When you first move to a new country as an international student, the excitement of a fresh start often comes with a hint of loneliness. For me, that feeling hit hardest when I thought about festivals and cultural events back home in India. Celebrations like Diwali, Holi, or Durga Puja are such an important part of life, and I knew I would miss them while studying in Glasgow. That’s why joining the Desi Society at the University of Glasgow became one of the most rewarding choices I made as a student.

Collage of photos. Both photos (top and bottom) show students taking a selfie at a Desi Society event.

Signing up during Welcome Week

Like most student societies, the Desi Society sets up a stall during Welcome Week. It’s a lively and colourful space, full of posters, music, and friendly faces ready to explain what the society is all about. I signed up right there, and it immediately gave me something to look forward to beyond lectures and assignments. The process was simple, and it felt like a small step that ended up making a huge difference in my student experience.

Celebrating festivals together

The best part about being in the Desi Society is how they bring Indian festivals to life on campus. Being away from home, I thought I would miss the lights, music, and joy of celebrations like Diwali and Holi. But the society made sure we could enjoy these festivals together as a community. From vibrant Holi colour-throwing events to beautifully decorated Diwali gatherings, each festival felt like a piece of home transplanted to Glasgow.

Even smaller cultural events, like Durga Puja, were celebrated with Dandiya Nights. Having a group of people who understood the traditions and significance of these festivals meant I never had to feel alone. Instead, I found myself surrounded by friends, laughter, and shared experiences.

More than just festivals

The Desi Society isn’t only about cultural celebrations. They also organize a wide variety of fun events throughout the year. I remember attending Bollywood Nasha, a welcome party full of music, dancing, and endless energy. It was one of the first times I felt truly connected to other students who shared my background.

They also host movie screenings, cricket match viewings—including the always exciting India vs. Pakistan games—and even IPL screenings. These events created a sense of togetherness and gave us the chance to bond over the things we love most.

Exploring the city together

Another thing I really valued about the Desi Society was how they introduced me to cultural and religious spaces in Glasgow. Through them, I learned about the local Gurudwara and Hindu temple, which soon became important places for me and my friends, especially during pujas. It made Glasgow feel much more like home, knowing that we could still connect with our traditions and spirituality even in a new city.

Collage of photos. From left to right: view of people at a festival; fireworks in a dark sky; students at a festival.

Perks and discounts

One fun aspect of being part of the Desi Society is the perks they offer. They partner with local restaurants and clubs to give students discounts, which is always welcome on a tight student budget. I remember using discounts most often at Bantawala by Masala Twist, a fantastic spot near campus on Byres Road. Enjoying authentic Indian food at a student-friendly price made nights out with friends even better.

A family away from home

At the heart of it all, what the Desi Society gave me was a sense of family. Moving to a different country can sometimes feel isolating, especially during festivals when you miss home the most. But through this society, I found a group of people who shared my culture, celebrated the same traditions, and understood what it felt like to be away from home.

Being a part of the Desi Society meant I never had to celebrate alone. It gave me a community that supported me, cheered with me during cricket matches, danced with me at Bollywood parties, and prayed with me at temples. In short, it made my university journey richer and more fulfilling.

University life is about much more than just academics—it’s about building connections and finding your place in a new community. For me, joining the Desi Society at the University of Glasgow was one of the best decisions I made. It allowed me to celebrate my culture, meet lifelong friends, and truly feel at home, even thousands of miles away from India.

If you’re an international student, especially from South Asia, I’d highly recommend joining a cultural society like this. It’s not just about events or discounts—it’s about finding your people, your traditions, and your family, right on campus.

All photos in this blog are attributed to Ritika Choudhary

First published: 26 September 2025

<< Hear from our students