Spring 2023 @ NYU Abu Dhabi
Part 1: Arrival Process and Orientation
Upon arriving at the airport, I had anticipated feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Yet amidst the hustle of baggage claims and customs, a surprising calm settled over me. Even as I journeyed from Abu Dhabi airport to my orientation hotel, I observed the meticulously maintained highways and verdant scenery with a curious detachment. Perhaps jetlag dulled my senses, or my mind processed it all as just another summer getaway. It wasn't until the conclusion of orientation that the reality sank in—I was embarking on my first extended stay away from home.
First time walking into the campus center of NYU Abu Dhabi
Touching down on January 20th in Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi had arranged guides to assist us through immigration and to the Sheraton Hotel near Corniche Beach. After settling into my room around noon, I stood on the balcony, marveling at the unexpectedly vibrant city amidst the desert. Unlike my expectations, Abu Dhabi proved remarkably modern and developed. Having visited Dubai previously, I had presumed all Emirates were similarly bustling tourist hubs, but Abu Dhabi's abundant green spaces caught me by surprise—parks, palm trees, flowers, and bushes lining the streets, with beaches, rivers, and fountains scattered throughout.
During the move-in period, NYU organized optional events for arriving students keen to explore. Mornings were spent on Corniche Beach walks, afternoons at Marina Mall, and the Al Hosn Festival. Despite my initial plan to rest after the flight, restlessness spurred me to join the Marina Mall and Al Hosn festival tour—a promising start to the myriad experiences NYU's Visiting Student Program had in store. Among my favorites so far: a day trip to Al Ain and exhilarating go-karting at Yas Marina Circuit, with an overnight desert excursion planned for spring break.
One striking aspect of the UAE is its rich calendar of cultural festivals and events, widely embraced by Emiratis. Family and religion are integral to society here, contrasting with my upbringing in New York City, where outings mainly revolved around friends with fewer family-oriented activities. Malls and festivals in the UAE cater to families, offering children's play areas while parents shop, alongside prayer rooms and womens-only spaces like gyms. This diversity—on campus and off—made adapting to Abu Dhabi effortless. Welcoming attitudes towards people of diverse backgrounds and religions ensured a smooth cultural adjustment for me.
Part 2: Housing
Housing was a straightforward process since it was guaranteed through the NYU housing portal, just like any other NYU campus. I paid $5,900 for both housing and a meal plan, which is significantly more affordable than the costs at NYU New York. Since I usually commute from home in New York, this was an additional expense for me.
My dorm in Abu Dhabi is a double suite, consisting of two double rooms connected by a lounge. Each room has its own bathroom and is equipped with space for two twin beds, a closet, and a desk. Compared to NYU New York dorms, my accommodation here is more spacious and offers better amenities. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and the lounge’s open floor plan provides ample space for the kitchenette and sitting area.
Adjusting to living with a roommate took some time, especially since I’m used to having my own room in New York, which is about the same size as my room in Abu Dhabi. Sharing a space with someone other than my family was an adjustment. However, a major advantage of living in Abu Dhabi is the elimination of my lengthy commute. In New York, I have a two-hour commute each way, whereas in Abu Dhabi, living on campus means I can get from one end to the other in just about ten minutes.
Part 3: Food and Cuisine
During the orientation and the trips organized by the Visiting Student Program, I had the opportunity to try a lot of traditional Emirati food. While on campus, I typically eat in the dining halls. Emirati cuisine feels both familiar and distinct compared to what I usually eat. It shares similarities with the food I have at home, especially in its use of spiced rice dishes with meat or fish. The spices are akin to what I'm used to, but the flavors are distinct enough to notice the differences. My favorite dish so far is lamb machboos, a seasoned rice dish cooked with lamb. The seafood in Abu Dhabi is particularly remarkable due to its freshness. Given that Abu Dhabi is a coastal city, I anticipated fresh seafood, but I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible it is.
