, as well as recreational areas and 24-hour security so that students can study and live here with peace of mind. uhomes.com also offers various exclusive deals to help students find the best value for money in SMU student accommodation. Below are the popular cheap SMU residences:

• Campus by The Assembly Place
• JD33 - S
• Balestier Student Hostel
• Potong Pasir Residences
• Chancery Court - DP
• 38A Puay Hee Ave
• TRE Residences - GB
• Bartley Residences - GB
• 543 Balestier Rd
• 70 Sing Avenue

There are a number of popular rental areas near SMU, each with its special characteristics. SMU students should prioritise neighbourhoods within 1-2 kilometres from the university when renting an apartment to save commuting time. Shared flats can significantly reduce costs. SMU hostel rents around S$600 to S$1,000 per month. Below are the specific popular neighbourhoods:

1. Bugis
Bugis is one of the top neighbourhoods for SMU students to rent apartments, just a 10-minute walk from the university, and extremely conveniently located near the MRT Green and Blue Lines. The area is rich in amenities, with Bugis Junction, Bugis+ Shopping Centre and Pasir Ris Floating Plaza (Iluma), with a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Monthly rentals range from S$800 to S$1,500, making it a suitable SMU accommodation for students who are on a budget and are looking for convenience.

2. Dhoby Ghaut
Dhoby Ghaut is an important transport hub in Singapore, with the MRT Red, Purple and Blue lines intersecting here, and SMU is a 15-minute walk away, making commuting very convenient. The neighbourhood is quiet and close to the National Museum of Singapore and Falconing Park, which is suitable for students who like to study in a peaceful atmosphere. SMU accommodation rents for around S$900 to S$1600 per month, combining comfort and convenience.

3. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is known for its vibrant nightlife and great dining options for students who like to socialise and have fun. The area is located along the Singapore River with a beautiful view, and SMU is just a 20-minute walk away or a short MRT ride on the Purple Line. Accommodation near SMU Singapore rents for around S$1,000 to S$1,800 per month, and is suitable for students on a budget who want to enjoy the city life.

4. Little India
Little India is one of the most culturally distinctive neighbourhoods in Singapore, with relatively low rents. SMU residence single room rents for about S$600 to S$1200 per month, which is very cost-effective. The area is famous for its Indian food and bazaars, and the MRT Purple Line is a 10-minute drive to SMU.

5. Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one of the most literary neighbourhoods in Singapore, dotted with Netflix cafes, independent bookstores and art murals, and is popular with young people. It is a 15-minute drive from SMU on the MRT Green Line. The area is dominated by old flats and HDB flats. SMU student accommodation rents for around S$700 to S$1,300 per month, which is suitable for students who are looking for a unique living atmosphere and have a moderate budget.

6. Marina Bay
Marina Bay is a high-end residential area in Singapore with luxury flats and modern amenities. SMU student accommodation usually costs more than S$1,500 per month. The area is safe and scenic, and SMU is just a 20-minute walk or bike ride away, making it suitable for students who are on a budget and want to live in a quality place.

The cost of studying at Singapore Management University (SMU) varies depending on specialisation, personal spending habits and lifestyle. Living expenses mainly include SMU residence, food, transport, internet and other expenses.SMU students' monthly living expenses are around S$2,500 - S$3,800, and the following are the specific living expenses for each item:

• SMU Accommodation: S$800-2,200/month
• Food: S$450-900/month
• Transport: S$80-150/month
• Internet: S$30-80/month
• Utilities: S$50-150/month
• Recreation and Socialising: S$200-500/month
• Daily necessities: S$150-400/month
• Medical Insurance: S$50-120/month

Singapore Management University (SMU) is conveniently located in the heart of Singapore's city centre. It has a comprehensive transport network that makes it easy for students to travel to and from the campus and SMU apartment, and bus stops within walking distance for students living in SMU housing.

1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
The nearest MRT stations to Singapore Management University (SMU) Main Campus are Bras Basah Station (CC2, Circle Line) and Dhoby Ghaut Station (NS24/NE6/CC1, North-South/North-East Line/Circle Line), which are about a 5-10 minute walk to the campus. These two MRT stations are connected to Singapore's major MRT lines, allowing students to easily travel to all parts of the island, including popular areas such as Bugis, Orchard Road and Marina Bay.

2. Bus
There are several bus stops around SMU, with major routes including 7, 14, 16, 36, 77, 106, 111, 124, 128, 162, 167, 171, 174, 175, etc., covering all areas of Singapore. Students can use these bus routes to reach the campus directly or transfer to the MRT, and some of the routes also connect to other tertiary institutions such as the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

3. Cycling and Walking
SMU is located in the city centre, and the surrounding roads are well equipped with cycle lanes and footpaths for commuting by bike or on foot. Singapore's bike-sharing services (e.g. Anywheel, SG Bike) have parking spots near the campus that students can hire at any time. It is also convenient to walk to nearby shopping centres (e.g. Bugis Junction, Raffles City) within 10-15 minutes from SMU.

4. Taxis and Internet Rental Cars
Taxi and internet rides (e.g. Grab, Gojek, ComfortDelGro) are available near SMU and can be hailed anytime via the mobile app. Travelling to Changi Airport from campus takes about 25-30 minutes and costs about S$20-30; travelling to NTU or NUS takes about 30-40 minutes and costs about S$25-40.

5. Free Campus Bus
SMU provides free on-campus shuttle buses to connect different academic buildings, the library and the administration buildings on campus. The bus operates from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and less frequently on weekends and public holidays.

