At the start of each year, IH kicks of with its annual opening dinner. The aim of this is to provide residents with the opportunity to meet each other in an atmosphere of friendship and appreciation for diversity.

This year IH boasts residents from all corners of the globe. Our 166 residents come from Australia to Zimbabwe and everywhere else in between. To help promote the theme of international understanding, residents are encouraged to wear their national costumes.

Following a short reception in the reading room, the annual college photo was taken. As usual our residents were looking fabulous, costumes ranged from the kimonos of Japan to the Iban Dress from Borneo.

It was a great opportunity for residents to meet each other and new friendships to form. We were treated to a wonderful toast by the Master, Dr Robert Lundy, in which he reminded us of the importance of international understanding and friendship. Following this, a delicious dinner was delivered by the kitchen staff whose work was appreciated by all. Later on, entertainment was provided courtesy of resident Hao Xiang, giving us a thrilling rendition of two piano pieces by Rachmaninoff and Chopin.

Finally, the evening ended with the customary after party where free alcohol and music were provided courtesy of the IH resident's society. The evening was a great success thanks to the work of the social directors and the rest of RESOC, the MC's, the kitchen staff, and of course all of the residents that attended!.

Text courtesy of Hao Xiang
Photographic compilation by Ruihang Huang and Qing Yin