On the evening of February 11, 2021, which coincides with the Chinese New Year’s Eve, activities such as making dumplings and watching the Spring Festival Gala was held in the student dormitories. Zheng XUE, Director of the Office of Students Affairs at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Baomin XU, Dean and Chair Professor of Zhiren College, deputy deans of the colleges, and students from the University gathered together to celebrate the festive season.

Lanterns, Chinese knots, spring couplets, and window decorations were arranged at the event site, which added to the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival. Participating faculty members and students exchanged greetings and best wishes for the Chinese New Year, took a group photo together, and toasted to a better life. They then participated in the dumpling-making activity, creating various dumplings to show the variety of different customs around China.

Throughout the evening, the students prepared several different activities. This included singing songs, playing games, and handing out prizes. Later, everyone then gathered around to watch the Spring Festival Gala, where they welcomed in the Chinese New Year together, embraced and wished each other well for the coming year.

Before the Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner began, Zheng XUE and his party visited the dormitory and security personnel who were staying on campus for the Spring Festival vacation. They sent them dumplings to extend their best wishes for the new year.

Siyuan LIU, an undergraduate from the Class of 2021, said that the lively and festive atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve event made him feel the warmth of “home”.

Yehao WU, an undergraduate from the Class of 2021, said that he hopes to make full use of the winter vacation time to do more experiments and participate in various New Year activities organized by SUSTech.

In response to the government’s request of not travelling for the holidays, nearly two thousand students choose to stay on campus during the Spring Festival vacation. In recognition of the hard work done by the Student Affairs Department, everyone in attendance at the event was able to participate in festive activities, watch the Spring Festival Gala and celebrate the Chinese New Year together.