# Student Life
**Source**: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/ase/admissions/undergraduate-programmes/student-life
**Parent**: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/ase/admissions/undergraduate-programmes/second-major-in-sustainability
####
#### Introduction
Welcome to the prospective Student Life
page for the Asian School of the Environment. Through this page and
subsequent links, we aim to give you an idea what life is like as a
student in the Asian School of the Environment. Please check out the
links below for some basic information. If your questions about the
program are not answered here, please email the [Undergraduate Academic Officer](mailto:ase_undergrad@ntu.edu.sg?subject=EESS%20Matters).
#### Culture and Community
- ASE brings together people from diverse
academic fields and different parts of the world to work on research
relevant to life in SE Asia. The wide range of personal backgrounds and
perspectives that people bring to ASE make it a welcoming and exciting
community. The whole department is open, dynamic, and collaborative,
which makes it a vibrant and fun place to study and work.
- Lecture series - The School organizes
weekly lectures by visiting scholars and our own researchers, which
exposes our students to the most current research being done around the
world and provides unparalleled opportunities for networking and
collaboration.
- Friday Social Hour! - After Friday
afternoon lectures, everyone in the department gathers together in one
of our comfortable lounge spaces to enjoy drinks, food, and casual
conversation. It’s a great way for students, staff, and faculty to
unwind and catch up with others in the department about the week’s work,
upcoming trips, or weekend plans.
####
#### State-of-the-Art Facilities
- As part of ASE’s commitment to research
and education, we have constructed multiple new research laboratories
for our scientists in the last few years, and more are in the planning
stages. We have a new state-of-the-art geochemistry laboratory, 3D
visualization laboratory, and several new teaching laboratories, with
other specialty labs currently in development. The labs are built in a
way that emphasizes collaboration between scientists, with most of the
specialty equipment our researchers need right at their fingertips. We
often have new equipment coming in, allowing new research projects to
start on a regular basis.
\
- As with any scientific department,
we also have offices where much of the coursework, writing,
collaboration and real thinking take place. In each section of the
department, professors’ offices are right across the hall from the
semi-private offices of students and staff (including undergraduate,
graduate, post-doctoral and staff). Our open-door policy encourages
communication between all of our students, staff, and faculty, which is
enhanced by the creative layout and flow of the department. Our offices
and classrooms are comfortable, inviting, clean, and stylish. Meeting
rooms in each section provide space for classes and research groups to
meet and discuss their work, equipped with the top audiovisual
technology necessary for a successful presentation or class. Most people
enjoy using EOS’s own interactive [GeoTouch GIS App](http://www.earthobservatory.sg/outreach/education/geotouch#.UtdlP2SSznB)
on large touchscreens located in each section. GeoTouch is an
application developed by EOS that provides an interactive touch screen
for recording data, learning, and communicating about the Earth using
maps, satellite data and other scientific information input by EOS
scientists. Glaciers in Alaska, volcanoes in the Caribbean and mountains
in Nepal are literally at your fingertips. Looking at the wall sized
maps, up-to-date research posters, earthquake-inspired lights and
tables, and the large fossils on display at the entrance, it becomes
obvious that every detail of the ASE facilities fully support the work
of our researchers, staff, and students.
\
- **Undergraduate** students:
Most of your time will be spent in classes in the brand new teaching
laboratories, with some courses taking place in the field. You will also
get time in the research labs working on your senior research project
or in one of our partner businesses in the industry. You will have
access to microscopes, the new rock and mineral collections, and the
several GeoTouch screens in each lab. Some of the undergraduate courses
offered by ASE take you into the field, where you will get up-close and
personal with real-world examples that build upon your classroom
learning. The best part about an Earth Systems Science degree is the
opportunity to see what you are studying both in the classroom and in
the field.
\
- **Graduate** students: You
will have your own desk, computer, and space in one of the graduate
student offices. This setup encourages a sense of community and
collaboration among fellow students. Depending on your advisor and
research project, most of your time will be divided between the lab,
library, field, or at your computer. Our labs house the best equipment
to meet your needs, and our libraries grant you access to the academic
journals you will need throughout your graduate career. As a student at
ASE, you will also have access to many of the most advanced computer
programs to aid your research.
