Reuniting with the family is a treasured custom of the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival Eve). Many university students have packed up to return to their hometown already, while some have to stay on campus because of the extreme distance.

(Students enjoying Spring Festival Eve dinner at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics last year.)

To help the remaining students have a good time on the Spring Festival Eve, many colleges and universities in Shanghai will prepare yummy dishes and activities.

(Cooks at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology)

Each year, the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology prepares wonderful performances and a delicious dinner for the students left behind on campus. As the 2020 Spring Festival comes earlier than previous years, it will prepare around 35 tables for dinner. From January 25 to 31, the campus canteen will be open for students and faculty for free, according to the campus staff.

The Shanghai University of Finance and Economics will give out “hongbao” (meaning “red envelopes” in English) to its students, according to a Ukrainian student named Ilya. This year, it will be her second time to spend the Spring Festival on campus. Together with international students from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Indonesia, Venezuela, Ghana and other countries, she will feel the camaraderie of different cultures in China.

(Rice balls in the shape of mice at the Shanghai University of Electric Power)

As for the Shanghai University of Electric Power, it has planned Spring Festival Eve dinners on its two campuses, one in Yangpu district and the other in Lingang. HD video calls and chats will be arranged so that students can watch performances and engage in games at the same time. Dishes featuring Chinese elements like the mouse (the Chinese zodiac animal of 2020) will also be prepared to wish for a happy Lunar New Year.