The first day of university, with its nerves, excitement, and whirlwind of new faces and activities, is a time-honored tradition that has been experienced by generations of students.
It's comforting to know that almost everyone at NYU Abu Dhabi has shared in this unique moment.
We reached out to our community to reflect on their first day on campus, and here are some of their stories.
Kirsten Sadler Edepli, Professor of Biology
My mom moved me into my dorm room in the ugliest dorm campus. I didn’t care as I had chosen to attend the best college that I got into and provided enough financial aid. I felt both like I belonged and that I landed there by luck or a mistake, so I showed up intent on making good on the opportunity.
My mom got me settled and left me at orientation: a campus tour, a dorm meeting and a barbecue. Then – we were off to get an education. I met some women that day who remain my closest friends.
Rafael (Yong-Ak) Song, Program Head of Bioengineering
I studied Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Aachen, Germany. There were 1000 incoming freshmen in Mechanical Engineering alone. I felt lost in this large crowd, super nervous, and afraid of being alone in a new place. However, I quickly made new friends during the orientation when we explored the city together and felt at home in Aachen.
Anju Mary Paul, Professor of Social Research and Public Policy
I went to university in Singapore as an international student, and stayed in a residence hall all four years of my degree. Raffles Hall on the National University of Singapore campus largely catered to international students like me and it became my entire universe. I threw myself into so many different hall-based student groups - from drama to the yearbook to student government - and made close friendships with other students from the region. I have to admit my studies were a much lower priority! What was more important to me was the learning I was doing outside the classroom.
Jinan Bastaki, Associate Professor of Legal Studies
It's been a while, so I cannot say that I remember what my first day was like, let alone my feelings on that day! That said, I know that it took me a while to warm up to the place, and once it did, it was singlehandedly the most formative experience I had. The seeds for so much of what I do now were planted then (Thanks Professor Alejandro Chehtman of Public International Law for the inspiration!). Discomfort is good, new experiences are great, and thanks to the active student body, I learned as much outside of the classroom as in it.
Gregory Pardlo, Program Head for Literature and Creative Writing
My family couldn't afford to send me to college right away. I wanted to do whatever I could to continue to grow intellectually until I could finance my education on my own. I moved to Copenhagen (where university was free for transfer students) and took some classes on the side while washing dishes at a restaurant.