Before I became a writer, I was a molecular biotechnology student studying my butt off at Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). Even though I only had a brief stint at the school, I came to know the quirks and best finds like the back of my hand. Here are my five picks:
Riding on the escalator is terrifying
Only a handful of NYP graduates would know this. The year 2011 was a confusing time for the escalators near the atrium. There was a malfunction with the system and for weeks, the escalator would go down insanely fast.
There were no injuries, as it was a short ride and everyone had plenty of time to react. Still, I’m willing to bet my dollars that the experience had scarred their life — including mine. Suddenly, the escalator scene in Final Destination 4 doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore.
The food at NYP is glorious
The following statement is coming from someone who enjoys eating packed lunch — so this says a lot. Simply put, NYP is a food paradise. Students who frequent the North Canteen would be familiar with the golden yellow buttered corn; the belly-filling roti prata; the country-fresh waffles; and the naturally tender chicken rice.
Other highlights include the Japanese stall at Koufu, the crispy-fried nuggets at the South Canteen, and the Nasi Ayam Panggang at Foodgle Hub. Just the description alone makes my mouth water.
The garden at Block P is stunning
Golly, this is even more attractive than the rest areas below our HDB blocks. This area used to be an empty space where students would walk across it to get to the escalators. Kudos to the school to make this eco-friendly garden such a blooming (pun intended) success.
Instagram fanatics, this calls for a selfie!
Finding a seat at the library is no walk in the park
During my last holiday as a secondary school student, my friend — a NYP first-year student — asked if I would accompany her to the library at her school. Since I was curious about exploring the polytechnics in Singapore, I immediately took up her offer.
I couldn’t understand why we had to go early in the morning, but by afternoon, it all became clear. An army of students against a limited number of sitting areas? Draw your own conclusion.
Two words: Jackie Chan
The beloved star made everyone’s day when he popped by NYP to promote Aversion, a new anti-drug mobile game that centres on the concept of steering away from the dangers of drugs and inhalant abuse.
It was created by the Preventive Education Unit (PEU), Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), and a group of students from NYP School of Interactive & Digital Media (SIDM).
Take a minute and look at the expression everyone had on their face. Jackie Chan at NYP? Yeah, you can’t top that.
I don’t know about you, but I certainly miss my days at NYP. How did time fly by so fast?
Featured image credit: Today Online
Also read: 12 Peculiar Things Only NTU Students Will Nod Silently In Agreement
