Colours for Scholars

Highlighting the value of community at local, regional and global level, everyone is invited to get involved

We live in a beautifully diverse world. Nothing symbolises the diversity of the human species as much as COLOUR.

It can, at times, attract unignorable negativity including hate crime, but we believe we should value and celebrate our vibrant community. International students are one of the most beautiful reminders of our diversity – they represent our collective hope for the future.

International Students' Day

International Students’ Day is celebrated on 17 November each year. The day was chosen to mark the tragic events connected with the storming of Czech universities in 1939 by Nazi troops, a day that led to death and misery to many. It is a day that should serve as a constant reminder of the horrors of division and compel us to seek unity, across all nations. Yet, sadly, we continue to engage in mutual destruction as a species.

A group of truly inspired individuals from the University of Plymouth came up with a beautiful idea of commemorating that day by twinning the vibrancy of colour with the global phenomenon of international students to highlight the need for unity.

Colours for Scholars

We therefore launched the 'Colours for Scholars' initiative on Friday 17 November 2023.

An amazing collection of nine countries spread over three continents responded to our call, with many participants dressing up in eye-catching colours to show their support. Many more from other countries joined in subsequently.

Created for all students

The success of the initial launch convinced us that 'Colours for Scholars' should not just celebrate international students, but ALL students who engage in LIFELONG learning.

The type of learning that happens every day, in an array of settings; the learning that helps us become the best we could be through contributing to the shared wellbeing of the community. It should include people of all ages, in all stages and modes of learning including learning-by-experience, in all corners of the world.

That means it should involve every single person in our community!

Dr Poorna Gunasekera
Associate Dean International

Inspiring stories from our student community

“Plymouth, the city I randomly found on map, helped me find myself in life”

“It's a hidden gem” – meet the international student championing Plymouth

“Everyone is welcome here” – meet Plymouth’s student president with inclusion at his heart

Photo competition

Find out how to enter our photo competition, part of our celebration of International Students' Day, and share your story.

Entries close 31 January 2025.