Online Matriculation @ SMU

In this post, I'll be sharing the process of online matriculation through the SMU eServices portal. Just to give you a brief timeline, it's been less than one month since the scholarship was granted in May.

As a pre-matriculant, I received an email from the SMU Matriculation team on 27 May 2024, which marks the official cut-off for offer acceptance. This email provided links to facilitate the completion of the matriculation procedure.

In the list above, you'll notice 5 main steps. However, for a more comprehensive understanding, let's break it down further into 9 specific steps.

Within the SMU eServices portal, after selecting 'Matriculate Online', the 'Confirm Personal Data' section will intuitively emerge as the initial content. Due to my inherent impatience, I promptly completed and submitted this section post accepting the offer, even repetitively, to ensure the details were accurately entered.

Within the same column, I chose the 'Make Online Payment' option to cover the 'Confirmation Fee for Undergraduate.' After initiating an online transaction of $213 via VISA, I managed to access the receipt several hours post-payment in the 'View Payment Status' section.

Identical to the preceding section, this step was carried out prior to the enrollment period, given that both are prerequisites for the online matriculation.

On June 3 at 9 am, the 'Matriculate Online' switched from its previous inaccessible status to active processing. I began my matriculation process at 9:30 am, completing it swiftly as it only necessitated final verification of personal details, as well as acknowledgment of rules and terms & conditions for SMU studentship.

The displayed image above is what was shown upon completion of the matriculation process.

The subsequent step involved activating my SMU computer account. The bizarre aspect of this process was the password creation phase. Regrettably, I forgot to capture a screenshot of this page. The customary password I use was deemed unfit because a condition stipulated that I couldn't utilize the same letters more than once as in my User ID. Truth be told, my User ID comprises 4 vowels and it proved challenging to devise a suitable password. Notably, this password will be in constant use for the next 4 years whenever I access my SMU credentials on a new device.

After thoughtful review of my password, the account activation was finalized. Reaching this step, I had acquired my Student ID, User ID, Email ID, and self-created password. Memorizing these crucial details might take a while, but for now, I advanced with the necessary subsequent procedures.

This stage was the least time-consuming, thanks to my SingPass access. All I needed to do was scan the QR code using the SingPass mobile app, and upload my pre-prepared scanned passport and re-entry permit documents, all set in anticipation of the admission process.

For this segment, I identified two ways to upload the image: one via the eServices portal and the other through the student portal, known as OASIS. Essentially, they both lead to the same destination, albeit through different routes.

Technically, it wasn't necessary for me to upload the photograph since it had already been submitted during the admission process. Nevertheless, with a 'why not' attitude, and having taken a photo for my passport renewal just a few months ago, I decided to reupload it, hoping to avoid receiving an email which would only be dispatched if the photograph were rejected.

Upon accessing the OASIS portal, I instantly noticed an 'Update Bank Account' option listed under my pre-term activities. By selecting it, I was directed to submit my bank account details.

This step is vital for the payment of tuition fees and scholarship allowance receipt, so I diligently cross-verified the details with my bank statement multiple times before finalizing. An important aspect to consider was the 'Bank ID' field, which left me puzzled until I learned that the unique ID (or code) for DBS Bank was 7171, found via Chrome. This detail is utilized to identify the bank with which my account is linked. Another TMI was that the system was unable to recognize 'POSB' as I entered it in the 'Bank Name' field. 🤔

Nevertheless, this process was a swift one as well.

This stage proved to be more complex for me, as a student residing in her home country during the waiting period for university admission. With a hint of naivety and optimism, I approached the SMU Matriculation team to inquire if I could opt out of the medical examination, given that I'd already undergone one in January 2024 for my PR application. Additionally, I asked if it was mandatory to have this check-up, could I possibly have it done in my home country.

Short answer was 'No', and I have to return to return to Singapore for the medical examination.

Post a conversation with my mother regarding travel planning, I reached out to the school via email to confirm if I could schedule the medical assessment for 5th July. That's a mere two days before the stated deadline on their website, which is the 7th of July, as we were uncertain if the deadline takes into account the time required for issuing the report.

(TMI: This part was slightly confusing due to the discrepancies between the poster and the official website. One indicated 10th July, while the other suggested 7th July. Regardless, I chose the more cautious option.)

Short answer was 'Yes', which eased my stress, enabling me to proceed with scheduling the appointment and buying the travel tickets. My current concern was my weight, considering that a physical exam was part of the check-up. Since I'd be returning from my Taiwan trip just weeks prior to the examination, devising a diet plan was indeed necessary. 💦

Prior to progressing to the last section, I wish to convey my appreciation for the speedy responses I received from the SMU team throughout this period. I initially anticipated a response time of a few days, yet they invariably replied within 24 hours, which I am truly thankful for.

The final phase of this process will be confirmed through an email dispatched 22 July onwards, determining a card collection span set between 29 July to 1 August.

In the interim, my aspiration is to secure a housing slot at Prinsep Street Residences (PSR). Astonishingly, it only houses 178 beds for an entire university population of 10,000 students (statistic from 2023). The limited availability of accommodations consistently appears absurd, despite the justification linked to SMU's locale within a city centre.

Back to the topic, should I acquire a successful allocation to PSR Housing, my card collection is scheduled for 1 August, which will be my arrival date back in Singapore with a secured residence. Thus, I fervently hope for boarding availability within PSR. 🤞

1. Ensure you have all the necessary resources ready ahead of any important events to avoid panic and stress during crunch times.
   1. For instance, preparation of necessary documents ahead of time significantly reduced my stress during the matriculation process.
2. Record and store login credentials in a secure location. Utilize mankind's greatest invention - recording - to increase your efficiency.
   1. For example, storing my ID and password separately eased the SMU account login process across various Microsoft software.

Stay tuned for more updates on my university journey

Scholarships, Tips to study in university, Personal experiences