I remember that a couple of years ago when NUS implemented the
ill-advised (assuming it was even advised) plan to cancel the
mid-term break, NUSSU successfully managed to get them to reinstate
it - after a year of lobbying.
This time, though, NUSSU has less than six months before the next
semester to get the admin to change their minds. I'm extremely
sceptical about any possible turnaround in the admin's policies. So
I say, be prepared to pay more. Looks like I'm going to have to
take out another loan. 
Change can happen, and there is still the chance (albeit remote)
that the higher-ups will change their minds. It's plain wrong. They
can justify the raise anyway they like - to have two raises in two
successive years is simply unfair. Heck, they won't even justify
the raise fully - they just gave some very vague statements on
'increasing operating costs'. Now, how did the 'operating costs'
increase in the 12 months after the last tuition fee hike? Because
of those garish-looking 'centennial mugs' or the spanking-new
University Hall which most of us are not going to step into
anyway?
Sure, they may make more subsidies and financial assistance. But
how, pray tell, is that going to help undergrads from middle-income
families who struggle to pay their fees but don't qualify for
financial assistance at the same time?
And yeah, I agree that overseas unis are much more expensive. But
hey, most of us here joined NUS because we CAN'T afford overseas
universities in the first place. Even studying in a local
university is already hard on our finances as it is. I'm already
having a hard time, and I can still consider myself as one of the
lucky ones. I may have to give tuition three times a week to cover
my expenses, but at least I'm not scraping and wondering how I'm
going to get my next meal.
I know of a friend who has already maxed himself out on loans. I
believe he was rejected for financial assistance. He works almost
every night to cover his expenses. So, who's going to pay for
him?
