how I paid off my NUS university tuition fees while in school

[@tomatoxfairy]

Wow, I can't imagine paying myself through university 🥺 kudos to you!!!

[@choonkeonglim6178]

Great tips. As a guy who has been through it all. Luxury brands are not necessities. After working for at least 10 years, you will realise money spent on necessity goods is a choice you will never regret.

[@chowanmushi]

I really agree!!

[@choonkeonglim6178]

@@chowanmushi this is especially true when you move house. Tons of stuff gets thrown away. The heartache will be real. 🤣🤣🤣

[@jundaaaaaaaaaa]

Hey Chow, Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I think you answered many questions that some of us students have had for a Long Long time. I feel it’s really nice of you to share your pay as it’s a rather touchy topic for the majority of Singaporeans. I really enjoy your videos and I do hope you can continue to pump out such quality content in the future! 😊

[@lhneo1811]

Love your sharing! Another tip that I would like to share (which I’ve used it myself) is, you can take up govt’s tuition fee loan (0% interest while you’re studying) and can keep the cash you have earned in a high interest bank to generate some moolah!!! It can add up to a few hundreds :)

[@chowanmushi]

Thanks LeHui! I think this is a great tip. I def could've considered that too. I think when I was younger I didn't know how much difference interest could make too.

[@shiminglee5871]

What a hustler👏 Your thrifty lifestyle habits & prudent spending will def bring you far!! Really inspirational :')

[@SK-ps2ps]

Love how eloquently you speak!!

[@fhleonard001]

I like how you have the mindset of financial planning! Very true.!

[@zeeny2562]

Girl you were on my recommendation and I FELL IN LOVE ❤️❤️

[@chowanmushi]

:'))) THANK YOU!!!!

[@blakekohjing1236]

Thank you for sharing :-) Really glad I clicked and stayed through. Hope to see more of such content and of your personal experiences!!

[@Kawaiimanqo]

Thank you for sharing!! I’ll be matriculating into NUS Biz this coming August too☺️ these tips came at the right time :-)

[@chowanmushi]

All the best, Ling Ling! :)

[@joeytkx]

thank you for this! i’m also in nus and similar to you, i am currently working towards earning enough to pay off my bank loan by the time i graduate and also saving up for a house🤣 glad to see that it worked out for you! :-)

[@pamelalim270]

this is so relatable, thank you for filming this & reminding me that im not alone; that there are a lot of students out there whose parents don’t/can’t pay for their tuition fees and they have to work their way through uni as well :-‘)

[@kevjumbaz]

story about how you joined tsl please!

[@jayanthisegar2835]

From a fellow Marketer in Business Admin, CONGRATS!! #GRAD2021! and yes I paid for my own school fees! :)

[@dionnefrancesca4252]

Hi Jia Hui! This video came on my feed at such a good time! I’m a NUS business student specialising in Marketing as well! Would love if you could do a video talking about your time in business school, internships, your spec etc! ☺️☺️☺️ thanks so much, love the graphics in the vid!

[@chowanmushi]

thank you, Dionne! & thank you for the suggestion!! Will definitely work on one once I have more time! :)

[@xain339]

Please do a video on how you edit your videos... etc how you draw your thumbnail, software that you’re using... can’t wait to see more videos from you! and congratulations to you for graduating!! 👏🎓

[@ShiroxYume]

I wish your juniors/other uni kids would see this! I would be happy to have had such a positive mindset intern like you in the company I was hiring interns for -- we had a whole slough of not-too-positive ones who only were out for taking even before an internship began and barely thought about how they could value-add to the company even as an intern, and were really not coachable (even very defensive despite causing fires...)... and it's a generic sentiment in my other HR friends too! Kudos to you

[@AlvinPoh]

This is awesome! Good job, your work ethic is so inspiring. And congratulations on graduating!

[@DailyMindHacks]

This is awesome. Beyond money, all this work experiences shape character and world view!

[@rhonda4821]

i think singapore banks offer an interest free loan up till the point of graduation. so if you managed to save up for the school fees every month you can actually delay the payment until graduation, so you can still earn interest in whatever savings account you're using

[@ksjdoiwfehfueu]

I actually got a scholarship offer, and I wouldn't have to worry about my finances but I turned it down mainly because of the industry and company I would be bonded to is not ideal to me. so at least, you give me hope xD

[@jesss1c4]

2nd! CONGRATS CHOW!!! ❤

[@chowanmushi]

❤ thank you, Jessica!!

