New York University Shanghai (NYU Shanghai) is jointly established by New York University and East China Normal University of Shanghai. It is the first American college to receive independent registration status from China’s Ministry of Education. While classes are in English, some proficiency in Chinese is required for graduation.

NYU Shanghai exemplifies the highest ideals of contemporary higher education by uniting the intellectual resources of New York University’s global network with the multidimensional richness of China. NYU Shanghai guides students toward academic and moral excellence, prepares them for leadership in all walks of life, and contributes to the endless quest for new insights into the human condition and the natural world.

China has again become a major force in the world, while increasingly the world is drawn to China. More than the scope of the conventional Area Studies, the innovative interdisciplinary major in Global China Studies allows students to build on the knowledge and critical skills gained from the core curriculum to deepen their understanding of global currents in China, whether at the level of state and society or of individuals, and in the context of commercial, religious, cultural, political and other interactions. At the same time, students will gain a greater awareness of the extraordinary complexity of what we call “China” and how that has come about. Global China Studies majors will further their formal language study, either by an additional year of modern Chinese or a year of classical Chinese, or, in consultation with the adviser, by a year’s study of another dialect or language of China. They will learn about digital humanities from the specific perspective of Global China Studies; and finally, are strongly encouraged to study abroad beyond the minimum one semester in order to expand their global experience. Majoring in Global China Studies at NYU Shanghai positions students to pursue graduate education and professional careers in a broad range of areas at the cutting edge of 21st-century experience.

In teaching, NYU Shanghai aspires to prepare its students for lives of discovery, satisfaction, and contribution. Students at NYU Shanghai will study with world-class faculty who nurture their capacity for original, rigorous, and critical thinking and with diverse and intellectually gifted classmates. They will pursue a liberal arts and sciences education in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics while immersing themselves in English, the language of international communication. They will master cross-cultural skills in a community where half of the student body hail from China and half represent countries from around the world. Finally, NYU Shanghai students will learn the role that great cities play in human progress and the interdependent relationship between China and other countries.

In research, NYU Shanghai aspires to produce original, rigorous, and important insights across a broad set of academic domains. Such insights do more than extend existing knowledge in predictable ways; they provide fresh understanding that is fully consistent with our observations and, at the same time, promise to have a significant influence on the thinking of others.

In public service, NYU Shanghai aspires to promote healthy development within the many communities it inhabits. It strives to be a responsible actor in the individual lives of students, teachers, and staff; in the local neighborhoods that surround its campus, the district of Pudong, the city of Shanghai, and the nation of China; in East China Normal University, in New York University; in the interdependent society of humankind, and in a truly global ecosystem.

About Shanghai

Shanghai, Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, and cultural center in East China. Also, it is a popular travel destination for visitors to sense the pulsating development of the country.

In addition to its modernization, the city’s multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city’s culture, making a visitor’s stay memorable.

Shanghai serves as an important air, rail, road and water transport hub in eastern China. The frequent flights, trains, and buses make one’s travel a breeze. The urban transportation is also quite satisfactory. Despite the traffic jam that does happen occasionally, the convenient taxis, buses, metro trains etc. can take you to any corner of the city.

NYU Shanghai Campus

Located at 1555 Century Avenue, the newly constructed Pudong campus is surrounded by bustling activity, a lively community, and some of the world’s most iconic buildings—all in the heart of Shanghai’s thriving commercial center.

Fifteen stories tall with two additional levels underground, the building contains 55,000 square meters (550,000 square feet) of usable space. It features an expansive library, which houses an extensive physical and electronic collection with access to NYU’s global library resources, a 300-seat auditorium, a 150-person colloquium space, and kitchen and dining facilities. Also equipped with classrooms that can accommodate various class sizes, dedicated floors for teaching and practical science laboratories, intimate study spaces, and faculty and administrative offices, the building functions as a campus unto itself and as the center of a thriving academic community. Wireless IT services and a robust IT infrastructure ensure that the building and, by extension, the students and faculty, remain fully connected to the NYU global network.

NYU Shanghai dorms are as wired, integrated, and diverse as the university’s classrooms and as the city itself. By living alongside fellow students and residential advisers, students form intimate communities free from classroom walls and limitations, allowing for a continuous flow of education and ideas.

Living in University

Participating in student government or a student club or organization, volunteering in a service project, or attending a student leadership program are just a few ways to discover new ideas, learn about different cultures and interests, develop skills, and contribute to the community. During orientation, students are introduced to opportunities to get involved on campus. All students are encouraged to join at least one club or activity at NYU Shanghai.

The Office of Student Life also facilitates a variety of initiatives and programs that help break down barriers between people of different backgrounds, providing a groundwork for the culture of understanding that NYU Shanghai strives to embody. Further information about leadership and diversity programs is shared with students during orientation.

Whether you’re looking to participate in a competitive or intramural team sport, to relax with meditative yoga, or to express yourself through various forms of dance, participating in some form of physical activity helps maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. During orientation, you’ll learn about all of the options available and will be encouraged to choose at least one activity for the semester.