Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, it’s nearly Christmas…
POINT ONE: LAST MINUTE SHOPPING…
There are still a few shopping days left! Why not pop into town and see what you can find? Worcester has a great selection of independent shops as well as the larger chain stores. And don’t forget to pick yourself up a seasonal drink to keep out the cold, with a wide range of coffee shops, street food stalls and bars to choose from!
If, you’ve found the perfect gift, but haven’t yet mastered the perfect presentation, YouTube and Pinterest, amongst others, have a wealth of hints and tips. You could choose a particular theme or style, or how about thinking sustainably and use brown paper, old newspaper, or old maps – with twine?
POINT TWO: FIND A FESTIVE ADVENTURE…
From ice-skating, to Christmas trees, not to mention meeting Santa, there are lots of activities available for you to visit. Have a look at Christmas in Worcestershire 2024 where highlights include Winter Glow in Malvern, the Enchanted Garden at Webbs, or Christmas events at the local Herefordshire and Worcestershire National Trust properties. Closer to home, there are a variety of events happening in Worcester, including the Christmas Tree Festival and Christmas carol services at Worcester Cathedral.
POINT THREE: TAKE IN A SHOW…
Let’s face it, Christmas isn’t Christmas without a pantomime! Traditionally, these are usually watched after Christmas day, which means you’ve still got time to book your tickets. Locally, you can find Aladdin at the Swan Theatre in Worcester, Sleeping Beauty at the Malvern Theatre, or a little further afield, you can see Peter Pan at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
POINT FOUR: CHRISTMAS ON CAMPUS…
If you’re still on campus this week, there are lots of activities you can join in with – sign up or just turn up and get involved! You’ll find further details through your Student’s Union and our friendly Wellbeing Team, however activities currently include:
- Today: “Crafternoon” from 12-3pm in the Hangar
- Tuesday: Movie night! – 7.30pm in the Yelland Theatre, St Johns campus
- Wednesday: Boardgaming at City Campus – head to the Main Reception
- Thursday: Christmas Carols with a local children’s choir – 2pm-3pm in firstpoint
- Friday: Christmas Fancy a Cuppa – 10am-2pm in firstpoint
You’ll also be able to access the excellent facilities at the Riverside Fitness suite, the Hive library and the 24-hour Peirson Guidance and Study Centre. To arrange access, you can take your student ID card to main reception in the Edward Elgar building and ask the security team to have the Peirson Study and Guidance Centre 24-hour access added to your ID card.
POINT FIVE: A TIME FOR GIVING…
This is the time of year to think about others and there are lots of ways you can be charitable. A quick search online will give lots of ideas, from donating books to children in care, buying a gift for someone escaping domestic abuse, or if you prefer to keep it local why not provide some Christmas treats to your nearest food bank. If you are staying in Worcester during this time, there is a collection point at the Students’ Union for the Community Cupboard, which provides free food and toiletries to students in need.
There are also many local charities where you can volunteer your time to serve Christmas lunch, help with donations or provide company to someone experiencing loneliness.
AN EXTRA POINT…
firstpoint would like to wish all the students and staff at the University of Worcester a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
We will be closed from 4pm on Friday 20th December and reopen at 9am on Thursday 2nd January 2025.
But don’t forget that our wonderful colleagues in Security continue to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can ring them on 01905 855 000, email security@worc.ac.uk or visit the Main Receptions on St. John’s and City Campus to talk to them in person.
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