While You're There
Thank you for your interest in NYU London’s Inclusion, Diversity, Belonging, and Equity (IDBE) efforts! Check below to learn more about our unique and site-specific IDBE opportunities and resources.
IDBE Liaison
The liaison is your go-to person for all things IDBE in London if you want to get involved or just chat!
Nigel Freeman
Nigel is responsible for the provision of health, welfare and Orientation activities, and many other services for NYU London and Tisch in London upperclassmen students, having joined NYU London in February 2005. He has a degree in Philosophy from the University of Leeds and a Masters degree in Management, and has looked after the welfare needs of American students in London for over a decade.
Global Equity Fellow
The Global Equity Fellow (GEF) is your student representative on issues of IDBE. Stay tuned for their events and programs!
Ayesha Ahmed, NYU London
Hii!! My name is Ayesha and I am a sophomore studying Psychology and Theater at NYU Abu Dhabi. I am originally from India, but I spent about the first half of my life in a myriad of cities across Saudi Arabia while for the latter half, I stayed in Bangalore. As a person who has changed about eight schools in a span of less than ten years and who has parents who identify with remarkably different cultures, I have always grappled with my lost sense of belonging. It’s something that has rattled my definitions of diversity, culture, equity etc owing to which by using these very same experiences as my standpoint, I want to build an atmosphere that harnesses this lost sense of belonging as a means of connectedness. An atmosphere that not only acknowledges these differences but seeks to find commonalities in these differences to foster creation of a space where anyone can explore their identity, especially third culture generation kids.In my capacity as a Global Equity Fellow I want to contribute to the development of a vibrant and healthy community at NYU London, one that is welcoming of those with different backgrounds and perspectives and actively works to effect good change.
Also a fun fact; I practically love anything that’s green; from mint chocolate chip to avocados to kiwis to pistachios, if it’s green I am all in:)
Katie Nash, NYU London
Hiya! My name is Katie Nash and I am a second year at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study pursuing a concentration in Applied Politics, Comparative Labor Studies, and Ethical Communication with a minor in History.
I am a New Yorker who also grew up in an intercultural Mexican and Jewish family in the diverse city of Los Angeles. Throughout my upbringing, I was exposed to a mix of perspectives and backgrounds. I plan to use this experience to help my fellow students feel safe and welcome at NYU London while encouraging dialogue surrounding IDBEA issues at NYU and beyond. Research-wise, I intend on studying England’s Latino population, a group that is typically ignored, with the goal to formulate possible strategies to increase inclusion.
As a Global Equity Fellow, I will strive to facilitate the best possible on-campus community. London is one of the most historic cities in the world and I am excited to share the experience of studying and living there with my fellow students.
Religion & Spiritual Life
The staff at NYU London provides information to students about religion and spiritual life resources, places of worship and/or meditation space, and related support services.
Religion and Spiritual Life at NYU London
The Student Life Team in London provides information to students about religious groups, places of worship, and related support services. In addition to posting information about local resources online, they have also invited local religious organizations to attend the Student Fair at the start of the semester. There is also a student-led Multi-faith Information Board that will list resources and important information for students.
Ramadan Resources and Interfaith Celebrations
Giving students the opportunity to celebrate their religious holidays is a crucial component of NYU London’s commitment to IDBE. To learn about all the holidays happening during your time abroad, we recommend you to check out The Diversity Awareness Partnership’s calendar of observances and holidays celebrated across 25 traditions (PDF).
Because Ramadan is coinciding with our academic calendar this year, we wanted to provide additional resources on how you can worship and observe fast throughout it. Here’s a little of what you can expect:
- A prayer and meditation room equipped with an abaya and prayer rug is available at the Academic Center from Monday through Thursday 8 AM to midnight and Friday 8 AM to 9 PM
- Students can join the UCL Students' Union Islamic Society, which organizes Jumuah Prayers in the UCL on Fridays starting at 1:10PM
- Open Iftar is the largest community UK event in Ramadan and hosts public Iftars
- Last year, NYU London hosted an interfaith Iftar at the Academic Center that included food and a discussion on being a Muslim/NYU AD student in London
Stay tuned for more celebration-specific information!
Worship and Meditation Space
NYU students have access to the University College London Union (UCLU), which hosts a variety of religion and spirituality groups, as well as yoga and meditation. The School of Oriental and Africana Studies also offers resources for Muslim students. Additionally, NYU London suggests various options for houses of worship. For example, the Buddhist London Fo Guong Shan Temple is a short tube ride from the NYU area and is open to the public. Students may also find synagogues in walking distance from the Academic Center.
Religious Accommodations
Students observing a religious holiday during regularly scheduled class time are entitled to miss class without any penalty to their grade. This is for the holiday only and does not include the days of travel that may come before and/or after the holiday. Information regarding absences due to religious observance must be provided at least seven days before the date(s) in question.
Dietary Considerations: NYU London does not offer a meal plan. The city offers an assortment of food choices that generally suit the needs of students. Halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options exist. Students are able to note dietary restrictions in the housing application and request kitchens to accommodate their needs. Various halal and kosher food options are provided in Resource Sheets upon arrival.
Questions to Keep In Mind
You may also want to reflect on the role religion and/or spirituality play in your life now, and what your expectations or needs are for your time away. Questions to consider:
- Do you have a strong connection and/or sense of belonging to a religious or spiritual group?
- Do you have a prayer or meditation space?
- Do you go to certain places for dietary needs?
- Do you celebrate certain holidays? Are these holidays you would want to celebrate during study away?
Get Involved!
Diversity-Related Course Offerings
For a full list of courses offered at NYU London please see the course list website.
- Global Perspectives of Child & Adolescent Mental Health
- Contemporary Issues in Health Services in the United
- Kingdom:An Experiential Approach
- Cultures and Contexts: Multinational Britain
- Postcolonial Indian Literature
- Black Urban Studies
- Immigration
- Modern Europe
NYU London IDBE Council
NYU London’s IDBE Team is an action-oriented body comprised of student life representatives, academic representatives, and students. The primary purpose of this team is to advance diversity and inclusion efforts at NYU London. Student applications open in the fall and spring.
NYU London Prayer and Meditation Space
NYU London has a prayer and meditation space open to students, staff, and lecturers with varying spiritual and/or personal practices.
NYU London Diversity Team
The NYU London Diversity Team is a student committee seeking to create an inclusive campus that recognizes, respects, and supports the diversity of its students, staff and faculty. Like their Facebook page for more information and to stay on top of upcoming events.
NYU London Cultural Adjustment Group
NYU London has convened Cultural Adjustment Group, hosted by a staff member, which allows students to discuss any questions or uneasiness they have about life in London or British culture. Sessions (some already conducted) are "frame-of-mind" discussions. We aim to provide a forum (alongside our town hall meetings, and student council) that addresses queries or discomforts in a congenial, supportive, and discursive setting.