Eileen Leo, 21
Yr 2, Lee Kong Chian School of Business

1. You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

Well, a resounding 'No'. I really like the teaching style in SMU as it's highly interactive, which makes learning a lot more fun and stimulating. Having been here for 2 years, I've forged wonderful friendships which I believe will see me through a long way in SMU. I'd be missing out on so much if I had chosen to go anywhere else. SMU is THE place.

2. Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

I wasn't too sure about SMU when I first applied because it wasn't as established and recognised as the other universities. But in my two years here, I've seen how SMU has grown so quickly in establishing a name for itself. It's great to see SMU rising above others so fast. It has definitely exceeded my expectations.

3. What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

The best thing about SMU is its vibrancy. It's always better to go to school to see people who are 'alive', especially during stressful times! The school is always so full of energy and life, there's hardly a dull moment. Oh, maybe only during classes.

One thing I hate about it is that it's way too competitive. I mean, it's good in a way, because it forces us to challenge ourselves to rise up to the competition, but it can get extremely stressful!

4. How would you describe your typical SMU student?

Confident, adventurous and always ready to stand out amongst others.

Jonny, 23
Yr 2, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Activities: SMU Broadcast & Entertainment (Director of Team WAR (Welfare and Recruitment))

You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

During my first term, I wasn't used to the teaching style here in SMU. However, as time went by, I found the teaching style effective and interactive. I also made great friends in SMU who are really fun and friendly! The vibrant CCA culture here has been the perfect environment for me to perform to the best of my abilities while having lots and lots of fun. No regrets!

Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

SMU certainly has exceeded my expectations. When I first entered, SMU was perceived as 'dumping ground' for those who couldn't qualify for entry into the other 2 universities. Thus, I didn't have much expectations. However, now I am proud to say that SMU's interactive pedagogy and vibrant learning culture have built confident and competent students who are better prepared for the working world.

What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

The one best thing about SMU is that it has a vibrant CCA culture. Generally, SMU students not only are grade chasers, but are highly active in their CCAs as well. They aim to make the best of their school life and it really helps that the SMU management is highly supportive in building a thriving environment for CCA development.

One thing I do hate about SMU's campus is that it doesn't feel like a university. I miss the Bukit Timah campus a lot. The current campus is very corporate-like. The security is also way too excessive. The gantries at the blocks often do not work properly and when you are already late for class, it's a lot more frustrating. On top of that, the GSRs in the block itself require the students to scan their matriculation cards before they can enter. If you could already gain access through the gantry of the block, wouldn't that necessarily mean you will be able to access the rooms?? Some say it's double assurance. I say it's a waste of money and time.

How would you describe your typical SMU student?

A typical SMU student is confident, inquisitive, hardworking, trendy, competitive and sleep-deprived.

Ming, 24
Yr 2, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Activities: Tennis Team

You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

Definitely not. I've many friends from NUS and NTU and the campus experiences they share are nowhere near the SMU experience I've gone through. In a nutshell, I'm always proud to identify myself as a SMU undergrad.

Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

Prior to entering SMU, I didn't expect the workload to be so heavy. In that aspect, it has far exceeded my expectations. I feel that there's a shortage of facilities such as tennis courts, a soccer field or street soccer court, after shifting to the new campus. Being an active sportsman, I feel that more should be done in this area.

What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

The interactive style of lessons.

What I hate is the GSRs----they only remind me of projects!

How would you describe your typical SMU student?

Work hard and Play just as hard!

Felicia Lim Hui Zhi, 21
School of Economics and Social Sciences & Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Activities: SMU Broadcasting & Entertainment

You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

I'd rather stay in SMU than in any other university in Singapore. But if I had the chance, I would want to be studying overseas.

Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

Not exactly. I like the style of learning here, which is way better than the lecture-style I hated in JC. I expected it to be a place where learning is integrated with play, and it has been that way.

What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

The best thing would be that the school compound is small enough for the student population to know each other relatively well, something that retains the cosiness of Junior College.

The one thing I hate about it is that some times, it seems that at people are glorified simply because they can market themselves well, not because they have the substance to back them up.

How would you describe your typical SMU student? (Give us a song title, words, a famous personality, an animal, etc.)

The Mask-- it seems that the typical SMU student can readily switch their behavior according to who and how they want to present themselves to, which in a positive light, can be seen as being versatile and adaptable; but in negative connotations, can be seen as putting on different faces and giving others discriminatory treatment.

Jonathan Wong, 22
Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Activities: SMU Broadcasting & Entertainment (Deejay)

You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

Nope. After talking to seniors, I have decided that SMU can offer me as much as an overseas education can. For example - the entire experience, the chance to travel overseas with BSM (Business Study Mission), Work & Travel, exchanges and overseas CIP, internships, meeting diverse people and having meaningful CCAs.

Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

Exceeded. I never expected to spend the kind of time that I spend in SMU, that is 7days a wk, from 8.30am-12am sometimes. I never expected the amount of workload or the competitiveness either.

What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

Pretty girls

The never ending amount of workload leading to immense stress.

How would you describe your typical SMU student?

The way the SMU student is marketed in the advertisements and more - competitive, creative, daring, funky, happening, enterprising, friendly

Robin, 22
Yr 2, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Activities: Volleyball (Ex-Captain), United Nations Student Association (VP)

You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

Being in SMU is a choice I don't regret. Life is certainly more interesting, and it demands various attributes of a student to excel. I'm glad I learnt the skill of public speaking from the constant presentations we have in school, as it has given me an edge over my counterparts countless times.

Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

Yes & No. I got the vibrant education life that I was looking for - it's definitely not the typical sort of lecture I so absolutely hated during my JC days.

However, I thought that the professors would be much closer to the students. I understand that in Chicago GSB, the dean personally serves the students sausages during lunch time, and strikes up conversations. That was certainly the kind of life I was looking forward to: knowing that the professor are truly mentors who enjoy working here as much as you enjoy studying here.

Lessons also need to be tougher, if we are going to prove that we are different from our counterparts. We may be failing and struggling with the hard work all the time, but this is when we will really learn and when a Summa Cum Laude really means the same as those in the Ivy League.

What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

I like the small population that SMU has. It's certainly much easier to make friends and interact. When the campus is too big, all of the students will become strangers. I also enjoy projects because it demands a different mindset to excel in a project-based module.

What I don't enjoy is the fact that there is so much red tape for student initiatives. I feel that students should be more empowered to make decisions and lead projects. Currently, all projects suggested by students are subjected to various departments' approval. Given the time taken by various level to approve, and considering the time students have before being involved in their exams, it's not easy at all.WE should be glad that SMU students have more initiative compared to other schools, and it's a culture that we should embrace.

How would you describe your typical SMU student?

Work harder and play harder than anyone else; known to enjoy life, but will produce quality work when called upon. Also, synonymous with terms like "professional", "high quality", and "excellence".

Keith Teoh, 23
Yr 2, Lee Kong Chian School of Business
Activities: Dragonboat

You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

No, I don't think so. While it can be really hectic and busy at times, I still appreciate the system of this school. There's a good balance of play and work.

Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

No, not really…it has probably exceeded as school life has turned out to be rather fulfilling.

What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

The best thing is that the school places a lot of importance on student life. So we have a good mix of activities after work, even while mugging.

The irritating thing is that it's all about connections and relations. This means that sometimes incapable people are given duties and responsibilities.

How would you describe your typical SMU student?

A well-groomed, confident and articulate individual who has received a well-rounded education.

Xiangrun
School of Economics & Social Sciences
Activities: Cognitare (Business Case Team), SMU Ambassadors, Runteam, United Nations Student Association, SMUXtremist, Economics Society

You have spent 2-4 terms here at SMU. Would you rather be anywhere else?

My past 2 years at SMU has been one jam-packed with exciting activities and fun: From trekking the various waterfalls and hills in the jungles of Malaysia to doing community service in Yunnan, China, life is always pulsating with exciting beats.

Campus life is vibrant - with rock concerts, sports carnival and festivals happening every other week, there is never a dull moment in SMU.

Having participated in a local exchange in another local university, I must say that the teaching pedagogy here, which emphasizes small class size with constant participation, definitely promotes a more dynamic learning process. It also helps that SMU exams are never stressful as they never takes up more than 40% of our grade.

Nothing can ever replace such an experience in SMU. Do not just take my word for it; come down to SMU to experience it yourself!

Has SMU fallen short/ exceeded your expectations?

I chose SMU the year the school first started the Economics Programme, and have never looked back since.
I expected an enriching school life with good education; I received a spectacular SMU experience with a world-class education!

What's the one best thing about SMU? What's one thing that you hate about the place?

The best thing about SMU is the bountiful opportunities available to all students. For example, all students will have a chance to go on an overseas exchange, and I am looking forward to my overseas exchange in the States next term.

It is difficult to find something that you hate about the place. If anything, it will be the relatively high prices of food at the eateries around the campus!

How would you describe your typical SMU student? (song, draw, words, any famous personality, animal, etc.)

A rainbow of light! SMU is like a triangular prism where we enter as a single white light and come out as a rainbow of colours, having led a diverse and vibrant life!