The National University of Singapore (NUS) will restrict access to its University Town (UTown) food courts and bus shuttle services from Sep. 30 to Oct. 7. Only students, staff, and authorised persons will be allowed entry during this period, with personnel deployed to enforce visitor control. The restrictions will apply to UTown food courts from 11am to 2pm and internal shuttle buses from 8am to 2pm. Additionally, the Central Library will be closed to visitors. This move aims to manage the influx of tourists during China’s “Golden Week” holiday.
Background
China’s National Holiday, known as “Golden Week,” runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 7, prompting many Chinese tourists to travel. NUS has seen a surge in campus visitors during this period, attributed to its reputation as a world-class university with state-of-the-art facilities. Students have expressed frustrations on Reddit about the impact of campus tourism, citing overcrowded canteens and shuttle buses, and concerns over safety and security.
Student concerns
Students have voiced their frustrations on social media platforms like Reddit. One student noted, “Tourists tried to board the buses even though there were signs pasted on the doors to deter them.” Another student expressed concerns about safety, stating, “I’m more worried for our security with so many unfamiliar faces around.”
Enforcement measures
In an internal email sent on Sep. 26, the student union announced plans to deploy personnel at bus stops and UTown to enforce visitor control. Only those with NUS-approved passes will be allowed to board the internal shuttle buses. Tour groups and student guides will also need to be registered to ensure compliance with the new measures.
Impact on campus life
The restrictions are expected to alleviate some of the overcrowding issues that have plagued the campus during peak tourist seasons. However, the temporary measures may also inconvenience some students and staff who rely on these services during the restricted hours. The university hopes that these steps will create a more manageable and secure environment for its community.
Future implications
NUS’s decision to implement these restrictions could set a precedent for how the university manages tourist influxes during other peak periods. The effectiveness of these measures will likely be evaluated to inform future policies. Students and staff are encouraged to provide feedback to help the university refine its approach to visitor management.
By taking these steps, NUS aims to balance its reputation as a top-tier educational institution with the need to maintain a conducive environment for its primary stakeholders—students and staff.
