Student Life in Malaysia: What to Expect in 2024

Student Life in Malaysia: What to Expect in 2024

Rich in its culture, history, and heritage, Malaysia has become a hot destination for international students from across the globe.

If you are a student looking to move to Malaysia for studies, we are here to enlighten you on what student life in Malaysia is really like.

What You Will Experience Living in Malaysia

If you are wondering what studying in Malaysia feels like for international students, here we have gathered a list of 10 subjects that summarizes student life in Malaysia and what you will experience in 2024:

1. University campus life
2. Quality of education
3. University societies and clubs 
4. Cost of living 
5. Vibrant social life
6. Diversity in cultures
7. Holiday festivals 
8. Available accommodation options 
9. Student discounts 
10. Part-time job opportunities

University Campus Life

The safety and security of student life in Malaysia is among the country’s top priorities.

University campuses are 24-hour observed by security guards at entry and exit gates. Campuses are also equipped with CCTV cameras to provide a complete sense of security in case of any accidents.  

Quality of Education 

Malaysia is home to prestigious universities that offer a top-notch level of education.

Universities such as Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti Kebangnsaan Malaysia (UKM) are ranked among the world's top 150 universities.

Foreign world class university campuses are also based in Malaysia like the University of Nottingham campus. 

University Societies and Clubs

One of the best parts about student life in Malaysia is the exciting student societies and clubs. You will get to volunteer to carry out certain projects and execute an entire project management plan.

This practice allows you to gain fundamental management and social skills during your student years. 

Cost of Living

Compared to many western countries, one of Malaysia’s most unique aspects is the affordable cost of living. You will experience lower prices on essentials such as food, housing, medical care, and tuition fees.

Check out our article on the cost of living in Malaysia in 2024 for more details.

Social Life

Weekends in Malaysia are spectacularly vibrant with activities that include hiking, movie shows, food festivals, and the best part is that students can experience all of these activities without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for ideas for the best things to do during your weekends, look up our article on things to do in Malaysia as a student, especially in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur.

Diversity in Cultures

Malaysia is known to be a melting pot for different cultures, languages, traditions, and more.

Your student life in Malaysia will be enriched with interactions with the local Malaysians: the Malays, Indians, and Chinese. All 3 cultures celebrate diversity with open arms together with foreign students. 

Holiday Festivals 

It is safe to say that student life in Malaysia is fantastic due to the abundant festive holiday seasons. 

Because Malaysia is home to different cultures, each culture celebrates its festivals as public holidays. The most exciting public holiday are Hari Raya (Eid Al-fitri), Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.

Each culture embraces the festivities with colorful fireworks, special foods and snacks, and getting together with family and friends.

Available Accommodation Options

One convenient aspect about student life in Malaysia is the variety of options when it comes to accommodation. Malaysia offers different types of accommodation that suit the budgets and needs of the students. 

Students get to choose whether they want to live in the on-campus accommodation, or live independently in a rented apartment near campus.

All in all, both options are unique in their own way. Know more about student accommodation options in Malaysia in this article. 

Student Discounts

Student life in Malaysia is budget friendly as there are generous student discounts offered by giant companies such as Apple, Samsung, & Uniqlo Clothing.

Student discounts are usually on essentials such as food, study materials, transport, electronics and more.  See a comprehensive list of student discounts in Malaysia in this article.

Part-time Job Opportunities

As an international student in Malaysia, you can get the opportunity to work part-time. However, it is important to know the regulations imposed by Malaysian Immigration Law.

Malaysian Immigration allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks or long holidays. 

Knowing that, you can work as a research assistant in your university, or as a freelancer in your field of study.