Hygge is all things comforting
SussexFood and the Students' Union (USSU) are collaborating to host a special 'hygge' event at the Northfield social space on Thursday (27 November).
'Hygge' is a Danish concept, although it extends across Scandinavia.
It does not have a direct translation in English (the closest being 'cosy'), but an online search for the term throws up endless descriptions of this distinct cultural experience and philosophy, including the following:
“In essence, hygge means creating a nice, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people around you. The warm glow of candlelight is hygge. Friends and family – that’s hygge too. And let’s not forget the eating and drinking – preferably sitting around the table for hours on end discussing the big and small things in life.”
To create hygge the hosts are bringing Scandinavian comfort food, soothing hot drinks and decorating the Northfield social space to make it cosy and snug. They’re also inviting various student societies to perform and create an intimate atmosphere with live music, poetry and magic.
Craig Ryder, Marketing and Communications Manager for SussexFood, said: “We collected lots of Northfield residents' feedback in the summer and the overwhelming response was that students want food, drink and events brought closer to their living spaces.
"So we’re delighted to be able to work with the USSU and bring students something fun, meaningful and unique. And, with it being winter, we thought the hygge concept was just right”.
Dan Greenberg, USSU Operations Officer, said: “I'm really glad that the Northfield social space is being used for an event which will be really popular with students on campus. This gives recognition to the international community we have at Sussex, and should hopefully pave the way for more similar cultural events near the residences towards the back of campus."
You can find out more about the event, which takes place from 4.30-10pm, on the event’s official Facebook page.