Studying & life at boarding school – what it’s like?

Besides a boarding school’s location, curriculum and activities, an important factor to consider for families is what daily life is like for students. To help you make a decision, we profile a handful of boarding schools in Singapore, Australia and Malaysia – and we hear from students about what it’s like to board at them.

# Boardings school in Australia

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview – Sydney

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition set on the shores of Sydney’s Lane Cove River. For over 140 years, it has been shaping young men with the values of conscience, compassion, commitment and competence.

Students from Years 5 to 12 are given opportunities to pursue their interests, discover their talents and hone their skills. With a choice of over 22 summer and winter sports, performance opportunities in music and drama, as well as a wide range of special interest clubs and activities – including debating, chess and photography – boys have room to find what they’re good at and learn to excel.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Australia

Riverview’s 110-acre campus is home to both day and boarding students, with over 300 boarders among a student body of 1,600. The boarding houses comprise a special mix of students who come from different regions and remote parts of Australia, as well as metropolitan and international locations. Students must be Australian citizens to apply for enrolment.

Weekends are active as boarders participate in school sports and take part in activities like organised trips to the movies, the beach or the bush. They also enjoy casual leave, allowing them to visit local shops, or take a short bus ride into the city or other parts of Sydney with their friends.

Special occasions add fun and camaraderie – birthday cakes are shared, boarders take turns running the barbecue, and each Head of Division puts on a monthly dinner. Shared meals, games in the common room, touch footy on the field – these small touches turn a boarding community into a real second family.

Meet with the Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview team in Singapore

Principal Mark Tannock and Director of Boarding Anthony Begg will be in Singapore on 22 October. For details, refer to riverview.nsw.edu.au/boarding/boarding-roadshows.

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview is at 115 Tambourine Bay Road, Riverview, NSW.
+61 2 9882 8222 | riverview.nsw.edu.au

Shore – boys’ boarding school in Sydney

Shore has educated the young, curious minds of Australian boys for over 135 years. Its campuses are in the heart of North Sydney and close to public transport. The school’s mission is to ensure every child receives the support, guidance and instruction they need to become the very best version of themselves. The school’s High Potential Learners programme is enhanced by a wide range of co-curricular, pastoral care and Service Learning programmes. The school aims to graduate men who are compassionate and understand others, with the willingness and ability to relate to all people.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Australia

Shore currently has 1,802 students enrolled, with 171 of them being boarders. Boarding is available to students from Year 7 onwards. There’s also the option of weekly boarding for Sydney families seeking an immersive education at the school.

Hear from a Shore student

“Boarding has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve formed great connections and mates across the four boarding houses. The connections built here will stay with us long after we leave. The Boarding staff genuinely care about every single boy – they’ve taught me countless lessons while always being there for a chat.” – Gus M, Year 12, Boarding House Captain

Shore School is at Blue Street, North Sydney, NSW.
+61 2 9923 2277 | shore.nsw.edu.au

Seymour College Girls Boarding School in Adelaide

Seymour College was established in 1922 as Presbyterian Girls College, along with the College’s Boarding House. From Reception to Year 12, the College enrols approximately 750 girls with 100 girls boarding. Students who successfully complete their senior secondary schooling at Seymour College are awarded the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), which is recognised by universities worldwide.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Australia

Seymour’s Boarding House is located at the heart of the College’s 25-acre campus. There’s an onsite pool, refurbished sports centre, oval, strength and conditioning gym, and courts. It’s a short walk to Burnside Village, while the CBD is just over 5km away. The options for full board (seven days a week), weekly board (Sunday or Monday to Friday) and homestay. Each week features a specific boarding activity, from shopping expeditions and movies to rock climbing, paddle boarding or yoga. This is on top of the full list of sports, music, arts and other co-curricular activities on offer at Seymour.

