By: Adya Rastogi and Koel Jain (January 2025 intake)
Whether you’re deep-diving into case studies, wrestling with data analytics, or just trying to decode your group project WhatsApp thread before a 11:59 PM deadline- your environment matters. The right setting can turn a marathon study session into a productive, deep dive or at least make your next deadline a little less daunting.
As we navigated through our MIM journey at SMU, we realised that the learning experience is more than just about lectures and deadlines. It is about the spaces where one’s best ideas take shape and where friendships are formed over shared Google Docs or Canva links!
Singapore’s got a spot for every chapter of your academic journey. We feel privileged to share our experiences during our time at SMU. So, if you’re looking for a café to power through your course readings or a weekend escape to reboot your brain, here’s your ultimate guide:
A. Cafes and quick eats near campus
📍 Zenso Thai - Affordable Thai Food Near Campus
Location: Sunshine Plaza, 91 Bencoolen St #01-16, 189652
Distance from SMU: ~ 10-minute walk
Why Go: Pocket-friendly, vegetarian options, perfect for group meals
A hidden gem just 10 minutes from campus, Zenso Thai serves up comfort food without breaking the bank. “Yum! Yum! Yum! All we could think of when we had their Pad Kee Mao. Zenso offers authentic flavours of Thai cuisine and is pocket-friendly. Vegetarians need not be disappointed as the menu covers a variety of flavourful vegetarian options. Whether we were pulling all-nighters or grabbing a bite between lectures, Zenso became our perfect spot for group lunches or solo study breaks.
📍 Xing Hua Vegetarian Restaurant - Vegetarian-friendly local flavours
Location: 190 Middle Rd, Singapore 188979
Distance from SMU: ~ 10-minute walk
Why Go: Pocket-friendly, vegetarian options, perfect for group meals
As vegetarians, this place was a game-changer. Finally, a spot where we could explore local Singapore flavours without compromise! Our top pick? Mala Hot Pot. Mala is a bold and spicy Chinese seasoning made from Sichuan peppercorns, dried chillies, garlic and other aromatics. The best part is that you could choose from a variety of veggies and noodles and can adjust the spice level. The place is cozy, perfect for quick lunch or dinner catch-ups. Their menu offers creative twists with wide options for mock meat. The restaurant offers an authentic vibe while being an affordable dining option.
📍 Lau Pa Sat - Singapore’s Top Hawker Centre
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
Distance from SMU: ~ 5-minute walk
Why Go: 80+ stalls, Pocket-friendly, Group meals
Our love for historical buildings drew us to this destination- an iconic heritage location for food lovers. The flavours range from satay skewers and Indian curries to Japanese bowls. Just 4 stops from SMU by MRT, Lau Pa Sat is extremely accessible, and our course mates love it too! Housed in a beautiful Victorian-era structure, Lau Pa Sat remains open till late at night.
We definitely recommend authentic chicken rice. Koel’s personal favourite is the butter and cream bakery. It soothes sweet tooths with their classic cheesecakes and doffins - a Combination of doughnuts & muffins. The ambience is always bustling with people and laughter. We usually visit this place for a weekend hangout.
B. Study and Recharge spots on campus
For us, learning was not always limited to classrooms; we often needed a quiet place for group projects or a tranquil corner to reflect and recharge. These campus gems saved us more than once:
📍 Li Ka Shing Library (Graduate Lounge)
The graduate lounge on Level 5 of Li Ka Shing Library offers a quiet, multi-purpose space to get serious work done. The graduate lounge is reserved for postgrads, offering a quieter, more focused atmosphere. This space honestly saved us during crunch weeks! The Graduate Lounge feels like a secret productivity bubble- quiet, focused, and full of the “okay, let’s get things done” energy.
📍 SMU Connexion Green Roof Terrace
Sometimes, your brain needs a break from fluorescent lights. With all the greenery around, it’s perfect for reading, reflective journaling, and ideating. SMU Connexion offers panoramic city views perfect for solo study sessions. Just like we do, you can head up to the green roof for fresh air and a stunning skyline. Who knows, you might just spot us there!
