Chinese New Year at University: A Student Guide to Celebrating Away From Home
University is one of the most exciting times of your life – but for many international students, it can also mean being far from home during important cultural celebrations. One of the most significant of these is Chinese New Year, similar to other Lunar New Year celebrations across many East Asian cultures, which mark the new year according to a lunar calendar.
With students from all over the world living and studying together, Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to learn about different culture, support friends who may be feeling homesick, and even take part in celebrations yourself. Here’s a Mezzino student-friendly guide to what Chinese New Year is all about, and how it can be marked while studying away from home.
What Is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese culture, while similar Lunar New Year events are also celebrated across many East and Southeast Asian communities. Unlike the Western New Year, it follows the lunar calendar, meaning the date changes each year, usually falling between late January and mid-February.
The festival marks the start of a new year and is centred around themes of family, renewal, luck and fresh beginnings. Celebrations typically last around 15 days, beginning with New Year’s Day and ending with the Lantern Festival.
Each year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, such as the Dragon, Rabbit or Tiger, with each animal symbolising different traits and energies for the year ahead.
Key Traditions and Symbols
Chinese New Year is rich in meaning, with many traditions passed down through generations. Some of the most well-known include:
Red decorations, symbolising good luck and prosperity
Family meals, often the most important part of the celebration
Red envelopes (hongbao), traditionally filled with money and given as a sign of good fortune
Cleaning and decorating homes before the new year to sweep away bad luck
Fireworks and celebrations, believed to ward off negative energy
Food also plays a big role, with dishes chosen for their symbolic meanings – such as dumplings for wealth or noodles for longevity.
Celebrating Chinese New Year While Studying Away From Home
For international students, being away from family during Chinese New Year can be emotional. It’s a time usually spent together, so there naturally may be a sense of homesickness.
However there are still plenty of ways that the celebration can be enjoyed, and even tied in to the uni experience!
Staying Connected
Technology plays a huge role for students overseas. Video calls, shared meals over FaceTime, and sending digital red envelopes are now common ways to stay connected with family across time zones.
Celebrating in Student Accommodation
You can mark the occasion in small but meaningful ways, such as:
Decorating your room or shared flat with red or gold touches
Cooking a traditional dish or ordering food with friends
Hosting a cultural evening with flatmates, maybe even getting some fireworks (handled professionally, of course)!
Inviting friends to join in can be a great way to share a culture and help others learn something new.
Finding Local Events
Most UK cities have a sizeable Chinese population, especially larger ones such as Birmingham and London, often hosting Chinese New Year parades, performances and food markets. There are also East Asian societies at most universities, which can be very helpful in providing knowledge and celebrating the event in an authentic manner.
A Time for Fresh Starts and Wellbeing
At its heart, Chinese New Year is about new beginnings – something many students can relate to. It’s a chance to reflect, reset and look ahead, whether that means setting academic goals, focusing on wellbeing, or simply taking time to pause during a busy term.
For students living away from home, acknowledging cultural celebrations can make a big difference to mental wellbeing, helping people feel seen, valued and connected.
Celebrating Together as a Student Community
Even if you don’t celebrate Chinese New Year yourself, it’s a great opportunity to be curious, respectful and supportive. Small gestures like asking questions, joining a celebration, or simply wishing someone a happy New Year (新年快乐) can go a long way in building an inclusive student community.
Living with students from different backgrounds is one of the most rewarding parts of university life. Chinese New Year is just one of many moments where shared understanding and cultural exchange can turn accommodation into a real home away from home.
