There’s something truly special about celebrating New Year as an international student overseas. While it’s a world away from the usual family gatherings back home, this year’s celebration was just as heartwarming. Surrounded by good friends, cozy vibes and an incredible spread of food, it was the perfect way to welcome 2025. Let me share my experience and give you some ideas to make your New Year’s Eve unforgettable too!

This year, instead of venturing into the bustling London streets, I celebrated at a friend’s place. Here’s how it went:

1. A Feast to Remember 🍴🤤

We went all out and prepared a feast that would make anyone’s mouth water. The spread included:

• Mains: Onion soup 🥣, cucumber with lao gan ma, boiled pork belly 🥓, gyozas 🥟, juicy chicken wings 🍗 and flavorful chicken feet 🐔.
• Desserts: Matcha tiramisu 🍵🍰 and homemade grass jelly soya ice with boba 🧋—a dessert lover’s dream!

Everyone pitched in, making the meal feel extra special. Sharing stories and laughs over food brought a warm, homely vibe to the evening.

2. Game Night Fun 🎲

Post-dinner, we dived into a spirited round of Avalon, a social deduction game where players take on roles as knights 🛡️ and spies 🕵️‍♂️. It’s a game of trust, strategy, and deception, which led to lots of laughs and some overly passionate debates about who was lying. If you haven’t tried Avalon yet, it’s the perfect game to bring out everyone’s competitive side!

3. Movie Marathon 🎥🍿

As midnight approached, we cozied up with blankets and pillows 🛋️ for a movie marathon. Feel-good classics filled the room with laughter and nostalgia, helping us wind down the year on a relaxed, joyful note.

4. Welcoming 2025 🎆🥳

When the countdown began, we looked outside and were greeted with a surprise—fireworks lighting up the sky just outside the flat! 🎇✨ We had the best seats in the house to watch the display, cheering as the clock struck midnight. It was a magical moment and the perfect way to step into the new year.

New Year Celebration Ideas 💡🎊

If you’re brainstorming ways to celebrate your next New Year’s Eve, here are some creative ideas:

1. Host a Themed Party 🎭🍹

• Choose a fun theme like a 1920s Gatsby-style bash 🎩 or a cozy pajama party 🛌.
• Match the food, decorations, and even the music 🎶 to the theme for a truly immersive experience.

2. Explore Iconic Spots 🌟🌃

• If you’re in a bustling city, seek out public fireworks displays 🎇 or local New Year’s events.
• In London, the Thames fireworks 🌊🎆 are a classic choice—if you’re willing to squeeze in the crowds!

3. Plan a Friends’ Feast 🍽️👯‍♂️

• Organise a potluck and let everyone showcase their cooking skills 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳.
• Add a twist with a “best dish” competition for some friendly rivalry 🏆.

4. Go Outdoors 🏞️🌌

• For a quieter celebration, head out for a night hike 🚶‍♂️🌙 or camping trip 🏕️.
• Stargazing 🌠 while reflecting on the past year is a serene way to welcome the new one.

5. Reflect and Reset 📝💭

• Use the time to set goals 🏁 or create vision boards for the coming year 📌.
• Write letters to your future self ✉️ to open next New Year—it’s a thoughtful and inspiring tradition.

Whether you’re celebrating surrounded by friends, family, or even solo, the most important thing is to make the night meaningful to you. For me, this New Year’s Eve was all about food 🍴, fun 🎲, and friendship 👫—a celebration I’ll always cherish.

How did you spend your New Year’s Eve? I’d love to hear your stories—share them in the comments below!

Here’s to a fantastic 2025 filled with joy, growth, and unforgettable moments. 🥂✨