Global Student Vibes
- Magdalena Motor
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Being part of a student community isn’t just about studying, it’s also about getting exposed to new cultures, traditions, and stories. It’s an experience that helps you grow, while also giving you the chance to have fun, discover new music, and make memories that stick with you for years.
Because let’s be honest: student life wouldn’t be complete without festivals, parades, and nights that turn into mornings. Some of these events are so big they’ve become part of national culture, not just campus traditions. Here are some of the most iconic student festivals around the globe.
Discover with us:
Poland – Juwenalia
In Poland, May means one thing: Juwenalia. It kicks off when the mayor hands over the keys to the city, giving students “official” control for a few days. Expect outdoor stages with top Polish bands, parades full of costumes, parties, games and many more. The most famous editions take place in Kraków and Rzeszów, drawing thousands of students and locals alike. Juwenalia is more than a festival; it’s a rite of passage that every student wants to experience at least once.
Netherlands – KEI Week (Groningen)
Across the border in the Netherlands, first-year students kick off their university life with KEI Week — one of Europe’s largest student introduction weeks. Every August, over 25,000 students gather in Groningen for five days of concerts, city games, themed parties, and workshops.
Participants, called KEI-lopers, are grouped into small teams led by experienced KEI-leaders, exploring the city, attending events, and meeting new friends. From club nights and karaoke to outdoor festivals and fun city challenges, KEI Week is all about integration, excitement, and discovering the vibrant student life of Groningen all before classes even start!
Portugal – Arraial do Técnico (Lisbon)
Lisbon hosts great student party: Arraial do Técnico. Imagine a giant music festival, but organized by students and with Portuguese vibes. Campus lawns turn into a party ground with food stands, beer tents, and huge stages where national music stars perform. It’s a perfect mix of tradition and modern festival culture, and it goes on until the early morning hours.
Portugal – Queima das Fitas (Coimbra & Porto)
This one’s older and steeped in tradition. Queima das Fitas means “burning of the ribbons,” symbolizing the end of studies. Students dress in black capes straight out of Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling actually got inspired by them while living in Portugal), parade through the streets, and then, of course party non-stop. The week is packed with concerts, parades, and rituals that make it unforgettable.
Japan – Campus Festivals (Gakusei Matsuri)
In Japan Universities host campus festivals where students run food stalls, organize concerts, and put on performances. It’s less about drinking all night and more about showing creativity and community spirit, though karaoke bars and izakayas (nomikai drinking nights) definitely get their fair share of student traffic afterwards.
Whether it’s dancing in a Juwenalia parade in Kraków or joining a KEI Week city game in Groningen, these student festivals are more than just parties. They’re about meeting people, discovering a city, and creating memories that will last long after graduation.
We have reached the end of this article about Students activites around the globe. If you’re planning a visit to Portugal, be sure to check out our previous blogs for more tips on where to eat, drink, and explore. Or continue discovering more hidden gems and captivating destinations. Stay tuned for more articles on our website. Follow us on our instagram @thewalkingparrot to be continuously updated on new releases and join us as we embark on new adventures. We will be back soon with a new article! If you're visiting Lisbon, make sure to try our Fado, Food, and Wine tour.
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