Evonne Yang

Share with us more about the research you did after high school when deciding which university to choose?

I have always wanted to pursue my higher education overseas, and Singapore was among my top choices. Given that it was during the Covid-19 pandemic, I narrowed down my options to a few neighbouring countries to Indonesia. SMU was among the top universities in Singapore, offering a lot of flexibility in its courses and majors. The seminar-style lectures and SMU’s location convinced me to pursue my education here. I believe SMU is the best fit for my learning style, and can provide a platform for me to grow, pursue my skills, and hone my passions.

What is one thing you were unprepared for about university life that you wish you knew back in high school?

Back in high school, everything was planned and scheduled for me. Every day was the same: going to school, attending tuition, heading home, and repeating it all over again. In university, however, I have more freedom to decide how to plan my schedule, choose which courses to take, and pick from a wide range of CCAs and events. This freedom also means I need to be organized and plan everything ahead of time.

At first, this felt quite intimidating because I not only had to focus on academics but also take care of things like paperwork, cleaning, grocery shopping, and all the other responsibilities that come with living on my own. I wish I had known earlier that attending university overseas isn't just about studying in a different country or meeting new people—it's much more than that. It requires a lot of independence and self-management skills.

What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking of applying to SMU? 

SMU has a different approach to teaching with its seminar-style classes. My advice is to thoroughly research the pedagogy, the courses offered, graduation requirements, and the various programmes. If you think this learning style suits you, then go for it. Given its size and location, SMU is like a melting pot of different people, and you have a higher chance of meeting the same people, whether they are from your faculty or not. No part of SMU is ever too empty. I believe this kind environment also helps with building connections easier and making friends.