CoverStory

YEAR ONE: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
FRESHMEN (AND NEW GRADUATE STUDENTS), welcome to your learning adventure at NTU! Designed to bring out the best in you, the NTU Undergraduate Experience offers a broad education in diverse disciplines, with academic and research programmes that are grounded in the real world. And there’s more to come – the university is implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Undergraduate Education to redefine how students can develop into the global leaders of tomorrow. For new students who are eager to discover what NTU has to offer, here’s a concise roadmap for your learning journey.

A graceful multicultural reception at NTU’s 2009 Freshmen Welcome Ceremony.

The world at NTU Drawing faculty and students from Asia, North America, Europe and beyond, the university’s multicultural community ensures a diversity of new ideas and opinions. A focal point on campus is the International Student Centre and its popular student-focused events and programmes, as well as range of support services. With more than 23,000 undergraduates and 10,000 graduate students, NTU is an institution that thrives on global exchange.

Excellent facilities for living, learning and playing – these are just some of the attractions of hall life on campus.

At home on campus Residential living is an experience like no other. With 16 halls of residence, comprehensive support services and a vibrant hall culture, staying on-campus is a great way to build lasting friendships and ties to the university. From greenery and sports to exhibitions and concerts, don’t forget to explore for yourself the many attractions of the Yunnan Garden campus.

Take the time to consider the many learning and research options open to you.

Double your learning Why stop at one when you can have it all? Double degrees such as the Biomedical Sciences & Chinese Medicine combo give capable students the high-intensity academic grounding they desire, and the benefit of broadened horizons for a leg up in their careers. And why not? NTU’s selection of 14 double degree programmes is designed to take you further. Students on the integrated engineering programme (with partner-institution the Georgia Institute of Technology) don’t just get their basic and graduate degree in five years, they also expand their learning experience with two degrees from two renowned institutions. A great deal, we say.

The sporting life The spirit of friendly competition is flourishing on our garden campus (which in 2010 will be transformed into the inaugural Youth Olympic Village). Visit NTU’s Sports & Recreation Centre to try your hand at over 45 different recreational and competitive activities ranging from archery, dragon boating and floorball to outdoor adventure, taekwondo and windsurfing.

Named for Nobel laureate in Physics (1957) Prof CN Yang (far left), the CN Yang Scholars Programme challenges you to excel in science, engineering and mathematics.

Premier programme Launched in 2006 for top engineering and science students, the CN Yang Scholars Programme provides a broad foundation in science and mathematics, and is modelled after the standards of the Caltech Core Curriculum. The programme empowers students to delve deeper into science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and to develop an interest in leading-edge enquiries.

Sporting theory, sporting action

The finishing line is in sight for national runner Amanda Choo Sze-Min, 21, and she’s not about to let up. By balancing a rigorous training schedule with schoolwork, the final-year student of NTU’s National Institute of Education has made the most of her days here.

Amanda Choo, national athlete studying at the National Institute of Education

Amanda first represented Singapore in 2000, and since 2004, has been a regular on the national athletics team. 2007 was a banner year for her; not only did she break the national 100m record at the Singapore Open (a standard that had stood for 18 years), she did it once more at the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Korat, Thailand.

A keen sense of discipline allows Amanda to go for training sessions six days a week (comprising both track practices and gym workouts) while completing her Bachelor of Science (Education) degree in Physical Education and English. “I chose this programme because I have always wanted to be involved in sports,” she explains. “This is a passion that I share with all my Physical Education coursemates.”

In 2008, Amanda was named NTU’s Sportswoman of the Year for her athletic achievements, and next year, she is set to embark on an entirely new challenge when she begins her teaching career. “It was a privilege to win the award,” she says, “and I was honoured to receive this recognition from the university.”

Amanda has a word of advice for those who have just come to NTU. “As a student athlete, it is not always easy for me to find time for all the activities on campus, but this is not the case for most students,” she explains. “So I’d encourage you to go for it and to really enjoy your time here, not just academically, but in sports and other activities. This is your moment!”