Let's Go Shopping!
Arriving in Singapore and NTU could hardly be more exciting – setting up a place of your own after years of living with your family, figuring the system out, making new friends – life as a freshmen in the initial few weeks could hardly be more exhilarating!
A small problem though – you’re clueless about the shopping avenues in Singapore and NTU. Where do you get that adapter you so urgently need? Or for those with a sweet tooth, where do you get your chocolate fix on late nights? Tourism websites promise you that Orchard Road is a ‘haven’ for shoppers and that hip street shopping in Bugis is a must stop for the youth.
But, really, you’re on a budget, you need these things immediately and you have no clue where to go. Fret not, here are a few places that every NTU undergraduate, both past and present, swears by:
Within NTU:
Supermarkets
The Nanyang Supermarket is a centrally located store at Hall of Residence 2 which sells groceries and stationeries. From bread to spreads to toileteries, and all sorts of stationery like paper, pens and notebooks, it is a convenient stop for students who don’t want to leave the campus. You can also get a range of food here like instant noodles, packaged juices and milk, and snacks like chips and chocolate.Do note that it is the only place on campus that provides postal services like the sending of registered mails, parcels, stamps sale, etc. There is a postal box outside the supermarket. There is another smaller shop that sells other frozen foodstuff. Here, you can buy fresh produce (raw vegetables etc) and you can get yoghurt and milk.
There is a smaller version of this supermarket near Café By The Quad.
Small convenience stores
The Hall 14 Grocer, for example, is a small store tucked away behind the Hall 14 canteen that sells food stuff, basic toiletries and some stationery. It is a convenient place for students who live in the halls clustered along Nanyang Crescent.There is also the 24-hour store at the Nanyang Executive Centre, fondly and simply referred to by the students as The Grocer. This is a frequent haunt by students at night, thanks to its operating hours. Here, you get mainly food items like snacks, ice cream and drinks. You can also buy instant noodles for those hungry at night!
There is also a 7/11 store at Canteen A. You can buy calling cards here and also top up your pre-paid credit at this store.
Stationery and Bookshops
You can get stationery at The Nanyang Supermarket and the other smaller stores mentioned previously.An important place to take note of for books and stationery is The Yunnan Bookstore, located at the Nanyang Business School in the South Academic Spine. This is an important place to remember especially for the purchase of books and other materials at the start of the semester. It is a short walk from Canteen B.
Electronics
Eight Flags Computer System and Supplies: Here, you can buy electronic goods like computers, hard disks, earphones and other items.
Outside NTU:
Jurong Point
Called “JP” by the NTU students, this neighbourhood shopping centre is the main mall in the Boon Lay area. It is relatively huge compared to other shopping malls in other heartlands.Take a look at the impressive number of retailers located in JP: http://www.jurongpoint.com.sg/index.php?option=com_fwz_stores&Itemid=25
There is a big electronic store in JP called Challenger which is a great place to buy any electronic goods.
There is a NTUC Fairprice Megamarket in JP which keeps a comprehensive range of food, appliances, clothes (yes, even clothes!) and some appliances. It is a regular stopover for students who need to stock up on necessities.
Mustafa Shopping Centre
Nestled in the heart of Little India, Mustafa is far from NTU. However, it is the one place in Singapore which pretty much sells everything.Grandma pickles? Check. Gold? Check. Shampoo? Check. Luggage? Check. Any sort of Indian ingredient? Check. Maggi from india? Check. Music? Check. Appliances? Check. Make up? Check. Accessories? Check. Perfume? Check. Clothes? Check.
Yeah, you get the point. It is open throughout the day, so if you ever need anything urgently in the dead of the night, you know you have the sprawling Mustafa to cab to.
We have tried to give you a basic idea about shopping for necessities in NTU and Singapore. Of course, shopping isn’t just about soap, paper and adapters. But for a freshman trying to settle into a new dorm room, we think that that sexy pair of shoes would be the last purchase on your mind.
Write in to Milaap for any specific queries about shopping. Happy settling in, guys!