This year we got inspired by Despacito & Reggaeton, so we presented a not-so-english Christmas to our Singapore society. We satisfied our cravings with a tapas night at La Tasca. The best part of tapas is when we have a variety of dishes served in small portions and we get to share it with the people around our table. This truly represented the main purpose of this gathering, which is to bring together everyone and celebrating the spirit of Christmas!

In the midst of submission, it was a great way to take a break from the hustle and catch up with our friends. There was also a lot more non-members who joined our dinner this time around, and it was really encouraging to see that we are very inclusive to people from other countries. Everyone bought their gifts for the secret santa exchange and we also had lots of laughter trying to answer the list of mini pub quiz questions. And of course we can't forget to mention our tradition of the santa hat that allows you to express some love to another human. You can spread the love by passing on the hat to someone else and only through kissing them before you can give them the hat. So much love filled the room that night ;) 

The night was still young when we were served our dessert- very chewy and heavenly churros, so some of us subsequently headed to Whisky River to carry on with more merry making. All these won't be possible without all the execs that have been working hard in organising and coordinating everything, so a big thank you to your hard work! 

Have a merry merry Christmas or should I say Feliz Navidad everybody! x

Love, 
Your SingSoc Exco

Most of us have expressed our desperate craving for Singaporean food while being away in Uni, and Prima Taste is here to save the day and solve our needs.  Prima Taste Online provides both local and overseas consumers straightforward access to the essential ingredients for the preparation of their favourite Singapore dishes. They offer a complete range of flavours from Chilli Crab, Laksa, Prawn soup, Curry to Bak Kut Teh noodles and sauces. Their Online Store allows one to shop effortlessly and delivers the "Flavours that remind us of home" right to your doorsteps. 

If members wish to order Prima Taste products online (www.primataste.com.sg), use this promo code: DU20OFF, and GET 20% OFF RETAIL PRICE!!!

So don't forget to stock up before heading out of Singapore, so you can always have a taste of home with you when you're in Durham! And here's a reminder of the day when we all became noodz promoters at The Cathay. Y'all did so well, we should all be hire by Prima Taste! 😉


Love,
Your Singsoc Exco

Orientation for the '17/18 batch was a huge success and we owe it to every single one of you who turned up and make a splash (literally) at Sentosa! And quoting our dear president, Derek: "Pretty sicc. We attac, we protec, but most importantly, we got bacc. How so? We did an amazing race." It was an intense race but that definitely allowed us to build stronger bonds with one another. These will be the people you want to grab when homesickness hit you and when you want some one to geek out with about roti-prata, bachormee, chicken rice and teh-peng.

​And the turnout was better than expected, we are definitely looking forward to seeing all you fresh faces entering into Durham in a month's time! Here are some highlights of the orientation in beautifully captured HD moments by our very own Glenn:

The day ended off with a relaxing chill out dinner at NSRCC. A massive shoutout to our annually generous sponsorship from Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) and the responsible and capable executive committee members of our society for making all of this possible. We're absolutely in debt to everyone's contributions. 

A massive thanks to JACK Study Abroad for inviting us to be part of their pre-departure briefing where they shared some basic information about studying in the U.K and specifically about Durham University. The attendees were introduced to the history of Durham, rankings of different schools and visa information. A few of us got to share more about our personal experiences as a student living in the various colleges such as their culture, facilities and food. We also gave them some tips on what to bring / transport (16 - 25 railcard) and how to make the most out of their time in university! 

After which, we also had a briefing with the British Council at Singapore Polytechnic. It was another round of promoting our love for studying in Durham and giving our point of view as a student studying overseas. We saw many wide-eyed potentials who will excel studying in the U.K and we look forward to seeing y'all again! 

For more information about studying abroad: http://www.studyabroad.sg/study-overseas-in-the-uk/

​Love, 
Your SingSoc Exco

Hi SingSoc,

The time has come for our annual DUSS Orientation Camp 2017!! We are inviting YOU, seniors/alumni to join us for dinner together with the freshers on the 22 August 2017, 7pm, with a minimal fee. Please join us if you are available, it will be a great chance to get to know the new additions to your families (to be revealed soon).

Sign-ups can be found in the link below and will close on Wednesday, 26 July 2017, 1159pm.

