AMA@DiscoverSUTD
===
###### tags: `SUTD`

This is a neverending AMA for anything SUTD related. Join us over at [the Telegram group](https://t.me/amadiscoverSUTD) if you haven't!

# Introduction

Inspired by [this group of students](https://i.imgur.com/WsaRc9N.png) who created a collaborative document to aid their learning.

Try to see if your question has been already asked. The menu on the right shows all the categories and questions (click 'Expand all'). If all else fails, <kbd>CTRL</kbd>/<kbd>CMD</kbd>+<kbd>f</kbd> is your best friend.

Don't be shy to ask questions if you can't find it here. Afterwards, do try to collate some of the better answers in this document so that others can enjoy too!

The formatting for this document is done in [Markdown](https://github.com/adam-p/markdown-here/wiki/Markdown-Cheatsheet). Click the pencil icon to edit, and if you're at a desktop click on the [split-pane icon](https://i.imgur.com/wqyPz0M.png) so you can edit and see your changes at the same time. For a more comprehensive overview of this platform, check out [this page](https://hackmd.io/s/features)

## Guidelines

### For freshmores
Feel free to ask anything! It would greatly help if you could phrase the question so that we can answer them better.

In general, it would help if you could:
1. Clarify your purpose - let us know what is the pain point you're facing
2. Provide the context - some of you may encounter unique situations during your time here
3. Contribute to the document! After asking your question, please help note down some helpful answers that your seniors have provided!

### For seniors
Try to provide some context to your answer, I think we are quite used to the common language and situations that we face thus we might need to explain why you might choose to do things in a certain way.

Some of the best answers are concise and answers not just the question but the question intent too!

# Generally Useful Stuff
@changicollege for meme content

From Yustynn
Also assuming you've been added into SUTD Family, here are some useful tools. The calendar thing is great, and the edimension thing is used by about 500 sutd students
[link here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/522995557746987/?multi_permalinks=2259528457427013&notif_id=1558252684826338&notif_t=feedback_reaction_generic)

From Yunning
[Google developer program](https://developers.google.com/programs/dsc/?fbclid=IwAR1AW71v65dMqpHkopUHp3xbsq94LuencJzHRnXRnFTZyzDBZ25Exv8huT0)

# Questions & Answers

## Health

### Normally, how do you study in sutd? Cus everyone is juggling with their tasks in hand. Any tips on that?
Stay in class
Do not overcommit. plan what you want to do
***
### How much sleep will we actually get on a normal day
Requested to clarify: Its more of, will we really be that busy to the extent of the stories we've been hearing about

To measure workload based on how much sleep you get is quite subjective
Q:Do you have free time in SUTD?
A: yes - duh

Q: Do you have crunch times where you don't get 8 hours of sleep?
A: yes, especially if you're that twat who didn't work on your project for 8 weeks but expects to finish it in 8 hours

Q: Is it normal to lack sleep?
A: yes

Q: Is the lack of sleep because the curriculum is too hard/too much work?
A: rarely yes (See ISTD Hell Week - simultaneous exhibition of 2 projects) but most of the time it's because you're a twat who doesn't work continuously/ you're a FOMOcopter who just tries to do everything

Q: Are the stories true?
A: With a spoon of salt, perhaps. These stories propagate precisely because they are over-the-top and memorable.

But the important thing is to always remember why you are in uni and to form your priorities accordingly
***

### What do you mean by overcommit?

Join 8 fifth rows, commit to their projects, pick up 1-2 urops, on top of your school work load.
It really depends on your limit. Also how much you will let your grades suffer. And different people have different limits. You have to test it out :) but don't go on a downward spiral. When the spiral starts, you have to recognise it and do something about it
And don't go to either extreme of only doing grades or only doing projects haha

***

### Resting in general

Hostel is too far to get a nap between lesson, sleep on airmatress in the thinktank (you won't oversleep for the next class, people will wake u up)

but also learn how to sleep without mattress, just lie down on the table

Sleep on chair also can
Make sure bring jacket cos when the Aircon turns on at 7am it's cold af
Ruins your entire day with a bad nose

***

## Food & Entertainment

### Where are the vending machines in SUTD?
For building 1, level 3, drinks vending machine
For building 2, level 5 there is another drink vending machine.
Pay by paylah or cash. or wechat/alipay
Bottled drink(500ml) cost $1.20

