Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to the Class of 2019 Freshman; welcome to the Fall Semester’s Study Away students; and of course, welcome back to the Class of 2018 and Class of 2017 students still with us this semester (or joining us this semester from all parts of NYU’s global network). I’m sure I speak for most when I claim that these last two weeks have been nothing less than hectic. And yet, we have somehow made it--bumps, bruises, cuts, sores and all. Coming back to Shanghai, after having spent an entire summer in NYC, has been positively strange. It has been strange because despite the grey skies, endless rain and undrinkable tap-water, I am so glad to be back. In fact, I cannot imagine being anywhere else in the world right now--ok, other than New Zealand. It is strange how much Shanghai has grown on me, and how much Shanghai feels like home. So much so that it has allowed me to turn a blind eye on all the flaws of this city, and really appreciate the fact that I am finally back--I am home. Walking into the Academic Building for the first time in 3 months made me feel indescribably comfortable, like seeing an old friend whom I had lost contact with for so long, and then being able to pick things up straight where we had left them. I even took a walk round the area to say hello to our good old pal 268 -- who seems to still be recovering from our last encounter. However, despite the Academic Building still being the same old building it was for me in Freshman year, and despite everything around the Academic Building remaining relatively unchanged, I know that, in reality, NYU Shanghai is going to be very, very different this year. I guess I am still in denial over the fact that most of my friends and classmates of the Class of 2017 are not going to be here this semester. I walk these halls replaying old memories from last year, forgetting that I am not going to find my Class of 2017 friends sitting in the same place in the library, or school lounge, during the week. The reality of just how different NYU Shanghai is going to be will perhaps not strike me wholly and completely until school officially starts. Speaking of change, I would like to take this time to express how fabulous the incoming Class of 2019 is. I’ve only seen bits and pieces of them throughout the orientation period, but from what I have seen, there is no doubt that we will get along very well. To all the Freshman, I hope that you have been enjoying your first couple of weeks in Shanghai. Shanghai takes some getting used to, but before you know it, the city will grow on you. And with that, I would like to end with a Michelle’s Shanghai to-do-list, which serves as a potential bucket-list for 2019 and Study Away students, and acts as a potential reminder of Shanghai for those studying away. Please note, I use the word ‘potential’ because I probably have a very different to-do-list to the average Joe/Plain Jane. Shanghai To-do-list

Enjoy a soft-serve from Family Mart (My personal favourite is the Strawberry. Family Mart change their flavours year round.)

Street food (Alright, when I first came to Shanghai, I refused to eat Street food because of its bad reputation. However, in the end, Street food won. My only advice with street food is for people to be careful and to check how popular a certain vendor seems to be with the locals. If some place looks real sketchy and the locals avoid it like the plague, that’s because it is real sketchy and you should avoid it, go somewhere else. Also, moderation is key.)

People watch (I personally love people watching in Shanghai. It is especially great when you are by yourself and bored. My favourite locations are the bund and Lujiazui.)

Century Park and People’s Square Park (These are two of my favourite parks in Shanghai.)

Sherpas and Eleme (You will have days where you just can’t be bothered moving. Sherpas and Eleme will then become your best friends. For those new to Sherpas, they have free delivery during the week from 2-5pm.)

Take the subway (Shanghai has one of the cleanest, most efficient subways in the world. If you really want to get to know the city, just take a subway and get off at random stops. Line 2 goes past a lot of Shanghai’s most iconic locations. I know Line 6 is a nightmare and has probably turned you off subways, but believe me, everything else is a lot better.)

Get a mani/pedicure (It is so much cheaper here than overseas--depending on where you live overseas, of course. I would also suggest a haircut, but many of the smaller places in Shanghai probably do not have English speakers, and the more expensive places can get quite pricey. You could always just opt to have your hair washed and blow dried though! I love doing that--your hair feels so nice and soft afterwards.)

Listen to jazz music at jazz lounges/bars (Yea.)

Ok, there is a lot more I could add to this list, but it is probably good to leave room for everyone to add their own things. Whether you take any tips from my list or not, just remember that Shanghai is a lively, bustling city. There is always something to do. Make an effort to get out there and find something special you enjoy doing and make it your own. Exploration and discovery is one of the finest things in life and requires very little costs. Have fun, enjoy Shanghai, and for everyone studying away, I hope you also have fun exploring and discovering, wherever you are! This article was written by Michelle Huang. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.