Ridge View Residential CollegeĀ (RVRC) residents were invited to participate in the RVRC Heritage Walks organised between October and November 2022 ā a first of its kind at the college which includes a series of specially curated walks to local heritage conservation zones.
Participating students first made a trip to Little India, where they had a chance to experience the resplendent Deepavali Street Market and lights along Serangoon Road, participate in the evening prayer ceremony at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and savour delicious Indian fare.
Their second visit was to Kampong Glam, where they explored the vibrant street graffiti and art along Haji Lane, traditional carpet and fabric stores along Arab Street, and the hipster cafes at Bussorah Street.
In the final heritage walk of the semester, students explored the restored colonial precinct of Gillman Barracks which now houses contemporary art galleries. From examining political satire and commentary by Malaysian artists, to the use of traditional Indonesian weaving techniques in art installations, and a final stop for refreshing ice-cream, students spent the morning immersed in artworks by emerging South-East Asian artists while also exploring the rich built heritage of the Gillman Barracks.
Sara Yamamura, a third-year exchange student from theĀ Faculty of Arts and Social SciencesĀ and a regular at these walks said:
āI participated in all the sessions, which were meaningful to me. Many exchange students tend to spend their free time with people from the same country, but these sessions helped me socialise and make friends with people from other countries, including Singapore. We visited places that international students usually do not know about, and we learnt so much about the local religions, arts, and traditions through these walks. Through these sessions, my understanding of Singapore has deepened.ā
The RVRC Heritage Walks will return in the next semester with a new line-up of venues and activities. Sara, who is in Singapore on exchange for a year, will lend a hand to curate and publicise the second edition.
By actively engaging in activities such as exercise, mindfulness practices, socialising with friends, pursuing hobbies, or seeking support from trusted individuals, students enhance their emotional and mental well-being. Fostering a culture of self-care and promoting healthy coping mechanisms within NUS is paramount for the holistic development and well-being of students.
OSA recommend students toĀ learn more about the 7 PitStop Principles to aid in stress management and self-care.
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Sadaf Ansari, Fellow, Ridge View Residential College