[@jesss1c4]

@@chowanmushi welcome!! your videos give me aesthethic vibes and your content is rad! may i ask if you have a content schedule so that i can look out for your videos on time? thank you!!

[@yanyao563]

I think it's great that you managed to pay for your school fees before graduation! But I would like to point out that several banks offer interest free bank loan while you're a student! Meaning interests only start after you graduate. You can save money while studying without having the stress of having enough for a particular sem. Or even place them in a fixed deposit for 1 or 2 years to help you grow your money :)

[@_Diditee_]

I love your aesthetic. Insightful video tbvh!

[@chowanmushi]

oh what a surprise! Thank you, Declann :)

[@neeshangsundram9814]

I'm so happy I found your channel. Already hit the subscribe button👍👍

[@chowanmushi]

Thank you ❤️

[@miaomiao07]

Congrats on your graduation! Great tips :)

[@ancillalarasati4262]

Thank you so so so much!! For telling us this!!! I want to go to university but the cost really scares me a lot because I am a PR and the cost is a little higher than Singaporean cost which concern me a lot😭

[@chowanmushi]

All the best! Fret not, there will always be ways to make things work. Just work hard & believe in yourself. Before I matriculated I was very concerned over costs too.

[@madhumitan786]

Thanks for these tips, super inspiring! Can I just ask how you went about finding your singing gigs and what sort of requirements did they have? Thanks!! 😊

[@chowanmushi]

It was a rather unique situation, the wedding band I worked with found some of my singing livestreams on social media & decided to get in touch. One way I'd suggest you find gigs is to put yourself out there + also actively engage with people who are in the live singing industry - be it at gigs at bars, or events.

[@jesss1c4]

Hi @Chow Jia Hui! Just wanna drop by to say that I saw the ad of you in Spotify advertising for Laurier! ❤ It was beautifully done

[@chowanmushi]

Aw thank you!!!

[@VeniseYeo]

Hello! How did you cope with your studies with all these part time work? I’m starting school soon and that’s my biggest concern about working part time :(

[@therowellproductions663]

love this! do more of such content :)

[@efyh123]

IMMENSELY PROUD OF YOU

[@chowanmushi]

😘

[@caihuilun8040]

Hi Chow, would u mind doing a video on how u juggle school and work? Thank you! (:

[@chowanmushi]

Will keep in mind! thanks for the idea :)

[@violetnhz]

Thanks for sharing these tips!!

[@chowanmushi]

Thank you!!! :)

[@jaseema55]

Could I ask what kind of internship job that provided 2.5K ? Could you make videos on how to get an internship, where to apply, useful sources, resume n so on? Also pls share ur internship experiences!

[@abcabcx10]

i've been avoiding accepting pocket money from my parents for a long while now, because i feel bad if i do take it, but having to spend money on food (esp during school term) and spending money on meetups is costly D: do you have any tips for juggling all that expenditure wise?

[@MuhammadAshraffimreallysorry]

You guys have pocket money after 17?

[@DarGohZY]

Love the vid Chow, really insightful considering I’m studying atm :)

[@rui5038]

This was super helpful! :)

[@chowanmushi]

Thank you!!! :)

[@rui5038]

@@chowanmushi 😊

[@melbourneons7541]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@distortdude80]

Moral of the story is that you don't have to go to University to be successful. If you can pay off your tuition fees while in school, you can definitely find money the same way without a degree.

[@johnwig285]

Moral of the story is there are many ways to pay off ur school fees. This video has nothing to do with being successful. Successful is subjective & not entirely abt "finding money" & it boils down to ur goals. If success to you is to have sufficient money to live, then any job will do. If success to you is to be a doctor, an economist, a lawyer etc, then obviously u have to go to uni.

[@archgaurav]

That is such a wrong and skewed conclusion of the story!!

[@jx-bz6um]

hey just wanna ask , are there any platforms that you used to find jobs?

[@chatterbae1422]

Hi Chow, how do you put into action the part about value adding to your work? How do you bring up suggestions to your employer on this? Are there any ways to get started?

