Who Is This Residence For?
This apartment at 20 Serangoon North Avenue 1 suits students and young professionals who want a balanced lifestyle — not too far from the city centre, but not in the thick of the busiest districts. It is a room in a three-bedroom apartment, meaning you share common areas (kitchen, living room, bathroom) with up to two other people. That setup works well if you prefer having some privacy in your own room while still having a social home environment.
The location is near Serangoon — a residential area with good connectivity. The MRT station (Serangoon North Avenue 1 is a short walk from the MRT) and bus stops make commuting to universities like National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU), or Singapore University of Technology and Design manageable. Travel times vary, but you are roughly 20–30 minutes by train from the Orchard Road shopping belt and city centre.
The property offers non-ensuite rooms (shared bathroom) and is classified as an independent house (a private apartment rather than a purpose-built student dormitory). It includes laundry facilities, air conditioning, and an elevator — these are standard in Singapore but useful to have confirmed. The minimum lease is 3 months, which is short enough for a semester exchange but also long enough for a full academic year.
This residence is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious renters – the monthly price range (SGD 1,400 – 1,650) is moderate for a private room in an apartment in Singapore.
- Students on exchange – a 3-month minimum lease matches a typical semester.
- People who want a quiet home base – Serangoon North is a mature residential estate with local eateries, supermarkets, and parks.
- Those who value space – a three-bedroom unit in a private apartment usually has a decent living area and kitchen, compared to a compact studio.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
This property may not suit everyone. If any of the following applies, consider other options:
- You need an ensuite bathroom – the room is non-ensuite. You share a bathroom with other flatmates. For some people, that is a deal-breaker.
- You want a purpose-built student hall with events and support – this is a standard private apartment managed by a property operator. There are fewer organised activities compared to a dedicated student residence.
- You are on a very tight budget – the city’s starting price for accommodation is SGD 207 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). That corresponds to bed spaces in shared rooms or hostel-style housing. A private room in a 3-bedroom unit costs about SGD 350–410 per week, so it is pricier.
- You prefer ultra-central living – the property is in Serangoon North, not in the downtown core. If you want to walk to school or to Orchard Road, look for studios in the city.
- You have mobility concerns – an elevator is listed, but no mention of step-free access to the apartment entrance. It is best to check with the operator.
- You want a short, flexible lease – 3 months is the minimum. If you need just 1–2 months, this may not work.
What Residents Actually Say
We have three reviews from Google (as of the writing date). They are all positive and highlight the property’s cleanliness, location, and staff. Two of the reviews mention the property by the brand name “Coliwoo Orchard” – which appears to be the operator or the specific building brand for this address.
Amy Towing (5 stars):
“I would like to share my feedback regarding my stay at this property. I had a wonderful stay. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained throughout my stay. The staff were friendly, helpful, and always willing to assist whenever needed. The location is very convenient, being close to Orchard Road and within w…”
Yeet Deet Heet (5 stars):
“Stayed at Coliwoo Orchard for several days and was very impressed. Great location, near to both Orchard and Somerset MRT. Room and bed was comfortable and I slept well every night. Liked that they have a pool and gym too. Best of all was the staff - everyone was so professional, helpful and friendly - Joey, Azim and Zi…”
杨竣翔 (5 stars):
“I had a wonderful experience staying here. The hotel is always clean and well-organized, and all facilities are fully equipped. The staff are kind, patient and very helpful. A big shout-out to Azim, Joey and Zion — they were amazing and made my trip much more comfortable. Would definitely come back again!”
These reviews confirm that the property is well-maintained and the staff are responsive. The “pool and gym” mentioned by Yeet Deet Heet suggest that the apartment complex has recreational facilities – a bonus not listed in the basic filters.
Price Positioning vs the City’s From-Price
The city’s starting price for accommodation is SGD 207 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator). That price point typically refers to a bed in a shared dormitory or a very basic room far from the centre.
At SGD 1,400 – 1,650 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator), this room in a 3-bedroom apartment sits in the mid-range for a private room. Breaking it down:
- Weekly equivalent: SGD 350 – 412.50 (based on 4 weeks per month)
- Monthly city from-price (weekly × 4): SGD 828 per month
So the asking price is 1.7 to 2.0 times the absolute cheapest option. That premium buys you:
- A private bedroom (no sharing)
- A full apartment with kitchen and living space
- Convenient location near MRT
- Building amenities (pool, gym – as per reviews)
- Professional management
Compared to similar private rooms in the Serangoon/Bishan area, this price is competitive. Studios or one-bedroom flats in the same area often start above SGD 2,000 per month. Sharing a three-bedroom reduces that cost.
Remember: all prices are indicative. Contact the operator to confirm current rates, as they may vary with lease length and season.
Room-Type Guidance
This property offers rooms in a 3-bedroom apartment. The listing does not specify whether all rooms are equally sized, but typical configurations are:
- Master bedroom – larger, may have an attached bathroom (if offered, you would pay more; read the booking details carefully)
- Common bedroom – standard size, sharing the main bathroom
Because the unit type is “non_ensuite” and “independent_house”, you can expect one shared bathroom for the three tenants. If you need a private bathroom, look for a studio or a master bedroom elsewhere.
Tips for booking:
- Ask the operator which room you are assigned and whether the price for that specific room is within the SGD 1,400–1,650 range.
- Clarify if utilities (water, electricity, internet) are included. In Singapore, some apartments charge extra for utilities.
- Confirm the exact floor number if you are concerned about noise or accessibility.
Booking Timing Considerations
The property is available from 3 July 2026 (indicative — confirm with the operator). That date lines up with the start of the academic year for many universities in Singapore (August intake) as well as mid-year exchange semesters (July start).
Booking timeline:
- 3–4 months before move-in (March–April 2026) – start inquiring and checking availability. Early birds often get the better rooms.
- 2 months before (May 2026) – if you have not booked, the most popular rooms might be taken. Still, cancellations happen.
- 1 month before – possible last-minute deals if the apartment is not full, but your room choice will be limited.
Given the 3-month minimum lease, this property works for the July–September or August–November window. If you need a lease from August 2026, you might need to check if the operator allows a start date after the available from date.
Note on deposit: No deposit is shown in the data. Ask the operator about any holding fee or security deposit before paying anything.
FAQs
Is a deposit required?
The listing does not specify a deposit amount. Typically, private apartment operators in Singapore ask for one month’s rent as a security deposit. Confirm this directly with Coliwoo or the property manager before making a booking. (indicative — confirm with the operator).
What is the minimum lease period?
The minimum lease is 3 months. This makes the unit suitable for exchange students or short-term placements. If you need a longer contract, you can presumably extend. Check the operator’s policy on early termination fees.
When can I move in?
The earliest move-in date listed is 3 July 2026. That is a firm date (indicative — confirm with the operator) unless the unit is still occupied by a previous tenant. If you want to move in earlier, the operator may have other rooms available. Always verify the exact availability for your desired move-in week.
Sources & data date: 2026-07
For live availability and specific room options, use the on-site assistant on the listing page.
See also: listing details · browse more