RC4 EOD E-Booklet 2020

RESIDENTIAL

COLLEGE 4

SMALL SYSTEMS BIG HEARTS

Content Page

COLLEGE VISION AND MISSION 
SYSTEM THINKING
UTCP AND RC4 MODULES
COLLEGE PROJECTS
COLLEGE ACTIVITIES
INTEREST GROUPS
HOUSES
AMENITIES
FAQS
COLLEGE CALENDAR

01 College Vision & Mission

Mission

To integrate academic and personal life in a
residential setting to:

i. develop systems thinking using interdisciplinary
issues

ii. foster all round student development through
in- and out-of-class learning experiences

iii. nurture a spirit of concern and care in students
for all living beings and the environment

Vision

To bound the RC4 Community together by the
common values of:

i. Openness and inclusion

ii. Care and concern for all living and non-living
things

iii. Love for learning

iv. Confidence in self and others

v. Willingness to pursue continuous improvement
as a lifelong goal

02

Systems Thinking

What is systems thinking? An analogy

Simply put, systems thinking is a Suppose the clock stops working
forward-looking problem solving properly and we want to fix the clock
tool. It involves looking at various
constituent parts of a system, and
understanding how these parts
change over time and affect a
larger system. We use systems
thinking to identify the most
important “cogs” in the “machine” to
influence the largest change in
issues. Anyone who wants to solve
problems can use systems thinking to
gain a  holistic  understanding on any
societal issues like climate change,
health and population etc.

We look into the clock's system of gears
and cogs to try to understand which
part of the clock needs fixing

By identifying the cog that is faulty, we

are best able to fix the clock

effectively while minimising the

resource used

Anyone who wants to solve problems
can use systems thinking to gain a
better understanding of the issue, and
thus form a better approach on how to
solve it!

03 RC4 Modules
University Town College Programme (UTCP)

The UTCP emphasises multidisciplinary Students admitted into RC4 are expected to
complete the UTCP cirriculum of the following five
learning and active small-group learning. modules :

Students from different disciplines, cultures, 1. Junior Seminar (JS) – UTC1702 coded
2. Senior Seminar (SS) – UTC27xx coded
and nationalities are put together in each 3. Singapore Studies (SSU) based Senior Seminar

class, which helps them to assimilate and - UTS27xx coded
4. Ideas & Exposition I (IE1) – UTW1001 coded
synthesise cross-disciplinary knowledge, 5. Ideas & Exposition II (IE2) – UTW2001 coded

facilitating multi-perspectival thinking. All these modules should be completed during
your two-year stay in the college.
UTCP will help students develop:
- Effective Communications Skills Typically,
- Strong Writing Skills a JS and an IE1 in first year and
- Critical Thinking Skills 2 SS* and an IE2 in the second year.
- Intellectual Breadth and Rigour

A host of informal learning activities, such as
talks by distinguished visitors, social and
sporting activities, complement its formal
curriculum.

*Please note that you have to complete JS before signing up for SS/SSU modules and
you should read IE1 before signing up for IE2 module.

Please lookout for updates for UTCP modules on this link

http://rc4.nus.edu.sg/academic-programme/module-registration/

04 College Projects

Freshmen Orientation
Camp

4D3N of fun activities designed to facilitate bonding
among the freshmen and also the seniors.

Helps integrate freshmen into the RC4 culture.

Get to know the people you're staying with.

Fun guaranteed!

Open Day

Dive into our daily lives through our college tour
and experience a day of life at Residential College
4 (RC4).

A visit to RC4 will offer a glimpse of the endless
opportunities, limitless events and homely facilities
we have.

Join us in exploring our wide range of Interest
Groups, where everyone is sure to find somewhere
they belong.

04 College Projects

Flag 2019

Flag day is the university's biggest fundraising event of the year.

Residential College 4 Flag committee spearheaded our Residential College’s fundraising efforts and
community service projects, benefitting the needy and underprivileged.

This year, Residential College 4 championed for PAVE, a social organisation that aims to prevent and
provide support for victims of relationship and domestic violence, through our resident’s flagging
efforts and the sales of merchandise on Rag and Flag carnival day.

