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Introduction: How to start a new semester at Temasek Polytechnic

So you’ve secured your spot in polytechnic, and as the new semester starts, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about what lies ahead. From adapting to a new teaching and learning style to getting used to a different grading system, new classmates, and greater independence, there’s a lot to take in during your first year.

These feelings are completely valid. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you feel confident and ready as you prepare for school.

In this guide, we’ll address frequently asked questions from new students about administrative matters, campus navigation, academic expectations, and learning materials. 

We’ll also introduce #TPCares, Temasek Polytechnic’s commitment to creating positive impact, supported by initiatives that strengthen mental well-being, financial assistance, and enrich student life.

Let’s get you ready for the new semester ahead.

What do I need to prepare for a new semester at Temasek Poly?

Here’s a checklist of five things to do before the new poly sem begins in April. 

1. Familiarise yourself with the Temasek Poly campus

Temasek Polytechnic is located at 21 Tampines Ave 1, Singapore 529757. The campus is easily accessible via MRT, bus, and car.

By MRT:

• Tampines West MRT Station (DT3): The nearest MRT station with a short walk to TP.
• Tampines MRT Station (EW2): Take buses 8, 23, and 69 from Tampines Bus Interchange, or 129 from Tampines Concourse Bus Interchange to TP.
• Bedok MRT Station (EW4): Take Bus 69 from Bedok Bus Interchange.

You may refer to more detailed directions for travel via bus and car here. 

Refer to this campus map of TP, or use the interactive 3D campus map (linked below) for help with wayfinding

Once you’re on campus, refer to our interactive TP Campus Map for easy navigation. Some key locations to look out for are:

• School of Applied Science (ASC)
• School of Business (BUS)
• School of Design (DES)
• School of Engineering (ENG)
• School of Informatics & IT (IIT)
• School of Humanities & Social Sciences (HSS)
• Connexions@TP (TP Student Services)
• Career Services Centre
• TP Library
• Dining Options

Don’t worry if you feel lost at first! You’ll find your way around in no time.

2. Collect your TP student cards

TP students have 2 student cards: a student concession EZ-Link card for public transport and a TP Matriculation Card for student identification and on-campus facility access.

A student concession EZ-link card allows you to buy a concession pass for student rates when using public transport. Refer to this comprehensive guide on how to apply for and collect your student EZ-Link card.

Your TP Matriculation Card will be issued after you have applied online via the e-enrolment process during the TP admissions period. You should carry your matriculation card at all times while on campus to access facilities and services, and to verify your identity before exams.

Having issues with your student card? Visit Connexions@TP (located at Administration Block 9, Level 2, Lift Lobby D) for assistance with card applications or to replace a lost/damaged card.

3. Check your Temasek Poly timetable

Your personalised TP timetable will be released via the TP student portal near the start of the new semester. This will show you where and when your classes are held, so it’s a good idea to check it early and familiarise yourself with your schedule before lessons begin.

Follow these steps to check your timetable.

4. Download the TP Oei App

All freshman orientation materials are available exclusively on the TP Oei app, making it your go-to resource as you start your TP journey. Log in using your TP student email to access everything you need.

The app is also essential for receiving important announcements and updates from TP, so be sure to keep it installed on your phone throughout your time here. You won’t want to miss out on key information! 

TP Freshman Orientation (FO) is an essential part of your onboarding experience, as you’ll get to experience and assimilate into TP’s vibrant school culture.

You may have already attended TP Open House 2026, where you had the chance to tour TP’s facilities and speak with our lecturers.

Freshman Orientation (FO) is the next exciting step in your journey at TP and an important part of settling into student life. New students are strongly encouraged to attend, as it helps you get comfortable with your course, understand how learning at TP works, and start building connections even before lessons begin.

During TP orientation, you’ll:

• Receive key course details
• Familiarise yourself with your Academic School and its facilities
• Receive your student matriculation card
• Meet your TP Care Person (CP), who will provide you with administrative support, guidance, and counselling. Your CP is the main point of contact between you, your parents, and TP.
• Understand the TP academic system
• Explore TP CCA options
• Bond with your new classmates
• Ease into TP’s vibrant school culture and community before you start lessons

How to plan for a new semester at TP?