Spontaneous night of cooking Bengali food with friends (we ate dinner at 2 am)
The dining halls at NYU Abu Dhabi offer a wide variety of options and cuisines, with quality and taste that far surpass those at NYU New York. As a commuter in New York, I don't have a meal plan and usually eat at nearby places. I've found it easier to maintain a healthy, balanced diet on the meal plan at NYU Abu Dhabi. If I were to eat similar meals in New York, it would not only be more expensive but also less convenient, as I wouldn’t have the benefit of a two-minute walk from my dorm to the dining hall.
Part 4: Academics
The classes I’m taking this semester are Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Computer Systems Organization, and Ethics and Technology. I've noticed some differences compared to the courses at Tandon. The math courses here require a lot more self-teaching outside of class, which has been an adjustment. In the computer science courses, the homework assignments are less frequent, which changes the rhythm of the coursework. Another notable difference is the exam schedule—there’s only one round of midterms instead of the continuous exams every few weeks that I’m used to at Tandon.
Class sizes are about the same, and professors use an appointment system for office hours. Most communication between students, professors, and TAs happens through email. The campus culture here feels more relaxed, likely due to the environment. The weather and the high-quality facilities create a conducive atmosphere for studying. The standards for student success are also higher, with grade cutoffs typically 3-5 points above those at Tandon. For example, in most of my classes, an A starts at 95.
I’m also involved in an undergraduate research program, which has been an incredibly valuable learning experience. I get to work alongside professionals and doctorate students, and the program is flexible, allowing me to commit up to 15 hours a week. One aspect of the academic schedule I particularly enjoy is the defined midterm week before spring break. At Tandon, midterms can stretch out over several weeks, often up until the week before finals, so it’s a relief to have a clear cutoff here and be able to enjoy any days off without worrying about exams.
Part 5: Cost of Living and Student Life
A typical day for me varies depending on my class schedule. On Mondays and Wednesdays, I focus primarily on attending classes and completing assignments. Tuesdays and Thursdays are more dedicated to studying for upcoming exams and quizzes. I usually carve out time to go to the gym on these days, or I might play badminton or volleyball with friends before dinner. Most days, I eat in the dining hall using my meal plan, but sometimes I enjoy cooking with friends in our dorms.
Weekends are a mix of catching up on assignments and participating in events organized by the visiting student program. These events often include outings to cultural sites or museums, which offer unique experiences. When I'm not attending these events, I spend time with friends and explore the city.
I’ve found that Abu Dhabi is generally less expensive than New York, especially when it comes to food, transportation, and tickets to events. However, clothing tends to be more expensive in most stores. Groceries, especially seafood and produce from the souks, are also cheaper than what I'm used to in New York. Public transportation, like buses, is very affordable, and taxis are significantly cheaper here than in New York.
For anyone considering studying abroad in Abu Dhabi, I highly recommend taking full advantage of the experiences planned by the visiting student program and the facilities available on campus. The trips and events have led to some truly unique experiences, and the campus offers plenty of recreational spaces to help maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Part 6: Meeting New People
Meeting new people at the beginning of the semester was surprisingly easy, especially with so many visiting students at NYU Abu Dhabi. I met most of my new friends during trips around the country and in my classes. The visiting student program's numerous early-semester trips were instrumental in helping me get to know people. However, maintaining these friendships proved challenging due to my heavy academic and research workload. Even finding time to sit down for lunch or dinner with friends was difficult.
Despite the busy schedule, I was able to meet new people in my classes and form study groups, which included both NYU Abu Dhabi and Tandon students. I've also developed a habit of taking walks with friends after lunch or dinner to unwind from academic stress. Making new friends took a lot of time and effort, especially since my schedule only allowed me to regularly meet with one or two people.
Now that I’m nearing the conclusion of my research assistantship, I have more free time to make plans and connect with others. This experience has taught me the importance of diversifying my group of friends. Being around more people in the second half of the semester has led to many memorable experiences, like sunrise walks along serene beaches, exploring local parts of the city not meant for tourists, staying up all night playing pool, and playing tag on the outdoor football field late at night. These moments are unforgettable, mainly because of the people I was with and the joy we shared.