***

### Where's the nearest cinema hall?
Tampines has 2 theatres
Jewel has 1 theatre
 

Changi Village for bbq
***

### **How's the canteen food?**
Malay food is good
Indian store also good
Teh bing might be watered down on some days

***

### Is there happen to have any mkt or hawker centre near sutd?
Those area could have hidden gems and cheap food at the same time**
CCP has a kopitiam
Simei has hawker centre
Tampines has hawker centre - take 118 and stop around Temasek Poly area
Simpang Bedok - for supper especially
Take Bus 2 from bus stop outside school
[map](https://goo.gl/maps/HEqQK5Kbjjkcn66e9)

There's a semi-atas hawker center, a lot of shophouse restaurants, and East Village which has a couple of restaurants. There's this Yangzhou Fried Rice Restaurant (literally called that) with $3 fried rice that's good
Bedok South has around 4 hawker centres
Fengshan Blk 85, slightly far but good bak chor mee

Old Tea Hut at CCP (Changi City Point), consistent tea and coffee [menu](http://www.oldteahut.com/images/Old%20Tea%20Hut%20Menu%202018.pdf)

THE T IN SUTD IS FOR BBT
Femi's Tea - changi south MRT
Gongcha - SUTD Bldg 3
Koi - CCP/ Tampines MRT
Playmade - TampinesOne (near station)
RnBTea - Tampines also
***

### I read a lot about when there is free food announcements are made for everyone, where exactly are these announcements made?
SUTD Family facebook group
ROOT announcements but more rare
Classmates will post
Free food announcements [bot](https://t.me/food4me_bot)
**Take note to only take food when event is over**

***

### What to do on weekends?
Go for meetups
Muay Thai and bands camp is on weekend
Game

Netflix in classroom/ ROOT cove

***

### Btw is it common for people to just come and chill in the root cove to meet new people and stuff or do people generally come in a group?

Root Cove is a recent development, so the culture might not be there yet. However, there are means to meet and chill, cohort classrooms being one of them. Just try not hole yourself up in the hostel.

Feel free to hold gatherings in your room. But remember that quiet hour is 11 pm. After that, you shall tone down the noise level for residents on your floor and neighbouring floor could be affected by it. (Though most SUTDents don't sleep, there are people who need to go to bed at 10 pm or 11 pm.)

***

## Administration
e.g. Finance/Housing matters

### Where to download PSEA form?
check the chat, there's a copy there
***

### Tuition grant declaration form
should have submitted during matric as part of the checklist
***

### Changes to 5th Row Contact info!
3DC's contact has been changed to [e-mail]

Civil defence lion hearters email has been updated to [e-mail]

Makerspace email has been updated to [e-mail]

YCS name has changed to uni-y and their contact is [e-mail]
***
### How do I start an Interest Group?

There is a filing process afaik, but I believe the first step is to gather a few similarly-minded people, and then e-mail the Office of Student Life about your want to create an interest group, and to clarify the process - I'm not entirely clear on the exact process, so I'd rather have you ask OSL than give you false information.

idk if got ppl want
Yea so you've got to gather a group;

***

### Hey, how do we apply for a concession pass? I tried applying online at the smrt website but everytime I fill in my details they say "your record is not found in our database, please check with your institution".

You mean the Student EZLink card? You'll need to ask the school for your matriculation letter through MyPortal, and then go down to a Transitlink office to get the card done - official records tend to take some time to propagate to all institutions

Remember to bring some kind of Photo ID and your physical copy of a matriculation letter to the Transitlink office

If you want to get it earlier you could go down to the office and they'll get it done for you haha, nearest office to us is Tampines Bus Interchange (Tampines DTL MRT station exit)

But to be honest unless you're really in a rush to get a concession pass you can wait for the school to get it done

I just got mine done early because I was early matric and needed the concession pass because $3.80 travel fare a day wasn't worth it

I emailed admissions yesterday, we gotta wait out. Our particulars still not with transitlink yet

Usually a few weeks, and with reference to the photo Kai Jie posted they are applying for you already

***

### Who do we report to regarding faulty facilities in the cohort classroom?


## Academics

### Do we need a graphic calculator? If so, which model should we buy?
It's useful in year 2 for EPD but not for freshmore
Most courses ban calculators during exam for first year
***

### Can we skip any lessons?
yes, but not recommended
But do it sparingly otherwise once you fall behind very hard to catch up
Most hass takes attendance
***

### Importance of grades?

The worth of an engineer or coder depends on their technical skills and project portfolio far more than their grades. So when it comes to getting hired, projects and technical skills are far more important than grades.

