Exploring NUS Like I’m a Freshman Again

As a Year 3 student at NUS, I often find myself surprised by how much of the campus my friends haven’t seen. It’s almost as if the little treasures around NUS can get easily overlooked in a rush of assignments, deadlines and back-to-back commitments.

I still remember being a freshie in Year 1, wandering around campus aimlessly with my friend Kelly from secondary school. Back then, I had only a two-day school week thanks to my strategic class-stacking, which left us hours to explore and stumble upon hidden gems that gave NUS an extra sense of charm. Now that Kelly’s off on her compulsory internship, I find myself reconnecting with campus life through the lens of a “freshman” again. It’s like I’m back to wandering solo without her familiar company, campus feels new all over again.

This time, I’m setting out to revisit some of my favourite places near the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) as well as around U-town where I have most of my dance practices, hoping to see if they still hold the same appeal, or even uncover new discoveries.

Join me on this walk down memory lane, and maybe (just maybe) you will be inspired to explore these places too. While this article mainly covers some foodie favourites, there’s so much more to uncover around campus, from scenic spots to unique facilities. Graduation sneaks up on us faster than we expect, and it would be a shame to leave NUS without experiencing the hidden corners that make this campus feel like a second home. So come take a break with me, wander and see what we find!

High Tech Marvels of the NUS campus

COFE+ Robot Cafe

One of the latest tech additions to campus is the COFE+ Robot Cafe, nestled in the Central Library (CLB) Forum just outside CLB on Level 1. This 24/7 robot cafe wasn’t around back when I was in Year 1, and it’s gradually gaining popularity as a go-to vending-machine coffee station on campus. Technology like this is a lifesaver for late-night study sessions when all the other cafes are closed, and it’s perfect for early-morning coffee cravings before the day kicks off. The robotic barista arm whips up drinks with precision, ready to serve up customised brews under 50 seconds. Each coffee is crafted with carefully controlled temperature and good hygiene standards (even though the idea of a fully robotic process still feels surreal at times). Watching the machine in action is also part of the experience -- it’s efficient, fascinating and ideal for students on the go.

Here’s the price range for the drinks:

InstaChef - convenient gourmet meal concept vending machine

Another recent addition is the Instachef vending machines at COM2 and U-Town, which offers freshly prepared meals from award-winning chefs. As a dancer with late night practice sessions, these vending machines are a game-changer. Instead of instant noodles, I can grab something a little more “boujee” at kopitiam prices, serving local options like Singapore Laksa and Black Fried Carrot Cake for $4.50 and $5 respectively.

Of course, they offer international cuisines like Black Truffle Pasta for $6.40 and my absolute favourite -- Korean Cheesy Chicken Rice Cake for the same price of $6.40. The chicken is so juicy and tender! As someone who doesn’t have the best spicy tolerance, I would say that it was just a nice amount of spice to give the kick and yet not burn your tongue. The rice cakes were a little less, though.

They also offer desserts for when there's still space in your stomach, such as lemon, durian and strawberry cheesecake for just $3 each.

Korean Cheesy Chicken Rice Cake ($6.40)

Although the hot aluminium packaging can be tricky to open, it's a small price to pay for the convenience of a warm meal after hours. Thankfully, they offer paper bags too, so we can easily carry the food without risking a burn. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes a late-night meal that much easier to enjoy!

Octobox - 24/7 unmanned convenience store

Octobox, the unmanned convenience store at Utown is an innovation that I’ve come to appreciate. Even though many of you may already be familiar with it, approaching it with a fresh perspective, I’m genuinely impressed by the seamless, futuristic shopping experience. Imagine selecting your items, stepping into a checkout area and having everything already automatically scanned in one go -- it’s the kind of technology I would have thought was magic back in kindergarten. Octobox uses radio-frequency identification (RFID) and biometric technology to track the items you pick up and automatically register everything in your cart, all tied to your account through the scan of your palm. Without the need for traditional scanning, the system makes the entire shopping experience incredibly smooth and efficient.

Another thoughtful benefit? Complimentary plastic bags! While I usually bring my own reusable bags, there are days when I forget, and this added convenience is a lifesaver, especially with the recent charges on plastic bags elsewhere. However, this perk has led to some instances of excessive stocking up, so I hope we can all use them responsibly and avoid taking advantage of this convenience.

