The first day of class feels different to everyone. For first-year students, it may be extremely intimidating and nerve-wracking. On the otherhand, it may be a bittersweet experience for senior-year students as they are close to reaching another milestone in their lives. What do students think about this particular first day of class in Spring 2020?
It is believed that in sophomore year, after a year in university already, students should have settled in. At NYU Abu Dhabi, this may not be the case. Students start to study away, some for a year at once, some a semester only, some with a break semester in between. Whatever the case, students start to move around, friend groups start to change. For an introvert like Kim, this process doesn't come easy. This film documents Kim's life as she attempts to manoever in Abu Dhabi, when all of her closest friends have gone for study away and are making new friends.
Janet graduated her highschool as valecdictorian, captain of the badminton team and of the debate union. Upon joining NYU Abu Dhabi's class of 2023, she realises that she no longer is the best among her peers and friends. Attempting to be at the very top of the very top, she drowns herself in work above and beyond and joins as many clubs as she can find. Quickly, her mental health starts to decline. With the help of her friends and her professors, Janet seeks the help that she slowly realises that she needs and learns that it's okay to press pause.
The library is supposed to be a quiet place, or so they say. What happens when a group of students start the talking game in the library? Embark of the journey of Shannon, a first-year student who instead of studying, uses the library as a social space. Friend groups are broken, fights break out, strict policies are enforced - can Shannon learn to be quieter?
Sandy, a senior-year student, finds himself unable to sleep every night. In his last semester of undergraduate, he quickly realises that his luxurious Abu Dhabi life is coming to an end. Haven't applied for any jobs nor for any graduate school programmes, he ponders about his next steps in life. Soon, he would have to leave his beloved second home behind with his best friends from all over the world. What will he do? What path will he choose? Join Sandy as he attempts to make his last semester worthwhile.
On an uneventful Saturday afternoon, it was suddenly announced on Saadiyat Island that NYU Abu Dhabi students can no longer spend meal swipes at the Starbucks counter. Watch as students band together to figure out who was behind the change, try and reverse the decision, and alter their diets all together.
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