TP’s academic system operates on a lecture/tutorial format, and lectures often take place in large halls like this one.

As a freshman, you might have heard from your seniors that a polytechnic timetable feels quite different from secondary school. To ease your transition, it’s helpful to understand how Temasek Polytechnic’s (TP) academic calendar and learning structure are organised.

View the TP AY 26/27 academic calendar here and take note of these key differences when planning your schedule:

Term break vs study week

Unlike the fixed holiday schedules in secondary school, TP has:

• Term Breaks, which are similar to your usual June and December school holidays.
• Study Weeks, which are single weeks with no scheduled lessons. These are meant for self-revision and exam preparation.

Lectures and tutorials

You’ll attend two main types of lessons:

• Lectures: Larger, formal sessions held in lecture theatres.
• Tutorials: Smaller, more interactive classes where you’ll discuss and apply what you’ve learned in lectures, through discussions and guided activities.

More flexible schedules

Poly timetables offer more flexibility. You may not have full-day classes daily, and there may be gaps between lessons. Use this time wisely for:

• Lesson preparation or revision
• Group projects
• Consultations with lecturers
• CCAs or personal commitments
• Taking breaks to recharge

With this added flexibility, it's important to attend all your lessons as indicated in your timetable. Temasek Poly’s Attendance Policy requires at least 85% attendance per subject to pass.

What learning materials should I prepare?

TP runs a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) notebook system, meaning that you’ll need to bring your own laptop to school for lessons and working on assignments.

At TP, your primary learning device will be your laptop. You’ll need it to:

• Access the TP student portal
• Check your student email
• Use online learning resources
• Download and use SharePoint
• Work on assignments
• Collaborate effectively with classmates on projects

TP runs a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) notebook system. All students are required to bring their own personal notebooks/laptops for lessons.

You can buy a laptop from:

• TP’s appointed online vendors
• Directly from major retailers like Courts and Harvey Norman

Refer to this link for the minimum technical specifications for laptops by course.

Some courses in the School of Design may require additional digital tools, such as external hard drives for storing large project files and drawing tablets/styluses for design work. Students in these courses may contact their lecturers, seniors, or peers for device recommendations.

Contact the IT Service Management Centre at itsm@tp.edu.sg for help with technical issues, account issues, digital access, and software setup.

If you need financial support to purchase a notebook, consider applying for the TP Laptop Subsidy. Check this page for eligibility requirements and the application process.

Where can I find student support services at TP?

TP’s student support services are centred around Connexions@TP and Catalyst@TP

TP’s student support services are centred around two key locations: Connexions@TP for centralised student services, and Catalyst@TP for student guidance and coaching.

Connexions@TP is a centralised student services hub that strengthens TP’s culture of care and support. It provides a welcoming space where students can easily access information, seek guidance, and receive personalised assistance.

The hub features:

• On-site staff support
• Private consultation booths and rooms
• A service robot (EVA) for wayfinding and enquiries
• Flexible spaces such as The Hive for student activities and engagement

Visit Connexions@TP at Administration Block 9, Level 2, Lift Lobby D.

Catalyst@TP is another dedicated support space for student guidance and coaching. It offers accessible, professional guidance to help students navigate their educational journey and plan their future career pathways.

Students may connect with Education & Career Coaches (ECCs) and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Officers for personalised support in academic, career, and well-being areas.

The space also includes interview pods where students can practise and build confidence in their interview and communication skills.

Visit Catalyst@TP at Administration Block 9, Level 2, Lift Lobby C.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

TP offers a range of bond-free and industry-sponsored scholarships to students with outstanding academic and CCA records

TP offers a range of scholarships to full-time students who demonstrate strong academic performance and active involvement in co-curricular activities. These scholarships recognise their achievements and encourage them to continue excelling in their academic and personal pursuits.