CLICK HERE: https://docs.google.com/…/1WCKLqJcld4fbtYR4rYE7Zn3lXJ2…/edit

We are also looking for some volunteers for our Orientation, so if you are interested, please fill up the form here:
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeOvD_yHuzwu_kP0…/viewform…
...See more

See you soon ;) 

Love, 
Your SingSoc Exco

Its been a month into term, we hope everyone's been coping well with school/life etc. So in case you have been naughty and have not attended any singsoc events, here's what you missed out on ! ​

​This event was kindly sponsored by Overseas Singaporean Unit and Contact SG 

​On 27 October, our lovely social secretaries Andre and Zi organised a Bailey Bar Crawl, gallivanting around different college bars before finally heading down to Loveshack for a halloween party jointly organised by DUHKS and CSSA. Needless to say, quite a few of us got (just) a teeny weeny bit drunk !

Kindly organised by our counterparts at Nottingham, NWG was a fun filled event which saw some of our #bestsocialteams competing against other schools in various different sports – Tug of War, Touch rug, Frisbee, etc, you name it, we've got it ! Surprisingly, we did not lose too badly. Good job to all those who competed, y’all will always the champions in our hearts yo 

Christmas Masquerade Formal, one of the most exciting events of the year where we get together and be fancy. (Go sign up and pay now, whatchu waiting for hurrr !!!!!!)

​Last but not least, winter is coming, so remember to turn the heating up and dress warmly !

Till next time,
​DUSS 16/17 xox

Hey guys!
Hope y’all enjoyed fresher’s week in your respective colleges and are now more or less settled down. If you are feeling nostalgic, here's what singsoc have been up to last month. 

On the 21st, we held our first event with the incoming batch of freshers – Orientation, a  2D1N camp at NSRCC! The day started with herding up lost freshlings at Siloso Beach, Sentosa, followed by ice breakers and then water games for some wet n’ wild fun. 

​After an afternoon of running around trying to outwit other OGs, we proceeded on to NSRCC to wash off the sweat and sand. Dinner was graced by seniors who took the time to come down and mingle with freshers – sharing their experiences and dishing out helpful advice on how to survive first year/ university. 

​A chalet is never complete without some form of night activity. Of course, what better to do than the all time favourite national british pastime --- Drinking. With alcohol strategically bought from duty free (perks of studying abroad – duty free shopping! ), we played several drinking games that hopefully did not burn any newly formed bridges or expose deep dark personal secrets. Some of the more cultured bunch however, decided sober DMCs (deep meaningful conversations) were the way to go. Such snobs.!

​As the sun started to rise from the east again, sleepiness crept up on these young souls and off to bed they went. With that, DUSS Orientation 2016 draws to a close. We hope you guys have enjoyed the camp and will continue to strengthen the bonds formed , no matter back home or in Durham ! 

Once again, thank you to Overseas Singapore Unit for making this possible ! 

Barely a week passed after orientation, and DUSS being super happening took part in the annual Warwick Summer Games (WSG) organized by Imperial College London. For the uninformed, WSG is basically like a sports tournament organized for all the Singapore Societies of various UK universities, where students will compete against other schools in many different sports.
​
Those brave enough to volunteer themselves as tribute played their hearts out on the field, and though against formidable opponents, emerged as champions in our hearts

As a way of bring overseas Singaporeans together, UKBound is another annual beauty pageant organised by Imperial. Various singsocs will send their most charming and charismatic member to stand the stage and bring glory to the school. This year, the ever gorgeous Amelia Tan took one for the team and bravely agreed to be Miss Durham, embarking on a monthlong journey of tiring training and photoshoots.
  
The pageant was held in Zouk, where participants battled it out against one another. Amelia was cheered on by our enthusiastic group of freshers (+ Sylvia) who went down to lend their support for their fellow schoolmate. 
​

Pic credits to ICSSxx

​This was the last event held in sunny Singapore before we all head back to Durham and resume our main objective – getting a degree.
 
This year, we decided to have a barbecue (courtesy of Mavis thank you) and being open to all, many turned up for this mini gathering to get a last look at one another before we all get drowned in schoolwork and college life. As usual, we had loads of fun eating, talking and just enjoying one another’s company in general. The night ended with some drinks and games, now ready to start the school year ahead armed with fond memories of DUSS.

​This Friday on 14th October, we will be having our annual welcome dinner at Fonteyn Ballroom, DSU, and we will have loads of local food and games. Do come down if you are free, but if you arent, MAKE TIME FOR SINGSOC yo. This event is open to all, so feel free to bring along any friends who are interested in the Singapore culture or just want something to do on a Friday night.

Till next time,
Singsoc Love xxx