Celebration | International Office Blog

Red and gold graphic wishing a happy luna new year with a golden snake on a red background

A year of transformation and growth: Celebrating the wood snake for Chinese New Year 2025

29 January marks the start of Chinese New Year. This year marks the end of the Year of the Dragon and the start of the Year of the Snake, which is set to bring wisdom, renewal and transformation. What is Chinese New Year? Sometimes referred to as the Spring festival or simply the Lunar New…

The international team sitting on the steps inside Elm House

Welcoming overseas International Office colleagues to Brighton

Connecting teams from across the globe, we welcomed overseas colleagues from the International team to Brighton in December for a week of collaboration. International Office colleagues met face-to-face with teams across the university, enjoyed multiple tours of our facilities, and checked out why Brighton is such a great student city. For many this was their…

Happy Hanukkah featuring the Menorah and the Star of David

Celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah this December

The eight day Jewish holiday known as Hanukkah begins on 25 December 2024 and ends on 2 January 2025. During this time, the Jewish community take time to reflect and participate in traditional foods, games and gifting. What is Hanukkah? Hanukkah (or Chanukah) means ‘dedication’ in Hebrew and is an eight day long celebration, usually…

Christmas in Brighton 2024 surrounded by Christmas lights and a red background.

What to do in Brighton over the festive period

With the Christmas holidays fast approaching, Brighton is the perfect place to be. Christmas markets, light shows, parades, and so much more… the city really comes to life during December! What’s on in Brighton over the Christmas period If you are planning on being in Brighton during the Christmas break or aren’t sure what’s going…

Happy Thanksgiving from the university of brighton infant of a green and white plaid backround,with pumpkins and leaves

Celebrating heartwarming traditions this Thanksgiving

Bringing some pumpkin spiced warmth to the November chill by celebrating friends, family and gratitude during the American holiday. Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November, and this year is on Thursday 28 November. What is Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is a national holiday, celebrated primarily in the United States. Often commemorated with a large feast,…

Day of the Dead title surrounded by colourful flowers and skulls with text in the centre.

Day of the Dead: Commemorate both life and death this November

2 November marks the start of one of the most celebrated and treasured traditions in Central and South America. Day of the dead is a three-day long celebration that brings love, light and joy to a concept that is often surrounded in sadness. It is said that Mexico’s outlook on the passing of loved ones…

Happy Diwali colourful blog image with floral elements and candles

Celebrate the festival of lights for Diwali 2024!

This year, the celebration of Diwali will begin on 1 November 2024 and last for five days. Diwali, also known as Deepawali, is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. What is Diwali? Diwali, or the festival of light, is an important religious holiday. Originating from India, Diwali is named ‘row of lights’…

The holiest day in Judaism, Yom Kippur

The tenth day of the Tishri lunar month marks the start of the Jewish religious holiday, Yom Kippur. This year Yom Kippur will be celebrated from sunset on Friday 11 October and ends the following evening on Saturday 12 October 2024. Yom Kippur falls ten days after the start of Rosh Hashanah, which is the…

Large letters that say Brighton Pride 2024 surrounded by rainbows and Brighton pavilion.

Brighton Pride 2024: Celebrating love, unity and acceptance

Kicking off on Friday 2 August, this year’s Brighton Pride marks the 34th year that colourful celebrations took over the city. What is Brighton Pride? Brighton Pride is a meaningful event for many people and a huge part of Brighton culture. It has contributed to changing attitudes, promoting acceptance and equality, and celebrating LGBTQ+…

Polaroid graphic of student celebration event with 'Congratulations UBIC Students' in large text

UBIC students celebrate the start of summer in the sunshine

After completing their degree preparation courses, University of Brighton International College students celebrated in style at a fun-filled afternoon last week. UBIC students and staff gathered to celebrate the end of their course and the start of summer at Kaplan Living in Brighton. There was plenty of fun and games, from Connect 4, to hula-hoops,…