Do Uni students go home for winter holiday?

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Reply 1

cactus11235813

21

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Most people do leave over Christmas, although there will be a few hanging around (but not many). Of the people I know, quite a few more stick around over Easter and the summer, so it's basically just Christmas that's mostly empty!

I'd say it's a good time to go home and visit your family, and it's less disruptive than over Easter (given when exams are at a lot of places).

Hi there,

I hope you are looking forward to it!

It will depend on a uni by uni basis however it is likely that over winter it will be very quiet on campus. Most people usually use this to visit their families for typically the first time since coming to uni.
However, it may be worth seeing what other people are planning in advance when you find out whose on your course etc.

Are you concerned about being on campus during winter break when its quiet? You could always reach out to the university to see what they offer as support for those staying on campus during those times.

I hope this helps.
Daisy- Graduate Advocate 🙂

Reply 3

Muttley79

20

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Check whether you can actually stay and use your room in the holidays - some unis make you empty your room as they let them out!

Reply 4

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

16

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Hi,

I don't know how it is at other universities but Lancaster puts on Wellbeing events over the holidays. For an idea of what this could be, here is the Christmas schedule for this year: News Item - colleges winter vacation events | Portal. These sorts of events are put on over the Christmas and Easter holidays and are open to anybody regardless of which college you are apart of.

Most people will go home at some stage over the Christmas holidays but depending on placements, course events, exams etc., some students will not spend that much time at home and will return to their university accommodation sooner than expected.

You will also find that universities with a high number of international students will be busier over the festive period. Typically universities will put on events and meet ups for international students in the first few weeks of the year so I would recommend attending these to meet other students who may also be staying over the holidays and make friends or a support network.

A lot of universities also have group chats or pages for freshers so introducing yourself and asking if there are others who may be staying and whether they would like to meet up for a coffee or for bowling or something could also be an idea!

Hope this helps, Ella - Lancaster University Student Ambassador

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Some do, but not all!

It definitely does get quieter because usually student unions, societies, or any student-related activities aren't really happening, but you do get a community of international students sometimes that hang around campus during the Christmas break. I know some of my friends who also use the time to just go exploring around the UK with friends, as their families are in other countries :smile:

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Hi there!

Great question, and welcome to the UK university experience! During the winter holiday, many students do take the opportunity to go home and spend time with their families, especially international students like yourself. However, the campus isn’t completely dead. While some services and facilities may have reduced hours, there are still plenty of activities and opportunities to keep you engaged. Many universities host events such as festive parties, movie nights, and workshops to help students stay connected and make the most of their break. Additionally, it’s a perfect time to catch up on your studies, explore new hobbies, or even travel around the UK if you’re staying on campus. If you do decide to stay home, you’ll find that the campus community remains supportive and there are always ways to get involved or meet new people. Whether you choose to go home or stay on campus, winter break is a wonderful time to relax, recharge, and enjoy the festive season.

If you have any more questions or need tips on making the most of your time, feel free to reach out. Best of luck with your studies and your upcoming move to the UK, you’re going to have an amazing time!

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Hello,

The majority of students do go home during the holidays but there are still many people around University during these times. Many postgraduate students don't get the same holidays as undergraduates so they will still be around as will the majority of university staff both academic and non-academic.

I am a home student in the UK and I stay at University during the holidays usually going home for no more than a week. This Christmas for instance I only went home for about 4 days. There are also many international students who stay at the university during the holidays. Therefore, it really depends on a number of factors but you wouldn't be alone if you did decide to stay.

I hope this helps, if you have any further questions about this or university in general please do let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Hi

I think it totally depends on what University you attend and their term timetable dates.

Also you will find that lots of people stay for the duration of their time in the accommodation where as others will go home more regularly. But there is always something to do on campus.

I hope this helps,

Matt
Wrexham University Reps

Reply 9

martin7

20

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

First, note that term dates are not standardised across UK universities, so don't assume that every university has long gaps between terms.

The campus is likely to be pretty dead over the Christmas break; universities are likely to almost completely shut down from Christmas Eve to 2nd January, with most if not all buildings closed.

The Easter break will be very different, with universities typically being (almost completely) closed only for the long weekend: Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday, and the following Monday (which is a bank holiday).

Most students will go home -- but certainly not all. A lot of international students in particular will be staying around because of the cost and hassle of returning home. Of the "home" students some will stay around for similar reasons (cost/hassle) or perhaps because they have part-time jobs, or want to stay and study for exams in the New Year, or maybe just because they don't get on with their families!

As @Muttley79 says, you do need to check what your accommodation contract says.

Original post by Anonymous

I'm an American who will be going to Uni in the UK next year and I was looking at my term dates today and realized I have so long off in between semesters. I was wondering if the campus would be absolutely dead during winter break and if everyone goes back to their families.

Hi!

Yes generally university students will go home during this break. However, there are usually events/activities on campus for international students. Alternatively, you could go and stay with a friend or travel, this could be a great opportunity to explore Europe.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Do Uni students go home for winter holiday?

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