Blog by Xinyi Guo, Doctoral Student, PG Academic and Welfare Officer of FoNS, Centre for Environmental Policy
On the balmy afternoon of 13th July, the venue of Beit Quad played host to a remarkable gathering of academic brilliance and camaraderie – the PhD Summer BBQ event. Approximately 100 passionate PhD students came together to celebrate a day filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of forging new connections. Free food and drinks were provided on the day of the event for all PhD students who attended. As the scent of sizzling barbecues filled the air, so did the atmosphere with an unmistakable sense of excitement and enthusiasm. The event was a melting pot of diverse research interests and backgrounds, sparking captivating conversations and intellectual exchange.
The PhD summer BBQ ran last year and was well-received, with more than hundred students attending. This year, the FoNS team was more ambitious, determined to create an even more unforgettable experience. Xinyi Guo, the Event’s organizer, acknowledged the challenge of reaching out to all postgraduate students effectively, but the team was determined to surpass expectations. Since the team knows that many students from the previous year would be eager to enjoy the activity within faculty, along with a host of new faces. The response exceeded all expectations, with tickets selling out two weeks before the event and a flood of emails from people seeking spare tickets leading up to the big day. The overwhelming demand validated the team’s efforts and confirmed the genuine excitement surrounding the event.
The atmosphere at the PhD Summer BBQ and drink event was nothing short of exuberant, with PhD students from diverse disciplines coming together to revel in the festivities. Laughter echoed through the air as intellectual conversations seamlessly merged with moments of relaxation. The delightful aroma of grilled delicacies mingled with the clinking of glasses, creating a harmonious symphony of enjoyment. As the day unfolded, the students were seen engaging in animated discussions, sharing their research insights, and exchanging ideas. Amidst the camaraderie and good cheer, new friendships were forged, and academic connections strengthened.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, signalling the end of the PhD Summer BBQ and drink event, there was a sense of fulfilment and camaraderie that lingered in the air. Beyond the delicious food and vibrant ambiance, the event achieved something far more profound – it brought together a community of kindred spirits, united by a shared passion for knowledge and research. Throughout the day, intellectual discussions flowed freely, creating an environment that fostered collaboration and learning beyond the confines of lecture halls and laboratories. The joyous spirit of the occasion was palpable, as the students immersed themselves in the celebration, leaving behind the rigors of their studies for a while. The PhD Summer BBQ and drink event proved to be an enchanting blend of academic camaraderie and social bliss, leaving all participants with heart-warming memories to cherish.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Graduate School for their generous support as sponsors of the PhD Summer BBQ and drink event. Their contribution has enabled us to create an inclusive and enriching experience for PhD students, strengthening the bonds of camaraderie and fostering intellectual exchange.
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Find out more about the Postgraduate Community Fund