[@teewhyxuan]

just curious, did ur parents at any point offer to pay for ur sch fees? :-)

[@chowanmushi]

We didn't have this conversation. I don't think they're obliged to pay for me!

[@sohchrissohchrissohchris]

You're so inspiring

[@chowanmushi]

HAHAHA HeLLO CHRIS!!!

[@anna_tricia9322]

Hi ! I just wanted to say that i really really enjoyed your video. Im very inspired by it. I haven't gone to uni yet but I've learnt so much from your video. May i know the various company that you have worked for ? :) e.g events, performances, photography etc. 😊👍🏻

[@geraldkoh8638]

Thank you for this!

[@chowanmushi]

Thank you!!! :)

[@HazelLagos]

Thanks for the tips! But i wanna know how you edit your vids! 😍

[@quakespr]

Omg, how i wish i have a daughter like you.

[@31946689]

Could I ask if this is on a basis whereby your parents are providing a monthly allowance or were the uni period expenses fully funded by yourself? Just curious.

[@chowanmushi]

I stopped taking a monthly allowance after secondary school. There were moments when I felt like finances were strained & I didn't contribute to that strain. When my mother did have cash she would occasionally insist on me taking some but for the most part I lived off my savings. I was a rather extreme saver since Primary school, so I dropped most of my pocket money into my piggy bank. When I was working & could help with family finances I would fork out cash too. I think the role of financal support in my family wasn't necessary the parents' to carry all the time, I always viewed it as - whoever had the means to help would help.

[@appleorange3112]

My ulcer very painful leh...😂😂😂 I FEEL U CHOW🤭👍!!!

[@chowanmushi]

lucky recover already HAHA

[@kirstenthong5643]

Hi Chow! May I know what brand/shade of lipstick you're using? :)

[@summerswift13]

thanks chow for sharing :)

[@RazzerLinner]

It's really an inspiration for me. I'm also starting University soon. Though I'm paying for my own school fees without taking a loan, it's rather hard for me as I've lots of expensive hobbies. Do you have any recommendations for any weekend jobs?

[@mcl1224]

Hi Chow, where did you find your internships during the holidays from? Are winter holiday internships too short to be able to learn enough?

[@icmanypeople]

was the frozen yogurt stall frolick? hahahaha!

[@BryanJLum]

Wish this video was posted years back when i just started out! Most students either have their fees taken care of by parents or decide to go full loan. But there are quite a number of tradeoffs to actually make. On one hand you can make decent money doing jobs that may not be as relevant to your career but on the other, low paid jobs where you learn a lot and potentially increasing your value as a graduate. Finding the balance is key! Some friends think it's worth it to take on loans to maximise time they can use on relevant experiences (e.g. internships) to secure more highly paid jobs.

[@youreverydaygirl2641]

hello Jia Hui, thank you for sharing such great tips! May I know what app you are using to edit your videos too? :)

[@chowanmushi]

Premiere pro here!

[@youreverydaygirl2641]

@@chowanmushithank you :))

[@xyk-ep5dn]

where did you find the various jobs or events that you mentioned in your video? :)

[@cy3970]

yeh being cheerful suits u a lot more

[@idconfirm]

Thanks for sharing! I have the impression that you are also an influencer (I think?), do you also then have any sort of income from that work?

[@Xquixiteify]

Hi! Can you explain as to why you choose to pay via cash rather than CPF (from your parents)?

[@chowanmushi]

I don't take money from my parents! Perhaps only up till Secondary school or so. I know that I would rather rely on myself to get by so this conversation never happened with them. Different families work differently.

[@Volentry]

Great video on your perspective! Speaking from personal experience, not many have the maturity to go out and work right after their 'A' or 'O' levels in order to earn money while schooling (myself included unfortunately). Most people spend their time playing video games, hanging out with friends, and generally doing things that are not productive. Coming from that kind of background where I only realised my folly of not taking academics seriously later on in life, career options can be limited. Not to mention feeling like I'm being constantly behind my peers who have taken the typical Singaporean path of "study hard, get a good job". Taking the path of "following your passion" can be a downfall, as it is with mine. I don't think there's anything for you to answer here, but just to let you and others know that there are people like me out here just coming into adulthood being thrown into this uncertain world, unsure of where our paths can go when we are constantly reminded of the folly of our mistake. If you're like me, hang on there. Don't give up :)