But grades help to secure opportunities in school. And are important for employment in Academia, and Government roles. Also, some companies do filter candidates by grades if you try to apply through the front door as opposed to via a referral. So you should aim for a balance if those scenarios apply to you!

If focusing on grades, term 2 and 3 grades are the most important. Reason for this:

1. You start looking for jobs at start of term 7, so what matters more is your experience + grades before term 7.

2. First overseas summer + exchange + internship depends a lot on term 2 & 3's grades

3. If you secure a good first internship based on good early grades, the good first internship will help you to get a good second internship.

4. With two great internships, the chance of you securing your dream job is much higher.

It's easier to start with a high GPA and then let it slip rather than the other way around. But the first few terms of school are the easiest to pick up new skills with. Dilemma dilemma..

***

### Any tips for choosing modules?
Can PM [Weiying](https://t.me/finalenote) for EPD, Zhouzhi for ESD, [methylDragon](https://t.me/methylDragon) for Robotics (EPD).

For HASS you have to be pretty fast in selection since it is FCFS, pillar is rather more relax since you are only competing with the cohort and class sizes are bigger
Point is that there is no one way to bid super fast - it's first come first serve which is different from those bidding systems that nus or smu has. Saves you the trouble of spending hours finding what amount to bid but also means you'll have to be at your comp

You will only choose your module from term 4 onwards.

But the general guide is to think and plan ahead.
Putting the courses into the shopping cart prior to the enrollment timing (you can do at about 10 min before the exercise start)

Then all you need to do is click check-out at 9 am sharp (or whatever the time is)

Oh oh! The UI is kinda misleading. choosing the mod to enroll is not equivalent to checking out. My friend didn't check out and lost the HASS module she wanted to take.

We are working to prioritise pillar students choosing electives within their pillar.
However, for HASS and cross pillar subject. It is still largely FCFS.

***

### Does SUTD allow students to take a gap year to work on research projects or work on a startup?

You'll have to personally apply for a leave of absence, afaik

Entirely personal, but research projects can do concurrently: From experience, the IAP period is a fantastic time to do so

How easy is it to get approval? I don't have an answer for you, sadly. But I haven't heard many stories of successful applications.

***
### What were the concerns that seniors had on the new grading system? Why is it tougher to get a good gpa?

Basically, Previously the grades were A B C D onwards, with A=5 B=4 C=3,
Average is usually a B, so 4.0. Our batch was introduced a new system, where A = 5, A- =4.5, B+ = 4.0, B= 3.5 so on so forth, But the average is still B,so now the avg is 3.5.

Couple that with the benchmarking that was just explained, it means that it's not harder to score higher grades, Because the avg has shifted down 3.5

ehh, B last time was 'slightly above average"

same with B+ now

The gripe that we had was that we felt like this brings the focus on to grades

Basically you can do well by being a mugger la, Which defeats the purpose of hands on

you can do well in school*, but when it comes to vying for internships or working outside...

We do know people from our batch with like 4.6gpa But no internship

but conversely 2.5gpa and got internship

***

### What's UROP
Undergrad Research Opportunities Program
Allows you to conduct research with a prof in his field, or propose a research project to a prof so you can do cool stuff with musical instruments (prof jer ming), etc
***

### How to not screw up?
Simple steps to not screwing up (From a scrub poly kid)
1) Don't get distracted, got a lot of distractions in the school. I was fortunate to have friends pull me back to focus.
2) Gotta plan ahead, you can't just chiong project all day and then get rekt by exam. I've tried.
3) Group up in a mix of poly and JC. Share and learn from each other. Got weaker students in your group? Skills other people are lacking in but you can teach? SHARE
4) We pay good money to have the profs sit in their rooms for consults, use their time well. Being hardworking doesn't mean mugging, means clarifying your doubts with the profs, sharing your findings with the class.
***

### What is 'Professional Practice Programme' about?

The programme covers the professional ethics and safety concepts. Topics include the engineering ethics, risk and safety, sustainability and environment in professional engineering practice and design.

