SMU Prinsep Street Residences

Seeking a unique living experience? Look no further than the SMU Prinsep Street Residences. Here, in the heart of the city, former Singapore Improvement Trust buildings have been transformed into a vibrant hub for student life. The SMU Prinsep Street Residences, or PSR as it’s affectionately known, opened its doors to students in August after a significant renovation. This isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to learn and grow. The $10 million facelift has created a space where 255 SMU undergraduates now call home. Imagine living in one of 23 apartments, most housing 10 to 12 students, with a shared common living room. The demand is high. Around 400 students applied for a coveted spot at the SMU Prinsep Street Residences. The residences offer more than just accommodation. They foster a sense of community and encourage student involvement. Residents are encouraged to initiate and participate in projects that benefit society. Already, around 70 students have embraced this opportunity, working on projects like helping low-income women develop home-based businesses using skills like sewing. The SMU Prinsep Street Residences blend living and learning. Students attend workshops, engage in sharing sessions with industry guests, and benefit from mentoring and career talks. This fosters teamwork and prepares students for real-world problem-solving. Dean of Students, Professor Paulin Straughan, emphasizes the importance of teamwork, highlighting that real-world problems rarely have individual solutions. Living at the SMU Prinsep Street Residences comes at a cost, of course. Students pay around $700 to $800 monthly, covering rent and utilities, depending on the room type. The residences house a diverse student body from all six SMU schools. Two-thirds are freshmen, and the mix is about half Singaporean and half international students. The residences also benefit from a partnership with Frank by OCBC, a financial literacy programme. This partnership sponsors living fees for 10 students and funds student projects focused on sustainability. For students like Jessica Lee, a third-year student, the SMU Prinsep Street Residences offered a chance to experience the much-talked-about hostel life, enhanced by the co-learning element. First-year student Chang Wen Yee appreciates the international experience gained by interacting with students from various nationalities within her apartment. The SMU Prinsep Street Residences provide a unique opportunity. They are a place where students can live, learn, and connect in the vibrant heart of Singapore.