Xiaohongshu
What if you could discover a new hobby, experience a different culture, or meet someone from the other side of the world without leaving campus?
From 16-20 November, International Festival is bringing five days of cultural experiences, creativity, food and fun to UCL!
We've organised International Festival to showcase the diverse cultures that make our community so special. With students from all over the world, there's so much for us to share, learn, and discover from one another.
What's in it for you?
International Festival makes it easy to explore the cultures, traditions and experiences that make UCL so diverse. Taste Sri Lankan dishes, tacos and fresh pasta at our International Food Market, try your hand at origami, discover games from around the world or meet students and hear the stories behind their cultural heritage.
You don't need any experience or knowledge to join in, and you don't need to bring a friend group! Whether you're sharing something you love about your own culture or discovering someone else's, everyone is welcome.
Here's just a taste of what's happening:
- Meet new people at cultural speedfriending or connect at our global board games session
- Try something creative with our origami crafternoon, Burmese lantern workshops and other hands-on activities
- Explore our market in the Cloisters, featuring independent artists, calligraphers, henna, tarot readings and cultural stalls
- Experience the arts with theatre trips, hip hop classes, and lunchtime student performances
- Get active at our caged street football tournament, bellydancing workshops, or other activities happening throughout the week
And there's something special coming to the Main Quad too! Inspired by Festivals of Light celebrated by different cultures around the world, we're transforming the space into a glowing celebration of light, hope, and togetherness for the International Festival Closing Party. These celebrations often mark important moments of renewal, community, and the triumph of light over darkness. Expect beautiful illuminated decorations and a little extra magic on campus as the November evenings grow darker.
Make the most of your time
Your time at UCL will be shaped by the people you meet and the new experiences you try, that's why we've made International Festival as easy to join as possible. Most activities are free, with plenty of drop-in experiences you can enjoy between lectures. Whether you've got 15 minutes or a whole afternoon, there's something for you.
Ready to get involved?
When: Monday 16 - Friday 20 November 2026
Where: UCL Bloomsbury campus
Who: All students and staff are welcome!
Explore our International Festival page to see the full programme, find out when and where activities are happening, and book your place at events that need a ticket.
See you there! ¡Nos vemos allí! 到时候见 نراكم هناك!
