Qiantan Campus, Shanghai – The Computer Science, Data Science, and Engineering (CSDSE) Division hosted its first-ever Study Away Sharing Session on March 26. This event provided invaluable insights and firsthand experiences to students preparing for their study-away journeys. Assistant Professor of Computer Science Hongyi Wen moderated the session, which featured five students from various majors sharing their experiences and offering advice based on their participation in the study away program.
Left: Bale Chen (in the middle); Right: Wendy Gao
Keynote Speakers and Shared Insights
Bale Chen, a Data Science major, shared his experiences with graduate courses in Natural Language Processing, Statistical Learning Theory, and Advanced Python for Data Science. "Graduate courses are not as difficult as you might think; instead, they are more focused on projects," Chen noted. He also highlighted the popularity of undergraduate Machine Learning courses, which often have long waitlists, recommending "Intro to Machine Learning" as a viable alternative.
Wendy Gao, pursuing a double major in Economics and Data Science, discussed the prerequisite differences for Machine Learning courses between New York and NYU Shanghai, emphasizing the need for an additional Linear Algebra course. Gao also advised choosing less crowded courses offered by different schools.
Dany Sigha resolving student's questions
Dany Sigha, a Computer Science student, provided insights into the importance of regularly checking emails from NYU GP for waitlist procedures. He stressed the need to find personal interests within the CSDSE field to choose related courses unavailable in Shanghai.
Left: Margaret Mao; Right: Xinyu Li
Margaret Mao and Xinyu Li offered unique perspectives on advanced studies. Mao noted that advanced-level CSDSE courses in New York typically have fewer students, around 20, facilitating better relationships with peers and professors. Li recommended that students passionate about research consider taking PhD courses, which often involve regularly reading and sharing papers for a deeper academic experience.
Practical Tips for Study Away Students
The panelists shared practical tips for students preparing for their study-away programs. They advised that dorm life is safe if commuting from the dorm to campus is ensured. One-year students might consider living off-campus starting in the second semester, pending policy verification for 2024-2025. Food options near Washington Square Garden Campus include food trucks, Doordash/UberEats for takeouts, or self-cooking. Traveling between CAS and Tandon takes at least 30 minutes by metro, with the shuttle bus being an option (schedules available on official apps). NYU Safe Ride offers free commuting services between NYU locations after 11 pm, though the ride might take up to an hour to arrive.
Left: Margaret Mao answering questions; Right: Professor Wen
Interactive Q&A and Networking Session
Following the presentations, students engaged in a Q&A session, seeking advice on navigating their study-away experiences. The panelists provided practical tips and shared personal anecdotes, encouraging and guiding their peers.The session concluded with a networking opportunity over pizza, allowing students to continue their discussions and forge new connections.
Reflecting on the event, Professor Wen remarked, "This session is a testament to our community's collaborative and supportive spirit. Through sharing their experiences and insights, our students empower each other to achieve academic success while fostering a resilient mutual support network that will serve them well in their future pursuits."
CSDSE Division Continues to Foster Student Success
The success of this inaugural Study Away Sharing Session shows the CSDSE Division's commitment to supporting its students' academic and personal growth. As students prepare for their study-away journeys, the division remains dedicated to providing the resources and community connections necessary for them to thrive.