Campus life at Singapore Management University (SMU) is vibrant and innovative. As an urban campus located in the heart of the city, SMU adopts an open campus design with a perfect blend of modern academic buildings, well-resourced libraries and comfortable recreational spaces. The university is renowned for its small, interactive class sizes, emphasis on case studies and hands-on learning, and the SMU-X programme, which allows students to engage with real-life examples from companies. The campus is home to more than 100 student societies and clubs covering a wide range of fields, including business, arts and culture, and regularly hosts career development talks, industry fairs and a variety of cultural events. 24-hour access to the library and Learning Commons provides an ideal learning environment, while the Business Incubation Centre supports students' innovative projects.

There are many SMU private accommodations in the vicinity of SMU, and students living in off-campus SMU student accommodations can experience the off-campus life of SMU more conveniently. SMU housing is situated in a bustling location with a variety of neighbourhoods. SMU is located in the heart of Singapore's city centre, within walking distance of popular places such as Bugis and Raffles City shopping malls, and surrounded by international cuisines and online cafes. Culture enthusiasts can easily access cultural venues such as the National Museum and the ArtScience Museum, or enjoy performances at the Esplanade. Due to its proximity to the financial district, students can easily access open days and internship programmes at major corporations. Conveniently located 15 minutes by MRT to Sentosa Resort & Spa and 30 minutes to East Coast Park, the campus is ideal for weekend excursions.

Singapore Management University (SMU) is located in the city centre, and there are many popular attractions nearby. Students living in SMU student housing can easily access the various attractions. Students can take the transport near SMU student housing to travel to the places of interest. There are also many SMU hostels around these attractions, so choosing a good accommodation will make your trip more exciting.

1. National Museum of Singapore (NMS)
Located just 700 metres from SMU (a 9-minute walk), the National Museum is Singapore's oldest museum. It tells the history of the island nation through immersive exhibitions, with a permanent new media art exhibition in the iconic Glass Round House and discounted admission for students with ID. With special nightly events every Friday night, it is the go-to place to learn about local culture.

2. Peranakan Museum (Museum of Indigenous Culture)
Located 850 metres northwest of SMU (11-minute walk), the three-storey pavilion systematically showcases the culture of Peranakan. The heirloom exhibition on the first floor showcases fine beadwork and gold jewellery, while the basement level offers a traditional pastry-making workshop, and the building itself is a centuries-old former Daw Nang School building.

3. Fort Canning Park
Located 1.1 kilometres (14-minute walk) from the campus, this urban rainforest oxygen bar was once the site of an ancient royal palace. The popular ‘Dragon's Den’ is a spiral staircase descent, and the park hides the ruins of a World War II underground command centre and hosts open-air concerts on weekends.

4. Singapore River
The Barge Quay section of the river is 750 metres (10-minute walk) from SMU. An evening stroll along the river is recommended to enjoy the Clarke Quay light show, passing colonial buildings such as the Anderson Bridge, and riverside restaurants serving local delicacies such as the special chilli crab.

5. Raffles City Shopping Centre 

A 900-metre (12-minute walk) premier commercial complex featuring international luxury brands and a collection of local snacks at Level B2 Food Court. The Secret Observation Deck, located on the upper floors of the Tower 1 office building, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city centre.

6. Bugis District
A melting pot of cultures 600 metres (8 minutes' walk) away, the street art wall on Hazi Lane is photo-worthy, the Sultan's Mosque on Arab Street offers free guided tours, and the neighbourhood's Middle Eastern-inspired shops offer special aromatherapy and rugs.

7. The Arts House
1km (13-minute walk) from the former Houses of Parliament, this converted arts space hosts regular literary salons and indie film screenings, and the building retains a Victorian-style council chamber and a café serving author-themed afternoon teas.

1. Accountancy
The Accountancy programme at Singapore Management University (SMU) is one of the most popular majors at the university, known for its academic excellence and strong career prospects. The programme is accredited by the Institute of Singapore Accountancy (ISCA) and a number of accounting associations around the world, and graduates are fast-tracked to obtain exemptions from professional qualifications such as ACCA and CPA.

2. Finance
SMU's Finance programme has a strong reputation in Asia, with a particular focus on investment management, financial technology (FinTech) and risk management. The programme covers the core knowledge of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exam, and many students graduate having passed the CFA Level 1 or Level 2 exams.

3. Business Management
Business Management is one of the most flexible and diverse programmes at SMU, allowing students to mix and match majors and minors, such as 'Marketing + Psychology' or 'Operations Management + Data Analytics'. Using a case-based approach, students develop decision-making skills by analysing the business strategies of globally renowned companies (e.g. Apple, Tesla, Starbucks).

4. Economics
SMU's Economics programme emphasises applied research, combining data analysis and policy evaluation to develop students' ability to solve real-world economic problems. The curriculum covers cutting-edge areas such as behavioural economics, development economics and econometrics, and students often use tools such as R and Python for economic modelling.

5. Information Systems (IS)
The Information Systems (IS) programme is one of SMU's top technology majors, focusing on the convergence of business and technology, teaching cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Students not only learn programming (e.g. Python, SQL), but also gain real-world experience through corporate partnership projects (e.g. designing fintech solutions for DBS Bank).

6. Computer Science (CS)
Computer Science is a relatively new but fast-growing specialism at SMU, focusing on artificial intelligence, cyber security and software engineering. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical depth with practical application, and students can participate in cutting-edge projects at SMU's Living Analytics Research Centre (in partnership with MIT).

7. Law
SMU's School of Law aims to train ‘business lawyers’ with a curriculum that integrates business, finance and technology law (e.g. cryptocurrency regulation). Unique interactive teaching (e.g., moot court, cross-border M&A negotiations) prepares students for the practice of law. The school works closely with top law firms (e.g. Allen & Gledhill, WongPartnership), and many of its graduates go on to become corporate counsel or litigators.