The course is prepared for all SUTD students as one of the cross-disciplinary attributes. It is compulsory for student to attend and pass the course to acquire basic skills set out in professional practice programme.

The programme is delivered mostly online and students are assessed through one or more combination of quizzes, projects and assignments.

***

## Miscellaneous & Tech Support

### Logging in issues
https://studentselfhelp.sutd.edu.sg/m/home

Set up a security question!
Make sure you delete your ID from all devices before you reset your password
***
### where to change SUTD portal password
You can go to office.com and log in with your SUTD account from there
After that you're advised to install Outlook and login with your SUTD account
https://studentselfhelp.sutd.edu.sg/m/home
***
### where to get the sutd email and pw if you didn't go orientation
try emailing OSA
***
### password combination issues?
they want it complex (ie alphanumeric+symbol) but no spaces and also has a length limit
so they'd accept something like urm0mGAY3! but not Beware, Child of the Coming Darkness
***
### Microsoft office download link
Can go to products.office.com and just login w your mymail acc and download frm the website there

***
## LAPTOP GUIDE!!!

Basic requirements

1. "Modern CPU" - Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5 (no Atom/Celeron etc.)
2. 8GB RAM or more (4GB is sure die)
3. 256GB SSD (not mechanical hard disk!)
4. You'll appreciate something thin and light

I am rich, what do I splurge on (in this order)

1. More storage space (it's relatively cheap and super convenient to have)
2. More RAM (16GB is great to have)
3. Dedicated GPU (primarily good for CAD-ing, Adobe software etc)
4. High-end CPU - Core i7 or Ryzen 7

Huh still too cheap - I want to flex!

* Get a "workstation grade" laptop - Xeon + Quadro
* Core i9 Laptop
* RGB

Try to avoid a Lenovo (even thinkpads) at all costs. For some reason, the Lenovos produced these few years kept breaking down (my ideapad broke every term in freshmore lol). A decent laptop for school should cost around $1500-$1700.

Guide from seniors:

Computers are like weapons. Sometime, they define you. Sometime they are just cool to carry around.

TL,DR; Personally, I will go for MBP 13" or a XPS13.

I bought many many laptops, like > 20 over the last 10 years. Here's my feels.

In all cases, you should minimally require more than 8GB of RAM, and at least a 256GiB SSD.

I consider laptops in 2 dimensions, (1) traditional vs non_traditional and (2) 13" vs >15".

Let me cover the latter first.

A >15" laptop has 3 characteristics, typically you get a dedicated GPU inside, and more ports. But the battery life will suck big time.

I have 2 laptops that are 15" and 17", both the MacBook Pro ($4,200) and Aftershock MX-17 ($2,200). The MBP15 is sweet, but ultimately you're paying for the user experience and build quality. Apple products tend to last, but don't expect cutting edge specs. The way it does virtualization is unparalleled (pardon the pun), and it has bearable battery life. I use this predominately for learning stuff at conferences, and teaching, cause it's really a dependable machine compared to any other windows machine. I also love it for the retina display, Apple does display scaling better than windows hand down, so images and text looks sharp and clean all the way. But Macs have a tendency to fail epicly without notice. That happened to me once in my life.

Aftershock (Singapore brand), I use it more for .. Gaming, because it has a decent graphics card E.g. GTX 1050Ti. When I'm gaming, I don't really care about how sharp the display is, so running a 17 inch laptop at 1920 x 1080 is good enough. And more importantly, if you want to run windows without scaling (e.g. at 100%), at 1080p resolution, a 15" or 17" screen is the best. On a 13" it's too small.

For 13" laptop, we have a lot of choices. They typically are dual-core (instead of quad-core for 15", coffeelake might change that). You typically have to content with a integrated GPU, more likely no gaming for you. Which depends on which teacher you ask is good or bad thing.

So beginning, I have the 12" MacBook ($2,100). OMG, it's super pretty, but it's also super laggy. A lot of show, but no go. So at best, it's for note taking, some light word processing. I would avoid it as a student. I bought it because I was vain.

