Lunar New Year has always been the most special time of the year for me. In Vietnam, it’s more than just a celebration—it’s a time of reunion, where families gather around festive meals, streets glow with red lanterns, and the air is filled with the sound of laughter and firecrackers (well, before they were banned!). It’s a season of warmth, tradition, and new beginnings.
But this year felt different. Studying abroad comes with incredible experiences, but it also means being away from home during important celebrations. As an international student from Vietnam, currently pursuing an MSc in Sustainable Business Management at the University’s Penryn Campus, this was my first time spending Lunar New Year far from my family. Back home, the holiday is filled with home-cooked meals, cultural traditions, and moments of joy shared with loved ones. But in a quiet town like Penryn, where there aren’t many Vietnamese students, I couldn’t help but feel a little lonely. While my family back home was sharing bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and exchanging red envelopes, I was halfway across the world, searching for ways to make the holiday feel just as meaningful.
Thankfully, I found warmth in unexpected places—through campus events, shared meals with friends, and even a peaceful moment by the sea.
Joining the Lunar New Year Celebration at Exeter
At the Penryn Campus, the University hosted a Lunar New Year / Spring Festival celebration at the Intercultural Café, bringing together students from different backgrounds. The space was festive, with red decorations and a table full of Asian snacks—shrimp crackers, assorted puddings, and nostalgic White Rabbit candies.
It was heartwarming to see students trying new treats, sharing stories, and engaging in activities like Chinese calligraphy and lantern painting. The celebration created a sense of home, reminding me how traditions can bring people together, even far from family.
A Feast to Remember
Beyond the university celebration, I had an even more special experience—an intimate dinner with some of my Chinese friends. Since we were all far from home, we decided to cook together and make the most of the occasion.
One of my friends, a professional chef from Beijing, took charge of the kitchen and prepared an incredible feast. The table was filled with mouth-watering dishes—dumplings, Sichuan-style spicy chicken, braised beef, and stir-fried vegetables. The 红烧肉 (hóng shāo ròu), a slow-braised pork dish, was definitely the highlight. Every bite was a burst of rich flavours, and for a moment, it felt just like home.
As we sat together, sharing food and stories, I realised that while I missed home, I wasn’t alone. We talked about how our families celebrated back home, the little traditions we each held onto, and how food has this incredible ability to bring people together.
Finding Solitude in Falmouth
After the celebrations, I decided to spend some quiet time in Falmouth—a little self-care moment amidst the festive weekend. Walking along the harbour, with the sea stretching endlessly before me, I found a sense of calm that I didn’t realise I needed.
Falmouth has a certain charm that’s hard to put into words. The gentle sway of the boats, the crisp sea breeze, and the sight of rolling green hills in the background made me pause and appreciate where I was. While Lunar New Year usually means being surrounded by family, I found comfort in solitude, taking in the beauty of the town and reflecting on how far I’ve come.
Reflections on Celebrating Away from Home
This Lunar New Year may not have been the same as the ones I grew up with, but in its own way, it was just as special. It reminded me that home isn’t just a place—it’s the people we surround ourselves with. Even though I was miles away from my family, I still found warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
Being an international student can feel isolating at times, especially during important cultural celebrations. But moments like these show that even in a small town like Penryn, there are always ways to create new traditions and find connections.
Looking Ahead
As I step into the new year, I hope to continue celebrating Lunar New Year in meaningful ways—whether it’s through university events, cooking with friends, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect. The essence of the celebration isn’t lost; it just takes on a different form.
For anyone celebrating a festival away from home, I hope you find your own way to keep traditions alive—whether it’s through joining events, sharing meals with friends, or even just calling home to hear familiar voices. After all, home is not just a place—it’s the people who make you feel like you belong.
Here’s to a year of new experiences, cherished traditions, and finding home wherever we are. Chúc mừng năm mới!