STEER 2019

To explore and understand the environment and life in the hills of Himalaya, some of our
residents visited Western Himalaya in India to explore the farms, forests and towns of the
Kumaon range.

Through observing, listening and reflecting on the influence of modern science and
development on their traditional knowledge and culture, we had a lot of fun and enriched our
perspectives on life there.

04 College Projects

Orca 2018

Project ORCA is RC4’s annual Overseas Community Involvement Project (OCIP) that has been
meaningfully engaging school kids in Vietnam since the year 2016.

Project Orca 2018 involved 18 volunteers (16 RC4 students and 2 staff) who went to Thanh Loc
Commune, located in Cai Lay District of Tien Giang Province, Mekong Delta region of Vietnam from
10th to 16th December 2018.The student volunteers conducted a series of workshops employing
creative and interactive teaching methods in Thanh Loc Secondary School.

The aim of these workshops was to improve secondary school students’ confidence in English
language communication.

Besides giving back to the Vietnamese student community, the volunteers also went on a cultural
enrichment trip to Ho Chi Minh City.

04 College Projects

ICG 2019

The Inter-College Games is an annual sports
competition between residents from all the
residential colleges in NUS!

Our residents pit their best against the other
colleges and achieved remarkable results!

Arts Night 2019

Arts Night is an annual arts concert that showcases
and celebrates the artistic talents in Residential
College 4, NUS.

Over the past 4 years, this platform has been the
most anticipated concert put together by our Arts
interest groups.

This is the biggest arts showcase of the year,
during which performers gain an immense sense of
pride for their art.

Experienced and non-experienced residents are
welcome to participate, making this an inclusive
and welcoming platform for all to learn and grow.
The audience will take away a deeper
understanding of the different arts forms and their
genres through this event.

05 College Activities

Inter-House Games

Friendly competition among the 5 houses: Aquila, Noctua, Ursa, Leo and Draco. Games range from sports
like Badminton and Tchoukball to e-sports like Nintendo Switch Overcooked 2!

Welcome Dinner

Formal dinner where residents come down dressed
to the nines & are treated to a scrumptious 3-
course meal.

Halloween Dinner

Informal themed dinner where residents come
down dressed as their favorite characters. As per
the Halloween theme, RC4Theatre put up a spooky
performance last year that left us with chills.

Operation Tealsday

A day where we can purchase uniquely RC4
merchandise to show RC4 pride, featuring our
famous Orca plushie.

05 College Activities

Carnival Games Night

Fun games were set up for residents to come
down to play together and chill. Games
included Ring Toss, Nintendo Switch games and
even Mahjong! Students also came up to sing
and perform adding to the lively atmosphere.

Welfare Wednesdays

Free food and drinks were given to residents
as mid-week boosts. This included snacks like
curry puffs and bubble milk tea!

Parents Night

Parents of the residents were invited down for a
night of food and performances. Booths were also
set up to showcase certain IGs. The night served
to give the parents a glimpse of their child's life in
RC4.

05 College Activities

Music Night

A platform for music enthusiasts in RC4 to
showcase their talents on stage. Fellow
residents get to hang out and enjoy the
performances put up by their talented
friends.

Back to School Dinner

An informal dinner for residents to
reconnect with their friends as Sem 2
begins. Activities include talent shows with
attractive prizes like gift cards to be won!

Slumber Party

Movie screenings where residents can
dress up in onesies and enjoy the food
and beverages provided by our  own
interest groups!

05 College Activities

Valentines Day Bazaar

Roses were sold at affordable prices for residents to spread the love. Residents can nominate their friends
on the RC4 Instagram (@orcasnaps) to be featured as bachelors and bachelorettes.

Farewell Dinner

A time where the whole college gathers to celebrate the end of the academic year and look back at the
memories made during the past year.

This day is when we have an award ceremony to recognize and thank the residents who have made
outstanding achievements in the College.

05 College Activities

TAP4YOU

Tap4You was launched as a college project under RC4lunteers. This project
aims to increase the level awareness of migrant worker issues in Singapore
amongst RC4 residents, through providing platforms for interaction and
conversation. Residents share a meal with a migrant worker by donating 1
meal credit and an hour of their time.

