Illustration by Tayla McHardie/The Gazelle

Stepping off the Etihad airplane upon my arrival to Abu Dhabi at the end of August, I recounted the long hours I had spent curled up in my window seat watching Eastern Europe from above, questioning my sanity and my decision to come to NYU Abu Dhabi. I remember thinking that, in 20 years, I would probably laugh at this dumb idea I once had, “Once, I nearly went to university in the UAE."

Then I got off the plane, and the immense heat hit me. Initially, I was just shocked by the temperature, still around 35°C at midnight. Then, after meeting some familiar faces from Candidate Weekend and some people I remembered from frequent posts on the Facebook group, my nervousness slowly decreased. The heat hasn’t gotten much bearable since then, but I do know now that coming to NYUAD wasn't a mistake.

Almost every freshman’s college life begins with some variation of Marhaba week. This experience is unforgettable but stressful: a week-long attempt to be the best and most likeable version of yourself, and to find those who you want to share your memories and deepest emotions with. All of this takes place amid practicalities like learning how Albert works — still a mystery for many — and explanations of the Core Curriculum and First Year Dialogue.

The stress of Marhaba continued beyond the official timetable late into the night, when new friends would try to impress each other with stories about who had done the coolest things in their past lives. Slowly but surely you inevitably begin questioning who you became during Marhaba. After some time, I think many freshmen have found their true selves. But learning to understand ourselves in the context of NYUAD and working out who our friends are, while also making the most of everything NYUAD has to offer, can be very stressful.

One of the biggest struggles many freshmen have faced is the heat in this country, especially the heat fluctuations. Climbing up the campus stairs with temperatures rising above 40°C and sweat trickling down your back is never a fun experience. Especially when you know you will be entering the Marketplace or any other freezing cold building, which all could be simulations of the Arctic. Let’s be real, that initial shock of iciness after finishing a diaphoretic work-out on the stairs couldn’t hit much harder.

Many freshmen had come from much colder countries, so getting used to the heat was a very difficult task. Classrooms and public spaces are far too cold, and the question of the year is still whether to bring a jacket to an indoor space. Deciding what to wear, given the local dress codes and the temperature-related difficulties is challenging, but nothing a trip to the mall and a few cardigans can’t fix.

Within the first weeks of classes, the flu was upon the class of 2019. Sleepless nights, accustoming to the climate, the close proximity to other students and the stress of university life threatened the immune systems of many. Many trips to the Health and Wellness Center were made. Coupled with requests for Strepsils on Room of Requirement, most illnesses in A2 were eradicated, but even today, people are struggling with a terrible case of the sniffles. That’s just what the air conditioning does to you. The dreaded Sama flu has become the Saadiyat flu.

As classes began, the stress levels among freshmen also rose. First papers, presentations and learning where to find grades on NYU Classes all had to be dealt with. We’ve probably all entered and left a class at least once without saying a single word, because we were just too intimidated in seminars full of seniors and juniors. This is all part of the experience and we are all in it together. Once midterms were on the horizon and evenings were mainly spent studying, we all began to realize that this is for real. We were not just at Candidate Weekend anymore.

Often, the new best friend you discovered turns out not to be the person you want to hang out with 24/7. Friend groups change dramatically throughout the first weeks. Nevertheless, your own room can be your safe-space. When nobody is around, the silence feels good. No gossiping, talking about January Term choices or discussing exams. You could finally just be yourself in a space that is all yours.

At a university where many students are far away from their families, homesickness is expected, and is to some extent frequently present at NYUAD. Though it’s rarely talked about, one can sense that many students miss their cultures, hometowns and families. I’m also sure that three-quarters of the freshmen have already Skyped their pets back home. Missing your family, be it humans or animals, is tough, and letting go isn’t easy.

The not-so-mythical Freshman 15 is also not an easy thing to avoid. The scale in the Fitness Center doesn’t show everyone’s desired numbers. But does that really matter? I mean, it could technically be new muscle-weight gained from all the stair-climbing. Also, you can never say no to another Oreo, now that they are finally stocked in the Convenience Store. The abundance of food from the dining halls and adjustment to a new lifestyle can all contribute to a battle with weight. However, the amazing fitness opportunities here on campus should allow all freshmen to lose that weight again if they want to. The sheer amount of classes, programs and facilities also help you have fun in your pursuit to avoid or reduce the much-hated Freshmen 15.

The Saadiyat campus is an amazing place, with incredible facilities and architecture. However, at times this place can also feel monotonous or deserted. When fall and Eid breaks started, for those not traveling, the campus was suddenly completely empty. Seeing that the campus is also self-sufficient, meaning you don’t need to leave if you don’t want to, often makes you forget the world you actually live in.

Abu Dhabi has so much to offer, from good Indian restaurants to pompous sushi places to many things you had never imagined finding here. Some of the best memories I have from my two months here have been made just by strolling the streets of Abu Dhabi, finding random shops and drinking fresh juices. Forgetting where you really are is often a problem, and over time, hanging out only within the NYUAD community perhaps isn’t the best choice. Just a single trip to the city can give you a new perspective of life here. You might also pick up some divine Yemeni honey, or some other peculiar item found in a hidden store downtown.

As I sit here in the library, writing this article, familiar faces pass and I can’t help but smile. I’ve made this my home now. I’m a part of the Facebook pages where people complain, compliment and confess. Although a lot of what I do is still new, it’s becoming normal. This place can be inspirational, yet at the same time feel like the most isolated site on earth. But that’s just what it’s like here; we need to accept that.

Even today, I’m not over the fact that it’s 33°C in the middle of October, or the fact that I live in the UAE with some of the most amazing people I have ever met. Adjusting to this place, may it be the university or Abu Dhabi, hasn’t been the easiest task, but over time I’ve been able to deal with it and accustom myself to this astonishing community. Missing life before NYUAD is normal. Part of finding this move difficult makes you see the good things here; you gain true awareness of the dream that you are currently experiencing and living.