Xiaohongshu
Get ready to travel the world without leaving campus! From Monday 16 to Friday 20 November, UCL’s International Festival brings cultures, communities and experiences together through food, music, dancing, creative workshops and plenty of opportunities to meet new people.
Whether you want to try something new, discover different cultures or simply enjoy the atmosphere, there is something happening every day. Here’s your guide to making the most of the week.
Monday 16 November 2026
Connect: Meet new people at Cultural Speedfriending, from 12:00 to 14:00 in the Blue Room, Main Quad. Share cultures, make friends and connect with students from around the world.
Create: Get crafty at the Felt & Sip Workshop, from 16:00 to 18:00. Try traditional Kazakh felting, make your own accessory and enjoy some Kazakh tea and sweet treats!
Move: Take a break with Monday Meditation, from 13:00 to 14:00 in the Meditation Room, Basement 2, Student Centre.
Explore: Discover London's food scene on a trip to Bang Bang Foodhall, from 11:00 to 14:00. Meet at the Print Room Café and explore food stalls serving dishes from Mumbai to Tokyo.
Wildcard: Round off the day with Jazz @ Institute Bar. Enjoy an evening of live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday 17 November 2026
Connect: Travel the world through Global Board Games Night, from 18:00 to 20:00 in the Haldane Room. Try games from Mexican Lotería to Japanese Shogi and Mancala.
Create: Design your own accessory at the Phone Charm Workshop, from 14:30 to 15:30 in the Haldane Room. Make a unique charm with colourful beads inspired by cultures around the world.
Move: Get dancing with ANZO Bush Dancing, from 16:00 to 18:00 in the Haldane Room, and learn some classic Australian dances. Alternatively, try Bollywood Dancing, from 16:30 to 17:30 in the Blue Room, Main Quad. Both are beginner-friendly, but they overlap, so you'll have to choose!
Explore: Discover ancient history on the Discover London – Petrie Museum trip, from 18:30 to 20:30. Meet outside the Print Room Café at 18:30 before heading to the museum to uncover the stories behind ancient Egyptian coffins.
Wildcard: Grab the mic at K-Pop Karaoke Night, starting at 20:00 at Mully’s Basement Bar. Sing along to your favourite K-pop hits with UCL K-Pop Society.
Wednesday 18 November 2026
Connect: Meet students from different backgrounds at the Faith and Belief Café, from 14:00 to 16:00 at 30B Torrington Square, with free hot drinks and relaxed conversation; everyone is welcome.
Explore: Discover London's vibrant food scene on the Discover London: Brixton Trip, from 11:00 to 14:00, exploring Brixton's diverse food market and independent traders.
Move: Get into the rhythm at artsUnlocked Just Vibes Hip-hop, from 18:15 to 19:30 in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, Bloomsbury Building, with a beginner-friendly dance session.
Wildcard: Enjoy a theatre trip to see My Neighbour Totoro with artsUnlocked, from 17:00 to 22:00, meeting at the Blue Room, Main Quad before travelling to the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Thursday 19 November 2026
Connect: Discover Filipino culture at the Filipino Society Cultural Fair, from 12:00 to 15:00 in the Haldane Room, Wilkins Building, and meet the society committee while connecting with other students.
Create: Get creative with artsUnlocked: Around the World in Bookmarks, from 12:30 to 14:30 in G17, Yellow Room, North Cloisters, making bookmarks inspired by cultural patterns and traditions from around the world.
Explore: Discover London's South Asian food scene on the Discover London: Brick Lane Trip, from 11:00 to 14:00, meeting outside the Student Centre before exploring Brick Lane's curry houses, bagel shops and bakeries.
Move: Try something new at Project Active Women Only Bellydancing, from 16:30 to 17:30 in the Blue Room, Main Quad; this beginner-friendly session is open to female-identifying UCL students.
Wildcard: Put your opinions to the test at International Speed Debating, from 14:00 to 15:30 in the Blue Room, Main Quad, discussing international topics from food and cuisine to the Olympics and football.
Friday 20 November 2026
Connect: Celebrate together at the Festival of Lights Closing Party, from 15:30 to 17:00 in Main Quad, with glowing decorations, street food, music, sparklers and free glow sticks.
Explore: Discover the sights, sounds and flavours of Chinatown on the Discover London trip, from 11:00 to 14:00, meeting outside the Student Centre.
Move: Get involved in the Caged Street 3-a-side Football Tournament, from 17:00 to 21:00 at Market Road Football Pitches; all levels are welcome!
There is no better time to meet new people, discover cultures and try something outside your usual routine. Bring your friends, turn up to something new and make the most of everything happening across campus.
Whether you spend the week dancing, making crafts, exploring museums, tasting new food or simply meeting people, International Festival is all about celebrating the diversity that makes UCL such a vibrant community.