06 Interest Groups (Arts IGs)

RC4rsty RC4rtsy is an avenue for you to paint, draw, sculpt, and
engage in whatever creative artsy-fartsy activity you can
think of! THERE IS NO ART BACKGROUND REQUIRED!

With our weekly art-making sessions, members are able to
work on long-term masterpieces alongside friends and
guidance from instructors will be provided!

Fun workshops will also be held from time to time such as
wood carving, terrarium making, key-chain creation,
polymer clay crafts and more!

Not only this will be THE platform to engage in therapeutic
creative work during a stressful school term but also an
excellent opportunity to learn and make art alongside like-
minded friends!

RC4Theatre

RC4Theatre aims to cultivate a passion for the stage
both in our members and the wider RC4 community
through our performances.

Our weekly sessions focus on developing related
skills like improvisation and enunciation. After which,
members can look forward to participating in two
main productions per academic year.

Notable performances included Halloween Dinner
and Arts Night.

By providing an opportunity for both first-timers and
experienced performers to hone their theatre skills,
we hope to spread the joy and freedom for theatre.

06 Interest Groups (Arts IGs)

RC4ME

RC4ME (RC4 Musical Expression) was formed
spontaneously when a group of students
realized they had a common spark of interest in
music.

Over the years, that spark has ignited the
flames of passion in our musicians, allowing us
to spread the joy of music with the college.

Our vision is for RC4ME to be a platform for
musicians to showcase and improve their
talents, a space that prioritises dedication over
ability, and a home of close-knit musicians who
are not afraid to spread their love for music.

Together, we can enrich your lives with the
sound of music.

R4D is a combined dance IG with CAPT that R4D
aims to build a community of dancers,
regardless of background, who are safe and
encouraged to dance.

R4D touches on various genres including hip
hop and contemporary.

We help new dancers find their passion for
dance and experienced dancers to go out of
their comfort zone in trying new genres or
creating choreography.

With events like formal dinner and RC4 Arts
Night, there will be various platforms for
dancers to shine and work on performances.

Through our IG, we hope to spread the dance
culture throughout RC4 and other colleges.

06 Interest Groups (Arts IGs)

R4MODA

Get ready to fall in love with fashion through R4MODA!

We are the first fashion society in NUS and we hope to

inspire people to create and pursue what their hearts
desire.

Here you will be introduced to fashion photography,
fashion design, modelling, styling and makeup.

With these knowledge and skills, we will be working towards
a fashion show at the end of the year.

Follow us @r4ontrend to find out more about what we do
and catch our collection this year!

06 Interest Groups
(Community/Lifestyle IGs)

Orc4Plays

Initiated by passionate individuals who are
eager to share their passion for tabletop
games, OrcaPlays is RC4’s very own board
and card games Interest Group.

Aiming to bring smiles and laughter to the

community through entertainment and

exciting challenges, OrcaPlays is definitely an

Interest Group to join!

Get ready to dive into a world of fantasy,
adventure, love and betrayal, and develop
great camaraderie and sharp strategy on the
way.

Strategic Games

Strategic Games IG was started to create a
community of people with interest in mind sports such
as contract bridge and mahjong, as well as a place for
RC4 residents to relax and bond over mahjong.

The major objectives of this IG are to expose residents
to contract bridge and further enhance the skills of
existing contract bridge players, as well as create an
inclusive mahjong community where residents can start
or join mahjong games with ease, and introducing
residents to other kinds of mahjong, such as Richii
mahjong.

This IG will be useful to the RC4 community as it not
only helps to prepare RC4's ICG bridge team, but also
provides bridge and mahjong equipment should the
residents need to use them on a daily basis (outside
training hours).

06 Interest Groups
(Community/Lifestyle IGs)

RC4fe

RC4FE aims to explore various recipes and impart cooking
techniques upon members who have strong interests in
cooking.

RC4FE also strives to create a communal gathering place for
RC4 residents to interact with each other while providing
tasty and comforting meals to them after a long day of
school.

They have prepared delicious snacks like Tuffle fries and
Popcorn for Music Night and other activities!

OrcaBakes

OrcaBakes was created to help those who are interested in
baking to learn and enjoy hands-on practice.

