The first few weeks of college often feel like stepping into a new world. New buildings, unfamiliar faces, and long walks back to a quiet dorm. It’s easy to feel a little lost. For many freshmen at Stevens, the adjustment can be exciting…but also quietly overwhelming. That’s when the smell of something familiar – the spices from home or the sound of a shared language — can make all the difference.
At Stevens, cultural clubs are more than extracurriculars. They are places to breathe, connect, and be reminded of where you come from. Whether it’s the warmth of a Friday night Shabbat dinner, the bustle of a street food night, or the joy of rolling your own kimbap, these moments become anchors. They bring comfort, community, and sometimes, the simple joy of a home-cooked meal.
One of the most beloved traditions that embodies this spirit is Unity — an annual celebration hosted by the Ethnic Student Council (ESC). Each spring, the Unity Carnival and Unity Showcase transform the campus into a festival of color, music, and flavor. Carnival booths serve cultural dishes, offer fun games, and invite students to explore the world in just a few steps across Schaefer Lawn. At night, the showcase lights up Palmer Lawn with traditional and modern performances. A living mosaic of Stevens’ diversity.
After a few years of pause during the pandemic, Unity returned with the theme “Our Resilience.” And that’s exactly what it felt like: a coming together, a celebration of strength, and a reminder that culture — like community —endures. But you don’t have to wait for spring to get a taste of home. Throughout the year, cultural clubs offer events that are cozy, welcoming, and often delicious.
Take the Korean Students Association’s Kimbap Night, for example. Held in Hayden Lounge, students gather around long tables covered in seaweed sheets, rice, sesame oil, and fillings from egg to crab. Rolling your own kimbap isn’t just about making food, it’s about making memories. There’s laughter when rolls fall apart, pride when they don’t, and conversation that flows just like it might around a kitchen table at home.
The Indian Undergraduate Association’s International Snack Night brings even more flavors into the mix. Modeled after bustling street food markets, this event features treats from across campus, including: CSA, LAA, BSU, and KSA. From crispy spring rolls to tender kati rolls, tables are covered in homemade bites that spark nostalgia and curiosity.
Over at BSU’s National Braai Day Celebration, the atmosphere is smoky and celebratory. Honoring South African Heritage Day, BSU grills wings, burgers, and hot dogs. It’s a reminder that traditions don’t need to be elaborate to feel meaningful. Sometimes, grilled food and good company are all it takes.
CSA’s Mid-Autumn Festival brings its own brand of coziness, with bubble tea, mooncakes, and pork buns in what was the Jacobus Lounge. With glowing lanterns, gold and red decorations, and students gathered shoulder to shoulder, the room feels a bit like someone’s living room—just with a lot more dumplings.
And when fall begins, Hillel’s Shabbat dinners offer the comfort of routine. Every Friday night, students gather to light candles, pour grape juice, and slice into challah bread. The ritual is simple, the food is warm, and the atmosphere is peaceful. A pause from the busy week and a soft landing for anyone feeling far from home.
What ties all of these events together is a shared sense of belonging. Cultural clubs at Stevens open their arms not just to those who share their traditions, but to anyone curious, hungry, or looking for connection. They create spaces where it’s okay to miss home, to celebrate where you’re from, and to learn about where others come from, too.
So for any students walking across campus missing their favorite meal or the comfort of familiar celebrations — there’s a good chance someone else is, too. And there’s probably a tale, a plate, and a seat waiting just for them.
