Now that it is almost officially summer (or at least according to the academic calendar), blog posts will be reduced to every other week leading up to your departure in August. The posts might be less frequent, but they will still be full of important information about things like upcoming deadlines, academic updates, and housing placements so make sure you stay on top of them!
Our office will stay open all summer during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EDT. If I’m going to be out of the office for any extended period of time (we take vacations too!) I’ll give you fair warning in advance, but you can always call the main line for help: +1 212-998-4433.
Month: May 2016
Visiting Students: NYU Email ONLY!
After today, May 19, we’ll be emailing all correspondence, including blog updates, to your NYU Email account ONLY. Please make sure you have activated it so you receive important communications such as your ebill and visa instructions!
It’s easy to do: see here for details, including how to set up mail forwarding so messages sent to your NYU Email address also go directly to the email address of your choice.
Serve Your City – DC Volunteer Opportunity
If you are interested in getting involved during your semester away, DC is a fantastic place to volunteer. Two current NYUDC students have recommended Serve Your City, a local organization providing access to various sports for kids in the DC area.
Serve Your City is a DC-based non-profit that creates essential learning opportunities for at-risk DC students through innovative programming and the engagement of passionate volunteers. The organization trains young professionals and college students to teach and inspire students through literacy, math, science, and wellness programs. NYU Washington, DC has its own branch of Serve Your City committed to giving back to the community through volunteership with the organization’s sports and tutoring programs. If you’re interested in getting involved for the upcoming fall semester, please contact ariellehersh@nyu.edu or visit us at serveyourcitydc.org. Leadership positions available!
Planning Ahead: Preparing Your Family for Your Time Away
You may be the first to study away in your family, or you simply have people who care and worry about you. Consider sharing this article with family and friends! The below quote provides initial context, but please see the full article for valuable pieces of practical advice.
“As a parent, your kids expect you to worry. You expect you to worry. Worrying, to an extent, is healthy. But it’s equally important to have realistic concerns and try to mitigate them as much as possible through knowledge and planning.”
Top Security Tips for Students
During your study away experience, please note that your safety is our top priority. Upon arrival, you will hear from NYU Washington, DC, staff about safely navigating the semester away – you will receive 24 hour emergency numbers, tips about the city, and a better understanding of the facilities in your home away from home. We are there to support you throughout the entire process. Help us keep you safe by keeping these initial tips in mind:
- Have a cell phone that works locally. Ensure to update your Albert account with this information, share with local site staff, and also share with your family back home.
- Add an emergency contact to the Study Away Confirmation Portal
Keep the NYU Washington, DC< site staff informed of your independent travel and always register trips in NYU Traveler prior to out-of-town travel. Additionally, let your roommates and RA know of any traveling that you plan to do. - Do not travel alone. Do not walk alone at night.
- Avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption. Know your limits! Students’ with impaired judgement are more likely to be victims of a crime or injury.
- Do not leave your bags or belongings unattended at any time. Be conscientious of keeping your wallets, cell phones, laptops and other valuables with you. These are the types of property that are commonly reported stolen.
- Avoid traveling in poorly maintained vehicles. Inquire about the safety records of different bus companies. When taking a taxi only use those that are licensed and always sit in the back seat.
- Never keep all of your documents and money in one place or one suitcase.
If you find yourself in uncomfortable surroundings, try to act like you know what you are doing and where you are going. - In your residence, always close and lock your door even if you leave for just a minute. Insist your roommate(s) do the same. Establish rules with your roommate(s) regarding visitors.
- Have sufficient funds or a credit card on hand to purchase emergency items such as an airline ticket.
- Be alert to your surroundings and the people with whom you have contact. Be wary of people who seem overly friendly or overly interested in you. Be cautious when you meet new people, and do not give out your address or phone number. Be careful with information about other students or group events. Be alert to anyone who might appear to be following you, and to any unusual activity around your place of residence or classroom. Report any unusual people or activities to on-site staff immediately.
- Exercise good judgment about what places to frequent during the day and at night, and avoid being on the street at late hours more than necessary.
- Do not flash money or documents in public places. Avoid carrying large sums of cash — keep small bills in your pocket and use them whenever possible to pay for things. Be discrete in displaying your passport. Keep in mind the best time to use ATMs is during the daylight hours. Use bank affiliated ATMs whenever possible.
- Be aware of pickpocket situations — crowded areas e.g. subways. Carry wallets and cell phones in the front pants pocket, or use bags, pocketbooks etc. that zipper well; keep pocketbooks on your lap when in restaurants etc. Avoid the backs of chairs or under the table, carry your bag close to your body, tucked in the bend of your elbow. Avoid bags that clasp or snap shut, zippered bags are preferable.
- Use your street smarts and be aware of your surroundings.
Study Away Confirmation Portal Now Available
If you have confirmed your place in the program, you are now eligible to log in and submit your required forms through the Study Away Confirmation Portal! You will login using your NYU netID and NYUHome password.
This portal will allow you to confirm personal information, sign off on necessary agreements, and submit your travel details so site staff can prepare for your arrival. You will also find the Study Away Housing application which will allow you to submit your housing preferences, search eligible roommates, view their lifestyle profiles, message one another, and request roommates. Please read the information thoroughly and submit your answers carefully so that we can best meet your needs.
You will need to have access to your passport, emergency contact information, and a 2×2 photo to complete these forms.
Students who haven’t yet confirmed their participation by submitting the reservation fee will not have access to this portal until their place is confirmed and their fee has been processed.
All sections of the portal will be due by June 15th (please note it is not first-come, first-serve). Your Housing Reservation Payment is due at this time as well (please disregard NY listed deadlines, but this illustrates how to submit payment if you need assistance).
Preparing for Study Away Series: Workshop Resources
This packet is intended to give all students the opportunity to consider their identity during the pre-departure process, even if they weren’t able to attend our in-person events.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, and we are happy to talk to you or connect you to resources or students.
NYU Washington, DC Fall 2016 