You must arrive in Shanghai by January 22nd. Please make sure you have secured your visa in time for your date of departure. Please contact OGS at 212-998-4242 or ogs.outbound@nyu.edu if you have any issues or concerns about your visa.
Author: jalevin19
Shanghai City Guide from ThisIsNYU Bloggers
As you may know from previous updates, students across the global sites are currently blogging on ThisIsNYU about their experiences away and must-see spots. Visit the Shanghai City Guide to see favorite places to go, things to do, areas to visit beyond Shanghai, and overall advice.
We encourage you to sign up and blog for ThisIsNYU too during your time away! Not only will others benefit from your recommendations, but this is a great way to document and share your experience with family and friends. To get started or to learn more, simply visit nyu.edu/global/bloggers. The “Getting Started” page will have you ready to start in under 15 minutes, so you can sign up — and start blogging — today!
What to do if you Encounter Flight Cancellations or Delays
While our hope is that you arrive at your study away destination without any challenges, we know at times these can occur for a variety of reasons. Please note that NYU is unable to act as an intermediary between the traveler and airline, but it may be helpful to keep in mind the below tips should you encounter any flight cancellations or delays:
Contact Your Airline First
Number one tip: Whether it’s an airport delay or flight cancellation, contact your airline – immediately. It is most beneficial to act quickly so that you are able to grab a seat on the next available flight if necessary. Many passengers will be trying to rebook and options may become more limited the longer you wait.
If Your Flight is Canceled:
- Multi-task communications: If your flight is canceled or delayed, immediately get in line for a gate agent; at the same time, call the airline (it may be quicker).
- If you have a frequent flyer status with the airline that gives you access to a priority phone number, using this may expedite the service you receive.
Note: There are no federal requirements that require airlines to provide you with any hotel or meal vouchers due to events outside their control such as weather, but airline policies on this vary. When in doubt, ask. Some will provide you with certain amenities.
If Your Flight is Delayed:
- Stay in touch with the airline: Follow the tips above; stay connected to your carrier
- Don’t be late to the gate: Even if you’ve been told your flight is delayed, stay in the gate area. Delays can evaporate and windows of opportunity for take-off can be short; if you’re not present for boarding, you may be out of luck
Note: Always be at the gate at least 20 minutes before departure, minimum.
Ultimately, if you are in an area where you still have access to email or phone service, please contact the appropriate staff member(s) at NYU Shanghai listed on your arrival information packet to forward your updated itinerary. This is another reason why it is important to have a copy in your carry on.
Should your updated itinerary arrive outside of the provided transportation window, you will be responsible for getting to housing (but don’t worry – the arrival information you received will have all the relevant details necessary to do so!).
The staff recognize these occurrences are beyond your control so will work with you to catch up if any material is missed. On behalf of the entire NYU Global Programs team, we wish you safe travels!
Arrival and Orientation Information from NYU Shanghai
NYU Shanghai sent all students detailed arrival instructions, as well as mandatory readings for the orientation. Here are the documents in case you missed them! Please provide a copy of the arrival information to your parents.
Arrival and Orientation Information
Reading Instructions
Readings:
‘La Double Vie de Veronica’: reflections on my life as a Chinese migrant in Australia, by Ye Zhengdao
See You Again Yesterday, by David Sedaris
You will be expected to discuss these readings at Orientation so make sure to print them out for the plane!
NYU Shanghai Textbooks
As a reminder, you should have received the email below from NYU Shanghai. Read carefully for instructions and contact info in case you have questions!
We are pleased to let you know that the NYUShanghai textbook website is now ready for the Spring 2016 semester. Please read the following instructions carefully as it contains important information about how to order course materials for your classes!
COURSE MATERIAL POLICIES
NYU Shanghai students are expected to purchase required course materials for all enrolled classes by the end of the add and drop deadline from either the NYU Shanghai textbook website or other legal resources. Please note that if you do not purchase the course materials directly from the NYUShanghai textbook website, you will need to verify your own copies during the pointed textbook distribution sessions for exemption.
The Bursar’s Office bills each student a flat rate of $500 for all course materials before the academic semester starts. However, after the add/drop period (February 15, 2016) students will be charged only for the course materials that were actually ordered. Each course requires different course materials so the fee for course materials per course will vary. Students who provide an approved verification of a purchase for their own textbooks and materials before the add/drop deadline will not be billed for the materials again. Therefore, students might receive a refund based on the actual costs of their necessary course materials after the add/drop period.
Orders will be processed on January 17th, January 24th, January 31st and February 5th, all at 23:59pm. Between each order processing deadline, students may modify or cancel their orders without penalty.
However, no exchanges or returns are permitted after an order is processed even if you drop the course or change your schedule, so place orders carefully!
If a student is enrolled in a class, but has not ordered course materials prior to the course add/drop deadline (February 5th, 2016), the university will process an order for the necessary course materials for that student.
Please contact us at nyush.academic.associates@nyu.edu with your questions, concerns and feedback!
Ordering Process
Purchases are by course not book. If you want to verify books for a course with multiple items, you must verify all the books within the corresponding verifying dates
IMPORTANT DATES and DEADLINES
| Verifying Dates | Order Processing Deadline (Orders will be processed and cannot be modified or canceled) | Distribution Dates | |
| 1st Ordering Cycle | Jan.21st and Jan.22nd | Jan.17th, 23:59PM | Starting from Jan.21st |
| 2nd Ordering Cycle | Jan.21st and Jan.22nd | Jan.24th, 23:59PM | Starting from Jan.25th |
| 3rd Ordering Cycle | Jan.25th – Jan.29th | Jan.31st, 23:59PM | Starting from Feb.1st |
| Final Ordering Cycle | Feb.1st – Feb.5th | Feb.5th, 23:59PM | Starting from Feb.15th* |
*Please note that due to the Spring Festival Holiday, orders made by the Feb5th deadline will be distributed after Feb.15th.
