Originally Posted by ohyum

Agree that you should make temporary lodging arrangements so that you can suss things out first. I had a friend once stay at Metropolitan YMCA (@ Stevens Road, a couple of bus stop from Somerset MRT station) throughout the 3 months he was here for his internship even though it was meant to be just temporary.

Originally Posted by ohyum

If you're looking at areas to stay at, those nearer Orchard Road and Somerset are generally more expensive than the suburbs. but suburbs these days have good transportation networks and foreigners from everywhere, which makes opportunities for shared housing. Reckon that areas such as Holland Village/Road, Ghim Moh, Tiong Bahru, Toa Payoh, Bedok may fit your budget. You can even go further out east to Simei or west Bt Batok. They may be further away but considerably cheaper and if you get a unit next to the MRT stations, than you're set for life.

Originally Posted by ohyum

As to travelling around the region. It may be a little tight if you depend solely on your salary. I'm sure you'll be able to squeeze in Malaysia, Bali and Bintan.. but otherwise there's always time to come back later on.

Originally Posted by jpatokal

Good advice there, I'd just add in that you'll want to check the flat share section of the Singapore Expats site.

Originally Posted by jpatokal

Also, cooking for yourself is almost certainly more expensive than eating out in Singapore, since hawker food is so cheap: especially in the 'burbs you can get a meal for $2, or even $1 for breakfast (nasi lemak, noodles, etc).