University
I studied Computer Science in the National University of Singapore (NUS). The Department of Information Systems and Computer Science (DISCS) was it was known then has since become to the School of Computing (SOC).
I actually found NUS to be the most boring of the schools I've been to. I think, basically, there is a lack of sense of belonging to the school, nor is there any strong bond amongst the students. No doubt we have friends and all that, but it is mostly on a personal/individual basis, not so much on account of the school. I feel an emptiness, a lifeless environment. It is like students are customers coming to NUS to get a degree; or perhaps NUS is a factory taking raw materials (students) to make products (graduates) for the industry.
Mine was the last batch under the semester system. The subsequent modular system probably made things worse since there isn't even a concept of a "class". At least for me, I could still speak of a class, even if the members of the class change each year.
Undergraduate Class
Within each subject-stream, we are assigned to a class based on
alphabetical name order. The class members do change somewhat from year to
year though. However, at least there is still a sense of a "class", or
"group" (as it is properly known). So, yes, we do have class outings,
have BBQs, etc.
I was a group rep in my second year, not that it means much, especially since there wasn't really much to do anyway.
Class photos coming soon...
Honours Class
I completed my general degree (B.Sc.) and carried on with the Honours
programme. The extra one year was more busy and hectic, but we made time
for fun and games. The curriculum hours were actually few, so we could
more flexibly arrange our time. I feel the Honours class was a much more
cohesive community. The fact that we have our own lab to go to probably
helps.
Class photos coming soon...
We have to either look after labs (ie, lab supervisors), or take a first-year class through their practical labs (ie, lab instructors). I chose to do the latter. I like the teaching experience, but marking students programs wasn't easy. You know debugging is tough. It is more difficult to debug someone else's program. Worse still is to understand a student's program which he/she doesn't even know what's going on!
Sheares Hall
I stayed in Sheares Hall in my final undergrad year (3rd year), and I enjoyed the hall life very much. It's really fun to be around with friends, all the late night activities, outings, etc. One of the perceived advantages of staying in hall is the savings in travel time (between home and school), but in reality, that time saved tends to be invested in hall activities instead. In fact, one tends to end up with less time to study because there are so many things happening in the hall.
My block, Block A, was sited in a unique and interesting corner that gave
us sort of a private garden and private jungle. We were lacking a pond
(for throwing people in), but we made up for that with other more cruel
sabo. My room was on the ground floor, and I was often kept
oocupied because whatever activity happens in the block, it is almost
certain to involve or affect the ground floor occupants.
Part-Time Work
I was quite disinterested in ECAs in NUS. Although I did get involve with things like orientation, float building, graduation ball, my hall ECA, etc... but most of the time I kept myself occupied in other ways by working part-time at NUS ComCen. I had originally went to look for work at the Internet Research and Development Unit (IRDU), but ended up taking the job of system administrator for SunSITE Singapore (under ComCen). The working and learning experience was valuable to me. I've also been involved in various adhoc projects at both IRDU and ComCen.
