As students, it is very easy to get caught up in our studies. We always take our books with us so we can read for the next class and never take the time to appreciate the beautiful scenery of our Saadiyat campus. We all have many outstanding assignments, we have to attend Student Interest Group meetings, a rehearsal, fill out an online form and login to the student portal daily. Trust me, we’re all in this together.

There are ways to find some solace. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, and get to the point where you just want to throw your book at the air conditioning vents because it’s too cold and your homework is too challenging, go outside. Leave your room, leave the library and walk out into the sunlight. Take a walk on the highline, sit under the palms and just breathe.

Unplug yourself from the world. Put your phone down, leave the computer behind, leave your books on your desk and go sit outside. Feel the rough bark of the palm trees, observe the city skyline from the bridge, smell the scent of the flowers and listen to the breeze rustle the plants’ leaves.

While you are walking outside, take the time to discover the campus. Go see the huge grass area behind the A6 buildings, the amphitheatre on top of the Arts Center and gaze at the NYU Abu Dhabi torch on top of the library. There is so much to discover on this campus; all you have to do is step outside.

So remember, the next time you feel like you’ve had enough, cannot read another word and your browser won’t refresh, drop everything and go outside. Go to that part of campus you’ve never been before, find a bench, sit and just breathe. Take time for nature and appreciate what you’ve been given. There is no other campus like NYUAD on Saadiyat Island, let’s appreciate that.