We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with one of our recent Pathways Alumni who is now studying at NYU.
Moving from New Delhi to New York City for university was a dream come true. The idea of studying at New York University (NYU), one of the most prestigious universities in the world, felt like a golden ticket to endless opportunities. The thought of walking through Washington Square Park, taking classes from some of the best professors, and being surrounded by the vibrant energy of Manhattan was thrilling. But like any major life transition, there were things I wish I had known before making the move. While NYU is an incredible place to study, it comes with its own set of challenges—both academically and culturally.
One of the biggest surprises for me was NYU’s lack of a traditional campus. Back in New Delhi, when I pictured college life, I imagined large green fields, grand libraries, and students sitting under trees discussing philosophy. While NYU certainly has beautiful buildings and excellent resources, it does not have a conventional enclosed campus. Instead, the university is seamlessly integrated into the city itself. The “campus” is essentially lower Manhattan, with different buildings scattered across Greenwich Village.
This can be both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand, it means you have access to everything NYC has to offer—Broadway shows, museums, world-famous restaurants, and endless networking opportunities. On the other hand, it means that getting from one class to another sometimes feels like a hike across the city, especially in the winter when the wind tunnels between skyscrapers make it feel twice as cold. It also means there isn’t a clear “college bubble” where you can easily bump into your friends like you would in a more traditional setting. Making friends takes effort, and you have to be proactive in joining clubs, attending events, and reaching out to classmates.
New York Is Expensive—Really Expensive
Everyone knows that New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but you don’t truly grasp how costly it is until you live there. Coming from New Delhi, where $10 can get you a full meal at a good restaurant, the price of food, rent, and daily essentials in NYC was shocking.
NYU’s housing is expensive, but living off-campus isn’t necessarily cheaper. Rent for a tiny studio apartment in Manhattan can easily cost upwards of $2,000 per month. Even in Brooklyn or Queens, which are considered more affordable, rent is still significantly higher than in most cities. Eating out regularly can drain your wallet quickly, and even groceries are pricier than what I was used to. The best advice I can give? Learn to budget early. Get a student MetroCard for unlimited subway rides, cook at home as much as possible, and take advantage of NYU’s student discounts for museums, Broadway shows, and even certain restaurants.
Cultural Shifts
New York moves at a completely different speed than New Delhi. The energy is exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. People are always in a rush, whether they’re walking down the street, grabbing a coffee, or getting on the subway. The city’s “hustle culture” is very real, and while it can be motivating, it can also be overwhelming for someone who isn’t used to it.
In India, there is a strong sense of community, and even in a big city like Delhi, it’s common to strike up conversations with strangers or rely on family for support. In New York, people are friendly, but they’re also very independent. Most people are focused on their own schedules and responsibilities, which means you have to be proactive in building relationships. This took some getting used to, especially in the beginning when I was still finding my social circle.
The Academic Challenge: NYU Is Competitive
NYU is academically rigorous, and the level of competition can be intense, especially in programs like business, film, and computer science. Students here are ambitious, and many come with impressive backgrounds and internships already under their belts. This can be inspiring, but it can also be intimidating.
Professors at NYU expect students to be independent and self-motivated. Unlike in India, where teachers may provide more structured guidance, here, the responsibility is on the student to manage their workload, seek help when needed, and make use of the university’s resources. Time management is crucial, especially if you’re juggling coursework, internships, and extracurricular activities.
One thing I learned the hard way is that office hours are incredibly useful. Professors are open to helping students, but you have to take the initiative to ask for it. Whether it’s discussing a difficult concept, getting feedback on a project, or even networking for future opportunities, making the effort to connect with faculty can make a big difference.
One of the best things about NYU is its diversity. The university has students from all over the world, and being in a city as global as New York means you’ll meet people from countless cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. There are student organizations for nearly every ethnicity and interest, including an active South Asian Students Association, which helped me feel more at home. However, despite this diversity, there are moments when you might feel like an outsider. Certain cultural norms, humor, and even classroom discussions can feel unfamiliar at first. But over time, you adapt, and more importantly, you find people who share your experiences.
Weather Shock: New York Winters Are Brutal
If you’re from New Delhi, be prepared—New York winters are a whole different beast. I had never experienced temperatures below freezing before, and my first winter in NYC was a rude awakening. The cold isn’t just about low temperatures; it’s the wind, the slush, and the fact that the sun sets at 4:30 PM during peak winter months.
Investing in a good winter coat, waterproof boots, and thermal layers is essential. But more than that, prepare for the mental adjustment. The lack of sunlight in the winter can affect your mood, and it’s important to find ways to stay active and social even when it’s freezing outside.
Is NYU Worth It?
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade my experience at NYU for anything. The city offers unparalleled opportunities, the professors are among the best in their fields, and the connections you make here can be invaluable for your future career. It’s a place that pushes you out of your comfort zone and forces you to grow in ways you never expected.
If I had to give advice to incoming students, I’d say this: come prepared, but be open to change. Learn how to budget, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there socially, and take advantage of every resource NYU offers. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the experience—because as overwhelming as it can be, living and studying in New York is truly something special.
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