Almost every week, members of Tembusu College are invited to meet and chat with guests - both local and international - through a variety of hosted events. There is a huge diversity of backgrounds amongst our visitors, who range from politicians to diplomats, artists, writers, poets, and academics. View our Calendar of Events, or select an event category on the left to find out more.
Our Events and Members of our community are also frequently featured by the Press and Media. Visit the Newsroom to read the reports.
Tembusu College’s motto The Home of Possibilities, means we value the development of each individual according to her or his own path through life. At the same time we are a learning community, which seeks to give students an intense experience in a nurturing environment. The college administers (and awards certificates for) the prestigious University Town College Programme (UTCP), which augments students’ regular degree programmes by emphasising breadth, critical thinking, and exposure to inter-disciplinary thinking. Our curriculum includes both seminars and out-of-classroom learning experiences.
The college is not themed. Diversity is an important part of our ethos, and we offer learning opportunities across a broad spectrum of interests. We do, however, have particular areas of strength, which are reflected in the backgrounds of our faculty.
As a Residential College, residents of Tembusu College live and learn together with their peers under the same roof. Integral to the learning is the University Town College Programme (UTCP) where residents read five Seminar-style Modules over their two year residency. Find out more About the Programme or browse available modules on the left.
Concerned about the workload? Find out How UTCP Fits with your faculty-based degree programme at NUS.
Living and learning together at Tembusu happens as part of our 'Out-of-Classroom Learning' programme.
Keen to continue residing at the college after completing the UTCP? Find out what life beyond the second year is like.
A home away from home, the Tembusu College community is 21 storeys of collegiate spirit known for its friendly, open, and welcoming culture.
Wake up or wind down through casual conversations with your Fellows and peers over meals at the Dining Hall. Sweat it out over sports at the Multi Purpose Hall. Huddle with like-minded individuals at one of the many Student-run Interest Groups or start your own. Let loose or let your creativity flow in the well furnished Student Spaces. Be our Student Partners and contribute to the College community.
Need career advice? Stressed? Need help on personal issues? Or simply want catch up with friendly members of our Residential Team? We're here for you.
Tembusu College is much more than a home; it's a Home of Possibilities.
Costs
Accommodation Options
Like all NUS Halls of Residence, the College needs to charge room rental and meal plan fees. However, all of the educational programmes at the College — both formal and informal — are covered by your regular tuition fees.
All student rooms in the College are singles, and are identical in size and amenities. Some of the rooms are grouped into suites of six, with a shared living room and bathroom. All rooms are furnished with ceiling fans, but some are also air-conditioned. The rent for air-conditioned rooms is slightly higher.
Apartments with special needs facilities will cost the same.
Room Rental Fees
Non Air-Conditioned
Per Week
Sem 1 (18 weeks)
Sem 2 (17 Weeks)
Single Room
$132.00
$2,376.00
$2,244.00
Single Room in Suite
$143.00
$2,574.00
$2,431.00
Air-Conditioned*
Per Week
Sem 1 (18 weeks)
Sem 2 (17 Weeks)
Single Room
$149.00
$2,682.00
$2,533.00
Single Room in Suite
$160.00
$2,880.00
$2,720.00
*Air-conditioning in rooms operates on a pay-per-use basis, and the cost is largely dependent on the number of hours the unit is turned on, along with the setting on the thermostat. The tariff, pegged to the current prevailing electrical rates by SP Services (Singapore Power Group), is $0.25/kWh.
Meal Plan
The cost of the meal plan is $8.50 per day (including GST), and is mandatory for all members of the College. The estimated total cost is $918 in Semester 1 and $867 in Semester 2. Breakfast and dinner will be provided every day of the semester with the exception of Saturdays (breakfast only) and Sundays (just dinner).
Dining together with the college community is an integral part of the learning and living experience at Tembusu College. No effort is spared in ensuring that residents enjoy the best possible returns for the cost of their meal plan — with an emphasis on providing a healthy menu with adequate variety. This is a sample menu for your perusal. Please do note that there are always halal and vegetarian options available.
The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats.