####
#### Housing and Accommodation Options
- NTU is a residential campus, and
hall-living options are available to undergraduate students as well as
1st-year graduate students. Many students also enjoy living off-campus
with peers and friends in rented apartments in the nearby Jurong area.
Both undergraduate and graduate students must apply for on-campus
accommodations. See details at the following links:
- [Undergraduate Housing](/life-at-ntu/accommodation/undergraduate-housing)
-
####
#### Travel
- Singapore’s location in the heart of
Southeast Asia provides access to a wealth of exciting travel
destinations for both field research projects and weekend getaways. One
of the great experiences of living in Singapore is the ease of travel
and proximity to many unique places. As a student here, you will most
likely travel for both work and fun.
- Undergraduates will travel for school
during their field course after their first academic year. After that,
some advanced courses will offer field trips to local field sites to see
what is taught in the classroom in the “real world.” Students may also
participate in field work if they choose to complete a Senior Research
Project.
- Graduate students may travel for field
work and for international conferences. Field work in Southeast Asia can
vary greatly, from beaches to volcanoes to active fault zones.
Southeast Asia is home to many of the world’s most significant active
geologic processes, especially geologic hazards, and Singapore is
ideally located for studying this natural laboratory. Talk to your
prospective advisor to get a better idea about what type of field work
you can anticipate in which locations.
- Many ASE students also travel for leisure
in Southeast Asia and beyond. Singapore’s Changi Airport is an
international hub, and having access to it in such a small country makes
air travel quick and convenient. You will never have a problem finding
somewhere new to explore, but make sure you don't run out of pages in
your passport!
####
#### Food and Beverage Matters
- Some say eating is Singapore’s national
pastime, and trying the plethora of food options on-campus and
throughout the country will satiate anyone’s appetite for a cultural
experience. From popular chains to locally-owned favorites, there is a
wide range of food options at NTU that are both delicious and highly
affordable. Eating at any of the hawker-centres throughout Singapore
offer a competitive option to cooking at home as one can readily find a
quick and satisfying meal for S$3 - 5. For groceries, there are
western-style grocery stores and organic home-delivery options for
tropical fruits and veggies. There is a supermarket called Giant on
campus along with some convenience stores for quick snacks.
- To learn about the full range of on-campus options, see: [Food & Beverage at NTU](/life-at-ntu/leisure-and-dining).
####
#### Transportation
- Singapore has developed an extensive
system of easy-to-use public transportation options including the MRT
(Mass Rapid Transit), busses, and taxis. The following links can help
you figure out how to get to NTU, specifically, and how to travel around
campus once you arrive
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####
#### Healthcare
- All students are provided with medical
coverage. There is a convenient medical centre located on campus as well
as a variety of clinics in neighborhoods throughout Singapore.
- Details of the medical scheme coverage and clinic hours and locations may be found here:
####
#### Heritage and Culture at NTU
- Singapore is committed to promoting
religious freedom and harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures.
Students from many religious and cultural backgrounds may find groups of
like-minded people at NTU and join one of the [Cultural and Religious Societies](/life-at-ntu).
####
#### Sports and Recreation at NTU
- In addition to the free intramural, club,
and varsity sports activities organised through NTU, many graduate
students both in and outside of our department organise sports
activities, including football (soccer) and running groups to name a
few. Facilities available to the NTU community include gyms, indoor
sports halls, outdoor courts, an Olympic swimming pool, and a running
track with turf infield.
- Find out more about NTU’s fitness and recreation facilities .
####
#### Clubs and Communities at NTU
- There are over 100 student organisations
at NTU covering arts to public speaking to volunteering, providing
opportunities to meet new people and learn beyond the classroom.
Students always have the option of forming a new group with like-minded
peers as well.
- See more at [NTU's Clubs & Communities page](/life-at-ntu/student-life/student-activities-and-engagement/clubs-groups-societies).
- Check out the [ASE Club web page](https://ntuaseclub.wordpress.com/).
####
#### Retail and Services at NTU
- Members of the NTU community do not have
to look far for important services and shops as many are located on
campus, including a bank, post office, supermarket, convenience stores,
hair salon, and book store.
- Find complete store hours and locations .
####
#### Official NTU Student Life Pages
- If you would like to further explore Student Life at NTU, see the pages below:
- [Undergraduate Student Life page](/life-at-ntu)
- [Graduate Student Life page](/life-at-ntu)