NUS Imposes Campus Access Restrictions Amidst Expected Tourist Surge

SINGAPORE: The National University of Singapore (NUS) is set to implement significant access restrictions at its University Town (UTown) food courts and internal shuttle bus services from September 30 to October 7. This move is aimed at managing the anticipated influx of tourists coinciding with China's Golden Week—a busy travel period from October 1 to 7 that celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China.

During this week-long restriction, only NUS students, staff, and authorized personnel will be permitted on the shuttle buses operational between 8 AM and 2 PM, with exceptions noted for October 5 and 6. Similar limitations will be enforced at the Fine Food and Flavours food courts, which will limit access from 11 AM to 2 PM, also excluding the aforementioned dates.

In an internal memo obtained by CNA, the NUS Students' Union highlighted these measures as necessary to proactively manage the expected surge in visitor numbers. Additionally, the Central Library will be closed to external visitors throughout this timeframe. Students and staff needing access must present NUS-approved identification or passes, particularly clear as checks will be performed.

Commuters and onlookers have expressed concerns over how increased foot traffic from tourists has disrupted the daily lives of students at NUS. Complaints have included overcrowded shuttle buses, congested canteens, and, at times, a sense of compromised study environments with tourists frequenting libraries and research labs.

In August, similar measures were introduced after significant disruptions were noted, including tour buses dropping off large groups on campus. NUS had already begun to develop stricter guidelines for managing tourist activity, including registration requirements for tour buses and a training program for student-led tours.

The university is also contemplating the establishment of a technology-driven visitor access system, which is expected to ease congestion in food courts and shuttle services. Associate Professor Daniel Goh from NUS noted that these initiatives are part of a larger strategy to maintain a conducive learning environment while still accommodating visitors.

Moreover, those leading tours for visitors will now need to undergo proper training to become "registered student docents," complete with a special identification badge for easy recognition. Any unauthorized tour guides conducting activities within NUS will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

This enhanced security and access control is a response not only to the burgeoning tourist interest in NUS—recognized consistently as one of Asia’s top institutions—but also to ongoing community feedback regarding the impact of such visits on academic life. An emphasis is being placed on ensuring that academic routines are protected while also allowing for visitors to appreciate the unique offerings of the campus.

For students and visitors, planning ahead during this busy period will be crucial—make sure you check your tour registrations and familiarize yourself with the new access procedures to ensure a seamless experience at NUS!