Hear from a boarding school student

“The best part about Seymour is its empowering environment; I can thrive without feeling I have to impress anyone. I’ve already made long-lasting friendships that I will likely have for life. My favourite part is the school’s clans and the many fun events I look forward to throughout the year.” – Minnie Hockley, Year 10, boarder for one year

Seymour College is at 546 Portrush Road, Glen Osmond, South Australia.
+61 8 8303 9000 | seymour.sa.edu.au

Wenona School in Sydney

Wenona School, located close to the centre of Sydney is an independent, non-denominational school that has been educating girls from K to Year 12 for almost 140 years. The diverse curriculum includes STEM, ethics, philosophy, culture and humanities, creative and imaginative expression, and physical development. Years 5, 7, and 10 to 12 have access to the Renaissance Studies course, modelled on the Socratic method of teaching. From Year 3 onwards, girls have the opportunity to compete in interschool sports competitions, and go on camps and adventure trails.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Australia

Wenona has boarding options for students from Years 7 to 12. Of the 1,380 students, approximately 50 are boarders, hailing from locations including rural Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, India and Dubai. There are options for full, weekly and temporary boarding, with Boarding Scholarships for full or partial remission of boarding fees. Boarders can find academic, social and emotional support from the Head of Boarding, and dedicated and experienced staff. During their free time, the girls can experience Sydney as public transport, shops and parks are within reach of the campus.

Hear from a boarding school student

“I joined Wenona in 2022 from Illabo, a small rural town. One of the best things about boarding is not having to wake up early to travel to school! After classes finish, we catch up on family chats and study before dinner together. What I enjoy most about boarding is living with my friends! Plus, weekend activities like walking to cafés in neighbouring suburbs, sport days, movie nights in the rooftop recreation space, and visiting places like Taronga Zoo or the beach.” – Asha, Boarding Captain

Wenona is at 176 Walker Street, North Sydney.
+61 2 9409 4400 | wenona.nsw.edu.au

# Boarding school in Singapore

United World College South East Asia boarding options

UWCSEA provides a holistic, values-based education supporting students to develop as individuals and as members of a global society. Students follow a concept-based curriculum leading to IGCSE, IBDP or the UWCSEA High School Diploma. In Grade 9/10, UWCSEA courses replace the legacy IGCSE programme. Besides mandatory core subjects, students have free-choice electives tailored to their interests. The school also has a scholarship programme for students from around the world.

A snapshot of life at this school in Singapore

This boarding school in Singapore is available for students of diverse backgrounds and nationalities from Grade 8 onwards. Their school day begins with mentor time before the first class. Lessons end at 3pm, followed by extracurricular activities in school. After dinner, there’s mandatory study time from 7pm to 8.30pm in designated study areas around the boarding house or campus. After this, Grade 11 students have free time to relax until 10pm followed by lights off between 10.45pm and midnight.

Hear from a student at boarding school in Singapore

“I’ve been a boarder at Tampines House in UWCSEA East since I was a Grade 9 student. The biggest challenge for every boarder is time management. Here, you’re responsible for planning your day and balancing various activities and services. With time, this skill develops, and you gain valuable life skills along the journey.” – Jeffrey, Grade 11

East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5344
Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6775 5344
uwcsea.edu.sg

# Boarding school in Malaysia

Marlborough College Malaysia, Johor

Located in Johor Bahru along Malaysia’s southern coast, Marlborough College is a 10-minute drive from the Singapore border. The campus sits on a lush 90-acre estate that includes a lake for water sports, an organic farm, rugby and football pitches and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. All of these facilities are available for boarding students. The College follows the UK curriculum and is based on British standards and content, enriched with a global perspective. It offers the IGCSE for 16-year-olds and the IB for 18-year-olds.

A snapshot of life at this boarding school in Malaysia

Pupils boarding at MCM enjoy a British boarding school experience without having to make the long journey to the UK. MCM boarders enjoy a British boarding school experience with access to academic support outside of regular lessons. A significant number of teaching staff and their families live on campus. Teachers are readily available to offer assistance with homework, while visiting tutors offer subject specific help during evenings and weekends.

Hear from a student at boarding school in Malaysia

“The boarding community is very supportive, everyone is friendly, and you can ask anyone for help. During the exam period, we gathered in the common room and studied there. It was nice because we could support each other, ask each other questions and also have some fun relaxing.” – Mayuka, Year 12

Jalan Marlborough, Puteri Harbour, Johor
marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org

This article on boarding schools in Singapore, Australia and Malaysia first appeared in the October 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription or read the digital version free now.

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