Alone in accommodation for the holidays
When people talk about holidays, the conversation usually centers around returning home from student accommodation, family dinners and countdowns to familiar routines. But for many students the holidays may look a bit different. Not everyone has the option ability or desire to go home, and reality often gets overlooked.
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by Kingston TrenyceWhen people talk about holidays, the conversation usually centers around returning home from student accommodation, family dinners and countdowns to familiar routines. But for many students the holidays may look a bit different. Not everyone has the option ability or desire to go home, and reality often gets overlooked.
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
This is such a lovely message to consider. Many students forget that not everyone will travel home for various reasons. If you don't want to be alone on Christmas Day, here are some suggestions:
1.
See if any charities are asking for volunteers on Christmas Day; this could be soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or pet rescue centres.
2.
Join online groups for hobbies you enjoy.
3.
Find Local Events: Look for community Christmas dinner events for those alone, street parties, or even organised hikes.
4.
Connect Digitally: Video call family/friends or join online communities for shared experiences.
5.
Go for a Walk/Explore: Take a walk in nature or go for a drive to see Christmas lights with music and a hot drink.
6.
Treat Yourself: Buy yourself a small present to open, cook a special meal, or enjoy your favourite treats.
7.
Start New Traditions: Create your own rituals, like writing inspirational notes or making a collage.
Han - 3rd MH Nursing student
WrexhamUniReps
Reply 2
Original post
by Kingston TrenyceWhen people talk about holidays, the conversation usually centers around returning home from student accommodation, family dinners and countdowns to familiar routines. But for many students the holidays may look a bit different. Not everyone has the option ability or desire to go home, and reality often gets overlooked.
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Love this post! Here are a few more ideas of how to spend your winter break if you’re staying at uni:
•
Explore local cafes and restaurants - It’s a great chance to try any new spots that you’ve walked past but never been in! For any Warwick students, some of the more popular places in Leamington and Coventry may be less busy since it’s not term time.
•
Reflect and reset for the new year - Making a 2026 vision board, reflecting on this year or journalling about what you want from the year ahead can be a nice evening activity as well as a way to get creative.
•
Pick up a hobby or project - If you’ve been wanting to try something new or get back into an old hobby (like cooking, art, playing an instrument, learning a language, practicing a sport, going to the gym etc), this is the perfect time!
•
Make the most of the outdoors - Even just short walks each day can make such a difference! I’ve especially explored some new parks and nature spots around nearby towns and it was actually really peaceful with everything being a bit quieter over the break.
•
Connect with others still on campus - whether in your accommodation, online or through uni events and groups.
•
Catch up or get ahead with uni work - Might not be the most fun, but using the quiet time to catch up on lectures or organise your notes can really helpful once term starts again.
•
Short-term volunteering - Check out if your uni (like Warwick Volunteers, if you're at Warwick!) offers any short-term or one-off volunteering roles!
Most importantly, don’t feel like you have to be really productive or “make the most” of every day - it’s okay to just rest too! Wishing everyone a calm and cosy break ⭐️
Best wishes,
Jasmine (Student Ambassador)
Reply 3
Original post
by Kingston TrenyceWhen people talk about holidays, the conversation usually centers around returning home from student accommodation, family dinners and countdowns to familiar routines. But for many students the holidays may look a bit different. Not everyone has the option ability or desire to go home, and reality often gets overlooked.
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
As a university student, I know that students from all walks of life remain in halls while campus quieten down. When lectures stop and flatmates leave, accommodation that once felt busy can suddenly feel isolating. If you’re staying in accommodation, small steps can help. Creating a gentle routine, even something as simple as setting a regular wake up time or planning one thing to do each day, cooking meals you enjoy, or reaching out to those who you hold close can make the days feel more manageable which can provide a sense of structure. Moreover, engaging in holiday activities in the town you live in. Kingston for example has a Christmas market, great town centre cafes, Richmond Park where you can spot deer and go for a long walk. Being close to London there are lots of free museums (Tate modern, British museum, national gallery, etc), which are accessible ways to explore and keep busy without spending much money. Support doesn’t disappear during the holidays. Wellbeing services, student societies, international student teams and student reps are still there, even if it takes a bit more effort to find them during quieter periods.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. And if you’re someone who is going home, check in on the friends you know are staying behind. A message, an invite or simply remembering them can make a huge difference. What are your plans for the holidays? Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Hi @Kingston Trenyce 👋
Hope you are well. This is a great topic to discuss! A few tips from me as well below:
1) To everyone who is spending the holidays alone, remember you are not alone. Make sure you look out for any events on campus. At Essex we have plenty of cosy activities for Christmas so that our students won't feel lonely or bored.
2) keep in touch with friends, those of you at home with family, text your friends so that they don't feel down if they are alone for Christmas. Remember not everyone can be with their family at this time.
3) Try and go out to keep yourself busy, there are plenty of christmas trails and markets around so go around and explore! Remember this is still your holiday break so relax and have some fun 😊
Merry Christmas and have a happy new year everyone 💝
Essex Student Rep- Lavanya 💜
Reply 4
Im all alone in uni accommodation due to really toxic family
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousIm all alone in uni accommodation due to really toxic family
Hi there,
I am really sorry to hear you were alone for Christmas. Have you considered reaching out to your university's wellbeing team? They can further support you with counselling, therapy, and guidance on these topics!
Good luck for your future studies, and I hope you get the support you deserve.
Han - 3rd Year MH nursing student
WrexhamUniReps
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