As the days get shorter and the air gets sharper, winter at university can feel like a strange mix of deadlines, fairy lights, and long quiet evenings. We get it. That’s why we’ve put together this little survival guide – not a lecture, just eight friendly nudges to help you stay steady and connected over the next few weeks.
1. Plan Ahead for the Break Avoid that last-minute panic about whether the library is open on the 30th. Pop over to our Winter Closure Information webpage – it has all the key dates for firstpoint, Student Services, the libraries, and more. Bookmark it now and thank yourself later.
2. Make the Most of the Final Week of Teaching Before everyone disappears to their hometowns (or their duvets), we’ve got a bunch of low-key social events happening on campus. Think movie nights, board games, crafts, and free hot drinks. Come for ten minutes or stay for the whole thing – either way, it’s a lovely way to finish term with a smile.
3. Stay Connected Winter can feel quieter than usual, especially once halls empty out. A quick “you alright?” text or voice note can mean the world. If you’re still on campus, pop to an event or just message someone you’ve not spoken to in a while. Small moments of warmth go a long way.
4. Find Your Cosy Corners From 23 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, the Christmas Social Space in the Peirson Study & Guidance Centre (opposite firstpoint) will be open 24/7 with your student card. Fairy lights, biscuits, board games, colouring books – no agenda, no staff hovering, just a warm room whenever you need it. Security are around if you need anything (01905 855000).
5. Protect Your Peace Give yourself permission for tiny resets: a five-minute walk around the lake, three slow breaths at your desk, stretching in your room, or sticking on the playlist that always feels like a hug. Micro-moments add up more than you think.
6. Take a Break During Assessments When we’re back in January, firstpoint will have its Take a Break wellbeing corner running throughout revision and assessment week. Drop in for grounding activities, free tea, and a gentle reminder that pausing is allowed – even when deadlines are looming.
7. Fancy a Cuppa? We’re kicking off the new year with extra Fancy a Cuppa sessions on Tuesday 6 and Thursday 8 January. Proper brewed tea, nice biscuits, and friendly staff who are genuinely happy to listen if you need to offload. No appointment needed – just turn up.
8. Ease Into 2026 Term will start again before we know it, so be kind to yourself in that first week back. Maybe pick one small intention (“I’ll drink a glass of water when I get up” or “I’ll text one friend each day”) rather than a dramatic overhaul. Slow and steady feels a lot better in January.
Wherever you’re spending the break – at home, on campus, or somewhere in between – we hope it brings you some rest and a bit of lightness. You’ve worked hard this term, and you deserve a proper pause.
See you in 2026 – we can’t wait to have you back.
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