SURVVAL
YOUR Y1 WELCOME KIT FOR SoC STUDENTS
YOUR Y1 WELCOME KIT FOR SoC STUDENTS
02 / TIPS & FAQs
Q: When should I submit my preferences?
Any time within the window. The system runs as a ballot — your submission time has no effect on priority. Submitting on Day 1 vs Day 5 is identical.
Q: What if I don't get my preferred modules?
The Add/Drop period in Week 1–2 opens many slots. Students drop modules constantly — keep checking EduRec daily during that window.
Q: How many S/U options do I have?
You have 32 MCs of S/U in total across your degree. Most students save them for Y1/Y2 when grades are most uncertain.
Q: Can I S/U a prerequisite module?
Yes — the prerequisite condition checks for a passing grade (D and above), not the letter grade. An S/U-ed pass still satisfies prerequisites. Confirm the specific requirement on each module page.
Q: What makes CS2040S hard?
Weekly graded problem sets, fast-paced lectures covering DSA theory + implementation, and a bell-curve final. The gap between prepared and unprepared students is large.
Q: What should I do from Week 1?
Start LeetCode Easy problems (Array, String). Attend every lecture. Form a study group for problem sets. Don't fall behind — the sets compound week on week.
03 / SCHEDULES
Senior-curated module plans for CS, IS, and BZA — JC and poly variants. Your actual plan may differ based on exemptions or AP credits. Use NUSMods to build your real timetable.
Standard load is 5 modules (20 MCs) per semester. Don't overload in Y1 unless you're confident.
Year 1, Semester 1
Programming Methodology
Functional programming in Source (a JS subset). Weekly missions + reading assessments. Fun but time-consuming — don't underestimate it.
Discrete Structures
Math-heavy: logic, sets, proofs, combinatorics. Foundational for CS theory — take seriously, don't memorise.
Calculus for Computing
Calculus you likely know from A-levels, but faster pace. Common S/U candidate if math isn't your strength.
Communicating in the Information Age
General education requirement. Manageable workload — good semester to take it alongside heavier CS modules.
Quantitative Reasoning with Data
Stats basics + group project. Low workload. Good to take early to clear GE requirements.
Year 1, Semester 2
Programming Methodology II
Java OOP — streams, lambdas, design patterns. Unlocks CS2040S; don't skip. Heavier than CS1101S.
Data Structures and Algorithms
Hardest Y1 module for most. Weekly problem sets are critical — don't just attend lectures. Start LeetCode Easy from Week 3.
Linear Algebra I
Vectors, matrices, eigenvalues. Required for AI/ML focus areas — worth doing properly, not just passing.
Digital Ethics and Data Privacy
Light workload; mostly readings and discussion. Good GE to pair with a heavy semester.
Human Communication (GE Breadth)
Any GE breadth module works here — pick something that interests you.
04 / TOOLS & SETUP
Get these running before Week 1. Each takes 5–10 minutes.
ESSENTIAL — DO THESE FIRST
Plan every semester here — search modules, check workload, see prerequisites, and build your timetable visually.
Go to nusmods.com, search for modules, drag them into your timetable, and export. [PLACEHOLDER: screenshot of NUSMods timetable view]
Where you actually enrol — NUSMods is just for planning. Registration happens here during the registration window.
Step-by-step: Plan on NUSMods → log in to EduRec → submit preferences during the registration window → check ballot results → Add/Drop in Week 1–2. [PLACEHOLDER: EduRec registration dates AY2026/27]
Lectures, assignments, grades, and announcements all live here. Check it daily once semester starts.
canvas.nus.edu.sg — you're auto-enrolled when you register for modules. Set up mobile notifications.
[PLACEHOLDER: Why students should set this up — speed, reliability, off-campus access, etc.]
[PLACEHOLDER: NUS IT setup guide link per OS — Windows/Mac/iOS/Android]
Module groups, CCA announcements, senior advice, and last-minute exam tips all happen on Telegram.
[PLACEHOLDER: Key group links from Computing Club — module groups, SoC freshmen chat, NUS Hackers]
DEVELOPER TOOLS — SET UP WHEN READY
Worth hundreds of dollars — includes GitHub Pro, free .me domain, AWS credits, and more. Activate with your @u.nus.edu email.
education.github.com/pack — sign in with GitHub, verify with your NUS email.
IntelliJ is used in CS2030S for Java. PyCharm is useful later for data science modules.
jetbrains.com/student — apply with your @u.nus.edu email for a free licence.
Required to access library resources, internal portals, and remote lab machines from outside campus.
[PLACEHOLDER: NUS IT VPN setup guide link — GlobalProtect client]
Used by most SoC students. Fast, free, and has extensions for every language you'll encounter in Y1.
code.visualstudio.com — install, then add extensions: Prettier, ESLint, GitLens. [PLACEHOLDER: Recommended Y1 extension list]
05 / OPPORTUNITIES
What you can do outside the classroom. Sorted by what's most accessible in Y1. Orbital + one CCA is a strong start.
NUS's independent software development programme. In pairs, you build a project of your choice over the summer. Levels range from Vostok (basic) to Apollo (expert). Highly recommended as your first portfolio project.
ELIGIBILITY: All SoC Year 1 students
WHEN: Special Term (May–Aug)
LEVEL: Beginner–Advanced
NUS's biggest student-run hackathon, organised by NUS Hackers. 24 hours to build anything you like. Cash prizes. Excellent beginner-friendly environment with no theme constraints — just build cool stuff.
ELIGIBILITY: Open to all NUS students
WHEN: January (annually)
LEVEL: All levels
The premier tech-focused CCA at NUS. Runs Friday Hacks (weekly talks), workshops, and the annual NUS Hack&Roll hackathon. Great way to meet SoC seniors and learn outside class.
ELIGIBILITY: Open to all NUS students
WHEN: Year-round
LEVEL: All levels
Computing for Voluntary Welfare Organisations. Build real software for Singapore social service agencies. Highly selective — competitive application. One of the most respected SoC opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY: CS/IS students after completing CS2030S; strong web dev skills
WHEN: Special Term (May–Aug) + Academic Year
LEVEL: Intermediate
Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme. Work alongside professors on real research. Great for students considering graduate school or AI/systems research. Can earn MCs or do it as a side project.
ELIGIBILITY: All SoC students; contact professors directly
WHEN: Any semester; often starts from Y1 Sem 2
LEVEL: All levels
Student-run society at the intersection of finance and technology. Runs blockchain, quant, and dev divisions. Hosts workshops and partners with financial institutions. Great for IS/BZA students interested in fintech.
ELIGIBILITY: Open to all NUS students
WHEN: Year-round
LEVEL: All levels
Work at a startup in Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, Stockholm, Beijing, or other global tech hubs while taking entrepreneurship modules. Transformative experience for those interested in startups.
ELIGIBILITY: Students who have completed at least 1 year; strong academic standing
WHEN: Semester or full-year, typically from Y2 onwards
LEVEL: Intermediate–Advanced
Google's Student Training in Engineering Programme — specifically for first and second year students. Competitive but realistic for strong Y1 students. Requires solid CS1101S + CS2040S foundations.
ELIGIBILITY: First or second year students; strong CS fundamentals
WHEN: Apply Sep–Nov for following summer
LEVEL: Beginner–Intermediate
06 / Y1 STORIES
Real accounts from students who have been through it. What surprised them, what they regret, what they'd tell their past selves.
Share your story
Completed Y1? Write a short account — it takes 10 minutes and helps the next cohort.
CS · JC Background
First story from AY2025/26 cohort
IS · Poly Background
Second story slot