I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made with people from Tandon, including other GLASS members, as well as with NYUAD students. Even though I may not see most of them in person again, I’ll carry the memories of our time together when I return home.
Part 7: Extracurriculars
In addition to my classes, I'm involved in an undergraduate research assistantship at NYU Abu Dhabi while continuing my roles in my VIP team remotely. Through my research, I’ve gained experience using game engines to model sensor data and infrastructure for sustainable technology, as well as writing conference papers and reports. This work aligns with what I do in my VIP project, where I also work with game engines, though in a different context. Both projects have allowed me to collaborate with professionals from various fields, enhancing my teamwork skills.
Balancing these commitments with coursework and maintaining a social life has been challenging, but the connections I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had made it worthwhile. This has taught me the importance of prioritizing what matters most and managing my time effectively to avoid procrastination.
Beyond academics, I've had the chance to immerse myself in cultural activities, including visits to different emirates, mosques, and museums. I’ve also been introduced to new cuisines through my friends at NYUAD, who come from diverse backgrounds like France, Ghana, Egypt, and India. We often cook and share meals together, bonding over our mutual love for food and the nostalgia of home-cooked meals. This diversity is reminiscent of my life in New York, where I was always surrounded by people from different cultures.
During my time here, I’ve picked up new hobbies like table tennis and pool. There’s a game room on campus with foosball, table tennis, pool tables, and air hockey, which has become a favorite spot to relax. It’s conveniently located near a food-court-style dining area that serves some of the best buffalo wings and fries I’ve ever had.
When I needed time alone, this was my favorite read of the whole semester. A good book, sunshine, and palm trees can cure anything!
Part 8: Culture and Identity
During my time in Abu Dhabi, I've noticed that the communication style here is quite similar to what I'm used to in New York. English is the dominant language on campus and is widely spoken in most places I’ve visited. However, I’ve also frequently encountered Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu. While my understanding of Arabic is limited to a few common words, I’m more comfortable with Hindi and Urdu, which allows me to communicate when needed.
Religion has a significant presence in Abu Dhabi, with a strong adherence to Islamic traditions. Despite this, there is a noticeable tolerance for other religions and practices, as long as they don’t interfere with Islamic customs. I particularly saw this during Ramadan, when the country made specific adaptations to accommodate religious practices. For instance, restaurant service times and campus dining hall hours were adjusted for fasting, and public celebrations and activities were modified to align with spiritual guidelines. This balance between tradition and tolerance has been a fascinating aspect of my experience here.
Part 9: Traveling
I joined a trip to Oman organized by NYU Abu Dhabi, traveling with other visiting students. We explored the waters along the UAE-Oman border, participating in water sports, fishing, and cruising through the mountains. My favorite moments were the thrilling speed boat ride, late-night strolls along the hotel waterfront, and sharing laughs with friends over pictures in our rooms. The speed boat captain had a fantastic sense of humor, making sharp turns that sent wind rushing through my hair, which was exhilarating.
In the evenings, despite our exhaustion, a few of us would gather to walk along the pier-like waterfront of our hotel, too excited to sleep as we anticipated the next day’s activities. When we were too tired for walks, we met up in one of our rooms, reliving our day by going through pictures and videos from the boat. Lunch on the boat was also a highlight, featuring various South Asian dishes that tasted like home-cooked Bengali food, which we all missed.
This trip stood out because it was with friends rather than family and was entirely organized by NYU Abu Dhabi. Typically, I go on vacations with family, where we plan our own itinerary, so this hands-off experience was a refreshing change. Although there were some unexpected challenges, such as delayed travel times, having friends around made the time fly by. I’d highly recommend this trip to other study-away students. Oman is a stunning country with unique mountains, and this trip is an essential part of the NYUAD study-abroad experience.
