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Accommodation
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Arrival in Singapore
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Finance
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1. When do we need to look for apartment? Before or after arriving in Singapore?
We recommend you start your search 2 months before you arrive in Singapore. 2. Where do the majority of ESSEC students live? They live in the Buona Vista, Tiong Bahru, Queenstown, Clementi, West Coast, Clementi, Geylang and Paya Lebar. 3. What are the types of properties available for rent? There are several options to choose from when considering the different types of property available for rent. HDB Flats You can rent either entire units or one bedroom. Usually master bedrooms come with a bathroom en suite and therefore cost more than common rooms. Note that subletting an entire apartment requires permission from the Housing Development Board, and that subletting a bedroom is only possible for 3-bedroom flats or larger. An entire unit would cost $2,500 to $3,500 per month on average to rent in Singapore, while a room can cost between $500 and $1,000. It’s important to agree beforehand on issues such as the sharing of electricity, water and telephone bills and privacy rights. Service Apartments These usually have gyms, cafes, business centres and cleaning services. The monthly rental prices for these typically range from $2,500 to $6,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and $5,000 to $10,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Condominiums These are properties with facilities such as security, gyms and pools. Smaller condominiums may not have as many facilities. Monthly rental costs for condominiums typically range between $2,500 and $10,000 for entire units. It is also possible to rent rooms in condominiums Landed Property Landed property are houses and includes terrace houses, semi-detached houses and bungalows (detached houses). Depending on the location and the size of the house, rents for landed property can vary from $10,000 to $30,000 per month. 4. Is AirBnB legal in Singapore? AirBnB is illegal for short-term renting and for most of ESSEC students' needs. Please see detailed explanation here. 5. What are the rental conditions in Singapore? Rental apartments come fully furnished, partially furnished or unfurnished. Fully furnished means the apartment comes with a complete set of furniture, appliances (e.g., television, microwave oven) and white goods (e.g., refrigerator, washing machine). Partially furnished means the apartment comes with the essential white goods, lights and curtains, but minimal or no furniture. Unfurnished means the house is renovated but bare, perhaps only with the lights fitted. Of course, you can always request for the landlord to add items – these can all be negotiated before you sign the tenancy agreement and can be incorporated into the rent. Naturally, fully furnished units and rooms will cost more than unfurnished properties. 6. Can I have friends and family come to stay? Most accommodation service providers and landlords do not allow parents or friends to stay with their children/friend. They are advised to stay at a hotel, serviced apartment or hostel of their choice during their visit in Singapore. 7. How do I rent a property in Singapore? 1. Decide on your budget 2. Decide on the type of property and the location 3. Gather a pool of specific options 4. Arrange for property viewings 5. Sign the Letter of Intent:
For a detailed step-by-step guide, please refer to this link. 8. How do I meet potential roommates/housemates? You may meet other students at your respective ESSEC program FB pages e.g., ESSEC GBBA 2020 or ESSEC AP Campus Life. 9. How do I take over the lease from current students? For now, you may reach out to current students at ESSEC AP Campus Life. 10. Do I need to pay a security deposit for my accommodation? Yes. For all accommodation service providers, they require a security deposit to confirm the accommodation. Most deposit amount will be equivalent to one calendar month’s rent and is refundable at the end of your accommodation contract. However, it is subjected to meeting contract obligations, such as leaving the room tidy, no damage, and etc. 11. How does a Tenancy Agreement look like? Please find a sample Tenancy Agreement. Most agents and service providers use a similar agreement. However some clauses may differ. So, please read the Tenancy Agreement carefully before signing it. 12. Is there a French version of the Tenancy Agreement? All legal documents in Singapore are in English. We are in the process of doing a simple translation of a sample Tenancy Agreement and we will be sharing it soon. 13. If I am under 18, can I sign the Tenancy Agreement? If you are under 18, you may ask one of your parents or guardians to sign the Tenancy Agreement. If they are based overseas, they can provide an electronic signature. In all cases, a proof of ID (National Identity Card or Passport copy) must be provided. 