
UK events in December 2022
Get your scarves and gloves ready! Here are some of the top activities and events happening in the UK this December.
Lights twinkle on decorated trees in homes around the UK as the evenings grow darker and colder. Christmas can be a joyful time of year, but for international students studying in a foreign country it can sometimes be challenging.
If you’re finding it more challenging than you expected, then you won’t be alone. This blog details the university support, networks, ideas and resources out there to help you if you find that you’re struggling during the Christmas period.
Make sure you know where to go for support and advice at your university. This could include finding the contact details for:
If you are in the UK, register with a local doctor’s surgery if you haven’t already. Do this sooner rather than later so that you have somewhere to seek help in case you feel unwell. Your university may have a student health service you can register with.
Check out your university’s sports teams and student societies, and sign up for the ones you are interested in. This is a great way to make new friends, even virtually, and you may be surprised by the range of activities on offer! Students’ unions often run events and activities open to all students; check out the events listings on their websites and follow them on social media for the latest updates.
Take a look at Chevening’s volunteering page for more information on how you can volunteer and connect with others in December and January. You can also find volunteering opportunities on the Do-it website or through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Talk to friends and family and check in on your fellow Cheveners and international students. Take care of your health and make time for the things that you love doing outside of studying.
Try to exercise once a day; it doesn’t need to be anything too strenuous or tiring. Getting outside for a walk or visiting a local park can be great for your physical fitness and mental health. If the weather is bad, you can even exercise at home. There are some great free fitness classes on YouTube for indoor workouts.
Key telephone numbers:
If you are struggling it can be hard to talk about this with others. Remember though that you will not be the only one who feels this way, and it is not a sign of weakness. There will be people who can support you, and with the right help you can find a way of coping with any difficulties that you have. If you don’t feel OK, please do reach out for help and support.
Student Minds
Mental health support for students
NHS Moodzone mental wellbeing audio guides
Audio guides to help deal with anxiety and boost your mood
The Which student budget calculator
Advice on how to manage your money
UKCISA advice
Specialist advice for international students
Staying safe
Guide to staying safe, from Chevening
NHS every mind matters
Expert advice and practical tips on mental health and wellbeing from the NHS and Public Health England to help with anxiety
Five steps to wellbeing
Five steps to mental wellbeing from the NHS
There are more resources to help with a wide range of issues and problems on the welfare section in the Current Cheveners area of our website.
Get your scarves and gloves ready! Here are some of the top activities and events happening in the UK this December.
Read our top tips and tricks for making your money go further whilst living in the UK as a Chevening Scholar.
As the temperature drops, it can be hard to find the motivation to take a break from studying and stay active. Luckily, Social Media Ambassador (SMA) Sibongiseni Zondi has some great tips for how he’s planning to maintain a healthy body and mind over the winter period.