Each session is dedicated to learning a new method
of baking or to try out a new recipe.

More importantly, it is the perfect place for the RC4 residents
to bond over sweet treats and equally sweet talks.

RC4tography

RC4tography aims to create a community of photographers
and share our passion in practising this art form.

This IG will mainly focus on developing photography skills for
those who are just starting out and to provide connections
and networks for more experienced photographers.

06 Interest Groups
(Community/Lifestyle IGs)

RC4 Coffee Academy

RC4 Coffee Academy aims to promote an
appreciation for coffee – from bean origins to
preparation methods.

The Coffee Academy also trains residents to
prepare coffee using different methods while
fostering an environment ideal for education and
sharing knowledge.

The Academy extends its efforts to the RC4
community, featuring a wide range of coffee for
all to sample.

RC4Tea

A newly initiat4ed IG by Tea fans, RC4Tea hopes to
promote the art of making various tea-related drinks using
tea preparation methods predominantly from SEA and
create an avenue for tea appreciation.

The IG aims to appeal to the residents by not only imparting
the science behind tea preparation, but also appreciation
on how various cultures have influenced the drink and its
preparation.

Fellow fans of tea will not only gain new knowledge but
also get to taste delicious tea-related drinks!

06 Interest Groups
(Community/Lifestyle IGs)

KAR4OKE

KAR4OKE aims to provide a spontaneous,
fun environment for anyone who wishes to
express themselves and simply to bond with
others who enjoy singing their troubles
away.

A low-pressure environment free of
judgement, KAR4OKE welcomes everyone
and requires no musical proficiency. It will
provide the RC4 community with an avenue
to relieve stress and bond with fellow
college mates.

ARC4NA

A community where members get to discover
new aspects of gaming. Experienced gamers
can hone their skills, while newcomers get to
learn and explore their areas of interest. This
community will be a unique experience for
residents to bond together and has a low
barrier of entry for all curious parties.

06 Interest Groups
(Community/Lifestyle IGs)

RC4lunteers

RC4lunteers collaborates with Community Chest to provide a convenient platform for RC4 students
to volunteer with social service organizations via ad hoc and/or long-term programmes.

It aims to help the beneficiaries from social service organizations belonging to various target groups
– children with special needs, children from families with difficulties, youths-at-risk, persons with
disabilities, and the elderly.

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Basketball

RC4Basketball wishes to spread the love of
basketball by including anyone that has an
interest in learning the game.

Its objective is to create a space for enthusiasts
to develop their skills and forge long-lasting
friendships.

RC4Basketball is a warm and friendly
environment where everyone is encouraged to
do their best without fear of failure.

RC4UltimateFrisbee

RC4Frisbee is a platform for RC4 students who
love the game of Ultimate Frisbee to come
together, make new friends and improve at the
game.

RC4Frisbee aims to forge strong and long-
lasting friendships through this game and
become the best frisbee team amongst all
Residential Colleges.

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Climbing

RC4Climbing aims to promote climbing as a
recreational sport for all to try and join.

As climbing is a sport that requires additional
equipment that not everyone has access to,
RC4Climbing strives to be an appropriate
environment for both old and new climbers to
explore and climb.

RC4Badminton

RC4Badminton is a friendly neighbourhood IG
that welcomes everyone to join in a chill game
of badminton or to feed on the competitive spirit
within you to achieve a sporting medal in the
annual ICG.

RC4Badminton hopes to be a place for
everyone to have fun, destress and make friends.

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Volleyball

RC4Volleyball aims to expose volleyball to new players who
want to learn, as well as to experienced players looking to
train and have some fun.

The sessions are carefully planned to ensure that everyone is
included and have the most fun possible.

Volleyball is an increasingly popular sport.

In RC4Volleyball, both male and female players work
together as a team.

RC4Volleyball isn’t just a team that plays together, but a
family that constantly looks out for each other and cares for
one another.

RC4Floorball

Held at RC4’s very own Multi Purpose Sports
Hall, RC4Ball hopes to inculcate interest and
passion for both experienced and new players.

With trainings happening twice a week, RC4Ball
hope to equip players with sufficient skills.

