Chinese New Year

Events 8 February 2016

Today, Monday February 8, marks the Chinese New Year for 2016 and heralds the latest Year of the Monkey. Those born during the Year of the Monkey are considered to be quick-witted, curious, innovative, and mischievous. If there are any monkeys among you readers, please let us know if this description fits you in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

One thing I’ve noticed during my first nine or so months of working with the School of Materials, is that this an extremely diverse and international place to be. It only requires a quick scroll through the previous posts on the blog to find interviews and guest posts from people who hail from the many corners of our globe. What I learnt last week, during the School’s New Year event, was just how important our Chinese cohort is to our community.

With Chinese students and staff being strewn across the different subject areas of our School, it would surely be remiss to not mark one of the most important dates in their calendar with our own little tribute. Organised by Chris Parker, Chinese New Year took over the great hall in the Sackville Street Building last Wednesday, as attendees enjoyed games of mah-jong, practised some Chinese calligraphy, took part in a Bake-off style competition, and posed for celebratory social media photos that were shared across a multitude of platforms. Third-year fashion students were also there, selling the amazing garments they’re creating as part of their final-year projects.

I’m getting used to going to great events as a blogger for the School of Materials now. After attending the DFB Degree Show, open days, graduation, the discover days, and many more, it’s obvious that this School knows how to put on a show. But what struck me particularly about this event was the School’s desire to do something for all of their students, to make sure that their international community gets to celebrate in the same way as they would at home. Chinese New Year is comparable to our Christmas in terms of excitement and the length of planning, so it was fantastic to see our Chinese contingent getting the chance to celebrate!

Happy New Year to you all!

Chinese New YearInternational StudentsSchool of MaterialsThe University of Manchester