University celebrates the Year of the Ox

The free event is hosted by the Chinese Student Scholars Association and is open to local families as well as students.

Rory Cunningham, Community Liaison Officer for the University of Exeter says: “Last year’s Chinese New Year celebrations on campus were brilliant, and this year looks like it will be even better. This is a great chance to come along and experience a real Chinese party, and bring in the Year of the Ox in style.”

Third year BA Economics student Guoyan Ren, originally from north west China, is helping to organise the celebrations. He said: “There are lots of Chinese students at Exeter, so it’s important for us to create the opportunity for them to celebrate the New Year in England. This will also be a chance to create a link between Chinese and English cultures. Normally we’d have a holiday for New Year and instead we’ve been busy taking our exams – but the ox symbolises hard work, so I guess it’s appropriate!”

There are around 450 Chinese students studying at the University of Exeter.

This event is supported by the Self Catered Residents Association, International Student Support Office, INTO, Café Ritazza, Chinese Embassy, The University's StreetWise fund , Wang Ping Travel, Asian Society and Imperial China Restaurant.

For video and pictures from last year see: http://offices.exeter.ac.uk/international/information/support/Diversity%20week/Diversityweek08.shtml