14. I prefer not to engage ESSEC's recommended service providers. Is it possible to make my own arrangements? If you decide to make their own arrangements, we advise that you ensure the provider is legitimate and that they are well aware of regulations by different government regulatory boards on accommodation. For Housing & Development Board (HDB) rental, the landlord must seek HDB approval prior to registering student as a tenant. Minimum rental period at HDB rooms/flats is 6 months. For private residential rental, landlord doesn’t need to seek approval from Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Maximum number of occupants in the unit is 6. And the minimum rental period is 3 months. Students may visit the following property rental websites. https://www.99.co/ https://www.propertyguru.com.sg/ https://www.srx.com.sg/ https://www.iproperty.com.sg/ 15. Is the cost of utilities (water, gas and electricity) included in the rent? This would depend on the type of property you are renting. Our recommended accommodation service providers have various regulations in terms of payment of utilities. Some of them include the utility cost into the monthly rental rate, while some of them charge it separately on top of the monthly rental rate. Some also cap it i.e., it is included up to a certain amount and anything above is borne by the tenants. 16. Is internet connection included in the rent? Most accommodations include internet connection into the monthly rental rate. However, there may be a few e.g. HDB flats that do not include this. Students are advised to check with their landlord whether the wireless internet connection is included in the monthly rent. 17. What kind of facilities are in the rooms? Most rooms rented out to students in Singapore have a set of basic items that are provided. These include a bed, personal locker/wardrobe, air-conditioner, study table, chair, table lamp and power sockets. Students are advised to check with the landlord the full list of facilities offered. 18. What kind of facilities are in the apartment and apartment block? The facilities vary with different properties. Please check with the accommodation service provider or landlord for a full list of facilities. Generally, hostels come with a common area, lounge, basic sports facilities, laundromat, and a BBQ area. Most condominium units will be fully furnished with a TV, refrigerator, hob, washing machine. In the condominium building, you will usually find a gym, swimming pool, BBQ area and a function room/club house. Others might have tennis courts, squash courts, and volleyball courts. 19. What happens in case of dispute? Please try to resolve all disputes with landlords amicably as it minimizes both cost and time for both parties. For an explanation of types of disputes and how to resolve them, please read this. 20. What should I do if landlord does not return my Security Deposit? If your landlord refuses to return your security deposit, ask the landlord to substantiate his decision. If he refuses to do so, consider sending a letter of demand. As a last resort, you may file a claim in the Small Claims Tribunals. You can read more here. 21. General Advice on Accommodation in Singapore Singapore is a multicultural country and you may find customs and religions different from those in yours. Part of your education experience in Singapore is to be able to adapt to the new environment along with being socially integrated. Some of the common courtesies to observe are as follow: a. Generally it is custom in Singapore to remove your shoes before you enter a house and leave them at the door b. Keep your accommodation clean and tidy c. Keep the kitchen clean and wash up cutlery and crockery daily d. Keep the bathroom clean by washing it regularly. Flush the toilet after use e. Organize a timetable for use of the washing machine. Take in your laundry when it is dry to allow others in the house to do their washing. The washing machine is meant for washing your clothes and linen. Do not wash footwear in the washing machine Religious practices - You may be sharing your accommodation with people of different religions. It is important to respect their beliefs and not impose your beliefs on others. Religious rituals - Your housemates will respect your need to pray, but to show mutual respect, keep your religious practices private. Conduct your prayers in your own room. Do not disturb your housemates in the common room with the burning of incense and other religious rituals. Storing food - The consumption or handling of certain food is prohibited in some religions. Please respect your housemates' religious dietary restrictions. For example, Muslims do not eat pork or cook with alcohol or pork fat (lard). Hindus and Buddhists do not eat beef and some may be vegetarians. Ensure that you store and cook these products separately if your housemate observes these religious practices. Household etiquette - Although you may feel you have gained a degree of freedom by living away from home, you should still observe some basic rules of household etiquette: a. Obtain permission from your landlord if you are bringing guests to stay b. Observe curfew hours by not returning home too late and be careful not to disturb the household upon your return c. Do not smoke in your room d. For the protection of your possessions and for your personal safety, keep your room locked at all times 22. My question is not answered here, who should I contact? For questions regarding student accommodation, please email Thanneer, our Campus Experience Manager at lakshmanant@essec.edu |
1. If I have been vaccinated overseas, how do I get it verified in Singapore?
Please see https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination/faqs---post-vaccination-matters for the most updated info regarding this. 2. Should I need to get my vaccination status verified, which is the nearest clinic to ESSEC campus where this can be done? 1) The Clinic @ Fusionopolis Pte Ltd 1 Fusionopolis Place #01-05 Galaxis, Singapore 138522 Tel: 6466 0602 2) Dover Medical Centre 1 Fusionopolis Way, Connexis, #03-05 138632 Tel: 6775 6266 3) Osler Health @ Star Vista 1 Vista Exchange Green, #B1-27 The Star Vista, Singapore 138617 Tel: 6339 2727 Guide to Singapore
