Please take note of the following when looking for accommodation:
Rent - This includes the rental amount of the unit, rental deposit, security deposit, administrative charges, agent fees for service rendered, etc.
Location - Check whether the apartment is conveniently located, any safety issues, and if public transport, grocery stores, food outlets or banks are easily accessible.
Period of lease - The lease of a unit is normally for a year unless otherwise informed. Landlords of private apartments usually ask for up to three months' rent as deposit. Short term lease may be available but usually at a higher rental. Please check with the hostel or private accommodation provider on the terms and conditions for the contractual period, in order to avoid possible disputes for termination of stay.
Others - Please note that all the private hostels have no affiliation with SMU whatsoever, and do not represent an endorsement by SMU in any way. The contract or tenancy agreement is made solely between the student and hostel management or owner, and SMU is unable to mediate in the event of a dispute. Please make sure that you have visited the hostel or apartment for rent, and be responsible in practicing due care and diligence prior to committing to the contract or tenancy agreement and making any payment. In the event of a dispute, you may consult CASE Singapore at https://www.case.org.sg/ or at: CASE Consumer Hotline: 6 1000 315 (Hotline Operating Hours: Mon - Fri: 9am to 5pm).
The school may share some available accommodation options from time to time, but please note that the information is not to be construed as an endorsement or validation by SMU of the private accommodation operators mentioned in this email. Students are solely responsible for all bookings made between themselves and any of the private accommodation operator and the observance of all the terms and conditions that mat be imposed by the private accommodation operator. Thus, please make bookings carefully based on your own assessments and research as one would when renting any other private accommodation available on the market, as SMU will not be responsible in any way for any engagement between you and the private accommodation operator, unless otherwise advised.