Guide to Renting Accommodation Near Nanyang Technological University

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is located in the western part of Singapore. Reowned for its high-quality educational resources and beautiful campus environment, it attracts a large number of international students. For those of you who are about to study or work at NTU, choosing a suitable place to live is of utmost importance. This article will provide you with a guide to renting accommodation near NTU to help you quickly find your desired residence.

Locations for Renting near NTU

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is situated in the western part of Singapore, bordered by hills to the west; herefore, when renting a house,  it is advisable to look eastward. Most students will choose the areas along the Green Line of the subway, between Pioneer Station and Jurong East Station. Since NTU is in a relatively remote location, commuting is the first factor to consider. The public transportation methods to NTU are as follows:

• From Pioneer MRT Station, you can take Bus 179 or the Green Line shuttle bus directly to the interior of the campus.
• From Boon Lay MRT Station, you can take Bus 179 or Bus 199 directly to the interior of the campus. Here is the terminal station of these two buses, offering greater convenience. However, the route of Bus 199 is more circuitous and takes longer. Alternatively, you can also take the MRT from Boon Lay MRT Station to Pioneer MRT Station and then take the Green Line shuttle bus. Even if you walk, it only takes 12 minutes between the two subway stations, which is very close.
• For locations farther away, it is recommended to take the MRT to either of the two aforementioned stations and then transfer to the bus or shuttle bus.

The following is an introduction to the rental and living situations near the Green Line subway stations.

Pioneer
Transportation: Direct access by Green Line shuttle bus/Bus 179
Dining and Shopping: Pioneer Mall, food courts
Housing: Mainly HDB

Boon Lay
Transportation: Direct access by Bus 179/Bus 199, take the MRT to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another bus
Dining and Shopping: Jurong Point shopping mall is located right outside the MRT station, offering a one-stop solution for clothing, food, housing, and transportation.
Housing: Mainly HDB. There is a popular condo, The Centris, adjacent to Jurong Point. Coliwoo here is also a popular choice among students.

Lakeside - Chinese Garden
Transportation: Take the MRT to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another bus
Dining and Shopping: This area primarily features shophouses and hawker centers in HDB zones, offering affordable and down-to-earth dining and shopping options.
Housing: There are numerous condos, typically newer in age, offering good environment and scenic views.

Jurong East
Transportation: Take the subway to Pioneer and transfer to the shuttle bus or another bus. Jurong East is also an interchange station for the Green Line and Red Line MRT.
Dining and Shopping: Jurong East serves as the largest commercial district in the western part of Singapore. Shopping centers such as IMM, JEM, and Westgate offer comprehensive amenities for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Housing: There are very few condos, and the rental prices is relatively high.

Summary:
• The area from Pioneer to Boon Lay is the closest to the school and has direct access by bus/shuttle bus without the need for transfer. The houses are mainly HDB, and condos are even more popular. The surrounding amenities are relatively convenient.
• In the area from Lakeside to Chinese Garden, there are more condo options with good scenery, but the supporting facilities are slightly lacking.
• Jurong East is the farthest, with high prices and the fewest options, but it is the most prosperous, with complete supporting facilities and more convenient access to the city center.

When choosing a rental property, the closer it is to the subway line, the more convenient the commute. However, be careful that the room is not directly facing the railway line to avoid vibrations and noise when the MRT passes.

Types of Rental Housing in Singapore

Residential properties in Singapore are mainly divided into two types: HDB flats and private condos.

HDB Flats
HDB flats are public housing built by the Singapore government as affordable options. They are usually located near hawker centers and public transport, making life convenient. However, the environment and facilities may not be as good as those in condominiums. HDB flats do not have gated communities, and each block is assigned a unique number to help locate specific flats. The government imposes strict regulations on renting out HDB flats.
Rent：Common room: $800-$1200, Master bedroom: $1300-$2000
Lease Term:Minimum 6 months

Private Condos
Private condominiums are similar to commercial housing estates in China. They have gated environments with comprehensive facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, clubhouses, and 24-hour security. They offer a higher standard of living and a more comfortable and secure residential environment.
Rent：Common room: $1000-$1800, Master bedroom: $1500-$2500
Lease Term:Minimum 3 months

There is also a commercial student apartment (co-living), which is a popular choice among many students.

Student Apartments
There are single rooms, double rooms, and multi-person rooms. The rooms are furnished with beds, desks, wardrobes, etc., allowing for a move-in with just personal belongings. There are also shared kitchens, laundry rooms, study rooms, gyms, and other supporting facilities in the apartment, which are shared by the whole community. Generally, such apartments have central management services, and the rent includes utilities, WiFi, regular cleaning services, etc.
Rent: Ranges from $500 to $1500.
Lease Term: Minimum of 1 month.

Rental Process and Tips

Rental Process
Search for properties → View properties → Sign tenancy agreement → Pay deposit and rent → Pay stamp duty → Move in → Move out

When renting, always be vigilant and choose reputable platforms or certified agents to avoid rental scams.
Related Articles:

Rental Scams in Singapore and How to Avoid them

If you choose HDB flats, you must meet the eligibility criteria and comply with relevant regulations.
Related Articles:

Renting HDB flats：Eligibility Conditions and Guidelines
Renting HDB flats：Tenancy Matters
Renting HDB flats：Regulations

It is important to familiarize yourself with the tenancy agreement, obligations during the lease period, and move-out requirements to avoid disputes.
Related Articles:

Singapore Rental Guide: Easily Find Your Ideal Home

Tenants must see：Singapore Tenancy Agreement and Key Terms

It is recommended to use Housebell to find houses，which is reliable, convenient, and hassle-free. If you have any questions, you can contact the online customer service, and they will provide you with professional assistance.