How To Spend Christmas At University
As the Christmas holidays get closer, it can feel like everyone is heading home to spend the festive season with their families. But not all students leave. Whether it’s because they don’t celebrate Christmas, can’t make the journey home, or need to stay on top of coursework, many choose to stick around.
If you’re staying at university over the holidays, you’re definitely not alone. While the campus may quieten down and lectures stop, the festive period still offers plenty to do, whether you’re spending time with other stayers or enjoying some well-earned alone time. It’s the perfect chance to explore your local area, embrace the peace and quiet, or make the most of having the place to yourself!
Things to do at university over the Christmas holidays
Although university life slows down in the run-up to Christmas, the rest of the UK definitely does not. From Christmas markets and seasonal shows to busy pubs and decorations, the UK comes alive with activities and events during this time of year. If you’re staying in town over the holidays, there’s no shortage of things to explore. Here are just a few ideas of what to do over Christmas at uni:
1. Explore the city
Especially if you’re new to your university city, the Christmas holidays offer the perfect opportunity to get to know your new home. Take a winter stroll through your local area or explore a nearby park—it’s a great way to get your bearings while also enjoying some fresh air. Plus, having a break from the Christmas TV binge can do wonders for your mental well-being. Many museums and art galleries remain open during the festive season, making it an ideal time to dive into the local culture. Just make sure to check the opening hours before braving the cold!
Discover the 7 secluded and secret galleries to see in London.
2. Learn a new skill
With a bit of extra free time over the holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover old hobbies or try something new. Always wanted to learn to cook? Now’s the time to master easy one-pot recipes for those post-lecture dinners. Or get creative and start the blog you’ve not had a chance to write during term time. University gyms are often less crowded over the holidays too, making it the ideal time to kick-start your fitness routine ahead of the New Year. If you prefer the outdoors, head out for a peaceful run or bike ride around town and enjoy the quieter streets.
Read our helpful article on how to cook the perfect Christmas dinner at university.
3. Go on a food tour
If you’ve been bookmarking those must-visit food spots from TikTok and Instagram all term, now’s your chance to check them off your list. After all, Christmas is the time to indulge! Treat yourself and sample the best eats your new city offers, or get cosy in a coffee shop you’ve been meaning to try.
Find more blogs on the best food spots around London on the urbanest Student Journal.
4. Get festive
If you celebrate Christmas, there’s no need to miss out just because you’re staying at university over the holidays. Embrace the festive spirit and fill your time with yule-tide cheer! Snuggle up with a hot chocolate, bake some cookies, binge-watch all your favourite Christmas films, or perfect your gift-wrapping skills. Transform your room into a winter wonderland with twinkling fairy lights and decorations, and if you’ve got the space, why not get a little tree to make things extra festive?
Read our article on how to do Christmas on a budget.
5. Have a pamper day
Christmas is a great opportunity to take some much-needed me time while you have no distractions or deadlines looming. After a hectic first term, it’s the perfect chance to hit reset and treat yourself to a relaxing day of self-care. Run a hot bath, apply a face mask, and listen to your favourite Christmas tunes or podcasts. Let yourself completely unwind, enjoying that cosy feeling of being warm inside your flat while the busy world goes on outside.
6. Go to a show
There’s no lack of entertainment available over the holidays, no matter where you are in the UK. Whether you’re into seeing the latest releases at the cinema or love a live theatre show, there’s something for everyone. Take full advantage of that student discount, grab your popcorn, and enjoy a festive night out. Some cinemas even open on Christmas Day and if you’re lucky, you could have the whole screen to yourself! Plus, many theatres keep the Christmas magic going, with performances resuming from Boxing Day through to New Year.
7. Go Christmas shopping
If you’re all about that festive hustle and bustle, why not step into the Christmas shopping madness? Head to one of London’s many Christmas markets to pick out a few treats. After all, ’tis the season of giving, and that includes yourself. If you love scoring a deal, ensure you’re up early for the Boxing Day sales to snap up those must-have items you’ve had your eye on.
8. Make new friends
Chances are, there’ll be a few other students sticking around over Christmas, so it’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. Hang out in the social spaces at your accommodation and start a conversation with someone new or invite a flat mate to join you in checking out a new food spot or show you’re both interested in. You never know who you might meet or what plans you’ll make.
Read our handy guide on how to make friends at university.