C. Nature escapes in Singapore
📍 MacRitchie Reservoir - Singapore’s oldest reservoir
Location: MacRitchie Reservoir
Why Go: Fresh air, trails, wildlife and tranquillity
One morning, we woke up with a brain fog and spontaneously decided to visit MacRitchie. The boardwalk trails and iconic treetop walk offered us the perfect setting for a mental reset. We made sure to carry water bottles and relished the surroundings with our favourite playlist, taking in the calm of the forest. The route maps installed at intervals guided us inside the park. There are multiple entrances, which can be found on maps for convenience. The boardwalk trail offers different scenic views. The trail is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as Monitor lizards and birds can be spotted in their natural habitat. We would recommend going with a bigger group of friends to make the experience fun and adventurous, too.
📍 East Coast Park (ECP) - Sunsets, Sea Breeze, and Cycling
Location: East Coast Park
Why Go: Sunset vibes by the sea, picnic spot, cycling track
East Coast Park quickly became one of our favourite weekend escapes. It is ideal for cycling, rollerblading, or just lounging by the sea. ECP becomes a natural choice whenever we're craving a sunset picnic with friends. You can also book tent spots and barbecue pits online to enjoy the night sea breeze. If hunger strikes, the park houses some renowned cafes and quick bite stores such as 7/11.
📍 Fort Canning Park - The green bubble next to campus
Location: River Valley Road, Singapore, 179037
Distance from SMU: ~ 5-10-minute walk
Why Go: Old monuments, themed gardens
A perfect place to stroll around, with an area of about 18 hectares! As SMU students, we have the liberty of accessing the park through a convenient entrance near the School of Law library. We absolutely recommend that you enjoy immersing yourself in the lush green sanctuary. The park provides nature lovers with interesting features about plants and herbs. Various trails can be explored as per the guided map provided at intervals. The park has 9 historical gardens and colonial monuments.
D. Weekend getaways in and beyond Singapore
📍 Batam, Indonesia
Location: Batam Island, Indonesia (ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal)
Why Go: Island resort vibes, water sports, seafood, and cultural exploration
Quick Tips: Bring your passport, and check the visa-free entry guidelines. Grab taxis or local ride-hailing apps are easily available. Most resorts offer in-house activities like kayaking, jet-skiing, or spa days.
During our recess break, we wanted a quick getaway! So, Koel convinced our friends to go to Batam in Indonesia. It is the perfect escape for anyone craving new experiences without the time or hassle of long-distance travel. The place offered a vibrant mix of Indonesian culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood. We relaxed in the resort and indulged in water sports. Most of the resorts have in-house adventure activities. Panbil Nature Reserve is a must-visit. Grab taxis are easily available in the city and the outskirts. We, as students, found Batam to be pocket-friendly and an ideal destination for weekend trips.
📍 Sentosa
Location: Sentosa Island, accessible via HarbourFront
Why Go: Beachside relaxation, adventure parks, and photo-worthy views
Quick Tips to get there: Take the Sentosa Express from VivoCity Level 3 (HarbourFront MRT), walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk for free entry. For a scenic option, ride the Mount Faber Cable Car
Whenever we needed a quick escape during the weekend, Sentosa became our go-to mini getaway. Some prefer to hop on the Sentosa Express, while others might not mind splurging on the cable car just for the views. Always be on the lookout for the events happening on Siloso and Palawan Beach. You can also hang out for beachball, having fun while snapping Instagram-worthy photos at the southernmost point of continental Asia.
📍 Johor Bahru (JB), Malaysia - The perfect cross-border breather
Location: Johor Bahru City, just across the Singapore-Malaysia causeway
Why Go: Shopping, massages, beauty salons, cafes, and seafood feasts
Quick Tips to get there: Take a bus from Kranji MRT (SMRT 170, CW1) to Woodlands Checkpoint, carry your passport and student pass, and check the queue status before you leave. Use e-wallets or cash (Malaysian Ringgit) for local shopping and food
JB was our go-to when we needed a breather without breaking the bank. We’ve had days filled with bubble tea runs, foot massages, and café hopping, basically everything you need for an instant reset. With Adya’s love for shopping, JB quickly became her little slice of paradise! And for all the foodies out there, this place is heaven. We’ve indulged in massive seafood spreads, piping-hot dim sum, and street snacks that we still crave on random weekdays.
In conclusion, we would like to highlight that as we navigated through the highs and lows of MIM journey, between pitch decks and late-night submissions, we realised that where you work, unwind, and recharge matters just as much as what you're working on. Whether it’s a quiet corner in the library, a green rooftop under the sky, or a beach just a train ride away, these venues became the backdrop to our growth, ideas, and memories. So, find your spots, make them yours, and let them be part of your journey at SMU.