Competitive players could also take part in the
Inter-College Games which occur annually.

This team sport will install teamwork and
sportsmanship in all players; shaping them into a
holistic student.

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Squash

RC4Squash aims to introduce the game to new players
through weekly trainings.

The sessions would be a time to make new friends and have
fun through the sport, while simultaneously improving the
general fitness amongst players.

RC4occer

RC4occer brings people together to connect
over all things.

Regardless of whether you are a newbie to the
sport or a passionate fan, there is something for
everyone!

With a fun and friendly atmosphere, anyone can
enjoy the sport and get to know one another.

You can come de-stress and chill over live
screenings or a game of FIFA.

The IG members also train together to represent
the college in the annual Inter-College Games.

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Table Tennis

RC4TableTennis aims to provide a space for interested
people to share the joy of the sport.

It is a recreational IG that caters to beginners and
experienced players alike.

In and out of training sessions, the IG hopes to build team
spirit and foster friendships.

RC4Tchoukball

RC4Tchouk is an interest group that aims to gather a close
and supportive community to play the fun sport of Tchoukball.

Being an interesting and unique team sport, Tchoukball is
exciting and challenges players to hone their physical abilities
and awareness on the court.

RC4Tchouk provides an opportunity for intersted beginner
players to learn and play the sport recreationally.

Members can also expect to be exposed to the various
beginner-friendly tchoukball competitions held by the college
such as the Inter-House Games and the Inter-College Games.

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Touch Rugby

RC4Touch Rugby aims to create a community
that is passionate about Touch Rugby and
actively contribute towards growing the sports
culture in RC4.

In addition, the IG aims to provide a friendly yet

challenging environment that welcomes

everyone to be part of the Touch Rugby family.

WilderNUS

Founded in 2018 by a group of outdoor
enthusiasts,

WilderNUS aims to bring together like-minded
peers in RC4 to participate in outdoor
activities.

Whether it is to relieve stress, learn new skills or
to chase the adrenalin rush, WilderNUS is about
challenging your limits alongside your friends.

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Captain's Ball

An interest group dedicated to fostering
interest in captain’s ball and to give a
platform for participants to improve their
skills leading up to the Inter College
Games.

RC4Captains Ball provides opportunities to
get to know residents outside a person’s
own house and to build a sense of
belonging as a whole team.

RC4 Health & Fitness

Rc4 Health & Fitness meets weekly for a dose of
workout sessions together, where we stress on
inclusiveness and OTOT (own time own target)!

We mainly do HIIT-based workout (or tabatha if
you wanna be fancy pansy) and we mix the
workouts up with pair activities sometimes or a jog
or yoga or whatever the group on that day fancies
and also depending on the instructor.

Humans, residents, professors of all fitness levels
are welcome to join!!! Get your butt off the chair
for 45mins once a week la maybe can get abs
too!

06 Interest Groups
(Sports IGs)

RC4Netball

Netball is an all-girls sport.

The RC4Netball Interest Group aims to
provide girls with more choices of team
sports to play.

Netball boosts self-esteem, physical
health and it can also help to foster
team spirit and forge friendships.

RC4Trekking

RC4Trek was set up with the aim of
promoting fitness, community bonding and
a love for nature. 

In an age where a sedentary lifestyle is
prevalent among youths, RC4Trek gives
anyone and everyone the opportunity to
keep healthy and strong.

Members do not have to be athletic, but
simply have the passion to walk.

As Lao Tzu aptly puts it, a journey of a
thousand miles starts with a single step.

06 Interest Groups
(Cognitio Pods)

MIND4US

Mindfulness has shown promise in
reducing stress and dysphoria related
problems such as depression and
anxiety.

This cognitio pod seeks to educate

people on mindfulness and provide a

common platform for interested

individuals to practice mindfulness in

RC4 consistently.

Since stress is no stranger to any

university student, this pod will

indubitable be of use to interested

members in the RC4 Community.

RC4EARTH

RC4EARTH is a team of passionate
environmental activists who aim to
promote sustainable living and
awareness about our current climate
crisis to all RC4 residents.

They carry out various environmental
initiatives to inculcate
environmentalism in our residents and
members.

