What’s university really like?

Driven by a keen interest in biomedical sciences, WONG Xin Yu, Syndey opted to major in Life Sciences under the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS).

The opportunity to explore options beyond her primary major was one of the reasons she chose to pursue her undergraduate studies at CHS. Just as important, she enjoys the freedom of designing a unique study plan based on her personal academic goals – and this ability to take charge of her own learning journey was another draw factor.

She says, “I aspire to be a well-rounded individual who is able to solve complex problems that transcend disciplines. The flexibility of the CHS curriculum allows me to do just that.”

And her CHS experience so far has been “eye-opening”. At classes for various Common Curriculum modules, Syndey has met students from different majors and she gained exposure to different ways of thinking.

For instance, under the module HSA1000 - Asian Interconnectedness, she learnt how Asian history relates to her own experience and how it shapes her to be who she is today. And for the module BT 1101 – Introduction to Business Analytics, offered by the School of Computing, she acquired data analytics skills enabling her to interpret data to make better-informed decisions.

Beyond the classroom, Syndey is also actively involved in campus life. As part of the NUS Students’ Science Club, she helps to organise student events, such as Headshot which provides professional photo-taking services for students to help them secure internships or jobs. The vibrant student scene includes activities ranging from volunteering sessions to welfare initiatives and sports activities like Don’t Say Bojio!

Syndey plans to delve into research, and in Year 2, she hopes to embark on the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme in Science (UROPS). She would also like to pursue a Summer Exchange Programme (SEP) in Germany.

Watch as she recounts a day in her life as a CHS student.