Under the bright September sun, the lawns of Guanghua Tower and East Quad turned into a vibrant sea of color and sound on September 28. More than 150 student societies gathered for Fudan University’s 2025 Student Societies Fair — a semesterly tradition where students discover passions, make friends, and begin their own stories with like-minded peers.
Where Interests Meet Connection
For many international students, the fair was their first glimpse into Fudan’s lively community life.
Punpun from Thailand first joined FISCA, the Fudan International Students Communication Association, after spotting its booth at last year’s fair. “In FISCA, we help both Chinese and international students communicate,” she said. “It broadens our members’ horizons and makes Fudan feel like a truly global community.”
Nearby, three Russian students—Kamila, Alisha, and Ivetta—were exploring the fair. After trying traditional snacks at the Russian Language Club’s booth, they moved on to an art club, where they won small prizes by participating in games. “It’s amazing,” Kamila told our reporter, as they took in the vibrant scene. “You can find any club that fits your interests—maybe even tennis or golf!”
Where Discovery Feels Like Home
For Emily Zhong from Panama, the fair was not just lively but deeply welcoming.
“It’s crowded but super fun,” she laughed and said. “I tried activities I was always curious about—like volleyball and the dragon-lion dance.”
Emily, who played volleyball throughout high school, hopes to join the university’s team. She described joining a club at Fudan as “joining a family”, “It’s a way to meet people who share the same love and feel connections.”
Across the fairground, other students found similar sparks of connection—whether by collaborating on open-source projects, playing geography games, or enjoying music performances. Each booth offered more than activities; it offered a sense of place.
A Shared Language of Passion
At Fudan, every student society—from cultural societies to volunteer associations—tells a story about what brings people together. Here, art becomes a way of listening; science becomes a way of reaching out; and even a game of volleyball becomes a conversation without words.
The 2025 Student Societies Fair was not only a showcase of talent, but a reminder that enthusiasm, kindness, and shared curiosity are universal.
Every student who stopped at a booth, asked a question, or joined a club took part in the same exchange — one that says, simply: this is what we love, and this is where we belong.
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Writer: YANG Xinrui, GONG Ruixin
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
