As a half-Chinese international student from Thailand, celebrating Chinese New Year has always been a cherished tradition in my life. Back home, this festival was a time of family, food, and festive joy. It was an occasion when my mom’s extended family, including grandparents and cousins, would come together for a big meal. After the meal, we would exchange red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money and well-wishes for the coming year. These traditions hold a special place in my heart, and this year, with it being my third and final year at university, I was determined to carry them on whilst in the midst of studying and busy dissertation work.
A Taste of Home Away from Home
Being in Exeter, I had to adapt our usual traditions. Instead of a big family gathering, I celebrated with my brother, who visited for the occasion from his first year of uni in Bath, and a few close friends. We decided to keep things simple and ordered from a Chinese takeaway in town. While it wasn’t the same as the elaborate home-cooked meals I grew up with, the flavours still brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia. My favourite place to go to for a good Chinese takeaway is a spot called Far East Delight. I have yet to try any other Chinese food spots in town but considering how much I like this one, I doubt I will be switching any time soon. However, I can’t say the same for Thai food, in fact I’ve tried all the go-to Thai food spots in town and my favourites are Kin Khao and Ifood – whilst they are on the pricier side it is a nice treat to myself. If I’m ever in the mood to cook Thai food at home (occasionally but rarely does this happen) we have loads of Asian stores in town so getting authentic ingredients is not something I have to worry about. Personal go-tos of mine are Yonk and 168 Oriental. Both are very convenient as they are located on Sidwell Street, which is in the centre of the city.
Campus Celebrations in Full Swing
The Spring Festival celebrations at the University of Exeter were nothing short of spectacular. The Forum buzzed with energy, filled with a variety of stalls organized with the support of the University, staff, students, and several cultural societies. The Malaysian, Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese societies played a significant role, each hosting stalls that showcased traditional snacks from their regions. It was a delightful experience to sample these treats while learning about the local recipes and cultural significance behind them. My personal favourite was the soy bean candy from the Vietnamese society’s stall: it had a sand link texture and was so addictive I had to go back for two more! I also tried a Singaporean traditional snack which was fried bananas and chocolate which was so indulgent and decadent. From spending the short but sweet time I had visiting all the stalls, I really got to learn more about how much each small action had an impact on everyone and it was so liberating to see how much fun everyone was having. I even got to play my first Mahjong game and that was such a cool experience. It’s motivated me to learn the game properly now!
In addition to the food, the stalls offered interactive activities and traditional games, allowing students to immerse themselves in the festive spirit. One of the standout moments was the traditional Filipino bamboo dance, performed by talented members of the Filipino Society. The rhythmic clapping of the bamboo poles combined with the dancers’ graceful movements captivated the audience, adding to the lively atmosphere.
The University also embraced the spirit of giving by distributing 2,000 red envelopes containing well-wishes, chocolate coins, and a voucher for the Market Place (the University shop on campus) as a blessing for the new year. The Forum was vibrant, decorated with traditional motifs that enhanced the festive vibes. Adding to the celebration, there was an affordable food stall provided by Eat and Shop on campus, offering a range of delicious dumplings and spring rolls, making it accessible for all students to enjoy the flavours of the festival. The day ended perfectly with some fireworks which were displayed near the Business School on campus by Magnolia Lawn. The celebrations lasted for around 10-20 minutes and there was a great display of colourful and vibrant fireworks. It was a nice end to the day as even locals who live in Exeter joined us and this was such a highlight for me, the fireworks are also shown for other celebrations such as Diwali. It is warming to know that here at the University of Exeter we not only celebrate within our community of the University but also extend the invite to people in the city who can come and join us, all being a reflection of how welcoming the University is.
Finding Community in Celebration
Joining the University’s festivities reminded me of the importance of celebrating cultural traditions, even when away from home. It also highlighted the sense of community that the University of Exeter creates for its international students. Being part of these celebrations allowed me to share my heritage with friends from different backgrounds and appreciate the diverse cultural environment at Exeter. Last year I was on committee for the Multicultural Society and it was a great experience getting to celebrate and learn more about everyone’s unique backgrounds. With over 300 societies in the Guild, there is room for everyone to honour who they truly are.
Reflecting on the Experience
Although this year’s celebration was different from those I experienced growing up, it was just as meaningful in its own way. Sharing a meal with my brother and friends, participating in the University’s events, and embracing new ways to celebrate while maintaining traditions made this Chinese New Year memorable.
For anyone considering studying at the University of Exeter, the opportunity to celebrate your culture and learn about others’ traditions is one of the many aspects that make the university experience so enriching. And for current students, make sure to clear your schedule for the University’s celebrations next year!