Admitted Student Weekend took place April 25 to 26, welcoming 28 international admitted students and 34 family members from nine countries to NYU Shanghai for a first-hand look at the student experience, campus community, and the vibrant city of Shanghai.
Students met with University leadership during the weekend exploring the New Bund campus and Jingyao Residence Hall, enjoying a picnic lunch in the quad, attending sample classes, and even learning how to make dumplings.
Students attended sessions where they had a chance to ask questions about student support and student life. For the second day, there was also programming for parents, including a Student Affairs and Academic Affairs session with university leadership. Visitors enjoyed the chance to explore the city—students participated in an introductory Experience Studio class through a city walk led by Associate Arts Professor of Interactive Media Business, Emily Tsiang, while family members toured the Urban Planning Museum and had lunch at the West Bund.
Interim Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Associate Dean of Students Adam Ebnit said that the weekend gives prospective students a taste of NYU Shanghai’s campus culture. “While not every admitted international student is able to travel to Shanghai, the weekend gives those who can the chance to experience the city, stay in the residence hall, attend sample classes, and explore NYU Shanghai’s culture,” he said.
Chancellor Tong Shijun welcomed admitted students and their families, painting a vision of NYU Shanghai as a global university. “The story of NYU Shanghai is one of transformation—just like this city,” he said. “From a purely agricultural area to a vibrant international hub, Pudong reflects the same spirit we foster here: innovation, openness, and global collaboration. As one of the founding witnesses of NYU Shanghai, I can assure you, this is a place where meaningful conversations between cultures truly happen—every single day.”
Vice Chancellor Jeffrey Lehman told the students that if they choose NYU Shanghai, they need to be all in and take advantage of the opportunities they’re offered. “In return, you get all of us: a global community of professors, classmates, and staff who believe in the transformative power of this education,” he said. “Our students take a more challenging path [that] prepares them to thrive in a complex, multicultural world. If that excites you—even a little—you just might be one of those special people we're ready to support every step of the way.”
Provost Joanna Waley-Cohen offered a piece of academic advice to admitted students: take risks. “For some of you, this might be a new style of learning, but it’s one full of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom,” she said. “From service learning to global experiences, you’ll be part of a tight-knit community within a truly international university system.”
Darya Chalenko, an admitted student from Kazakhstan, said she was pleasantly surprised by the University’s offerings: “Coming in with no expectations, I was blown away by NYU Shanghai—especially the vegan food tour at a Buddhist temple and authentic Cantonese cuisine. As a neuroscience major who initially ranked Shanghai as a third choice, I now can't imagine being anywhere else! The dorms exceeded my expectations, and I'm thrilled to already have friends before even starting classes this September.”
Victor Elizalde, who traveled with his daughter Margaux Elizalde Winikates from the United States, said they were impressed. “NYU Shanghai stands in a league of its own,” he said. “The chancellor's visionary speech - challenging us to think 15 years ahead - was revolutionary. Combined with Shanghai's remarkable urban planning and safety, we're convinced this is where global education meets the future.”
Virtual information sessions are available for prospective students who were unable to attend the Admitted Students Weekend in person. Campus tours are also available for students interested in NYU Shanghai.