Winter break might be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can feel lonely and cold if you’re stuck in London, away from friends and family.
As an exchange and international student, I found myself spending New Year’s 2020, and Christmas 2021 by myself in London. Together with other foreign students, I tried to make the most of my Holiday Seasons away from home, and, I have to say, we were pretty successful!
As I’m getting ready to finally head back to my country and spend the holidays with my family for the first time in 2 years, I’m reflecting on my past experiences in London. So, I thought I would gather – with the help of a few friends – 5 tips for those who find themselves in the same situation this year.
1. Find others in the same situation
With international students making up 53% of the student body at UCL, chances are you are not the only one stranded in London. Make sure to drop a text in your student hall or course group chats to see who will be hanging around during the holidays. This is the perfect occasion to meet new people. Organise an activity to do together, like a festive meal. As they say…the more the merrier! This is exactly what my flatmate Yubin and I did for New Year’s Eve in 2020. Since we had to keep to covid regulations, we invited only 4 other students from our accommodation who also couldn’t fly home. We cooked a whole feast together! It was a great way to share our cultures, get to know each-other, and celebrate the New Year. I’m still friends with them to this day.
2. Have some self-care time
To keep the gloomiest, loneliest thoughts at bay, make sure to take care of your body and mind. Spend some cosy time inside, doing face masks, reading a good book or watching a movie – with your favourite snacks at hand of course. IT & Management student, Yubin (20), who is a veteran and expert at spending her winter holidays in London, says that the key to not feeling lonely is learning how to spend time alone and be at peace with it. She suggests going on long walks to clear your head and collect your thoughts. If you’re looking for some walk inspiration, there’s tons of amazing parks you can visit and – if you’re feeling a bit more festive – there are many streets decked with Christmas lights.
3. Keep traditions going
You might be away from home, but you don’t have to miss out on your personal Christmas traditions. For instance, if your family has a yearly holiday movie or game night, make sure to schedule a video-call to join in virtually. If you know you won’t make it back for Christmas, you could ask your parents or loved ones to ship gifts or cards to you in advance, so you can open them while on a call with them on Christmas day (or Eve) to spread some of that holiday cheer.
Finally, ask your culinary savvy relatives and friends to share their holiday recipes with you, and give them a try. Even if cooking is not your forte, it will hopefully remind you of home and you’ll be able to show off your new skills next time you see them.
4. Focus on Gratitude
Sometimes, staying positive requires some mindfulness and mental work. Psychology student, Katarina (19), will be spending her winter break in her London flat, with her brother but far from the rest of her family. She says that keeping a Gratitude journal can help you focus on the positive moments in your daily life. She suggests writing down 3 things you’re grateful for every day. Additionally – if you’re up to it – she says, you could also send a text message to someone you are grateful for and tell them why you appreciate them being in your life. You’ll be fostering a positive state of mind while making someone you care about really happy.
5. Decorate your space
There’s nothing that screams “Christmas is here!” more than a properly decorated home… or flat… or bedroom. Wherever you’re spending your holidays, I suggest trying to decorate your space to really make it feel like your home away from home. Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of money to spend; there are many budget-friendly options! For example, last year, I made paper chains and snowflakes out of my old dissertation notes and drafts (don’t tell my tutor!) and leftover wrapping paper. If you have any, you can hang up all the Christmas cards you received from friends and family; they’ll brighten up your walls and remind you that you might be alone right now, but you’re definitely not lonely!
Bonus tip:
If you really aren’t feeling the Christmas spirit or if the loneliness and early winter nights are getting to you, remember that you can always ask for help! Call a friend or family member if you can and want to. Otherwise, UCL offers a free 24/7 Student Support Line, which is open every day of the year, including Christmas and New Year’s. Student Space, a service run by Student Minds in collaboration with U.K.’s universities, is also available with information, guidance, and support services. The Student Centre will be open 24/7 during winter break, in case you need a warm place to study, chill out or have a shower.
Have a Merry, Jolly Holiday Season!