Why I Chose SMU: Social Sciences Undergraduate Nadya Noor
The ability to explore the field of social sciences and pursue more than one major led Nadya Noor to study at SMU. The Social Sciences student shares how SMU has offered her opportunities to explore her interests and gain real-world experience in supporting children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
How do you choose the right university for you? According to SMU School of Social Sciences (SOSS) student Nadya Noor, breaking down your options and identifying your priorities makes all the difference. Read on as Nadya shares her key considerations in choosing SMU and how the university has helped her explore her interests both academically and beyond.
What made you choose SMU when you were deciding on a university?
SMU’s introductory courses for each major (Psychology, Political Science, and Sociology) and the guaranteed second major were key factors that contributed to my decision. I had not decided on a specific track yet, so I appreciated being able to explore the field and pursue more than one major.
Another important factor was SMU’s guaranteed global exposure. I was excited about the variety of programmes offered, from overseas internships and community service projects to exchange programmes!
Having a city campus was also a huge plus — more food options, shorter travel time, and access to four nearby MRT stations made daily life much easier!
What do you recall of your first month in SMU?
My SMU journey began with the SOSS Freshmen Orientation Camp, where I met other first-year students. The camp had a very open and welcoming environment, which was an ideal start to my university life.
Classes started a few weeks later, and I recall feeling nervous about adjusting to a new environment. But my fears eased quickly after meeting friendly classmates who were just as anxious as I was.
SOSS doesn’t have form classes, but all first-year students take introductory courses. This meant I got to meet peers from different majors. Seeing familiar faces on campus made everything feel more comfortable.
What has been your favourite course so far, and why?
My favourite course has been Psychology of Close Relationships. It explores how people interact and influence one another and the many factors in our daily lives that go into it. Fun fact: A study found that participants were more positively receptive towards an interaction after eating something sweet!
Q:
What is one quality that you have been able to nurture at SMU that would likely have a lasting impact on your life?
A:
Taking initiative. SMU encourages students to take ownership of their journey — whether it’s academics, CCAs, internships, or other projects.
Throughout my time here, I have made many decisions aligned with my goals and interests. This has helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself and encouraged me to get involved in projects that offer hands-on experience in my area of passion.
Tell us about your CCA.
I served in SOSCIETY, the official student representative body for SOSS students, first as an Events Associate and later as Events Director. The Events department organises cohesion events like welfare drives and the freshmen orientation to foster a more open and supportive student environment.
I had an incredibly fulfilling two years serving in SOSCIETY and honed valuable skills like event planning, attention to detail, and team management.
What sort of global exposure programmes have you embarked on?
I was part of Project Enreach 6.0, an overseas community project (OCSP) held in Ben Tre, Vietnam. During the two-week programme, we conducted English lessons and refurbished classrooms at Phuoc Long Primary School.
It was a deeply rewarding experience. I loved interacting with the local community and learning about their culture, traditions, and daily lives. Despite the language barrier, we had a great time — especially playing with the children. I am thankful for the opportunity to support them and contribute to a more conducive learning environment.
How has SMU prepared you for your career aspirations?
SMU provides various tools to support students’ career preparation and readiness. The compulsory Internship Readiness Modules (IRM) help us build essential skills such as resume writing, interview preparation, and job search strategies. Every student is also assigned a career coach who provides personalised advice based on our interests and goals.
SMU also offers a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and pursue pathways related to their career goals and passions. I am particularly passionate about the social service sector – specifically supporting and empowering children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. To prepare for this, I’ve attended relevant career talks and networking sessions, Project Enreach 6.0, and even worked as a Teaching Assistant to better understand how to engage and guide young people.
SOSS also requires us to take Social Science Practicum (SSP), where we examine real-world issues, brainstorm solutions, and present our findings. This course gave me firsthand experience working with persons with disabilities and low-income families — valuable exposure for the path I hope to pursue.
Complete this sentence: Five years from now…
I hope to be making a positive impact on society through my passion for supporting and empowering children and youth.
Ready to embark on a transformative journey at SMU? Accept your offer now!
