A viral TikTok video from a Singapore university student has captured the nation's attention, highlighting the relentless academic grind that defines life here from a remarkably young age. In the clip, the student, known as @zoeysecretclub, shares her astonishment upon spotting a six-year-old child deeply immersed in study materials right beside her at the National Library. 'I was shocked to see primary and secondary school kids taking up most of the seats,' she recounts, noting how the sight spurred her own motivation to hit the books but also underscored the intense pressure embedded in Singapore's education landscape.

This moment resonates deeply in a country where libraries serve as battlegrounds for knowledge, frequented by students of all ages chasing academic excellence. For university students at institutions like the National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU), the scene is both familiar and a reminder of the long road they've traveled—and continue to tread—in one of the world's most competitive higher education systems.

📚 Singapore's Libraries: Sanctuaries Turned Study Arenas

Public libraries under the National Library Board (NLB) are more than repositories of books; they are vital study hubs. The 2024 National Reading Habits Study (NRHS) reveals that nine in ten teenagers and nearly eight in ten adults read at least one book in the past year, with library loans reaching 38.8 million physical and digital items in 2024—a 2.5 million increase from the previous year. Children and teens flock to these spaces, transforming quiet reading corners into bustling exam prep zones.

From community libraries in HDB heartlands to the flagship National Library, young learners as early as primary school age arrive equipped with workbooks, flashcards, and laptops. This trend reflects Singapore's cultural emphasis on education as the great equalizer, where access to free, air-conditioned libraries levels the playing field for rigorous self-study.

The Roots of Kiasuism: Building Habits from Primary School

"Kiasu," a Hokkien term meaning "afraid to lose," encapsulates Singapore's competitive ethos. It begins in primary school, where students face the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE)—a high-stakes test that streams them into secondary education paths. Parents invest heavily in tuition, with over 70% of primary students attending supplementary classes, fostering disciplined study routines early on.

Libraries become extensions of classrooms, with children honing skills in math, science, and languages. This groundwork propels Singapore's stellar Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) rankings, but it also instills habits that persist into higher education.

From Secondary to Pre-University: The Pressure Builds

Secondary school introduces O-Level exams, followed by junior colleges (JCs) or polytechnics preparing for A-Levels or diplomas. Junior college students, often 16-18 years old, mirror the viral library scenes, grinding for university admissions. Polytechnics emphasize applied learning, yet study intensity remains high.

The pipeline is meritocratic: top A-Level scorers enter NUS or NTU, while poly grads compete via aptitude tests. This continuity explains why university students like @zoeysecretclub recognize the younger grind—they've lived it.

University Library Life: NUS, NTU, and SMU Under the Spotlight

At NUS, the Central Library offers 24/7 quiet study spaces during term time and exams, complete with card access. Yet, "chope" culture—reserving seats with bags, laptops, or snacks overnight—sparks frustration. A viral TikTok in 2023 showed desks hogged for days, prompting NUS to enforce hourly checks and removals.

NTU's libraries extend hours to 11:30pm during assessments, with multiple branches like the Lee Wee Nam Library catering to diverse needs. SMU's city-campus libraries provide collaborative zones amid urban bustle. Peak hours see full occupancy, echoing public libraries but amplified by group projects and thesis deadlines.

Photo by S M on Unsplash

Study Habits Quantified: Hours and Intensity in Singapore Unis

Singapore university students average 50 hours weekly on academics—28.6 in classes and 22.2 self-studying—per a 2022 NUS study. This surpasses many peers globally, driven by rigorous curricula at NUS (30,000 undergrads), NTU (24,000), and SMU.

• NUS: Modular credits demand consistent effort; exams push all-nighters.
• NTU: Project-heavy engineering programs extend library stays.
• SMU: Case-based learning requires deep research dives.

The viral post motivates some, but highlights a culture where rest is secondary.

The Hidden Cost: Mental Health Challenges in Higher Education

Nine in ten university students report regular stress, with one in five showing anxiety or depression symptoms, according to NUS's Student Wellbeing Pulse 2024 and inter-university surveys. Academic demands top stressors, exacerbated by kiasuism's grade obsession.

Youth miss 24 school days yearly due to mental health, per recent data. Universities note rising counseling demands, up 20% yearly since 2021 for exam stress.

Student and Expert Voices: Perspectives on the Grind

"Seeing kids that young already grinding scares me, but it's why we're top-ranked," shares an NTU engineering student anonymously. Professors advocate balance: NTU's wellness programs emphasize resilience training.

Experts like those from IMH's Singapore Mental Health Study note 27% severe anxiety in youth, linking it to academic culture. Yet, digital peer support cuts symptoms by 40%, per NUS trials.

Initiatives for Wellbeing: Universities Step Up

NUS offers grace days post-exams for recovery, alongside counseling and peer networks. NTU's grace days and academic advisors combat burnout. SMU integrates mental health into curriculum via workshops.

MOE pushes holistic education, reducing PSLE weightage and promoting skills beyond grades. NLB enhances libraries with maker spaces for creative breaks.

Global Comparison and Local Pride

Singapore's unis rank top globally—NUS #8 QS 2026, NTU #12—thanks to disciplined habits. Yet, peers in less pressured systems report higher life satisfaction. The viral video sparks debate: is the grind sustainable?

Photo by Namcha ph on Unsplash

Towards Balanced Excellence: A Future Outlook

As enrollment grows—over 100,000 across autonomous unis—focus shifts to wellbeing. AI tools, flexible learning, and mental health integration promise evolution. The uni student's shock may catalyze reflection, ensuring Singapore's education produces not just scholars, but thriving individuals.

For aspiring students, resources like academic CV guides and university jobs await on AcademicJobs.com.