Part 10: Homesickness
Spending an extended period away from home and my family for the first time was a significant adjustment. I found myself grappling with waves of homesickness that never quite disappeared. I missed the close-knit connections with a few people I could truly count on. Although I quickly found that NYU Abu Dhabi was filled with friendly and welcoming individuals, and it was easy to get involved in various social circles, the overwhelming nature of my workload made it difficult to fully immerse myself in these new relationships.
As I began to prioritize making new friends and attending social events, I noticed an improvement in managing my homesickness. My advice to anyone struggling with similar feelings is to actively immerse yourself in your surroundings. By attending multiple events and gatherings, I kept running into the same people, which helped me forge deeper connections with those who shared my interests. Engaging in new activities, even if they push you out of your comfort zone, can also make a big difference. I bonded with many people by joining them on excursions and trying out new experiences they introduced me to.
Additionally, embracing new experiences can replace some of the feelings of homesickness with excitement. In Abu Dhabi, I had opportunities to do things I wouldn’t have in New York, such as enjoying sunrise walks on serene beaches, staying up all night playing games with friends, and even riding camels. These unique experiences provided me with exciting stories to share with my friends and family back home, which helped distract me from my homesickness. While I deeply miss the people and places from home, I will also miss the incredible experiences I had in Abu Dhabi.
Part 11: Advice and Tips
Explore your new surroundings. It’s easy to get absorbed in academic and career responsibilities, but remember that these can be handled back at your home campus. The real value of being in a new location lies in experiencing new things, which requires stepping out of the academic bubble.
Meet new people. Connect with both fellow study abroad students and local students. They can significantly enrich your experience. While I enjoyed spending time alone and with familiar faces, local students introduced me to activities and places I wouldn’t have discovered on my own.
Make the most of the unique facilities at your new campus. Your study abroad location might offer opportunities and resources not available at your home campus. For instance, I took a swimming class and found a new passion for swimming, thanks to the easily accessible pool.
Be ready to travel. Pack a weekend bag and budget for travel expenses around your study abroad location, including transportation, food, and accommodation. Traveling with friends can help you save on costs, and flights or trains from your study-abroad location might be more affordable than those from the US.
Part 12: Reflection
Studying abroad in Abu Dhabi has profoundly changed my perspective on the world. It provided me with a new understanding of who I am and what truly makes me happy. This unique opportunity allowed me to be fully independent and explore myself and those around me, revealing the vast differences between people from various cultures. Although I thought I had a solid grasp of diverse perspectives living in New York's cultural melting pot, interacting with individuals from different countries broadened my understanding even further.
One key skill I developed during my semester abroad was effective time management. In New York, my four-hour daily commute honed my ability to work efficiently within a limited time. However, at NYU Abu Dhabi, where everything was within an eight-minute walk, I found myself with more free time than anticipated. Balancing 18 credits, VIP responsibilities, and research, I was used to working within tight timeframes. Initially, having excess time was frustrating, especially since I completed my research project and conference paper early in the semester. As I adjusted, I discovered new hobbies and made new friends, which enriched my experience and filled my time in unexpected ways. I realized that while academic and career pursuits are important, the value of good friends became clear to me.
If I could redo one thing, it would be to spend more time with friends earlier in the semester. I initially thought long-term friendships with NYUAD or CAS students would be challenging due to my busy schedule at Tandon. However, I learned that the effort and sincerity of others in maintaining contact were deeply meaningful. Meeting some of the kindest and most considerate people taught me invaluable lessons about friendship. Despite knowing I might not see many of these friends again, the memories we created were more impactful than any specific events. The feelings I experienced with these people were the most memorable and lasting.
Among the unforgettable experiences were riding a camel for the first time, which was both exhilarating and intimidating, and the thrill of riding Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, at Ferrari World. Despite my initial fear, the ride was a rush of excitement. I also cherished pulling non-academic all-nighters with friends—goofing around, playing hide-and-seek, and stargazing were highlights. Finally, a letter from a friend, written with such care and vulnerability, left a lasting impression on me. It was a reminder of the deep connections formed during this short semester and the impact of sincere, heartfelt communication.