9. Get ahead on your uni work
We’ve all been there, pushing uni work to the bottom of the list over the holidays, only to panic when deadlines start creeping up. Use the quieter time to get ahead with assignments and reading, giving you the rest of the break to truly unwind without that looming feeling of work hanging over you. Getting everything done in advance will set you up in the best position for the new term ahead, so you can return to university feeling way more prepared.
If you struggle to stay focused during the holidays, read our article on staying motivated during the Christmas break.
10. Volunteer
Over the Christmas holidays, many places are looking for extra hands, especially with staff taking time off and the colder weather outside. Why not use your free time to give back and make a difference by volunteering at a local food bank or shelter? Not only will you be helping those in need, but it’s also a fulfilling way to embrace the season’s true spirit.
11. Call friends and family
Feeling a bit lonely over the holidays is completely normal, especially if you’re not able to head home for Christmas because of the distance or studies. Stay connected and make a habit of calling or video chatting with family and friends to keep in the loop and get that daily dose of connection. If you’re spending Christmas Day alone, try setting up a video call and open presents with your friends or family. It’s easy to feel like everyone else is off having more fun than you, but regular catch-ups will remind you that you’re not missing out as much as you think.
12. Take a day trip
Venture out to somewhere you’ve never been before with a day trip. These run throughout the Christmas season, with some even available on Christmas Day. A day trip to a nearby city or town is the perfect way to get a change of scenery and even meet new people. Step behind the scenes of The Holiday with a trip to the Cotswolds or mix it up with a visit to a different city to try some new shops and restaurants.
Find a day trip at Visit London.
What to do in London on Christmas Day
Though Christmas Day is a national holiday in the UK, many places remain open. Some activities to choose from include:
Take a winter walk around London’s iconic parks
Most London parks remain open and accessible to visitors throughout the year, including Christmas Day. Wrap up warm and take a stroll through Hyde Park, spotting deer, or meander through Kensington Gardens while it’s peaceful.
Discover London’s Royal Parks for more information.
Hop on a bus tour
A quiet Christmas Day is the perfect time for sightseeing and getting some insta-worthy shots of all the attractions while fewer people are around. London offers several different bus tours to choose from on Christmas Day, including the famous hop-on, hop-off Christmas Day tour with an optional lunch or a festive lights bus tour to see London all lit up by night.
Visit somewhere new
If you’re looking to get out of the city for Christmas Day, there are a variety of day trips to choose from. Whether you want to see Stonehenge or go shopping in Oxford, there are plenty of options to suit every preference. Discover the full list of tours at Visit London.
Attend a Christmas Day church service
Embrace tradition at some of the UK’s most well-known churches and cathedrals, such as St. Paul’s. The stunning cathedral offers three services throughout the day, allowing you to fit them in with other activities you have planned. Find more information and timings here.
Go for a bite at a restaurant
Select restaurants and pubs stay open on Christmas Day, serving everything from traditional Christmas lunch to casual drinks. For something a bit different, head to London’s Chinatown, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants bustling and enjoy a unique Christmas dinner experience. Just remember to check opening times and book ahead, as these spots can fill up fast during the holiday rush.
Go ice skating
If you didn’t quite make it before Christmas, don’t worry; the JW3 ice rink is open on Christmas Day. Glide into the festive spirit on the fully covered rink, the perfect spot for some fresh air, whatever the weather. It is also a great ice breaker for hanging out with new friends.
See the city on a river cruise
Sit back and watch the city go by on a Christmas Day sightseeing cruise down the Thames. Sail past Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, enjoying a full commentary and a fully stocked bar for a Christmas tipple along the way! Learn more here.
Take a dip in Hampton Pool
Not for the faint-hearted, wake yourself up on Christmas morning with an outdoor swim at Hampton Pool near London’s Bushy Park. The fully-heated pool is available to book throughout the day, allowing you to escape from the city and swim off your Christmas lunch!
Go sight-seeing by bike
If you prefer to do your own thing but would still like to make the most of the city whilst it’s at its quietest, cycle through the empty roads on a Santander Cycle. Available to rent on Christmas Day, they allow you to go at your own pace, choosing the spots you’d like to see. Positioned all over the city, find your Christmas Day ride here.
Staying at university over the Christmas holidays doesn’t have to be lonely or boring. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy some alone time. Whether you’re taking advantage of free time, getting on top of your uni work or embracing the festivities, the break is what you make it. Before you know it, everyone will be back on campus, and you’ll miss the peace and quiet!