Alternatives to Halls / RCs (Pt.2)
After staying 1.5 years in PGP, I decided to move to UTR for a change of scenery.
UTR has a suite-style layout (4 rooms sharing a toilet, shower, common area, microwave and a fridge),
🏡 Experience living in suite
Ngl, adjusting to the suite life here had some ups and downs. One major downside for me was that you cannot cook here at all.. you can prep meals but not cook. Also, I don't know if it was just my suite, but there was this slight, weird smell that never fully went away. I tried so hard to air the room out, but one side of the window was completely locked and couldn't be opened, which made it so much harder to get fresh air in.
🍔 Food & Convenience
UTown has many food options, there are 2 canteens (Fine Foods & Flavours),subway, and a bunch of restaurants. YIH has more food options and it’s just one stop away from UTown. It’s also way more convenient if you decide to head out to Clementi or Buona Vista.
🤝 Community and Vibez
The community here is decent, but definitely not as close-knit or personal as Pioneer House. They do organise a few events, but not as much as PH. I felt like if I didn’t go for these events, I wouldn’t have made any friends cos I couldn’t vibe with my suite mates. On the bright side, they organize quite a lot of free food events (duck, donuts & bbt etc.) There was a particular event called Friendship Night, where we get the freedom to choose our own flowers, and we get the small bouquet fo free🌹
Honestly, my absolute favorite part about UTR was just how open and cooling UTown feels compared to PGP.
They have a rooftop garden at Level 8 which became my go-to spot to chill and sometimes stargaze✨
Do pm me if you have any questions! :)
One thing I quickly learned about living in a UTown room is the importance of adapting to the unique suite-style setup. Since cooking isn’t allowed, mastering meal prep is key. I found batch-preparing meals on weekends saved me a lot of time and hassle during the week. The shared facilities made it easier to connect with some suite-mates, although forming close bonds depends heavily on participation in community events. If you’re someone who enjoys social activities, attend the Friendship Night and free food events—they’re awesome icebreakers! Also, take advantage of the rooftop garden on Level 8. It’s not just a scenic place but also a calming spot to unwind or stargaze after a long day of classes. Regarding air circulation, if you encounter issues like I did with locked windows, bringing a portable fan or an air purifier can improve comfort. And if kitchen access is a deal-breaker for you, consider nearby housing with cooking facilities. Overall, UTown Residences offers a unique, vibrant living experience that combines convenience and a pleasant campus atmosphere. Just be ready for the quirks that come with suite communal living!