1. Regarding bank accounts, do we keep our French bank account, or do we need to open one in Singapore?
Having a local bank account makes your life easier when it comes to pay bills and make other payments. You will also need a local bank account if you are thinking of working or doing your internship here. 2. How does local phone plan work? Do we need to keep our French number, or do we need to subscribe a local one? If you want to open a bank account or you want to work in Singapore, you will need a local number. You can buy a pay as you go sim card or get a plan (one month plans are available). 3. Are there some students prices for transportation? No, they are only available for local students. 4. Do we have time to work while studying? It is really at your discretion. Normally students work during the weekends apart from exams time. By law, international students can work not more than 16 hours per week. |
FEE PAYMENTS AND LOANS
1. My bank has a daily transfer limit. Can I make more than one transfer to pay my instalment? Yes, you may make more than one transfer to pay your instalment provided the full payment is made by the payment due date. 2. I need an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) to make payment to ESSEC’s DBS SGD account. What is the IBAN for ESSEC Singapore? Our DBS SGD current account number also serves as the IBAN: 065-901840-8 3. Can I settle the tuition fee in one payment for the entire academic year instead of by instalments? Yes, the tuition fee can be settled in a single payment for the entire academic year. 4. Do I receive any discounts if I pay all my tuition fees in one payment instead of in instalments? No, there are no discounts offered for one-time payments. 5. I am a Global BBA Singapore track student. Can I make full payment for all four years to ESSEC Singapore? No, the tuition fees for the Global BBA Singapore track are paid in SGD to ESSEC Singapore for Years 1 and 2. The tuition fees for Years 3 and 4 are paid to ESSEC Cergy in Euros. 6. Where can I find the ESSEC bank details to initiate payment? ESSEC bank details can be found in your student contract and also at the bottom left-hand corner of the invoice sent to you. 7. Will the administrative fees paid be deducted from the first instalment? No, the administrative fees will not be deducted from the first installment. It is a separate payment from the first installment. 8. How do I pay my fees? All students may make payment via bank transfer, TT, Flywire (for international payments only), cash, cheque or PayNow (ESSEC UEN: 200511927D). 9. My fee payment will be made by cash. Can I do a cash deposit through DBS? Yes, you can make a cash deposit via DBS. Please ensure to provide us with a cash deposit slip and state your full name as a reference for us to trace your payment. 10.What do I need to state when making a bank transfer/ TT? When making a bank transfer/TT, students must state their full name, the BID (B00XXXXXX) and invoice number. These details are essential for tracing payments. 11.Can I make payment for my tuition fees via credit card? Payments can be made using credit cards. For local payments, you may use CardUp at www.Cardup.co or Flywire at essecapac.flywire.com For international payments, you may use Flywire at essecapac.flywire.com Please note that although ESSEC is not registered with Cardup, ESSEC will still be able to receive payments, as registration by the recipient, i.e. ESSEC, is not required by CardUp. 12.How do I use CardUp to make payment?In order to use CardUp, you need to click on the link www.Cardup.co and then click on 'Add new school' (under recipient details) and fill in ESSEC’s details. Please find below the required information: School Name: ESSEC Address: 5 Nepal Park, Singapore 139408 Bank Name: DBS Bank Ltd Account No.: 065-901840-8 Name of Account holder: ESSEC UEN: 200511927D 13.I would like pay my tuition fees by cheque/cashier’s order but I am unable to drop by campus to pass the cheque. Can I deposit the cheque myself? Yes, you may deposit the Singapore dollar denominated cheques at any POSB/DBS bank. Please inform the finance department via email when you have dropped the cheque/cashier's order and provide them with a copy. Kindly remember to write ESSEC’s bank details at the back of the cheque/cashier's order- Account name, account number and contact number. 14. I can only do bank transfers and the bank informed me that the transfers can only be done in Euros or USD. Is it possible for me to receive an invoice in EURO or USD instead? Invoices are provided only in SGD. Please inform your bank of the exactamount you wish to transfer in SGD, and they will advise you its USD / EURO equivalent. We will receive the funds in SGD. You are required to top up the balance if there is an underpayment due to exchange rate differences. You will be notified of the difference once we receive your bank transfer. 15. I am a Singapore track student and will do a Term in Cergy as part of the campus exchange program. Should I pay my tuition fees to ESSEC Singapore or Cergy? You remain a Singapore track student and the campus exchange is a part of your program. You will continue to pay your tuition fee to ESSEC Singapore. 16. My loan from Prodigy Finance has been approved and will be directly disbursed to the school. I will be left with some amount after paying all my tuition fees. Can I access this amount in order to pay for my living expenses? Yes, the extra funds after deducting your fees will be transferred to you to cover your living expenses once we receive the funds. This will be done via bank transfer. It would be best if you have a local bank account to avoid bank charges. We can transfer to an international bank account but you will need to bear bank charges for the transferring and receiving banks. 17. Prodigy Finance will make payment of my loan directly to ESSEC Singapore but it will be after the due date of my tuition fees. Will I be charged late payment fees for this? No, we will not charge late payment fees as long as you can provide us with a document to say that the loan has been secured. 18.My question is not answered here, whom can I contact? For questions regarding tuition fees and payments, please email Nivedha CHANDRAMOHAN at nivedha.chandramohan@essec.edu or Grace Lydia RICHARD JAMES at lydia.grace@essec.edu |
