International students often stay in the dorms during the winter break and end up missing family time. However, on December 24th, Christmas Eve, things were quite eventful and exciting at the UNBC Residence. Residents from Neyoh and Keyoh gathered in the Keyoh Common Lounge to celebrate together with a Christmas potluck. People enjoyed a variety of food preparations and party games.
Apart from this, the Residence Assistants (RAs) organized several housing events to keep students in the dorms engaged during the winter break. Abigail, one of the RAs in Neyoh Residence, organized a “Movie with Hot Chocolate” event. Organized by RA Ruqaiya, “Make Your Own Ramen” was another interesting event Keyoh Residence had during the break. “Glad to see how people from different cultures came together to enjoy it!” said Ruqaiya.
## Writer’s Note
The Christmas potluck was great! For friends in dorms, winter break offered a great opportunity to spend time together. This time, Ruqaiya and I decorated a stunning Christmas tree together at her residence. A lot of conversations and laughs poured in over some s’mores and hot chocolate.
I watched some movies with my other two friends in the residence, Zahra and Paree. Sometimes, we made instant noodles late at night, enjoyed Bollywood music, and shared laughter and memories together.
Ruqaiya, Abi, and I went out for lunch on New Year’s Day. We got back home, and Abi called us over to watch a movie together (and I slept through the whole of “Uncharted”). I also tried ice skating for the first time along with my university friend, Isabel. I made her try Masala Chai, and she liked it!
This winter break was certainly exciting and memorable. It served as a perfect start to the January 2026 semester. A very Happy New Year to the UNBC community, and wishing you all the best for the winter semester!