[@johnwig285]

Nahh that's a toxic mentality, u have until the age of 65 to work, dont crucify urself n others for enjoying the last few yrs of your young adulthood before entering the working world once you graduate. It doesn't have to do with maturity, the stigma needs to go away. Productivity is subjective, spending time w friends & taking care of ur mental health by playing games IS productive. I worked as a flyer distributor during holidays while waiting for uni, after working different blue collared positions for NS such as admin, supply assistant, warehouse packer, dispatch guy, truck delivery assistant & content writer during the 2 years. At first i regretted just doing flyers so that i have a lot of free time instead of an internship, but looking back, it shudnt be regretted. When else can i have the luxury of relaxing? During uni ive to focus on studies, after uni must work. To wait until the age of 65 to finally relax? Damn. But obviously if ure the type who spends ur parents money and keep asking, then ofc lah ill tell u go work instead. But for majority, that aint the case.

[@louisjunho]

Curious, why do you do 4.5 years at NUS instead of 4 (choosing to save the cost of 1 sem)?

[@chowanmushi]

I took an LOA to take up a 6month internship! But taking the LOA does somewhat help to spread the cost over a longer period of time. i.e. if you save for 6 months you're more likely to have more $ for the upcoming sem.

[@damien1320]

Very helpful :)

[@chowanmushi]

Thank you!!! :)

[@steambunn6159]

My parents stop giving me allowance after A level, I'm seriously so scared of not having enough money 😭😭

[@chowanmushi]

don't worry! With proper budgeting and planning you will be fine :)

[@shravanakarthikeyan5914]

How did you find event work and manage to be a wedding singer?

[@chili_mayotron]

Seems to be very expensive for international students.. there’s most likely no way to pay less than 20K annually am I right?

[@twothirdstrio]

Omg now I feel like a POS whose parents paid off everything 😭

[@chowanmushi]

That doesn't make you a POS at all!!! Having a privilege shouldn't make you feel apologetic, just be grateful that they are able to help you financially! :)

[@shastasilverchairsg]

Awesome perspective. I was awarded the NUS Undergraduate Scholarship a few years back while I was in uni, and I am still feeling guilty about being so privileged while others have to work. I'll try to feel grateful and deserving of it, as I did indeed study hard and get good results while in JC.

[@destruction8192]

@@shastasilverchairsg then you jolly well get into the Dean's list. I have known many nus scholarship holders slacked off during the uni days.

[@chowanmushi]

@@shastasilverchairsg congratulations! All the best with school. Accept credit where credit is due & continue striving where you can.

[@johnwig285]

@@shastasilverchairsg you deserve it, pls dont listen to others who guilt trip you by playing the privilege card etc. You didnt get good results from the status of ur privilege. A kid with all the resources and tuition in the world will still fail if he doesn't want to study. It all boils down to ur attitude, wether u wanna study or not. You getting the scholarship due to good results is meritocracy.

[@nadafathima7631]

how did u find all these jobs?

[@tanphilip9141]

You are already a business person the way you think plan use spend etc........ 👍

[@nashuabale94]

what a blessing that u posted omg i was so stressed the past few days bc my parents insist on giving me a tight budget should i choose to stay in dorm :( thinking of taking up giving tuition as a job to earn some side income! If u can swap fruit juice for water, i can too ! hahahah, if possible do u mind sharing how u could afford to stay in a dorm?

[@chowanmushi]

That's the spirit!! Don't worry, there's always a way to work things out. There's actually financial aid available for dorm stays in NUS (when you submit your application they will tell you if you're eligible). Apart from that, it's pretty much the same way I afforded my tuition fees - Prudent saving + diligent work/looking out for opportunities.

[@ColouredPixels]

$2.5k for intern?!

[@chowanmushi]

MNC intern pays can be relatively higher. Some banking internships even pay up to 10k.

[@gotthecutenessoverload1086]

@@chowanmushi Yes, although banking internships will require you to work ungodly hours (e.g. 9 AM to 2AM)

[@sksksksk8272]

hii there!! im a malaysian student looking into going to nus pharmacy, just wondering if its possible to enter with only 3 alavels hahaha

[@KhairulRMusic]

Man, I couldn't afford uni so here i am watching videos of people talking about uni! hahah

[@n.cameron2542]

How did you get the opportunity to sing in event bands?

