In a land where the smartest brains in Singapore reside, books are clearly not all that matter. Food could just be the artery pumping life into their souls. Why else would the Arts students name The Deck: Heaven, Earth and Hell? Doesn't that sound pretty much like the whole world to me? Hey, I mean, it doesn't really matter if you're an Angel, plain human, or a jerk (jerks go to Hell), YOU JUST HAVE TO FILL THAT STOMACH!

       The NUS Arts canteen is very much symbolic of NUS culture. Ever year, during FOC, the seniors always excitedly introduce The Deck to the freshies as Heaven, Earth and Hell. This terms have been so commonly heard and overused by all of us that it has become something very unique to NUS students. How on EARTH (bad pun intended) would NTU, SMU or SIM students know what we are referring to?  The DECK is definitely so "NUS" and so "us". In short, it is part and parcel of the NUS culture.

       So what does the lay man think about it? HOOKED gets the feel from the ground, and here are some responses: 

"I was rather disappointed as this is my first year in NUS.I have heard from so many of my friends that ARTS canteen is voted the best canteen last year. Sadly, I won't get to enjoy the food after my first semester. It's such a pity. Alternatively, I dun mind trying more food at the Frontier." - Jeremy, FASS, Year 1

"Actually, I am quite neutral about it. Since this is my first semester, I don't really have a deep sentiment towards the renovation of The Deck. I'll definitely have my meals at the Engine canteen instead." - Angus, FASS, Year 1

"I think its quite an inconvenience for arts students like me. The temporarily closure of The Deck will mean longer queues and thus more, time consuming. But I am looking forward to improvements and better conditions in the new canteen next year." - Wei Ning, FASS, Year 2

"My concern is that there will not be enough space for the students in Arts faculty to have their meals, given the large population. I heard that they are going to open up the dining halls of Eusoff and Temasek, but I feel that this would not be very helpful. Its not convenient and inconducive for us. Moreover, by opening the compound to people who don't stay in hall might cause disruption and increase the risk of thefts to the residents.

Despite this, I feel that the renovation is necessay as the condition is rather bad especially when its rains. Thus, upgrading and improvements are necessary." - Rebecca, FASS, Year 3

"Seriously, I feel that the renovation should have started during the last 3 months holidays so that it will not cause so much inconvenience. I can forsee certain problems such as longer wait to get seats and longer queue for food. Going to other canteens might not be very helpful as it will cause human traffic at canteen and cause inconvenience. I would propose more pushcarts selling food so that students can, at least "da bao" for a quick bite in between their lectures." -Siying, FASS, Year 3

"It's such a sad experience as this is my final year in NUS and I won't get to experience the dining experience at the new Arts canteen next year. Thus, I am not very supportive towards the renovation. I feel that Arts Canteen offers the best food and it's really a loss to the Arts culture." - Benjamin Chia, FASS, Year 4