06 Interest Groups
(Cognitio Pods)

Ever heard of the Trolley Problem?

RC4hilosophy
Pondered whether it is right to eat animals?

Stopped to think if you are obligated to save
that drowning child over there?

By critically engaging with such well-known
conundrums and more, they hope to
introduce the RC4 community to basic
philosophical concepts and modes of
reasonings.

They believe that these knowledge would be
highly applicable to everyday life and current
affairs.

Sessions are conducted in a fun, informal,
and engaging setting.

RC4Space

A student initiative of RC4, RC4Space
hosts its own makerspace, engaging
from 3D printing to software
development.

RC4Space also engages RC4

residents with courses on 3D printing,

Python programming, and basics of

IoT.

Over the years, the RC4Space
community has worked on multiple
projects, extending its efforts beyond
drone flying to incorporating
technology into everyday college life.

07 Houses of RC4

Aquila

"Aquila, affectionately called by its members as
the house of love, is a second home to many.
Lunch & supper jios, jamming sessions, chionging
assignments together. You name it, we have
probably done it all together. If you’re looking for
some chill & wholesome vibes, Aquila’s your best
bet."

Noctua

"Noctua, family nest of the owls. No matter how late
at night it can be, in Noctua, you will always find a
friend to have a heart-to-heart conversation with. If
you need a helping hand, we will always be here for
you. HOOT HOOT."

Ursa

"Ursa is home to a family of bears. We are
brought together by our desire for good food
(prata, indomee and nanathai!!). Rest assured,
there will always be an abundance of welfare
under our roof. We promise you good company
and a beary good time, always."

07 Houses of RC4

Leo

"Leo, the house of Lions. Come rest in the
Den when you’re taking a break, and the
only time we leave is when we go for a
hunt. Remember, a Lion is always welcome
back to its Den"

Draco

"When you're so high above, you can't help but
to just look down. No hate just love. Also follow
us on instagram @rc4draco for your daily dose
of draco dragons (we follow back)."

08 Amenities of RC4

Common Lounge

A common area, open 24 hr, for gathering, chit chat and
sturdy area. Occasionally, houses will hold their bonding
events in that area.

There’s also a karaoke system in place and can be easily
booked by anyone! In there, you can find printing facilities too.

Run out of snacks? Fret not! There‘s a corner set up, simply
PAYLAH and snack on it, at the same time all profits go to
charity!

Feeling talented? There’s also a piano available to show off
your skills!

Games Room

Open 24/7, hand itching for some
mahjong, table soccer or billard?

Find your kaki and game on!

Reading room

A quiet haven for those who wish to have a good read.
Where RC4Artsy have their Interest Group sessions!

08 Amenities of RC4

Seminar Room

UTCP modules are taught in these spacious
rooms!

Numerous talks/ RC4 activities are also held here!

During exam season, these rooms can be booked
for studying with friends as well!

Gym

Want to gym but yet laze walking all the way to the
center of U-town? Want to gym at Utown gym non-
opening hours? Want to gym but PAISEH with buff
lords in Utown gym?

No worries, we got you covered with our own
RC4Gym. Newly built, exclusive to RC4 residents
only.

Equipment we have include: yoga mats, bar bells,
weights, an ab roller, skipping ropes and more! (&
more to come so stick around for it!)

Theme room 4

This is where our interest groups,

RC4CoffeeAcademy, RC4Cafe and

OrcaBakes hold their IG sessions.

Over here, we have numerous cooking,
baking and coffee making appliances where
we cook up delicious food.

08 Amenities of RC4

MPSH

A space where most Sports IGs and R4D regularly hold their sessions, also known as Multi-
purpose sports hall.
Residents can also book the space to play sports or for any recreational activities in their
own time (subject to availability)

08 Amenities of RC4

Dining Hall

Poor cooking skills or no longer have meals prepared
for you just like at home? We got you covered with a
prepaid meal system including daily breakfast and
dinner!

Apart from the per serving mains, breakfast includes
free flow breads with spread, milk, soybean milk,
coffee, tea and fruits! At dinner, there’s even a help
yourself salad bar!

