More than 600 students arrived at the Jingyao Residence Hall on Sunday, August 26 for this year’s Move-In Day. Students from more than 50 countries, accompanied by their families, carried not just their bags, but their enthusiasm for the next four years.
Throughout the day, 30 Resident Assistants and 10 Orientation Ambassadors were on hand to assist students and families, distributing fans, iced beverages, and cookies. These students serve a crucial role in supporting incoming students adjust to NYU Shanghai’s unique campus culture.
Nigel Dai Data Science ’26 from Guangzhou, China served as an Orientation Ambassador for the second time this year. “There are always new surprises and challenges,” he said. “With the Class of 2029 being the largest cohort in NYU Shanghai’s history, Orientation week brought unique logistical hurdles. But thanks to the dedication of the New Student Programs staff and the OA team, we worked hard to make the transition as smooth as possible for every new student.”
Kassidy Sacley ’28 from the Philippines said she took her role as Resident Assistant seriously. “I get to meet my residents first hand and they get their first impression of NYU Shanghai from me so that’s really important,” she said. “Just making sure that everyone was in their dorm, knows their dorm codes, and they’re all settled in, and being welcoming and helpful.”
Despite their varied backgrounds, NYU Shanghai’s newest Qilins shared a similar excitement for the chance to improve their language skills, immerse themselves in Shanghai’s culture, and build friendships across cultures.
Fatou Kurbally ’29 from Texas in the United States hopes to study international relations and law with hopes of becoming a lawyer. “I want to help people all over the world, and I want that global perspective,” she said. She chose NYU Shanghai in part because it would allow her to continue her studies in Mandarin, which she has been learning for the past decade. She hopes to immerse herself in campus life, participate in sports and studying away.
Wang Sirui ’29 from Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, who plans to study neuroscience, is looking forward to improving her language skills in an immersive English language learning environment. “It’s still a bit challenging for me, and I really want to improve my academic writing skills,” she said.
Outside of class, she is looking forward to participating in a dance club to pursue her love of hip hop.“NYU Shanghai offers students so many possibilities—you can explore first, and then gradually find the direction you truly love,” she said.
Sebastian Mejia ’29, who traveled nearly 48 hours from his home in Honduras, said the move felt like both a homecoming and the start of a new adventure. “I love the city. I love China. My sister is also studying [in Shanghai], so that’s a good sign,” he said with a smile. Even though Sebastian spent part of his childhood living in Guangzhou and has visited more than ten times, this time felt different, he said. “I’m excited to meet new people,” he said.
Aram Hovhannisyan ’29, from Armenia, who hopes to major in finance, said he was attracted to NYU Shanghai’s perfect blend of East and West. “It’s a great mix of American education and Chinese culture,” he said. “I think it’s very useful for my career and for my life in the future.” Hovhannisyan also looks forward to sharing a taste of his country with new friends. “I brought some food from home—sweets and snacks,” he said.
For Sophia Gallego ’29, from New Jersey in the United States, Move-In day marked her first time in China. “I chose NYU Shanghai because it’s full of opportunities. You can meet people from all over the world, learn a whole new language, and there’s just so many things to do,” she said. Gallego, an aspiring dental student, already connected with new classmates through social media, which made the transition smoother. She made sure to bring photos from home with her, to help her stay connected with family.
Zuo Chenghan ’29 from Beijing said he was looking forward to being part of NYU Shanghai’s largest incoming class yet. “When you immerse yourself in such a diverse, large community, it sparks a kind of freshness, a new kind of energy and prosperity,” he said. “That’s the feeling I got as soon as I stepped into the dorm—seeing people from all different backgrounds. It felt really great.”
As Move-In Day wrapped up, students unpacked the last of their belongings and began checking out their new home for the next four years. While their majors and career paths may differ, their goals align: to learn, to grow, and to make the most of their time in Shanghai.
Four years from now, they hope to graduate not only with degrees, but also with a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.
And for now, it all begins with Move-In Day.