UCL International Festival 2025: From Recognition to Unity
Image Courtesy: Charis Leto
Salsa, mooncakes, Encanto, Bhangra, and Nollywood – these are just a few of the experiences that defined this year’s UCL International Festival, a celebration of the rich diversity within our student body. From 3rd February to 7 February, students and societies organized a week-long programme of events across various locations on campus. For those who couldn’t attend, here’s a glimpse of what it meant for those who took part.
International Festival is a time for cultural expression, connection, and learning. With a packed programme of food, dance, performances, films, games, it offers students an invaluable opportunity to both share their heritage and learn about others from all corners of the globe. It’s a time to reflect on our own identities while uniting with the larger community.
For Ekemini and Fareedha, two members of Nigerian Society, this was their first International Festival. As a society which only recently formed, Ekemini reflected on the importance of the event in making a small society feel visible:
“International Week is so important for us. As a small society, it gives us a sense of recognition. We feel like we’re making an impact, not just for our society, but for others too. It reminds me that I’m not alone – despite our differences, there are things that connect us.”
Image Courtesy: Charis Leto
Fareedha added that the diversity within their society made the event even more meaningful:
“It’s beautiful that our society has so many non-Nigerians. Sharing our culture, and learning from others, makes us feel complete. Every person who attends our events makes us feel whole – we are grateful for everyone who takes part in our journey.”
Their reflections capture the essence of the International Festival – celebration, exploration, and shared regard. It’s about recognising the value of every culture and understanding that wisdom comes from engaging with those who are different from us.
In keeping with the spirit of the event, the Student Union created a cookbook, Tastes Like Home, featuring 21 dishes from 17 countries. The proceeds will support the Hardship Fund, helping students facing financial difficulties.
Image Courtesy: Charis Leto
Whether through sharing cherished recipes, learning the first few steps to a cultural dance or playing football, UCL International Festival reminds us of the importance of creating a world where no culture is left unseen. The strength of our global society lies in our ability to appreciate and celebrate differences, fostering compassion, curiosity, and understanding.
While the official week has passed, we continue to reside in a university rich in diversity, and as we do so, I hope that we are all able to feel grounded within our own cultural identities whilst also reaching for those who are from another.