We're lucky to represent such a diverse global community at UCL. We're home to more than 20,000 students from outside the UK, and our International Festival (Feb 19 – Feb 23) is an incredibly important annual celebration for our community. Every year, we host a week-long programme of activities and events, delivered for and by our students, to showcase and celebrate our internationalism and global outlook.

This year our activities were planned around the themes of Curiosity, Celebration and Connection.

From taster sessions with Indian Dance Society to a 5-a-side World Cup, to a huge Food Festival in the Main Quad, there was loads to get involved with.

And the festival was for everyone – international students keen to showcase keen their heritage, or home students with an interest in learning and understanding more about the world.

Continue the legacy of the Festival

Does a particular recipe remind you of home? Perhaps there's a dish that has been passed down in your family? Or maybe there's a meal you cook or bake on special occasions? We're looking for as many recipes as possible to showcase the wonderful diversity of the UCL student community.

We aim to compile all recipes into a printed cookbook, which will be sold to raise money for the Hardship Fund. If your recipe is selected to feature, we may be in touch to ask for further details.

Be Curious

Expand your horizons, be curious about different cultures and expand your mind beyond what you already know

Sample a diverse array of cuisines and feast of flavours at the International Food Festival in the Main Quad or try a Swedish taster session with the Nordic Society. Most importantly, be curious and try something new.

Celebration

Celebrate your cultural identity and that of others

Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of diversity, education, and global opportunities at the International Festival Fair.

Or celebrate Chinese culture at the 2024 Chinese Art showcase presented by the UCL Chinese Art Troupe (under UCLCSSA).

Make new connections

Discover opportunities to enrich your student experience by making new connections and trying something new

Enjoy the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, tucking into delicious tamales alongside the Mexican Society as they celebrate Candlemas Day.

Join a Chinese Calligraphy and Origami Workshop with the UCLCSSA Society. Or take part in the TeamUCL 5-a-side World Cup.

This is your opportunity to enrich your student experience.

Check out the whole programme of events below

Events & Activities
Silent Meditation Session (UCL Chaplain)
04/02/2025 | 10:00 - 11:00
This session is led by Reid Humble, the UCL Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser.He will introduce you to centering contemplation, a form of silent meditation he has been practicing for around 15 years. We will then meditate silently for 20 minutes. You are also welcome to use a different meditation practice you are familiar with.
Clubs & Societies
Quiz Night (Open to All)
05/02/2025 | 18:00 - 19:00
Come put your knowledge of Portuguese-speaking culture, geography, language and much more to the test with our first-ever quiz night! Discover facts you never knew and get a chance at winning some world-famous Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese egg custard tart pastry)! Join us on the 5th of February on the UCL Main Campus (room to be announced).
Events & Activities
Holy Communion (UCL Chaplain)
06/02/2025 | 13:00 - 14:00
Led by the Rev'd Reid Humble, UCL Chaplain and Interfaith Adviser.A Christian service of Holy Communion. Open to students of all Christian denominations and those who are curious. We begin at about 13.10 and the service lasts approximately 30 minutes. We also have the opportunity to reflect on, question, and discuss the Bible reading for the day.

More things to get involved with...