Architecture: Uni’s beautiful chaos 😍
“Is Architecture really that bad? 👀”
We’ve all heard the horror stories — all-nighters, broken models, caffeine-fueled chaos. But is that the full story?
THE asked two NUS Architecture students to spill the truth — the struggles, surprises, and what makes it beautiful anyway. 🏛✨
1. Biggest misconception about Architecture?
👦 Nicholas
“People think Archi = chill (no exams, just drawing pretty buildings ✏️). Nope. We deal with building codes, compliance, even legal stuff — basically creatives with lawyer vibes 😂.
It’s endless model-making + critiques… sometimes feels like double the effort for half the results. But the challenge? Weirdly rewarding.”
👧 Hui Yee
“Everyone online makes Archi sound miserable — long hours, low pay, burnout 😵. While some of that’s true, most of us actually enjoy design thinking + creating meaningful spaces. Don’t let the negativity scare you if you’re passionate about it!”
2. How many all-nighters did you pull last semester?
👦 Nicholas
“Only 1! Self-care >>> 😌 Meanwhile, my hallmates? One meal every two days + photosynthesis… built different fr 🌱💀.”
👧 Hui Yee
“Around 3… but I slept at 5AM and still napped 4 hours before class. Does that even count as an all-nighter?? 😭”
3. Something you cried over (not grades)?
👦 Nicholas
“Laser cutting disaster. Vendor messed up multiple times → wasted $$$, final critique = 70% of my grade 😵💫. Legit shed a tear from frustration.”
👧 Hui Yee
“Didn’t cry, but lowkey screamed inside when I couldn’t hit the level of perfection I wanted 🫠.”
4. Mentally exhausting part no one talks about?
👦 Nicholas
“The constant comparison 😶. Everyone’s insanely talented → your best sometimes still doesn’t ‘look like theirs.’ Quiet guilt hits when you take one day off and everyone else is still grinding.”
👧 Hui Yee
“Learning software alone 🖥️. No profs teaching step-by-step — just seniors, YouTube, trial & error. Takes so much time but it’s part of the grind.”
5. One photo that sums up your journey?
👦 Nicholas
“3AM. Studio empty. Fans off. Only my tiny desk lamp glowing ✨. Models barely holding together with Korean glue + prayer.
That night = my first all-nighter + the moment I promised to prioritise rest and self-care.”
👧 Hui Yee
"Presenting a masterpiece in studio from what seem to be a mess in my room HAHA"
6. What’s beautiful about Archi school — even when it’s a mess?
👦 Nicholas
“The quiet community 🫶. Someone passing you Korean glue at 2AM, making you matcha, helping assemble your model last-minute. Shared chaos = unexpected wholesome vibes.”
👧 Hui Yee
“No limits. We’re pushed to break rules or make our own. Archi changes how you see the world — details, quirks, spaces 🌏. And the joy of creating places people love + gather in? Priceless.”
Would YOU survive Archi chaos?
Drop your answer below 👇
#NUSArchitecture #ArchiConfessions #UniLifeSG #NUS #StudentLifeSG
Many underestimate what studying Architecture at NUS truly entails. Beyond sketching and model-building, it involves rigorous understanding of building codes, legal compliance, and constant problem-solving. Nicholas and Hui Yee’s experiences highlight how demanding coursework and mental exhaustion go hand-in-hand with moments of joy and community support. If you’re considering majoring in Architecture, expect a rollercoaster of emotions and intense deadlines. Most students face late nights at the studio, battling software learning curves on their own through YouTube tutorials and trial and error. Yet, these challenges teach resilience, adaptability, and creative thinking. One unique aspect of NUS Architecture is the strong community bond. Sharing supplies at late hours and collaborative encouragement provide unexpected comfort amid chaos, making the sleepless nights worthwhile. Also, understanding the job outlook is important. Graduates often find roles in design, urban planning, and sustainable architecture, though competition is steep and workload heavy. Passion for meaningful space creation, coupled with persistent effort, is key. Thinking about balancing well-being, it helps to prioritize self-care — Nicholas's one all-nighter approach contrasts with others pulling several, showing managing workload sustainably is possible. Finally, the beauty of Architecture lies in seeing your messy sketches evolve into impactful spaces. It changes your perspective on the environments around you and the communities you can build through design. If you’re passionate, the journey, chaotic as it is, can be incredibly fulfilling.
Just curious, is Architecture worth the workload? 🥺