Music Rooms

This is where aspiring musicians come to practice and jam with their fellow musicians.

RC4ME band practices are held here!

08 Level Amenities

Every house will have a pantry, 2 water dispensers (1 in pantry), a laundry room, & a lounge on each floor!

Level lounges are where you can chill with your house mates or study together! House/Level events and
birthday celebrations are often held there too!

Study rooms are also available on L6 and L12.

Pantry

Love cooking or feeling inspired by a Tasty
video? Or simply having some late night
cravings? Come on down to your house
pantry and get cooking!

Features an induction hob, a common
fridge that is large and spacious, and a
water cooler!

Laundry Room

Features 2 washers and 2 dryers for you to
wash your clothes here in RC!

Don't have coins to spare? No worries! 1
washer and 1 dryer are ez-link accessible.

08 Amenities of RC4

Suite Common Area

For those living in a suite room, you'll have an attached toilet & a common area with sofas, a
table and chairs for you & your suitemates to hang out together!

09 Frequently Asked

Questions On University Town College
Programme (UTCP) :

What makes UTCP modules different

from GEM?

UTCP modules are designed to be more coherent in terms of
delivery in general education and emphasise on
multidisciplinary learning and active small-group learning.

As opposed to a lecture style where content is disseminated to

everyone, UTCP module are able to engage with students on a
more effective level, which helps to improve learning.

Students from different disciplines, cultures, and nationalities are
put together in each class, which helps them to assimilate and
synthesise cross-disciplinary knowledge, facilitating multi-
perspectival thinking.

Through its multidisciplinary curriculum, the UTCP

will help students develop effective
communications and strong writing skills,
critical thinking skills, and intellectual
breadth and rigour to tackle the complex,
inter-related challenges confronting the
world today.

Moreover, these skills learnt from UTCP modules
are able to be applied across many disciplines,
augmenting their education experiences and
allowing them to gain possibly an edge over
students who do not take these modules.

09 Frequently Asked Questions | ON UTCP

The UTCP includes:

One Junior Seminar. Each module under this umbrella will focus on a specific socially relevant theme
to cultivate a “big picture” thinking in students and help them to visualize how interconnections and
interdependencies between various actors of a system result in interesting and complex behaviors.
Students will develop qualitative and quantitative diagrammatic models using computational tools to
analyze the theme of interest from multiple perspectives (social, economical, political etc.) and will
use them to gain better understanding of issues and capacity for broader and deeper conversations.

Two Senior Seminars, of which one should be a Singapore Studies module. Targeted at Year 2
undergraduates enrolled in UTCP, two Senior Seminars serve as an educational reflection of NUS’
focus on Global-Asia issues. These modules focus on a significant global issue that may be
productively discussed from both Asian and Singapore perspectives.

Two modules on Ideas and Exposition. Process oriented, content driven and rhetorically intensive, It
also seeks to help students to develop core strategies that underlie successful scholarly writing in the
arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences and mathematics.

09 Frequently Asked Questions | ON UTCP

How is the workload like for both IEMs & Seminar
Mods?

For IEMs:

Completing the readings provided by the professors. This is to aid students to grasp the content the

professors will be discussing in class, which later would greatly benefit us when completing the academic
papers.

Submit a total of 3 papers to be counted towards their final grades.
Paper 1 is a critical commentary where students would have to present an argument while cross-referring to

different sources.

Paper 2 is a lens paper where students are given a source to analyse and apply the skills and concepts learnt

in class to critique the said source.

Paper 3 is an independent paper in which students have the freedom over deciding the topic they want to

write an academic paper on, as long as it is within the domain of the module’s discipline of study.

(The curriculum is designed to guide and train students to deliver quality papers throughout the semester,

hence students who may not be inclined to writing essays would not be constantly at a disadvantage.)

Seminar Mods:

The difference is that Seminar Mods are generally more self-directed as students are required to do

independent research on their part as a group to present a topic of interest. In the case of RC4, we are

Vensimrequired to use a software named to map out and analyse the relationality of the factors, which

often requires us to have pre-existing knowledge to derive. Class is about once a week, with JS lasting for 2h

and SS lasting 3h.