HOW TO REMOVE COURSE MATERIALS
Important Travel Reminders
The time is almost here to leave for China, but before you depart for the airport make sure you have all of your immigration needs taken care of! It is important to keep any immigration related paperwork on your person/in your carry-on luggage and ready for your arrival in China.
A reminder that if you received a single entry X2 visa, you CANNOT enter and depart from China before the start of the semester. If you do this, you will not be able to re-enter China for the start of the semester at NYU Shanghai on your X2 visa.
Two important reminders for best practices when traveling abroad:
- In order to board your international flight you will need your passport. You should have copies of your passport elsewhere. OGS recommends keeping a color copy of your passport and visa separately in your carry-on luggage. You should also have access to a digital encrypted copy of your passport and visa online that can be obtained from any computer. Additionally, you may want to leave a copy of your passport and visa with a parent or guardian, or whomever you trust and would call in an emergency. If your passport/visa is lost or stolen having a copy of such may help expedite getting a replacement.
- After you arrive at your study away site, you should register with your local Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens can register with the S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Programwhich will automatically alert the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate to your presence in country. Non-U.S. citizens should register with the relevant home country Embassy or Consulate abroad
Practical Pre-Departure Checklist & Packing Tips
As you prepare to get on a plane, it is now time to review the below final checklist full of practical items and packing tips to ensure your travel goes smoothly. Also, take note of what NOT to pack by visiting this website.
- Notify your bank and credit cards that you will be abroad. Make sure they won’t block your accounts when they see international charges, and ask for phone numbers to call from abroad in the event you have any issues. The 1-800 numbers on the back won’t always work from overseas.
- Have all medications you may need for the full term & bring a copy of prescriptions (medication, eyeglasses, etc.) and carry it with you in your carry on. Your carry on should also have all important paperwork, phone numbers, and a change of clothes in case your luggage arrives late.
- Make photocopies of your passport/visa, ID, and cards (bank, credit card). Leave one copy of this packet with your parents and bring a set with you in your carry-on. That way, if these items are lost or stolen, they’re much easier to replace.
- Bring your flight confirmation printout to the airport.
- Check the luggage restrictions for your airline before you pack.
- Have some cash on hand to get you through the first few days (you can exchange at the airport if needed, but service fees can be hefty. Banks may be able to issue the local currency, the Renminbi, ahead of time if they have notice. Or simply withdraw cash from the ATM directly once you land – this can be easiest)
- Have a copy of your arrival cheat sheet (coming soon) – and leave one with your family!
- Set up a plan of communicating with your family members while abroad—we recommend calling or e-mailing them only once or twice a week while abroad. Your parents will ALWAYS want to talk to you more often than that, but remember that part of studying in another country is putting some distance between you and your old life. You’ll be better for it!
- Buy a journal. Study Away is a profoundly personal experience and Facebook updates alone won’t capture the spirit of what you are doing. Keep a journal that is meant to be just for you.
- Do not plan to use your blow dryers and flat irons that you use currently. Even with a plug adaptor and converter, the higher voltage can destroy (as in burn to a crisp!) your appliances and could potentially knock out power in entire buildings, which isn’t a great way to make friends abroad. If you’re not willing to forgo the blow dryers and flat irons for a few months, then it’s best to purchase local versions that operate on 220 volts once you get abroad.
- Bring a small weekend-size bag/backpack/collapsible duffle bag for trips you’ll take during your time abroad.
- Don’t forget that you cannot bring more than 3 oz. of any liquid in your carry on for your flight overseas. Airport security can be very stringent. Make sure you follow all the rules when it comes to flying!
- If you follow a special diet (vegetarian, kosher, etc.) don’t forget to inform your airline ahead of time. It’s horribly unpleasant to be hungry and thirsty while you’re on a plane and they control when you get meals, so bring some snacks (stay away from fruit, as some countries don’t want you to bring perishable food into their airports). And make sure you have your own water on the flight (though, remember, you can’t take any through security).
- Last but definitely not least, try to pack LIGHT. Layers, layers, layers! You will inevitably come home with more than you started with.
You can find more packing information in the Resource Sheet that was handed out in the pre-departure orientation.
Set Up Direct Deposit
Now that the ebill payment deadline has passed (January 6), consider setting up direct deposit with NYU if you anticipate receiving any portion in the form of a refund. Instructions on how to do so can be found on the Bursar’s website here.
Welcome to NYU Shanghai CareerNet!
If you are actively looking for off-campus internship/volunteer opportunities during your time in Shanghai, please log on to NYU Shanghai CareerNet with your NYU email address and password. We offer many opportunities in different industries on a daily basis. Feel free to contact us at shanghai.careerdevelopment@nyu.edu if you have any questions.
Meanwhile, it is important to note that international students hired for off-campus internships must follow a mandatory Internship Registration Process. The NYU Shanghai mobility team (shanghai.student-mobility@nyu.edu) will assist you with the necessary paperwork which can take several weeks to process.
Transition Tips: Preparing to Live in a New City
World Trade Resource is a tool that provides accessible information about developing cultural competencies and best practices for communicating, living, or working in another country or city, including New York. Additionally, it includes health and travel guides, as well as culture and city guides for the most popular destinations. The cultural self-assessment feature provides you with tailored information on how to succeed in a new host country.
To start exploring World Trade Resource, please visit here. You can also access World Trade Resource via NYUHome.
NYU Shanghai Spring 2016 