Welcome to Malaysia, where vibrant cultures, delicious food, and modern infrastructure meet affordable living! As an international student, you’ve made an excellent choice. This guide by Inforens is crafted to help you not just move, but settle smartly with practical, student-first insights that make your transition to Malaysia smooth, confident, and enjoyable.
🏠 Best Areas to Stay: Finding Your Home Away From Home
The secret to good student living in Malaysia lies in balancing cost, convenience, and connectivity. Here are some top student-friendly areas in and around Kuala Lumpur each with its own vibe and advantages:
Wangsa Maju / Setapak
• Why it’s great: Classic student hubs, close to TAR UMT and UTAR
• Highlights: Excellent LRT connectivity, affordable eateries
• Average Rent (Room): RM530 to RM750
Subang Jaya SS15
• Why it’s great: Known as Student Central
• Highlights: Surrounded by Taylor’s, Sunway & INTI Universities; walkable and lively
• Average Rent (Room): RM650 to RM800
Bangsar South / Section 17, PJ
• Why it’s great: Perfect for University of Malaya students
• Highlights: Bangsar South is modern & urban; Section 17 is quieter and near campus
• Average Rent (Room): RM750 to RM1,000+
Cheras
• Why it’s great: Budget-friendly area
• Highlights: MRT-connected, about 20 minutes from the city center
• Average Rent (Room): RM650 to RM850
💡 Pro Tip
• Shared condos or terrace houses are your best bet for affordability
• Expect to pay one to two months’ rent upfront as a deposit
🚆 How to Use Public Transport: Your Daily Commute
Malaysia’s public transport especially in Klang Valley is efficient, affordable, and student-friendly.
Rail Network (LRT, MRT, Monorail):
• Your best option for clean, air-conditioned, and traffic-free travel
• LRT (Light Rail Transit): Covers high-density urban areas
• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Connects newer suburbs to the city
• KTM Komuter: Great for longer-distance travel between cities
Bus Network (RapidKL & GO KL):
• RapidKL: Covers routes beyond train lines (fares RM1 to RM4)
• GO KL City Bus: Free loops around key city areas (KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Pasar Seni)
Touch ‘n Go Card : Your all-in-one travel essential valid across trains, buses, tolls, and even in some stores
Grab (E-Hailing): Malaysia’s version of Uber.Reliable, cashless, and great for late-night or off-route travel
🍜 Malaysian Food Guide: A Culinary Adventure
Malaysia’s food scene is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisines rich, flavorful, and incredibly affordable. Eating like a local at hawker stalls or Mamak restaurants costs as little as RM8 to RM15.
Must-Try Non-Vegetarian Dishes 🍖
• Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice, sambal, peanuts, egg, and fried chicken Malaysia’s national pride
• Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat noodles with prawns, eggs, and soy sauce
• Satay: Skewered grilled meats served with peanut sauce
Vegetarian-Friendly Dishes 🌱
• Roti Canai: Flaky flatbread with dhal curry
• Nasi Campur: Mixed rice with your choice of vegetarian curries
• Banana Leaf Rice: Indian-style meal with rice, vegetables, and pappadum
• Tahu Sumbat: Fried tofu with cucumber and bean sprouts, topped with peanut sauce
🗣️ Quick Tip
• “Boleh makan sayur sahaja?” means “Can I eat only vegetables?” useful when checking for vegetarian options
🔒Safety Tips: Being Street Smart
Malaysia is generally safe, but awareness is key:
• Stay alert in busy areas like Bukit Bintang
• Carry your bag cross-body and away from the road to avoid snatch thefts
• Avoid unmarked taxis; use Grab instead
• Emergency Number: 999 (Police & Ambulance)
💸Student Discounts: Save Your Ringgit!
Student perks are everywhere just flash your student ID and ask: “Ada diskaun pelajar?”
• Transport: MyRapid student passes can save you up to 50% on fares
• Travel: Malaysia Airlines’ MHexplorer program offers up to 30% discounts and extra baggage
• Attractions: Reduced prices at cinemas, museums, and theme parks
• Online: Register on UNiDAYS for international fashion and tech discounts
📱Must-Have Apps: Life in Your Pocket
Make life easier with these essential apps:
• Grab for rides and food delivery
• Touch ‘n Go eWallet for transport and cashless payments
• Google Maps for planning public transport routes
• WhatsApp / Telegram primary communication tools
• Maybank2u / CIMB Clicks for easy online banking
• Shopee / Lazada affordable e-commerce platforms for daily needs
🤝How to Make Friends: Building Your Malaysian Network
Friendships make your study abroad journey unforgettable.
• University Clubs: Join interest-based or cultural societies
• Orientation Week: The best time to meet new people
• Meetup / Events: Find language exchanges or hobby groups
• Study Groups: Collaborative learning often sparks friendships
• Say “Yes”: Malaysians are warm a simple lunch invite can start lifelong bonds
🌍Cultural Norms: Respect and Harmony
Malaysia thrives on diversity respect goes a long way.
• Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
• Use titles like “Dr.” or “Professor” for elders or lecturers
• Always use your right hand for giving and eating
• Remove shoes before entering homes
• Avoid public displays of affection
🏦Banking, SIM Card & Medical Facilities
Banking
• Open an account with Maybank, CIMB, or Public Bank
• You’ll need your passport, student visa, and a university letter
SIM Card
• Major providers include Maxis (Hotlink), Celcom, and Digi
• Plans start around RM30 to RM60/month with unlimited data
Healthcare
• All students must have insurance via EMGS or university tie-ups
• University Clinics: For basic care
• Government Clinics: Affordable (RM40 to RM80 per visit)
• Private Hospitals: Faster but pricier; insurance accepted
🌟Final Thought
Studying in Malaysia isn’t just about academics; it’s about thriving in a culture that blends tradition and modernity. With smart planning, the right community, and the Inforens guide by your side, you’ll find that Malaysia becomes more than just your study destination; it becomes your second home.
At Inforens, we guide you beyond admission, from visa to settling in Malaysia with ease.