There is a good saying, ‘You get out of societies what you put into them.’ Being involved in student societies is one of the best ways to experience new things, meet others and build skills. This not only spices up your university experience but also gets you to build up a sense of belonging to a specific community. All the student societies are run by students and dedicated to students. There are over 250 at York, and they fall into certain categories, such as sports, arts and culture, academic and career, etc. Today, I am going to give a brief introduction to the Asian cultural societies at University of York.
Asian cultural societies
If you are looking to experience the authentic Asian cultures, joining a cultural society is the perfect place to start! York is home to over 30 cultural societies, as there is a large, vibrant and active group of International students. By joining these societies, you are here to taste some authentic flavours, learn about the culture, and meet amazing people. But remember: you do not have to be from Asia to integrate with that society! Our university is a free and open space for everyone to gather, share and celebrate cultural experiences together.
Personal connection with a different culture
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you belonged, even if you didn’t speak the language or know the traditions?
That was my experience at a Malaysian Society event celebrating Eid. Although I am from a totally different cultural and religious background, the experience taught me that being part of a community is not about shared origins, but mutual respect and interest in others’ lived experiences.
I was welcomed and encouraged to participate in all the activities. We engaged in arts and crafts, where we made cards and exchanged them with other members. Receiving a delicately designed card from someone that I had just met was a particularly heartwarming moment. It showed thoughtful effort to connect.
Apart from the activities, I have the opportunity to learn more about Eid and Malaysian traditions, including the celebrations and the food that families prepare. I was very impressed by how families dress up and celebrate on the day. In return, I shared my own experiences of celebrating Chinese New Year, and we found many similarities between us, such as the emphasis on family gathering and food. The resonance of cultures and traditions reinforces the connections between people from different backgrounds. It was an unforgettable experience mingling with a group of people who are passionate about sharing their own culture while respecting others’ cultures and backgrounds. I walked in as an observer and left feeling like part of the community. This is how powerful diversity and inclusivity are at the University of York.
South East Asian Ball
November is a special month. While the rest of York begins to flock in with excitement to embrace Christmas, the South East Asian community experiences a different type of enthusiasm. This month belongs to the SEA Ball (South East Asian Ball) – a brilliant collaboration and celebration between the South East Asian societies.
The evening is a melting pot of colourful cultures. kicking off with some scrumptious cuisine that carries a shred of nostalgia, as well as a delicious discovery of new flavours. Then comes the amazing performance and cultural fashion show presented by society members, representing their own distinct cultures. I can truly feel passion for the heritage and the power of cultures this evening.
My favourite part of SEA Ball is where the entire room is invited onto the stage to join a traditional Indonesian dance. This rhythmic, communal movement gathers everyone and drives the delightful atmosphere. In this moment, the dance is not merely a performance; it is a living expression of a vibrant community that shares a powerful cultural bonding and diversity.
Conclusion
I hope these words are able to demonstrate the liveliness of the cultural societies at the University of York. And of course, York has so many more to offer! Therefore, I am here to encourage you to initiate the very first step: sign up for a society event. I hope you find your own group of people and make this beautiful city your home.
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