Embracing Community Living: Your Second Home at SMU Prinsep Street Residences
SMU’s campus residence Prinsep Street Residences (PSR) welcomed its new residents with a vibrant orientation on 24 & 25 August 2024. The event focused on fostering community, safety, and respect. Key tips include prioritising safety, being considerate, handling issues through proper channels and embracing community activities. PSR offers a blend of independence and support, encouraging personal growth and fostering bonds among peers.
When it comes to finding the perfect place to live, the right balance of independence and community can make all the difference. Over at SMU Prinsep Street Residences (PSR), residents find more than just a place to stay; they discover a vibrant environment where they can truly thrive.
On 24 and 25 August 2024, PSR burst into life as it welcomed its new residents, both local and international, who gathered with palpable excitement as they settled in. This was no ordinary move-in day; it was the Welcome Orientation weekend that marked the beginning of an enriching experience of community living for PSR residents.
Throughout the two-day event, undergraduate and postgraduate students mingled, formed connections as they discovered shared interests, swapped stories about their hometowns, and eased into the PSR community. The transition to living away from home – where students set their own schedules and become accountable for themselves and their peers – can be both thrilling and challenging. This is especially true for international students who face the added task of adapting to a new culture and environment.
Herein lies the magic of PSR – a place where individual freedom harmonises with community spirit, where diversity fosters growth, and where students can live, learn, and flourish together.
Getting acquainted with life at PSR
Nestled in the dynamic Bras Basah-Bugis arts and heritage district, PSR is a mere eight-minute stroll from SMU's bustling campus. This prime location offers a perfect blend of safety, convenience and excitement.
The Welcome Orientation served a dual purpose: familiarising residents with the house rules and safety protocols while also helping them forge new friendships. The first day started with a morning of briefings, from matters concerning safety and security to house rules. After lunch, the residents grouped up with their apartment mates to decide and agree upon some rules to ensure that everyone had a good idea of each other’s boundaries.
Following this discussion, residents spent the afternoon bonding over some team-building activities including a relay race – an exhilarating challenge where teams had to work together at different stations to complete tasks.
The residents next teamed up for an outdoor activity that involved identifying restaurants in the nearby Fortune Centre based on dish names. They were also given a $30 budget to shop for essential items for their apartment. Adding to the excitement, both tasks had to be completed within a set time limit, which gave the residents a fun opportunity to sharpen their time management skills.
On the second day, undergraduate and postgraduate residents gathered for dinner, enjoying an evening filled with delicious food and engaging conversations that fostered new friendships.
Whether you’re a new PSR resident or planning to live on campus in the future, here are some valuable community living tips shared at the Welcome Orientation:
1. Safety first
PSR prioritises a secure environment for all residents. Important guidelines include signing in guests with security and ensuring they leave before midnight, as overnight guests are not permitted.
2. Respect and consideration
Living in a communal setting requires a strong sense of respect and consideration for others. Being part of a shared community means recognising that everyone has different schedules and needs. For instance, you might feel that your music isn’t blasting that loudly – but it could be disruptive for your apartment mates who have an early start the next day.
Adhering to quiet hours and keeping shared spaces tidy are crucial for maintaining a harmonious living environment.
3. Handling issues
For minor problems, residents should first seek help from Resident Seniors and Block Leaders. For urgent or more serious matters, the 24-hour campus security hotline (6828 0343) and student support groups like Voices, which provides support for students affected by cases of harassment and violence, including sexual harassment and/or assault, are available.
4. Community support
At PSR, social gatherings are spontaneous rather than obligatory. Whether you’re looking for company or prefer to spend some time by yourself, the community is supportive. Activities like playing basketball, dining together, or walking to school together provides opportunities for socialising and meaningful experiences.
Freshman Vallerie Charlene Setiawan reflected on her first week at PSR: “I’ve gotten to know other residents at PSR better by walking to school together or studying in the lounge.”
5. Embrace the experience
The guidelines and rules at PSR are designed to create a safe and supportive environment. Embracing this opportunity allows you to develop self-reliance while contributing positively to the effervescent collective spirit at PSR. Ultimately, the aim is to create an inclusive space where everyone feels respected and valued, pacing the way for a rewarding and enriching living experience.
Welcome to PSR, where residents embark on their first foray into independent living, supported by a caring community that fosters a unique living experience. For those considering making PSR their home, a nurturing atmosphere and enriching opportunities await – ready to help them flourish in this vibrant community. Here’s to new beginnings and unforgettable memories at Prinsep Street Residences!
