The winter holidays are upon us

Whilst many are rushing off to ski trips and family Christmas parties, this is far from reflective of every person’s circumstances. Staying in LSE halls during the break can be a fairly isolating experience, but with the right direction, it can also provide a unique opportunity to create fun memories right in the heart of London. Embracing the holiday spirit in your student accommodation can be a difficult, yet rewarding task - so here are some tips to help you make the most of your month in the halls!

1. Deck the Halls

Get into the festive spirit by decorating your room! Hang up some fairy lights, assemble a mini Christmas tree, or grab some handmade decor from a nearby winter market. It’s surprising how just a little bit of decoration can transform a space. If your budget is tight, like many are towards the end of the student finance instalment period, that’s okay! Get crafty, and create DIY decorations alone or with your remaining hallmates. (Pro tip: Google ‘homemade paper decorations’, or ask ChatGPT for some super creative ideas.) 

If Christmas isn’t your thing, that’s okay too - take advantage of seasonal discounts available at thousands of shops and focus on making your room a comfortable environment for you to spend time in.

2. Travel through food

Why not gather whichever residents are left and organise a potluck dinner? LSE is a really multicultural space, so ask everyone to bring a dish from their culture that they love cooking! It’s a fantastic way to bond with hallmates you may not have spoken to before, share stories, and enjoy a variety of delicious homemade meals at a low cost. Don’t forget the Christmas crackers for added fun - and if you’re by yourself this winter, have a look at the TooGoodToGo app for an exciting, solo alternative. TooGoodToGo has a wide range of dishes from different cultures available from around £3, including tasty Jamaican meals, French bakery treats, and Italian dishes. Be sure to check around 9 pm the day before for the broadest selection.

3. Engage in Festive Volunteering

I recently volunteered with The Connection at St Martin’s, learning that volunteering is at its lowest rate in the United Kingdom for a long time. The cost of living crisis and the impact of COVID-19 have meant many charities are now struggling for volunteers, so what better time to give back to the community than winter, with so many holidays based on giving? The LSE Volunteer Centre has some fantastic opportunities on offer, from one-off carol singing or cooking classes to longer-term commitments. Whether it’s serving meals at a shelter or participating in a gift-wrapping drive, giving back can be a heartwarming way to spend the holidays and see another side of London.

4. Explore London’s Festive Vibes

The city comes alive during Christmas with markets and light displays. Take advantage of your location and explore these offerings either alone or with friends! LSE Residential Life have a plethora of articles outlining these festive events. For some cheaper options; stroll along the River Thames with a cup of hot chocolate (Amazon are offering 50p hot drinks until the 31st of December), catch some street performances, or bundle up in a blanket and watch Christmas movies online. I’d personally recommend A Muppet’s Christmas Carol, but for a more refined taste, I’ve heard Die Hard is pretty good.

5. Self-Care and Relaxation

Amidst the festivities, it’s important to look after yourself. Low levels of warmth and sunlight can cause a plummet in your mood, and with halls looking so empty, it is fundamental to maintain your health and social life. Treat yourself to a spa night with face masks and shower goodies, practice mindfulness, or curl up with a good book (one that isn’t on your reading list!). Stay in contact with your friends and family, and if it’s just you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the LSE wellbeing services if you’re feeling isolated. Many London boroughs also have initiatives to ensure nobody is alone at this time of year, so it’s worth looking into local events such as free community Christmas dinners.

While living in London during the holidays might initially seem daunting, spending Christmas in LSE halls can be a uniquely enriching experience. It’s an opportunity to focus on yourself or bond with others, to create new traditions and make lasting memories. Whatever the reason you may be staying in halls over Christmas you are not alone, and by embracing the festivities and the community spirit, you can turn any stay into a joyful and memorable time.

Ela

Bankside House resident