GUIDE TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Malaysia - Truly Asia

Truly Asia is the phase that best captures Malaysia, a dynamic city rich in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Malaysia, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. Read more about Malaysia here

CITY LANDSCAPE
The Petronas Towers, one of the world's tallest buildings has captured attention in Asia and the West for its outstanding architecture, which houses multinational companies and the world's top fashion labels.

FASHION & LIFESTYLE
Few countries in the world can match the range of fashion brands and lifestyle shops that fill the city's major shopping centres. From designer labels to cult brands, local designers to budding Asian creators, Kuala Lumpur is a fashion capital that is up-to-the-minute with the latest trends.

Hip restaurants and entertainment spots keep the pulse of the city beating to a sophisticated rhythm. Fantastically designed boutiques, shops, restaurants, discos and pubs make going out in Kuala Lumpur an experience of fun and a lesson in culture.

LIFE IN KUALA LUMPUR
Soaking in the energy and vibe of the Kuala Lumpur lifestyle will keep many students abreast of the latest developments in the fashion, design and entertainment industries.

Bahasa Malay is the national language of business, education and government in Malaysia. However, English is commonly used. Malaysia's large Chinese and Indian communities also preserve their own languages, dialects and festive celebrations. This provides an interesting networking and cultural exchange experience for international students.

The climate here is warm and tropical all year round. There are rainy seasons, but temperature variation throughout the year is minimal. Clothing for a warm climate is most suitable although light jackets and sweaters come in handy, as the air-conditioning in some buildings can be very cool.

ACCOMMODATION
Below are some guidelines for the various types of accommodation available to international students.

Hostel
RafflesDesign operates a hostel, which is located about 20 minutes walk from the campus. We provide a bed, mattress, wardrobe, air-conditioning, dining table, kitchen with cooking facilities, broadband internet, cable television and 24 hour security.

The rates are:
-Twin Sharing is RM650 each per month (including electricity and water bill)
-Single Occupancy is RM1300 each per month (including electricity and water bill)
* The above rates are subject to change.

Hotels or Service Apartments
Depending on location and size, cost for these residences range from RM5,000 to $8,000 per month.

Shared Accommodation / Independent Residences
Apartments with condominium facilities within walking distance to the school are available from RM1,800 per month. Students can choose to live alone or share with other students. Lease terms are usually for 1 year or more.

1 bedroom apartments RM1800 - RM2200 per month
2 bedroom apartments RM2000 – RM3000 per month
3 bedroom apartments RM3000 - RM3500 per month

Vista Damai Apartment (click to enlarge)

Damai Court Apartment (click to enlarge)

Accommodation rates outside the city centre would be less according to location.

Temporary Accommodation
All international students should plan to stay in temporary accommodation when they first arrive in Kuala Lumpur. They can look for longer-term accommodation later without the pressure of making an immediate decision.

The Admissions Department can assist you to arrange your short or long term accommodation requirements. Contact us at (603) 2164 1059 or admissions@raffles-design-institute.edu.my

TRANSPORTATION
•  Public Buses
There are many bus stops all over the city, many are air-conditioned and bus fares start from about RM1.00. Ampang Park bus stop is about 15 minutes walk from the campus .

•  Trains
The underground and monorail trains connect to all the major parts of Kuala Lumpur and are one of the most popular modes of transport. Train fares start from about RM1.00.

KL Monorail
With a total of 11 fully elevated stations, each between 600 to 1000 metres apart, the KL Monorail service is a cheap, convenient and enjoyable means of sightseeing within the busier parts of the city. The locations of the stations are especially ideal for leisure and shopping. Trains run from 6am to midnight, every 2-5 minutes during peak hours and 5-10 minutes off peak.

Putra LRT
The PUTRA Light Rail Transit (LRT) service offers a direct connection between KL Sentral and the Ampang Park LRT station, with an air-conditioned pedestrian walkway linking directly to the Ampang Park Shopping Mall.

Star LRT
The STAR line is an elevated, driver-operated rail service. Operating from 6am until near midnight, it offers another cheap and convenient means of getting around the city while taking in the sights

KLIA Express trains run every
15 minutes during peak hours (0500-0900 & 1620-2200)
20 minutes during off-peak hours (0900-1600 & 2200-0000)
(Journey: 28 minutes)

KLIA transit trains run every 30 minutes
KL Sentral-KLIA
(1 st train at 0533, Last train at 0000)
KLIA-KL Sentral
(1 st train at 0552, Last train at 0100)
(Journey: approximately 35 minutes)

•  Taxis
A fast, safe and relatively economical way to get about especially if you are a first time visitor. Make sure that the meters are on as soon as you get in an avoid negotiating fares upfront. Surcharges apply after midnight and during heavy rain.

There are many taxis on the road in Kuala Lumpur and taxi stands are situated at every major building and shopping centre. The taxi metre starts at RM2.00.

KL Sentral

The nation's main rail transportation hub for Kuala Lumpur's rail system which include KLIA Exspres, KLIA Transit, KTM Intercity, KTM Komuter, Putra LRT and KL Monorail. KL Sentral is also served by other transportation modes such as city buses, feeder coaches and taxis and is one stop away from the historic original railway building.

For more information on the public transport, please visit this website: www.rapidkl.com.my



FOOD
Malaysia is a food lover's paradise with so many local and international cuisine to choose from anytime of the day or night.

•  Hawker/ Coffee Shops
Excellent and inexpensive Malay, Chinese and Indian food can be obtained virtually anywhere in Malaysia, largely because of the strength and ubiquity of food stalls. Dining at a cart or streetside stand may sound plain and piecemeal, but in Malaysia eating food at the roadside stalls is a much-loved practice. Some stalls are open from morning to evening, while others are open from evening to dawn. Others are open around the clock, seven days a week. Prices start from about RM3 per dish of rice or noodles.

•  Restaurants
Malaysia offers numerous international dining choices from fast food to five star fine dining options.

•  Groceries
If you prefer to cook at home, local markets and supermarkets provide local produce and international foodstuffs. Average grocery bills for a week are around RM60-RM80 depending on your diet preferences.