There is the 13" MBP , awesome . Has almost everything the 15" have, and much better battery life. Get it if you can afford it. For budget, I suggest the 13" non touchbar edition, just about $2,000 odd. I would have opted for a 13" if I didn't appreciate a bigger screen for easier reading without glasses. I then compensate by using a 10.5" iPad Pro as my daily meeting "computer".

I used to have a MacBook Air 13". It brought me through days as a student. Very competent machine, but pales in comparison to the current-gen MBP and MB. The screen sucks at 1440x900, otherwise it's really cheap at about $1,600

Then we have the Lenovo Carbon X1, T460/T470 (my T440p is second hand at $350) and the XPS13 ($1,800). They are all amazing 13" laptops that can't go wrong. But note that Dell XPS screens are typically better then Lenovo (business oriented) machines. Unless you keep dropping your laptop, I think XPS is more worth the buck. At the 5th generation, the formula works, so it's a safe choice.

Then we have the razer blade 14 ($2,800 - $3,500), and the razer blade stealth (about $1,800). Blade 14" has a dedicated GPU, Stealth doesn't. Stealth is actually a good alternative to the MacBooks, so for people who are die hard WinTel and anti-Apple.

I also have this weird Aorus X3 by Gigabyte ($3,500). It's like the 14" blade. It has a dGPU, but because of that the battery is only 3-4hrs. So I use use it to run virtual machines with it's quad-core once in a while for demo.

So for the misfits, non traditional laptops.

Surface Pro 4 ($2,200), or (5 unlabelled). Pretty cool, but the kickstand combination means that you have to use it on tables etc. Otherwise, I think it's actually a very good package. The only shame is that it uses a surface power connector. Which is why I don't bring it for lectures anymore. My MBP charges using USB-C with a Xiaomi battery pack. I can't do that with Surface. Zz.

Lenovo Yoga Book ($850) and Netbooks. I have a lot of sub 1k laptop, but they became more like placemats. They are at best use for testing internet access or google docs. For undergraduate studies, I will avoid them.

The rest of the laptops out there, I haven't used or own them, the above is those that I have used substantially.

I hate my office HP laptop, so I shan't comment more about that.

Not that I'd recommend it, but I know this ISTD alum who cloud computed his way through school for free by using some ~~crappy tablet~~ Chromebook and creating new AWS accounts for more credits every few months. If you wanna go super hobo, hardcore and cheap, it's defo doable

From the abovementioned ISTD alum (which might be a bit outdated so please verify):

- if you already have an existing machine, even if it is shitty (as long as it boots >half the time it'll do), just stick to it but keep a look out for replacements

- term 1: no rush, the most you need is some special software (for math/bio) and you should learn how to work out arrangements with others

- term 2: probably for 3.007 Design you need some oomph to churn out video/posters, but there's idia lab if you are really in a pinch

- term 3: don't worry about Digital World (programming) needing a lot of resources (but if you do use cloud please don't forget the network will be cut off during the exam)

- choosing something with pillar work in mind is definitely good, but don't harp on it too much now

- remember that no matter how excellent your setup is, you need to know how to work without it in emergencies (ranging from water to ballistic)

***

### for laptop are the ones recommended by the school good? also when would we need one by?

You need it by the first week of school. If they haven't changed the way they do things, they'll want you to have the slides with you in class and there's this Learning Catalytics thing which you need to access
***
### Is Windows 10 really mandatory for the laptops?
More or less yes, but more importantly to be able to run Adobe illustrator/photoshop and video editing software

Some things like Lockdown browser (which idk if the school is still using) need some workarounds to get it working on Linux
***

### Buy a second monitor?
I had a monitor I placed in my dorm room to use, but really isn't that just a personal thing?

Monitors are 120++ right now, and Carousell has second hand ones if you want something cheaper, if it doesn't work out for you, you can always sell it on Carousell or sutd family.
***

## Housing FAQ

This was an email released by the House Guardians at the start of Fall Term 2019, in response to some feedback and FAQ.

Hello Residents,

I'm Alexander, incoming Housing Senator for the House Guardians.

tl,dr; Responses to feedback raised in recent GRASS Session. When in doubt, write in, or file a maintenance request to the Housing portal.

