Published August 24, 2024
How to Adapt to NYU as an International Student in 5 Easy Steps!
Me (center) at the most recent Pride Parade at the NYU float. I went to that by myself!
The TL;DR
Now that I have your attention.
Nothing about this transition is easy or seamless. I don’t mean to scare you, because it is the most exciting moment of your life, but it isn’t as simple as you might expect it to be. And that is okay!
I speak from experience–I thought I had it in the bag. And boy, was I in for a ride. It was definitely not easy. But I learned several things along the way, and I hope my lessons might help you face whatever challenges you encounter.
1. "There is nothing like a day after the other with a well-slept night in between."
My mother tells me this when I get too anxious.
She uses this to remind me that things take time, nothing will happen in a day. You need to learn how to breathe through it and wait. The waiting is awful, but if it takes 66 days to form one new habit, imagine breaking down all your habits and starting anew. You will learn how to adapt quickly, it will still take time.
Don’t forget to get your rest, and have a good night’s sleep, things are always less daunting in the morning.
2. Hold onto mementos.
Bring pictures, tchotchkes, decor, and objects that remind you of home. Make your new place your home. Make your bedroom a place to unwind and relax. While your unconscious mind doesn’t see your new home as a welcoming place, you won’t fully relax and you will be in “working mode.” So, hold on to the things that remind you of where your safe place is.
3. Don't bottle up your feelings.
This was my biggest Achilles heel. Don’t let it build up! If you hold things in, one day, it will eventually explode and the thunderstorm will be much more damaging than a few random showers.
Fill your cup but also remember to empty it, find a balance between yin and yang.
4. Call your people.
The beginning is hard. You will cry like a little kid lost in a mall. (At least I did.) But you need to keep in contact with family or support system. Check up on them and let them know that you need them to check up on you.
You are still young, you might have never done this before! So don’t cut them off just because you are far away. Quite the opposite! Keep them as close as you can. Your support system will always transcend time zones.
5. "Feel the fear, that's natural and human, but then do it anyway"
This is what I remind myself every day. It was a quote the representative of my studio used in his first email to my class. Recently I had the pleasure of telling him how much this quote helped me through hard times. You need to go through all these internal things I mentioned above, but you also must keep moving forward. You need to go out with the kids you met in your class, attend a new club meeting, or try out a workout class.
Every day you will grow closer to your new comfort zone, but while you live in this in-between, enjoy it. Take pleasure in the discomfort, you do not experience all of your life in your comfort zone. Go! Have fun! Things will find their place eventually.
And don't forget. NYU has several resources that can help you through difficult times.
- Wellness Exchange
- The Wellness Exchange is a 24-hour hotline and chats through which you can speak to a counselor about anything. Their number is (212) 443-9999, you can also chat through the app, make an appointment, or arrange a same-day Urgent Counseling session to speak with a certified counselor.
- RAs
- Your RA’s have been through it, just like you, and not too long ago. They have tips to help you adapt. Speak to them, attend your floor meetings, and nurture this connection. They are a well of resources and information, lean on them.
- Advisor
- Your advisor’s whole job is to make sure you are in the best standing to brave NYU. They are also a well of resources and are more than eager to help you. Trust them and lean on them!
Wishing you the best of luck.
Be brave. Be courageous. Be gentle. Be kind.
You got this.
– Elisa
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