For instance, the bond-free TP Scholarship recognises students who excel academically and demonstrate leadership or active participation in CCAs.

Other polytechnic-wide scholarships include the Ngee Ann Kongsi Scholarship and the Tan Agnes Jiannee Scholarship.

TP also offers industry-sponsored scholarships funded by external organisations. These are awarded to students with outstanding academic records and strong co-curricular involvement, and most of them are administered by Temasek Polytechnic.

You may view the full list of industry-sponsored scholarships for all TP schools here.

How do I apply for financial support?

You can use your Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) to pay for your TP tuition fees. This guide provides steps for filling out and submitting the TP PSEA form.

If your PSEA funds are insufficient, you can apply for additional financial support from:

• MOE Tuition Fee Loan Scheme (MOE TFL), which is interest-free.
• Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) by Mendaki, available to all Singaporean/PR Malay students. You may read more about the qualifying criteria here.
• CPF Education Loan Scheme, which draws from your parents’ or siblings’ CPF savings.
• Government bursaries based on household income (prepare your supporting documents using this checklist and access the step-by-step application guide here).
• Donor bursaries offered by TP and external sponsors.

Find more detailed information about the application and qualification processes here. For specific enquiries, you may email the TP Financial Aid & Awards (FAA) team at bursary@tp.edu.sg.

The TP Campus Care Network (CCN) Financial Assistance Scheme also provides immediate financial support to students facing crisis situations. You may apply via this online form.

Is there mental health support on campus?

Care@TP provides career and personal counselling for all TP students.

Yes, TP fosters a caring and inclusive campus culture, providing comprehensive student support services to ensure students’ well-being and personal growth throughout their learning journey.

We use a whole-of-school approach to support students’ well-being and mental health through a tiered support system involving Care Persons, para-counsellors, and professional school counsellors.

At the heart of this support system is TP’s primary mental health support initiative, Care@TP, located at Block 26B, Level 1. Here’s what’s available to all TP students:

• Peer support: Speak to a trained student peer who understands and listens.
• Free group or individual counselling services: Available to all full-time students.
• Specialised therapies
• Stress management workshops: Learn effective techniques to manage academic and personal stress.
• Emergency financial support
• Crisis help: Immediate student care and referrals during a mental health crisis.
• Support for those with special educational needs.

Beyond Care@TP, you can explore a wider range of services offered through TP’s Campus Care Network (CCN). TP’s CCN emphasises strong relationships between staff, lecturers and students, fostering a supportive, family-like environment. Key forms of support include:

• Regular pastoral care sessions: Care Persons regularly run pastoral care sessions with their classes to check in on students’ well-being and progress.
• Trained academic tutors: All academic tutors are trained in various forms of student support, including coaching and mentoring, mental health literacy, student support, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) support.
•  A dedicated Student Care team: Qualified counsellors provide guidance for academic concerns, personal well-being, financial challenges, and adjustment to polytechnic life.

CCN initiatives also promote care, belonging, and shared responsibility across the TP community. One such initiative is the CCN Day Carnival, held twice a year, which brings staff and students together to raise funds for those in need of financial assistance.

Looking for guidance on your career path? Visit Catalyst@TP, where TP’s Career Services & Counselling coaches are ready to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring options or working towards a specific goal, they can help you:

• Explore your strengths and interests
• Understand the requirements of your chosen industry
• Take concrete steps to prepare for your ideal career while studying at TP

Seeking support is always okay. Your well-being matters, and having the right support can make your time at TP more positive, balanced, and fulfilling.

Concluding tips

TP is here to support you every step of the way.

Remember that you’re not alone as you begin this new chapter. Reach out to your parents, friends, and seniors for advice and encouragement.

If you’re a returning student, take a moment to reflect on your TP journey and goals before the new school year. This helps you stay on track and reminds you of all the progress you’ve made.

Finally, give yourself time to adjust to your new school routine, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your peers, lecturers, and tutors are all part of your support system throughout your TP academic journey.

We wish you a successful start to the new school year!