Under the haunting glow of Halloween lights, the air buzzed with a kind of newness – fresh faces and a fresh energy in the Monash University Malaysia Sports Hall. It wasn’t gory, but there was definitely something in the air: a new kind of thrill, the kind that comes when strangers meet for the first time and fun starts to make an entrance. Most arrived in simple, comfortable clothes, but here and there, MUISS members slipped through the crowd in Phantom masks or surgeon coveralls, like shadows at play. The contrast gave the night its pulse – a little strange, a little silly, and all in the spirit of excitement.

Organised by the Monash University International Students Society (MUISS), this year’s IGN was more than just an evening of games – it was a celebration of connection, cultural exchange, and the excitement of new beginnings. Held on 23 October 2025, the event welcomed students from all backgrounds, with free admission and a spread of warm pizza boxes that disappeared almost as fast as they arrived.

The evening began with Bingo Blitz, a Monash icebreaker classic. Each participant carried a Bingo sheet filled with quirky prompts like “Birthday is in October” or “Follows zodiac signs.” The mission? Find a match among the crowd and get them to sign it. It was chaotic in the best way – students weaving through the hall, laughing, and meeting strangers who, by the end of the night, felt a little less like strangers.

Then came the Curse of the Mummy, and the energy in the hall shot up. Teams, guided by their MUISS group leaders, were tasked with mummifying one of their members using toilet rolls – creativity was highly encouraged. Watching from the sidelines, I couldn’t help but grin. The effort and energy were infectious. Some groups went all out, even setting up phone torch lights at their mummy’s feet for dramatic effect. It was extra, hilarious, and perfectly captured the spirit of the night: fun, teamwork, and Gen-Z chaos. 

Around the hall, booths buzzed with other activities. Groups rotated between games like “Snapmare on Elm Street,” a photo scavenger hunt across campus, and “Sketchy Spirits”, where one person drew what others described. There was “Pumpkin Smash,” a balloon game that had everyone frantically trying to keep their “pumpkin” from touching the floor, and even a “Cobwebs Maze” set up in the Student Lounge – an obstacle course of ropes designed to resemble a haunted tunnel. Students had to crawl, duck, and twist their way through in under ten minutes. From laughter to shrieks, the sound of Halloween coming was loud and clear. 

When I spoke with the Head of MUISS,Ibrahim, he explained that International Games Night has long been one of their signature traditions. Once known as Game Wars and part of the university’s orientation series, the event has since evolved with the support of Student Life into something much larger. “We’ve all been there,” he said with a laugh. “Being in a new country can be overwhelming. Events like this are our way of helping students connect, make friends, and feel at home.” His personal favourite was the Cobwebs Maze – which he helped design and described fondly as “A little messy, a little chaotic – but that’s what makes it fun.”

As I sat watching the games unfold – laughter bouncing off the walls, toilet paper hanging here and there, the sound of cameras flashing – I felt a familiar tug of nostalgia. Eight months ago, I was sitting in this very same hall, a new student myself. Everything felt uncertain then, yet exciting. Watching the new batch of international students now, I couldn’t help but smile. In time, they’ll feel that same sense of belonging, too.

University life moves fast. One semester you’re the newcomer; the next, you’re looking back at how far you’ve come. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to say yes – to new people, new memories, and every chaotic, heartwarming moment in between. And that’s exactly what International Games Night 2025 was about – saying yes to fun, friendship, and the start of a brand new, messy and chaotic adventure you will never forget. 

Article by Khardeeja Sapora

Photos by Simra