There was a GRASS session held at the ROOT Cove on 6th August (last month!), where a handful of House Guardians were on station to take your feedback and answer any queries you had regarding Housing. Given that some of the points raised are frequently asked questions, and that a reply would set many of your minds at ease, I thought it fitting that we make an effort to acknowledge and address your feedback and questions. We're only sending this email now because we now have the returning pillar-year students on the mailing list too, and they'd probably have the same questions and feedback as well.

### Admin and Hostel Policies

#### Q: Why are Freshmores not allowed to choose their own roommates?

A: This is a University requirement, rather than a Housing one - this is so you can get to know people beyond your circle of acquaintances (from other JCs/Polys/classes) and build a wider network of friendships. Housing does try to match people with similar living styles (remember the survey?), but beyond that, it's not controlled for. If you have a particularly disruptive roommate, do let Housing know so that they can assist you.

#### Q: Why is cross-block access restricted?

A: Sadly, there have been cases of theft and misdemeanors occurring in the hostel, and restricted access is a security necessity – this helps the University/ the Police to track down perpetrators more effectively. While cross-block access would certainly for convenience, the cost on safety and security makes the trade-off simply not worthwhile., given that a large section of residents are still rather lax with their personal security (yes, to all those who don't lock your doors, this means you). We ask that you bear with this inconvenience and call down your friends when you need to enter another block.

#### Q: What's being done to alleviate the mismatch of room supply vs demand for male and female students?

A: Housing is swapping the gender allocations for floors 11 and 12 for Block 55, which should make more beds available to males.

#### Q: How do I provide feedback about residential life and House Guardians?

A: There is a residential life survey that goes out around the end of the year, in which you can share feedback on your floor's House Guardian(s). Alternatively, you can write in to the House Guardians’ email ([e-mail]) which will be read by the House Guardian Exco (HEXCO) only, comprising of Axiom, Su Min, Sean, Gong Chen, Hendra and myself, and we'll respond to your emails accordingly. Otherwise, you can reach out to our Residential Life Coordinator, Melissa ([e-mail]) if you have private feedback specifically about a/your House Guardian.

### Facilities

Firstly, a general note: For most issues, a simple maintenance request on the Housing portal (https://hms.sutd.edu.sg/) will suffice. If that doesn't work out, do reach out to your House Guardian and we'll find a way to sort things out.

#### Q: What do I do if my card loses access to (some or all) facilities?

A: Access control is centralised at ENGIE's office at Building 5 Level 1. You can head over to quickly resolve these access issues.

#### Q: Can we get fruit vending machines in Hostel?

A: We've had fruit vending machines in Hostel before! But alas, the invisible hand of the market is cruel and decidedly callous to our nutritional needs! The vending machine beside the pizza machine used to stock cut fruits in cups, but the poor sales, coupled with the need for frequent replacement of the fruits, led to the fruits being replaced with more drinks. Perhaps visit the canteen, or purchase your own fruits?

#### Q: Help! I'm getting insects crawling into my room! What do I do?

A: Submit a maintenance request in the Housing portal about the insects so that Housing can get a sensing of the scale of this insect invasion. Housing will also follow up with you accordingly.

Q: Help! There are insects all over my floor's corridors! What do I do?

A: Life (sadly?) finds a way, and it's really quite beyond our control to prevent insects from entering common spaces. If these insects are invading your rooms, do let Housing know (see above) so they can explore solutions.

#### Hostel Lounge
Q: Why does the Hostel Lounge smell weird?

Q: Why does the Hostel Lounge take so long to cool down?

A: The volume of the Hostel Lounge makes it a bit hard for the place to cool down quickly, especially the area around the spiral staircase. We've requested if Housing can turn up the air-conditioning, but the air-conditioning units are already being pushed pretty hard. Meanwhile, remember not to bring food into the Lounge - with all the crumbs and aromas trapped in the Lounge, it's no wonder things smell a little funky.

#### Q: My pantries are dirty! What now?

A: The pantries are cleaned twice daily by the cleaners, and unattended items are regularly removed. Beyond that, it's really up to your floor to manage the cleanliness of your pantries. Perhaps you can work with your HG to implement some sort of accountability system? Nevertheless, if the pantry is in a bad state of hygiene, you can always file a maintenance request on HMS so that Housing can look into the matter.

I hope that I've successfully responded to your questions! We HGs appreciate the feedback and queries you have because we're always looking to do better. As mentioned above, you can direct feedback to this email, and we'll try our best to respond swiftly.