[@generaltan]

Im a medical student from the Philippines.. Im just very curious to know if how much is the tuition fee of an average medical school there in Singapore. TIA!

[@lBryanlAngelol]

Did u take up any ccas that could provide you opportunities to get jobs? Eg. Consulting?

[@trentlaststand4574]

I want to go study there but how much does it cost per year?

[@rafiq6521]

Hi Chow, I noticed you have a slight ptosis over the left eye, ever tried checking it out? sorry just pointing it out

[@chowanmushi]

NP! I figured it isn't a major health concern, am I right about that?

[@rafiq6521]

@@chowanmushi Yeah if you had it since young then it shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, if you have double vision or if the affected eye vision is affected, then it could indicate something more which may require some looking into by a dr. Otherwise, it mainly a cosmetic issue - treatment usually surgical in this case.

[@joeywanfreedom]

What camera did you use for this video? :)

[@annalim348]

thank you

[@chowanmushi]

Thank you!!! :)

[@hypothesised4453]

How did you bear earning 5.5/hr..... 😩 *800/mth is a hella glo-up tho Also you’re a legend and all my goals

[@grayceseeto]

i’m currently doing internship but i’m not getting paid 🥴

[@cuthbertyeo4717]

Better to get some at least to cover transport and meal? with some CPF better still

[@johnwig285]

How come? This is Singapore leh unpaid internship is like a taboo

[@irdinasabri6482]

Hey chow. How can i get into event work. Im a student and i want to earn some extra cash so i can go for dance classes and stuff. I am really sociable so i want to try event work but how can i find jobs. Is there like a website and company you can tell me about. Love your style and yoyre so gorgeous btw.

[@filsanmohamed3266]

Can you please suggest scholarships for international students

[@yoweygirl]

what eyeliner do you use??

[@Icebingsu]

How many years was NUS?

[@JeremyHarden]

I’m aiming for business admin in NUS also, how high is the gpa entry ?

[@Jeremy-hz5hr]

the 10th percentile for AY2019/2020 is 3.73. for more info, here's the link for NUS igp! www.nus.edu.sg/oam/undergraduate-programmes/indicative-grade-profile-(igp)

[@srijakanthetivarma6134]

The bachelors degree in nus is 3 years right?

[@thethtarsusan5897]

I love chow’s humour HAHAHAHHHA

[@RevolutionVic]

How much not $4,200 ? Per semesters

[@AceHardy]

✍️

[@isurusidath5400]

Sis.Can I get a loan to get a degree?

[@anqixzcful]

How you get 2.5k for a summer internship role?! 🤯

[@asharanisanskritclasses2850]

What will be the fees after 70-80% scholarship?

[@vaikeshmanimaran550]

depends if ure international stud or sg citizen

[@asharanisanskritclasses2850]

@@vaikeshmanimaran550 I m indian

[@johnwig285]

@@asharanisanskritclasses2850 yeah like Singapore indian or indian national?

[@asharanisanskritclasses2850]

@@johnwig285 indian international

[@JoeTanCY]

hi chow 🙇

[@chowanmushi]

he he he hello joe 👽

[@cuthbertyeo4717]

Damn good for the juniors

[@Bearrification]

May i know why 4.5 years instead of 4?

[@chowanmushi]

I took an LOA to take up a 6month internship!

[@Bearrification]

Chow Jia Hui thank you for the reply , I’m facing the exact dilemma. Would you advise or make a video on whether someone should take the 6 month intern while in Uni or wait till grad then take the intern? Did you also grad with your peers?

[@chowanmushi]

@@Bearrification I delayed my grad! I needed to do 1 more sem after my batch mates graduated, but it didn't bother me. I think you should lay out your priorities & your objectives, that'll help you make a decision. I can put more thought into it & see if I can do up another video! :)

[@Bearrification]

Chow Jia Hui appreciate the kind reply. Thank you!

[@Mokambigai]

I worked full time and paid my university fees myself. Was tough as hell 💔

[@leruomonchunyane5475]

I love you baby!