Our student ambassadors will be handing out 200 lucky red envelopes around campus
Many cultures around the world celebrate the start of the New Year in Spring. The festival is known by many names, including the Chinese Spring Festival, Korean Seollal, Vietnamese Tết and Tibetan Losar.
Wednesday 29 January marks the first new moon on the lunar calendar and the start of the Spring Festival, and according to the Chinese Zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake.
The snake symbolizes longevity, wisdom, adaptability and mystery in Chinese culture. The combination of the snake and "wood" elements means 2025 will be a year of transformation, calmness, creativity and mystery.
Look out for lucky red envelopes on campus
The red envelope tradition, also known as hongbao in Mandarin, is a custom that involves giving and receiving red envelopes filled with money, trinkets and blessing cards. Red symbolises good luck and prosperity, while the money represents a wish for a bright future. The envelopes are also believed to ward off evil spirits.
Our student ambassadors will be handing out 200 lucky red envelopes around campus on Wednesday 29 January. The envelopes are filled with gold chocolate coins, good wishes for the new year, and two lucky envelopes will have a prize! Keep a look out for them from 11.00am and 3.00pm as you walk around campus and pay special attention when in locations such as Ravelin Sports Centre, the Library, Eldon Building, and Richmond.
Find out more on the Student Life Instagram page @uopstudentlife – tag us in a photo if you find one!
Chinese New Year lantern making
Decorate your accommodation by joining our Res Life Assistants in Rees Hall on on Wednesday 29 January between 7.00pm and 9.00pm to make Chinese lanterns. Lanterns are a central part of the Chinese New Year celebrations. They symbolise letting go of the past year, casting away darkness and welcoming a bright and hopeful new year.
Food on campus
Keep a look out for the menus which include a range of authentic food and snacks available from outlets across campus.
Students in Rees Hall and Burrell House who have a catered accommodation package will have a week of themed dinners.
Community activities in Portsmouth and Hampshire
- Chinese New Year Celebration Southampton Guildhall Square, Saturday 8 February
- Chinese New Year Extravaganza at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth, Sunday 9 February
- Chinese Lantern Festival – Westquay Shopping Centre, Southampton Saturday 15 February. Featuring workshops including Tai Chi, Kung Fu, and Chinese dance