The First Week at Network School: What to Expect and How to Navigate It
A day-by-day guide to your first week at Network School, including orientation, social tips, common mistakes, and how to settle in quickly.
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
Check-in happens on the 1st of each month.
Check-in happens on the 1st of each month. You will receive your room assignment, meet your roommate if applicable, get your SIM card and basic supplies, and attend an orientation session covering NS facilities, rules, and schedules. The orientation introduces the four pillars (Learn, Burn, Earn, Fun), explains the daily schedule, and tours the facilities. You will also join the NS Discord server, which is the primary communication channel. Day 1 is overwhelming for most people — new environment, time zone adjustment, unfamiliar faces. Do not pressure yourself to be social. Unpack, eat, explore the campus, and go to bed early. The community will still be there tomorrow.
Days 2-3: Finding Your Rhythm
Attend Morning Burn on day 2 even if you are jet-lagged — it establishes the daily habit immediately and is the fastest way to meet people. Go at your own pace; no one judges newcomers. Try all three meals to calibrate your palate to Blueprint food. Walk through the coworking space, gym, pool, and common areas to map out your daily zones. Have lunch with different people each meal — the communal dining format makes this natural. Introduce yourself briefly: name, where you are from, what you are working on. These conversations repeat dozens of times in the first week, and that is completely normal. Everyone is asking and answering the same three questions.
Days 4-5: Establishing Routines
By day 4, start building your actual work and life routine. Block your deep work hours, commit to Morning Burn, and choose which NS courses and events to attend regularly. Sign up for activities that interest you through Discord. This is also when homesickness, imposter syndrome, or social overwhelm may peak. These feelings are universal and temporary. Many NS members later describe days 3 to 5 as the hardest stretch. Push through by maintaining structure — having a schedule to follow provides stability when everything else is new. If you are struggling, tell someone. The community rallies around newcomers who are honest about the adjustment.
Days 6-7: Settling In
By the end of week one, you should have a functional daily routine, a handful of people you enjoy talking to, familiarity with the campus and food, and your first impressions of which NS activities are worth your time. Use the weekend for practical logistics — pick up anything you need from JB, organize your room, do laundry, and maybe take your first Singapore trip. Many members spend the first weekend exploring rather than socializing, which is perfectly fine. The second week is when real friendships, productive work sessions, and community engagement start to deepen. Week one is just the foundation.
400+ members from 70+ countries to meet
Source: ns.com
3-5 days — typical adjustment period for new NS members
Source: NS community feedback
“The beginning of any new chapter is uncomfortable by definition. Lean into the discomfort — it is the feeling of growth happening in real time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mistake people make in their first week?
Trying to do everything. New members often attend every event, say yes to every social invitation, and try to start their project immediately — then burn out by day 4. Pace yourself. You have weeks or months ahead. It is better to start slowly and build up than to peak on day 2 and crash on day 5.
What should I do if I don't like my roommate?
Give it at least a week before requesting a change. Many initial roommate frictions (sleep schedules, noise levels, cleanliness) resolve with honest conversation. If genuine incompatibility persists after a week, speak to the NS team about a room switch. They are experienced with these requests and handle them discreetly.
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed in the first week?
Completely normal. You are adjusting to a new country, climate, diet, community, schedule, and time zone simultaneously. Most veteran NS members describe their first 3-5 days as a blur. The feeling typically shifts to comfort by week 2 and genuine belonging by week 3. If it does not improve after 2 weeks, talk to a community manager or fellow member.
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