NYU Abu Dhabi Fall 2017

While our hope is that you arrive at your study away destination without any challenges, we know at times these can occur for a variety of reasons.  Please note that NYU is unable to act as an intermediary between the traveler and airline, but it may be helpful to keep in mind the below tips should you encounter any flight cancellations or delays:

Contact Your Airline First

Number one tip: Whether it’s an airport delay or flight cancellation, contact your airline – immediately.  It is most beneficial to act quickly so that you are able to grab a seat on the next available flight if necessary.  Many passengers will be trying to rebook and options may become more limited the longer you wait.

If Your Flight is Canceled:

• Multi-task communications: If your flight is canceled or delayed, immediately get in line for a gate agent; at the same time, call the airline (it may be quicker).
• If you have a frequent flyer status with the airline that gives you access to a priority phone number, using this may expedite the service you receive.

Note: There are no federal requirements that require airlines to provide you with any hotel or meal vouchers due to events outside their control such as weather, but airline policies on this vary. When in doubt, ask. Some will provide you with certain amenities.

If Your Flight is Delayed:

• Stay in touch with the airline: Follow the tips above; stay connected to your carrier
• Don’t be late to the gate: Even if you’ve been told your flight is delayed, stay in the gate area. Delays can evaporate and windows of opportunity for take-off can be short; if you’re not present for boarding, you may be out of luck

Note: Always be at the gate at least 20 minutes before departure, minimum.

Ultimately, if you are in an area where you still have access to email or phone service, please contact the appropriate staff member(s) at NYU Abu Dhabi listed at the bottom of our “Arrival and Visa Information” blog post to inform them of your updated itinerary.  This is another reason why it is important to have a copy in your carry on.  

The staff recognize these occurrences are beyond your control so will work with you to catch up if any material is missed.  On behalf of the entire NYU Global Programs team, we wish you safe travels!

Student Portal
The NYUAD Student Portal is home to useful information and important communications that you will want throughout your semester in Abu Dhabi. Important announcements and updates are posted to the Student Portal, so be sure to visit regularly and to check your NYU email.  The Portal also includes tips about living in Abu Dhabi as well as more specific information about personal computers, banking (there is an ATM located on campus), and mobile phones. To access the Student Portal, you will need to log in here using your NYU NetID. If you have any trouble accessing the Student Portal, please email the NYUAD IT Team.

Please note that some announcements and policies posted on the student portal will only apply to NYU Abu Dhabi students. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Global Education.

Student Profile
The first time you log on to the Student Portal, you will be prompted to complete your Student Profile, which will provide us with all of your essential information in one place (home address, emergency contact information, etc.). We urge you to keep your profile up to date, which you can do at any time by returning to the student portal.

Connecting to WiFi on campus once you arrive
Instructions for connecting to the campus WiFi are available on the Student Portal.  Please click here for more information.

Printing
NYU Abu Dhabi has campus wide printing available using a system called Pharos.  You will need to use your NYU ID Card as a means of authentication in order to print. More information can be found here.

As you prepare to get on a plane, it is now time to review the below final checklist full of practical items and packing tips to ensure your travel goes smoothly.  Also, take note of what NOT to pack by visiting this website.

• Notify your bank and credit cards that you will be abroad.  Make sure they won’t block your accounts when they see international charges, and ask for phone numbers to call from abroad in the event you have any issues. The 1-800 numbers on the back won’t always work from overseas.
• Have all medications you may need for the full term & bring a copy of prescriptions (medication, eyeglasses, etc.) and carry it with you in your carry on.  Your carry on should also have all important paperwork, phone numbers, and a change of clothes in case your luggage arrives late.
• Make photocopies of your passport/visa, ID, and cards (bank, credit card). Leave one copy of this packet with your parents and bring a set with you in your carry-on.  That way, if these items are lost or stolen, they’re much easier to replace.
• Bring your flight confirmation printout to the airport.
• Check the luggage restrictions for your airline before you pack.
• Regarding money: You can change dollars at the airport when you arrive but the exchange rates are notoriously bad. To avoid the bad exchange rates many travelers prefer to withdraw money when they arrive from an ATM machine at the airport. You might have to pay withdrawal fees, but with ATMs you’ll get a much better rate of exchange because your bank itself sets the rate. There is also an ATM (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank) on the NYU Abu Dhabi campus.
• Have a copy of the NYU Abu Dhabi airport transportation schedule (this will be posted to the blog soon!) – and leave one with your family.
• Set up a plan of communicating with your family members while abroad—we recommend calling or e-mailing them only once or twice a week while abroad. Your parents will ALWAYS want to talk to you more often than that, but remember that part of studying in another country is putting some distance between you and your old life. You’ll be better for it!
• Buy a journal.  Study Away is a profoundly personal experience and Facebook updates alone won’t capture the spirit of what you are doing.  Keep a journal that is meant to be just for you.
• Do not plan to use your blow dryers and flat irons that you use currently. Even with a plug adaptor and converter, the higher voltage can destroy (as in burn to a crisp!) your appliances and could potentially knock out power in entire buildings, which isn’t a great way to make friends abroad. If you’re not willing to forgo the blow dryers and flat irons for a few months, then it’s best to purchase local versions that operate on 220 volts once you get abroad.
• Bring a small weekend-size bag/backpack/collapsible duffle bag for trips you’ll take during your time abroad.
• Don’t forget that you cannot bring more than 3 oz. of any liquid in your carry on for your flight overseas.  Airport security can be very stringent. Make sure you follow all the rules when it comes to flying!
• If you follow a special diet (vegetarian, kosher, etc.) don’t forget to inform your airline ahead of time. It’s horribly unpleasant to be hungry and thirsty while you’re on a plane and they control when you get meals, so bring some snacks (stay away from fruit, as some countries don’t want you to bring perishable food into their airports). And make sure you have your own water on the flight (though, remember, you can’t take any through security).
• Last but definitely not least, try to pack LIGHT.  Layers, layers, layers!  You will inevitably come home with more than you started with.
• You can find more packing information linked in the Study Abroad at NYU Abu Dhabi Student Handbook.