Resident Spotlight: Runting Luo
When Runting Luo first discovered I-House, she knew immediately that it was more than just student housing—it was the vibrant, global community she had been searching for. A graduate student at NYU studying Management and Analytics, Luo’s journey has taken her across continents. Originally from China, she studied in Japan for her undergraduate degree before arriving in New York to begin a new chapter of learning and cultural exchange.
Luo credits her multicultural upbringing and early exposure to different languages for sparking her interest in international environments. “My father learned Japanese when he was young and highlighted the importance of learning different languages and interacting with foreigners. My high school math teacher even used to write praise in Japanese,” she shared with a laugh. Inspired by these influences and driven by a desire to see the world beyond China, she pursued studies in Japan and later set her sights on New York City.
At I-House, Luo found more than just a place to stay—she found a second home. “Everyone here is so different, but we’re all here to grow and support each other,” she said. “It’s a place where I’ve learned how to lead, connect, and celebrate cultures together.” She especially values the deep sense of belonging that I-House fosters, describing it as a place where residents lift each other up in times of both stress and joy.
One of Luo’s most meaningful contributions to the I-House community has been organizing a Dumpling-Making Night, a hands-on cultural event that invited residents to bond over preparing and sharing traditional Chinese food. “Food brings people together. It was beautiful to see everyone laughing, cooking, and learning from one another,” she said. Luo currently serves as the Eastern Asia Representative on the Resident Council at I-House, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering cross-cultural connection and community leadership. She also fondly recalls events like the Night of Nations, where she performed a Japanese dance, and Candlelight Sunday Supper, which she described as a powerful moment of shared unity and reflection.
Outside of academics and community leadership, Luo loves adventure. In the past, she has had experiencesscuba diving, skydiving, and snowboarding. She loves trying new foods across New York and says that one of her favorite spots in the city is Central Park. “It’s a place for everyone. You see families, kids, couples—all enjoying the moment. It’s like life slows down, and people are just alive.”
Luo’s ability to fully participate in I-House life has been made possible in part by financial aid, which she says relieved a significant burden. “Because of donor support, I’ve been able to truly engage with this community—organize events, lead, and give back. Your generosity is not just financial. It’s personal and it’s deeply appreciated.”As a newly appointed Dean’s Scholar, Senator-at-Large, and Graduate Student Council representative at NYU, Luo is poised to continue leading with purpose. Her time at I-House has shaped her into a confident global citizen—ready to take on the world with empathy, curiosity, and a heart full of gratitude.