Coming to Queen's University Belfast as an international student, I thought I would not be able to celebrate my festivals and traditions the same way I did back at home for quite a while. I assumed university life would be mostly about lectures, assignments and learning how to cope with Belfast weather. But what I did not expect was how much space there would be on campus to celebrate who I am, where I come from, the traditions and culture that I grew up with; and how beautifully those celebrations could be shared with people from all over the world.

Diwali

Throughout the year, Queen's feels like a colourful mix of cultures. Festivals here don't feel like box-ticking events, rather they feel personal. For example, during Diwali there was a certain warmth on campus that is hard to explain unless you have experienced it. You will see students dressed in traditional clothes, decorations, rangoli patterns, tables full of sweets, dazzling performances and cultural nights.

People ask questions, listen carefully and generally want to understand why this festival matters so much. Explaining the meaning of Diwali, which is light over darkness, triumph of good over evil, hope over hardship, to friends from completely different backgrounds makes it even more special and personal.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year brings a different kind of excitement. There are colours everywhere, lanterns, performances and decorations. What I adore the most is how this celebration becomes a moment of storytelling. Students talk about how they used to celebrate back at home and what certain food would symbolise; and why the New Year means more than just a date on the calendar. It becomes a reminder that even though we are far away from home, we never forget our roots. Our traditions don't disappear, they just travel with us.

Holi

Holi is a favourite tradition of mine as it's one of the most joyous moments on campus. It's loud, colourful and full of laughter. Not even students but sometimes teachers from different backgrounds throw colour at each other, dancing and not worrying about getting messy. For a moment, everyone forgets where they are from and what they are studying, it's just pure enjoyment and just being present.

Eid

Eid celebrations at Queens feels more calm and meaningful. After a month of fasting coming together to celebrate share food and reflection creates a strong sense of community. Even if family is a thousands of miles away the warmth of being surrounded by people who are your home far away from your own family makes this significant day less lonely.

One of the most powerful things about Queen's is that how it also celebrates identity and history through different events like Black History Month, LGBTQ History Month, International Women's Day and other cultural awareness days. These movements not only create space for learning and listening, but also make people aware and have important conversations. They remind us that diversity is to be respected.

As an international student these celebrations have helped my campus feel like my home. They have helped me make friends, start conversations and make me feel proud of my culture like never before, instead of feeling like I need to blend in quietly. There's something quite comforting about seeing your tradition being welcomed, explained and celebrated in a place that once was unfamiliar.

Queen's University has taught me that being an international student doesn't mean you have to leave your identity behind, instead it means you can bring it with you and watch it become a part of something much bigger and part of a shared story. And with every festival every celebration, every small movement of cultural exchange reminds me that I chose the right place to study, grow and belong.

Find out more

Take a Virtual Tour of Queen's

What Makes the Queen’s Community Special?

Exploring Belfast Through the Eyes of an International Student

International Students: Key Cultural Differences and Similarities Between Home and Belfast/NI

Tista Sarkar Cancer Medicine | Postgraduate Student | India Hi, I am Tista - part science nerd, your friendly global ambassador and full-time explorer of all things. When I am not decoding molecular mysteries in cancer cells, you will find me chasing sunsets, sipping too much coffee, and turning impromptu adventures into unforgettable memories.