International Students’ Day is dedicated to recognising the contributions, challenges, and achievements of students from around the globe. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the unique journey of being an international student and to celebrate cultural diversity.
The History Behind International Students’ Day
On the 17th of November 1939, nine students at the University of Prague lost their lives after a Nazi invasion, with over 1000 of them sent to concentration camps. Over time, this day became a global celebration of multiculturalism and resilience. For international students, the day is a reminder of the value of studying abroad, creating connections across the globe, and gaining an education that goes beyond the classroom.
International Students House – a home away from home
International Students House has been home to students in London for almost 60 years. Our founder, Mary Trevelyan had a mission to create a House that fosters international friendship and cultural exchange in the backdrop of post-war London. Year after year since we first opened our doors in 1965, we have seen young people with different cultural and economic backgrounds achieve their academic goals while making life-long friendships in the House. Not only are we providing safe and affordable accommodation but our scholarships, cultural programs and hardship fund ensure that we are not giving a bed and meal. The experience of living with residents from different parts of the world not only impacts one’s worldview but also has a huge impact on student well-being during their studies.
Today, we celebrate the many scholars who have graced our accommodation halls, walking in with dreams, and moving out with qualifications and an enriched experience of studying in London. We had conversations with some current residents to find out their experience of being an international student in the House and this is what they had to say:
“I think living at International Students House has positively impacted my life and I think that International Students House – I, S and H, all have different meanings like I can stand for interesting because here there are a lot of events and fun trips for you to go on and then the S represents supportive and safe. It’s a very safe place for you to live here in London. And finally, H I’d say stands for happy because when you are here you are happy every day.”
“Living at International Students House has changed my experience in London completely. Most of my friends are from ISH and I think having someone to go back to and say, I’ve had such a long day, I wish I could talk to this person who lives with me and just being able to do that is so important. Also, all the opportunities ISH offers like the travel club and all the cultural celebrations, dinner parties, floor events, movie nights, you name it. I think it really gives you a sense of community, a sense of life and it just impacted my experience so much, I think it just made it so much smoother and so much easier and so much fuller at the same time, it makes me forever grateful to be here.”
We are proud to support students from around the globe by providing a welcoming, inclusive environment that feels like home.