Bringing Musical Instruments, Sports Equipment, or Hobby Gear to Network School
Can you bring guitars, surfboards, cameras, or other hobby gear to NS? What members bring, storage, and local alternatives.
Musical Instruments
Guitars are the most common instrument at NS.
Guitars are the most common instrument at NS. A travel guitar or compact acoustic is manageable in checked luggage. Many members buy a cheap acoustic locally (RM200-500 at JB music shops) and leave it behind or gift it when departing. Electric instruments need amplifiers — consider a portable headphone amp. Ukuleles are popular for their portability. If you play piano, Yamaha portable keyboards are available at JB music stores for RM300-800. The communal nature of NS means your instrument becomes a social asset — impromptu jam sessions are a regular occurrence. Be mindful of noise in shared rooms and residential areas.
Sports Equipment
The NS gym covers most fitness needs, but specialized equipment may be worth bringing. Yoga mats: bring your own if quality matters to you (RM30-80 locally but lower quality). Resistance bands pack flat and add training variety. Boxing gloves if you want to use the bag. Tennis or badminton rackets for the on-site courts. Running gear is better brought from home for fit and quality. For water sports, Desaru Beach (90 minutes) has rental equipment. Surfing near NS is limited — the nearest consistent surf is in Bali or Sri Lanka. A jump rope is the most space-efficient fitness tool you can pack.
Camera and Creative Gear
Photographers and videographers should bring their own equipment — camera gear in Malaysia is comparable in price to Western countries and availability of specialty items is limited. A good camera with a versatile zoom lens covers NS life, Singapore architecture, and Southeast Asian travel. Drone regulations in Malaysia require registration for drones over 250g — check the CAAM (Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia) rules. A GoPro is ideal for Morning Burn, water activities, and travel. For content creators, a ring light, portable tripod, and lavalier microphone improve video quality significantly with minimal packing impact.
Storage and Practical Considerations
NS rooms have limited storage space. Large items like surfboards or full-size keyboards are impractical unless you rent separate storage or a larger room. Airlines typically charge $50-200 for oversized sports equipment. Consider whether you will actually use the item enough to justify the hassle. Many NS members find that they are so busy with community activities, work, and exploring that hobby time is less than expected. The community often has equipment available to borrow — check Discord before buying or bringing duplicate items.
RM200-500 — acoustic guitar price at JB music shops
Source: Local music retailers
250g drone weight limit before Malaysian registration required
Source: CAAM
“Your hobbies are part of who you are. Bringing a piece of your creative life to NS enriches both your experience and the community around you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music in my NS room?
Acoustic instruments at reasonable volume during daytime hours are generally fine. Electric instruments should use headphones. Be considerate of roommates and neighbors. Common areas may have designated spaces for music. Ask your roommate about their tolerance for music practice before establishing a routine.
Is there a community gear share at NS?
Informally, yes. Members share equipment through Discord — cameras, sports gear, board games, and books circulate freely. Departing members often sell or give away items they do not want to carry home. Check the NS Discord marketplace before buying anything locally.
Should I bring my expensive camera or just use my phone?
Modern phone cameras are sufficient for social media content and everyday documentation. Bring a dedicated camera only if photography or videography is central to your work or passion. The tropical humidity can affect camera gear — bring silica gel packets and a dry bag for protection. Malaysian customs does not typically question personal camera equipment.
Ready to join Network School?
Get 1 week free when you apply through our referral link. Monthly cohorts start on the 1st.
Apply Now
