Stepping into uni life is a big deal. New environment, new faces, and a thousand things coming at you all at once. But here’s the thing, while you’re figuring out where to go and who to be, it helps to have a space where you can just… breathe.

That’s where the Buddhist societies at NUS, NTU, and SMU come in.

Whether you’re Buddhist or just exploring, these communities offer something rare: calm, connection, and conversations that actually matter. Here’s why you might want to check them out this orientation season.

1. Real People, Real Conversations

Uni can be noisy… not just the literal noise, but the mental noise too. So it makes a difference to find a space where people aren’t just talking about grades, career fairs, or which mod has the least readings.

Buddhist societies are full of students who’ve been through the same academic grind but have found ways to ground themselves through the Dhamma. It’s not about being perfect or super spiritual. It’s about being honest with where you’re at.

You’ll meet people who know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, uncertain, or just tired. And they’ll share how things like kindness, mindfulness, and generosity helped them cope, not in a preachy way, but in a way that’s real and human.

📍Where to find them:

• NUS Student Life Fair | 13 & 14 Aug, 10 am – 6 pm
  
• SMU Vivace CCA Fair |14 & 15 Aug, 10 am – 5 pm
  
• SIM Orientation Booth | 27 & 28 Aug, 11 am – 5 pm, SIM Campus Block B L1

No pressure. Just go say hi and see if the vibe clicks.

2. Welcome Teas That Actually Feel… Welcoming

Some welcome teas feel like networking sessions. These feel like heart-to-hearts.

At these gatherings, you’ll get to hear seniors share stories fr1om their own university journey – how they handled pressure, how they dealt with setbacks, and how the Dhamma helped them find some peace in the chaos. There might be a short meditation, some light sharing, and of course, food. But more than anything, it’s a space to be heard.

You don’t have to know any Pali chants or have a meditation routine. Just come as you are. Whether you’re struggling or thriving, curious or clueless, there’s room for you here.

🫖 Upcoming Welcome Teas:

• NUS Buddhist Society |19 Aug, 7.15 – 9 pm
  
• NUS Medical Dhamma Circle | 18 Aug, 7 pm
  
• SMU Dhamma Circle | 20 Aug, 7.30 – 9 pm, School of Economics Classroom 3-3

3. Camp Nirvana: A Meaningful Start to NTU Life

If you’re joining NTU, this one’s for you.

Camp Nirvana Singapore 2025: Sukhavati isn’t your typical camp. Sure, there’ll be icebreakers and games, but what makes it special is the depth. You’ll get to experience quiet reflection, group discussions, and personal stories that open up something deeper than small talk.

The camp spans both NTU and Kong Meng San monastery, giving you a chance to explore what peacefulness and spiritual friendship look like, without needing to pretend to be someone you’re not.

Whether you’re new to Buddhist ideas or you’ve grown up with them, Camp Nirvana gives you a gentle yet powerful space to pause, reset, and connect.

📅 Camp Dates:

• 22 Aug 2025, 7 – 10.30 pm @ NTU
  
• 23–24 Aug 2025, 9 am – 6.30 pm @ Kong Meng San
  

Final Thought: Uni Is What You Make of It

Some people spend their uni years chasing resume points. Some spend it chasing parties. But there’s also a group quietly learning how to live with more wisdom, compassion, and calm…and they’re really not that far away.

If you’re looking for something deeper, something grounding, or just people who get it, Buddhist societies might be worth your time.

Here are the links again to explore:

• 🧡 NUS Buddhist Society: @nusbuddhistsociety
• 🧡 NUS Medical Dhamma Circle: @medicaldhammacircle
• 🧡 NTU Buddhist Society: @ntubuddhist
• 🧡 SMU Dhamma Circle: @smudhammacircle
• 🧡 SIM Buddhist Bhavana: @sim_buddhistb

Give it a try. You’ve got nothing to lose — and maybe something precious to gain.