A Swedish exchange student studying at Nanyang Technological University said she was surprised to discover that some strangers in Singapore would stare at her and ask to take photos with her because of her blonde hair.
Lisa shared the experience in a TikTok video posted on Sept. 30, describing several things she did not expect during her exchange programme in Singapore. The video had attracted more than 18,000 views when reported on Oct. 2.
Among her biggest surprises was the attention she received because of her appearance. She said people would stare at her and ask to take pictures, adding that she initially thought the situation was a joke before realising that it was actually happening.
The student also shared observations about life at NTU, including the length of lectures. She said some classes could last up to three hours and were sometimes conducted without a break.
She also noted a difference in class attendance between Singapore and Sweden. According to Lisa, classes at NTU are mandatory, while university lectures in Sweden are not necessarily compulsory.
Food was another part of campus life that impressed her. She praised the variety of choices available at NTU, including Western food, and described the options as relatively affordable.
Outside the university, she said the crowds during peak hours were another adjustment. She cited a Luckin Coffee outlet where she saw more than 100 orders at around 9am.
Lisa also admitted that she had underestimated NTU’s distance from central Singapore when applying for campus accommodation. She joked about the cost of travelling home after a night out, particularly after paying more than S$50 for a Grab ride.
Her video prompted a range of reactions online. One commenter jokingly asked whether they could also take a picture with her, while another said she appeared to have started picking up Singlish expressions.
Another user suggested that the people asking for photos might have come from countries where blonde hair is less commonly seen. Lisa confirmed that some of the people who approached her said they were visiting from China.
Her observations offer a glimpse into some of the cultural and everyday differences an overseas student may encounter while studying in Singapore, from university routines and food choices to transport, crowds and interactions with strangers.
For Lisa, the experience of being approached because of her blonde hair became one of the more unexpected memories of her exchange programme at NTU.