Hidden Gems: Cafes with Perks and Purpose

Foreword Coffee

Photo: mothership.sg

I’ve only discovered Foreword Coffee last month, tucked away at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but this little cafe quickly won me over. What struck me most during my visit was the inspiring atmosphere created by the staff, all of whom are hearing-impaired. They communicated with me using hand signals, patiently guiding me through the menu in a way that felt heartwarming and personal. It’s not often that you find such thoughtful and attentive service in Singapore, especially in a fast-paced society where many are focused solely on getting the job done. This kind of genuine, personal connection they offered is rare these days, and it reminded me of the importance of human touch in customer service. This reflects the cafe’s mission to mainstream disability and normalise inclusion -- an initiative I deeply admire. It’s a beautiful cause, and in a place like NUS, it’s so important to spread this awareness.

As someone who’s a big fan of oat milk, I was thrilled to see it offered on the menu. I tried the iced oat latte and it was absolutely delicious. I’m eager to try more of their options in the future! The cafe also has a nice atmosphere with high ceilings and plenty of seating, perfect for studying.

If you can’t grab a seat, the music library right around the corner offers an alternative. While this spot may not be a typical study destination for most students -- who usually flock to places like Utown or the Central Library, it’s a quiet hidden gem that I’d be happy to keep to myself. But since you’re reading this article, lucky you!

Music Library

Address: 3 Conservatory Dr, Level 1, Lounge 117376

Menu: https://forewordcoffee.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Menu-YST_Foreword.pdf

Coffee bean and Tea Leaf

Photo: CBTL facebook

Located conveniently at The Terrace in COM3, this spot is a haven for students seeking a cozy break from their classes. With a 10% discount for students and also 10% off when you bring your own cup, these perks make it a tad bit more affordable -- a welcome treat given the slightly premium prices. The atmosphere is perfect for studying, with light music setting a relaxed vibe, although their air condition can be a little chilly (hoodie recommended!). As an oat milk fan, I’m delighted that they use OATSIDE, my favorite brand, which  makes their ice oat lattes an easy go-to for me.

Address: 11 Research Link, #01-02, Singapore 119391

Opening hours:

Monday - Friday, 8am-8pm

Saturday, 8am-6pm

Closed on Sundays

Tomoro Coffee

Photo: Eatbook

Venturing out of FASS is a rare occurrence for me, so discovering Tomoro Coffee at the Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library felt like a refreshing change! Tomoro Coffee is a favorite spot for students looking for a quick caffeine fix amongst a peaceful study space. One of the most convenient features is the option to order through their app -- just place your order in advance and swing by the counter to pick it up without the hassle of waiting in line. This efficiency, paired with its tranquil location makes it the perfect spot to grab a drink and dive right into study mode

My top pick is the Manuka Oat Latte from their OATSIDE series; at $5.90 for a regular, it’s totally worth the indulgence. On top of that, theres a NUS Special Offer of 15% off! What a steal.

Every other day, Tomoro offers discouns such as the 30% off weekday deal, so keep your eyes peeled!

For those needing a quick bite between classes, Tomoro offers tasty options like buttery croissants ($3.50), and savoury wraps like beef bulgogi and Korean gochujang wraps, both priced at $6.90.

They also have an exclusive morning deal where you can top up just $0.88 to enjoy a pastry with any drink purchase!

(Available till 10am)

Address: 1 Hon Sui Sen Dr Level 2, NUS, Hon Sui Sen Memorial Library, 117588

Opening hours:

Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm

More to come…

Oops, it looks like this edition has unintentionally turned into a food/drinks lover’s guide around NUS. There’s just so much about good food and drink options in good locations, especially when it comes to coziness and convenience. That said, NUS has a lot more to offer than just food. In the future, maybe I can take you through other places such as scenic sunset spots in NUS, or other fun facilities that make campus life special! Furthermore, I have yet to discover corners of NUS far from FASS, especially in faculties like Science and Engineering. Exploring these new areas is on my to-do list, and I look forward to sharing my finds if I have the chance to! Whether you’re a freshie or a senior, it’s amazing how much of campus can be easily overlooked amidst the daily hustle. Let’s take the time to uncover these treasures before we all bid NUS farewell!