The Unfiltered NYU Experience: Everything I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Hey future NYU Violets! As someone in the trenches of the NYU experience, I get similar questions every week. Instead of copy-pasting responses, here's my complete, honest take on everything - the good, the challenging, and the unexpected.

The "Is It Worth It?" Breakdown

Let's tackle the elephant in the room first. When you ask if it's worth it, you're actually asking two questions at the same time:

1. Is NYU Worth It?

   ABSOLUTELY YES! I'm in love with everything NYU offers. The buildings, the resources, the opportunities - I spend most of my time exploring different NYU buildings and still can't get enough. The standard of education, the cohort quality, and the resources - are all top-notch. You just need to learn how to take advantage of these resources - they're there for you, you just have to know how to use them effectively and make them work for your needs.

2. Is Moving to the US Worth It?
   This is where I need you to pause and reflect. I am still figuring out it myself. Here's what no one tells you:

• You come thinking it's just about studying and campus life

• Reality: You're rebuilding EVERYTHING from scratch

• Cooking, self-care, adulting - it's all on YOU

• You're leaving behind everything familiar

• You are leaving your family and your friends - you’re alone here!

• Only your character and determination come with you

Why am I telling you all this? I wish someone had sat me down and prepared me for this reality. If someone had walked me through these challenges, I could have been mentally ready for what was coming. When we only see the highlight reels on social media, we miss the real story. We think everything will be perfect. It won't be. But that's okay—it's part of the journey. And hey, a word of advice - don't make life-changing decisions based on watching the last part of "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" (though I did, and it worked out!). But if you haven't seen it, check it out - it gives you a fun glimpse of NYU life, even if real life is a bit different from the movies.

The Professor Factor

Let me be crystal clear: NYU is one of the top private universities in the United States - questioning our professors' quality isn't even on the table. Instead, ask yourself: am I giving 100% to make the most of these exceptional educators? Too harsh? Maybe, but that's the level of trust we have in our faculty's expertise. We're talking about:

• Industry veterans bringing real-world knowledge

• Research experts diving deep into the subject matter

• Professors who actually care and want to help

Just know the right questions to ask!

Academic Experience at NYU

• Course Load & Difficulty:

  This is grad school - expect challenging coursework that requires self-motivation. The beauty is you can take classes across NYU departments, from Stern to SPS. Core courses are mandatory unless you can prove proficiency through a waiver process.

• Group Projects:

  They're a key part of most courses I've taken or heard about. Great way to build your network and learn team dynamics.

• Theory vs Practice:

  Programs blend theoretical foundations with real-world applications. You'll dive into both concepts and hands-on implementation.

• Study Resources:

  Everything you need is accessible through NYU's online portals - from course materials to research databases.

• Library & Study Spaces:

  All study spaces are amazing but my favorite is Bobst Library. It is a gem - 11 floors of pure academic heaven with a view to die for. They loan out laptops, computers, and basically any academic resource you need. If they don't have something, they'll get it for you free.

  Fun fact: I'm writing this from Bobst right now, and trust me, you'll love studying here.

The Financial Reality Check (2025)

Let's talk money - no sugarcoating:

• Tuition: ₹20 lakhs per semester (₹80 lakhs total)

• Monthly living: ₹1.5 lakhs (varies by lifestyle)

• Total 2-year investment: Around ₹1 cr

Note: Your mileage may vary based on spending habits and housing choices. I will not go deep into it.

Job Prospects: The Honest Truth

Let's be real about jobs - the market is tough and competition is fierce, regardless of conditions. Having general skills isn't enough anymore - you need to develop deep, specialized expertise in your chosen field. When preparing for job hunting, focus on mastering niche skills that set you apart. Don't just learn the basics; dig deep into your specialization.

Here's what nobody tells you:

• NYU doesn't guarantee jobs

• Success depends on YOU, your skills, and timing

• Some final-year students have jobs, others don't

• Both MSCS and MSMOT face the same reality

• Your network and luck play huge roles

How NYU helps in getting a job, NYU provides the following:

• Career Resources

• Resume reviews

• NYU Violet alumni network (it's HUGE!)

• Talk to your professors

• Career counselors But the job hunt is YOUR journey.

The NYC Student Life Reality

Housing:

• No grad student dorms (surprise!)

• NYC housing market is tough but manageable

• Resources: StreetEasy, RentOG, FB groups, Whatsapp groups

• Start searching early!

• Choose your roommates carefully - this decision impacts your daily life more than you might think

• Get a private room, no compromises. Don't try to save money here - your personal space will be your sanctuary when adjusting to NYC life

Social Life:

• Yes, it starts lonely (being honest here!)

• Classes help make friends

• Be careful choosing your circle

• NYC moves FAST - you'll miss things every day

• Daily NYU events (almost too many!) - help you make friends

• Choose events matching YOUR interests

The Hidden Challenges

The reality of moving abroad hits differently - especially for first-timers. Even if you've lived away from home before, moving to a new country is a whole different game. You'll face waves of homesickness, consider going back, and find yourself glued to your phone, yet nothing fills that void. Missing life back home becomes part of your daily routine. Yes, it gets tough and sadness might be a constant companion for a while. But here's the thing - once you're here, throw yourself into experiencing everything this new life offers. Work harder than you think is possible. Push through those tough days. The growth on the other side is worth it.

Let's talk about what Instagram doesn't show:

• Getting a Visa is hard! (Be prepared with your documents)

• Homesickness hits different

• Missing family events become normal

• Self-doubt creeps in

• Starting from zero is HARD

• Mental health matters (NYU has resources!)

• NYC's pace can be overwhelming

• It’s too COLD in the winter!!!

But also the amazing growth:

• Become stronger

• Grow smarter

• Develop gratitude

• Experience holistic growth

• Learn survival skills

• Create lifetime friendships

My Final Take

Is all the hardship worth it? I'm still living it, still figuring it out. But I can tell you this:

• You'll grow exponentially

• Become more resilient

• Learn to survive anything

• Build amazing stories

• Create a unique path

Remember: Your experience will be uniquely yours. Don't just focus on the highlight reel - prepare for both challenges and victories.

Questions? Drop them in the comments or message me on my Topmate link (it's free!). Let's make your transition smoother than mine was.

Link - https://topmate.io/tripur_joshi/1034998/pay

P.S. If I missed anything, let me know in the comments - I'm here to help!