Phuong Anh Kieu
Celebrating Lunar New Year at the University of Exeter was a gentle reminder that traditions can still feel close, even when we are far from home. Thoughtfully organised by the School of Education, the lunchtime event brought students together in a way that felt warm, relaxed, and genuinely comforting. For many Southeast Asian students, Lunar New Year is the most important holiday of the year, usually filled with family gatherings, familiar dishes, and meaningful rituals. Being away during this time can feel a little lonely, yet this celebration in Exeter made the day feel brighter.
The room was filled with colour, conversation, and easy laughter. In the middle of a busy academic day, it became a moment to pause, connect, and simply enjoy being together. Surrounded by friends and classmates, homesickness softened into a quiet sense of belonging.
One of the loveliest touches was hearing how everyone shared their own ways of saying “cheers,” from “Chúc mừng năm mới” to “Kanpai,” “Salud,” and “Cheers.” Different languages, yet the same spirit of joy and hope.
The food added another layer of connection. Students had the chance to taste dishes inspired by Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cultures, turning lunch into a small journey across Asia.
More than anything, the celebration felt like a reminder that community can make any place feel a little more like home.