09 Frequently Asked Questions | ON UTCP

How does being a systems thinker help me as an
individual?

With a deeper understanding of the dynamics within a system, it allows organisation and
individuals to take full advantage of any element within the system.

- We become more efficient as we are training our self-optimisation.
- We can unpack problems in a more effective way
- We analyse the issue in a different lens, thus promoting innovation and creative
development. 

It becomes an avenue to address that never "seems to go away".

09 Frequently Asked Questions | ON UTCP

Is it difficult for someone with no background on
systems thinking to learn it?

Our JS modules offer a very beginner friendly way to learn systems thinking as a
tool. Lessons will help students to learn to actively apply said thinking process. RC4
has many students from all faculties across NUS, and many of them have
successfully learnt systems thinking through RC4’s UTCP.

What are the different topics one can take in their
time in RC4?

A complete list of our available RC4 modules can be found on our website. You
can refer to the earlier page in the booklet under the modules section as well.

09 Frequently Asked Questions | On Student Life

On Student Life:

What are the possible college
programmes available in RC4?

There are many ways to be engaged in
student life here in RC4!

Join any of our numerous IGs!
Participate in the organization of College
Projects!
Take up various leadership positions in our
House committees or College Students
Committee (CSC).
And even suggest your own initiatives too

What are the differences between
an IG and a normal CCA?

Residents can explore their varied
interests and ideas, alongside like-
minded individuals.

An avenue for them to develop their
passions and leisure pursuits. It is also
more flexible than CCAs as residents
can start up new IGs and activities
depending on their own personal
interests, ie :

- RC4Earth’s hydroponics project that

was started by a group of residents
interested in researching how to grow
plants in high-rise buildings.

- R4Moda was started by students to
learn about fashion and has grown
to even organise a fashion show.

09 Frequently Asked Questions | On Student Life

What are the commitment
levels for IGs?

The level of commitment ultimately

depends on each individual. It is common
practice for RC4 to have 2 weeks of IG
exposure for you to try out the different IGs

you have interest in and set your heart to
officially join the IG after the exposure

sessions. Even after exposure sessions,
our IGs welcome new members at any
point of time in the Academic year. To be

officially considered a member of the IG by

50%the end of the AY, however,
attendance would have to be attained!

Do you compete together in
IGs?

Some IGs participate in our annual Inter-House
Games as well as the collegiate-wide Inter
College Games, particularly our sports, E-Sports

and Strategic Games IGs. For our Arts IGs, they

Arts Nightparticipate in our annual and perform

for our college dinners. Our community and lifestyle

IGs as well as cognitio pods plan events for the

college. Ultimately different IGs contribute to RC4

culture and show their participation in different

ways.

09 Frequently Asked Questions | On Student Life

What is RC4s culture?

RC4 prides itself on always empowering our residents to follow their passions and pursue life-long
learning. We have always provided students with resources and support needed to explore their interests
and passions. We encourage residents to be engaged in social issues and to use the skills learnt in
RC4 to address these issues.

09 Frequently Asked Questions | On Application

On Application:

How do I apply to RC4?

All applications to UTCP have to be done
through the Joint Residential College
Application System.
Do remember to indicate RC4 as your
preferred college if you wish to apply here.
The new application window for incoming
freshmen for AY2020/21 will open from 9
March 2020 (0830hrs) to 13 April 2020
(2359hrs).

What is the interview
process like?

RC4 will look through your applications and
shortlist students for a panel interview. In
RC4, we aim for the interviews to be
personal and comfortable for you. Treat it as
a casual chat where we ask you questions
about yourself!

09 Frequently Asked Questions | On Application

How much would it cost to stay in RC4?

compulsory meal plan,Staying in the RC comes with a which includes breakfast and dinner from

RC4 is fully airMonday-Friday as well as breakfast on Saturday and Dinner on Sunday.

conditioned, but residents can choose between staying in a corridor room or a suite, usually

subject to availability. You can check OSA website for the accommodations, and check out our

website for more information on the RC4 rooms and facilities!

For all other questions, please feel free to check our RC4
website or drop us an email at [email protected]

NUSResidentialCollege4 orcasnaps Residential College 4
rc4openday20