Bushra Shums
That’s what NYUAD has been for me. A place where I found the people who would stay up late, figuring things out with me, whether it was coursework, life decisions, or what to eat for dinner.
Class of 2025 Stories
Confidence Ezemba
Through classes that challenged me, labs that sparked curiosity, and mentors who believed in me even when I doubted myself, I discovered that medicine was not just a dream but a calling.
Bayyena Alzaabi
The friends I made here had fresh eyes and the need to explore; their infectious excitement and my chronic FOMO pushed me to join in on the fun.
Kaushik Sunder
Outside of my academic and leadership roles, I embraced the opportunities for adventure that the UAE has to offer. From the vast deserts of Al Khatim to the lively souks of Dubai, every outing deepened my appreciation for this country’s rich history and its vision for the future.
Joanna Kumendong
The best advice I have received along the way was, 'Do not be afraid to explore, and it’s okay if where you land is where you started.'
Raya Tabassum
It all began right here, at NYU Abu Dhabi, in 2022, between late-night study sessions in Baraha and meetups at Marketplace for two slices of buffalo pizza.
Hamdan Zoghbor
During our study away semester in New York, we observed Ramadan, though we deeply missed the familiar tastes of home and the warmth of shared company.
Cham Baddewithana
This trip wasn’t just a road trip, it was everything NYUAD had prepared us for. The independence, the problem-solving, the trust in each other.
Mane Harutyunyan
Those four years were about exploring fascinating ideas, learning about cultures, succeeding, failing, taking risks, continuing difficult tasks, sometimes procrastinating, but always knowing that we are working towards something incredibly beautiful.
Aruzhan Zhamalbek
With the support of incredible friends and peers, I'm ready to step into adult life, even if a little fear still lingers.
Mowen Li
Stepping onto campus in the sweltering summer heat, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. My mind swirled with questions: after years of working, was returning to school the right choice? What would life in Abu Dhabi be like? Could this place become my new home?
Ajla Sacic
We’ve built something lasting, an unwritten dictionary of inside jokes, gentle teases, and quiet comfort. No matter where we go, we’ll always have the words, and each other.
Shamma Alkaabi
At NYUAD, the act of making was never passive; it was an ongoing negotiation between control and surrender, between what could be shaped and what refused to be tamed.
Layan Alkasaji
Nothing could compare to actually being in Spain and seeing the remnants of our Islamic heritage.
Mouath Abu-Daoud
In Rwanda, we discussed African perspectives on data and technology, and their relation to healthcare disparities, reigniting my commitment to medicine as a force for change.
Dilnaz Amantayeva
My four years at NYU Abu Dhabi have been an incredible journey, shaped by amazing friendships, meaningful conversations, and the great ideas they sparked.
Shahd Nigim
In my study away at NYU Shanghai I met most of my incredible friends. Our spontaneous walks along the Bund, and those quiet, reflective moments crossing the streets of Shanghai, surrounded by voices and stories so different yet so connected.
Anoosh Jamshed
As an Economics major, my days are usually filled with data, regressions, and optimization models. So, when I had the chance to take a theater course taught by Professor Rubén Polendo, which included a five-day seminar in Bangkok, I leaped at the opportunity even though I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into.
Amina Rotari
I will reiterate what many people have said before, NYUAD is special because of its people. The energy of the student body is what leads to unexpected connections, like I had with Jess.
Yugoo Loo
The badminton family is truly a highlight of my NYU Abu Dhabi experience, and it will always be something special in my heart.
Tamara Mashnouk
Now, I find myself on my way to London for my Master’s degree, a familiar yet completely different challenge. Were it not for the time I spent at NYUAD and, subsequently, NYU in New York, I don’t think I would have had the space to grow in the ways I have over the last four years.
Layan Al-Kasaji and Omar Rayyan
Taking our classmates around and showing them the culture and history of our country ended up being such a rewarding experience. Petra was the highlight, even though the rain kept us from camel rides and rock climbing. It has been my favorite time visiting the city.
Matab Mashta
Everything is going great — until 8pm, when the sprinklers go off. You get up in a rush, watching your fries soak up the water like a lost cause. Not quite the picnic we planned, but a wet picnic is still a picnic.
Bisha Shahid
Through these friendships, I've grown in ways I never expected. My playlist, once dominated by Urdu and Hindi songs, now includes Arabic melodies, thanks to our late-night study sessions where we alternated our music playlists.