Here’s some things you need to know so that you can make the most of spending Christmas in London.
There are various reasons that you may choose to stay in London as a student, whether it’s to focus on your studies or this is just where you want to stay! As we know, London is a busy city with lots on... so much so that it can be hard to keep track of what fun things you can get up to during this festive period. Here’s some things you need to know so that you can make the most of spending Christmas in the winter wonderland that is London!
What is happening on campus?
A lot of our Students’ Union outlets will be closed over the festive break: for the full list of our opening hours, please click here. However, our libraries on the Mile End and Whitechapel campuses will still be open with a reduced opening schedule, so if you still wish to study on campus, you can do so there! Our Mile End Library also has Prayer and Contemplation Rooms that you can use while the Students’ Union Hub is closed (including our Multi-Faith Centre). For more information and updates on library opening times, please visit their page here.
If you are living in Queen Mary Residences, the Residential Life Team are hosting events to make sure you still feel at home during the festive period and University closure. For more information on this, please visit the Residential Life’s website here.
Support and staying in touch
At the Students’ Union, we have also set up a Facebook group for students who are staying either in Queen Mary Residences or in London. The aim for the group is to help people meet each other and make plans over the festive period. To join this Facebook group, please click here.
While the University may be closed, there are still ways for you to get support during the Christmas holiday, including emotional wellbeing, help in a crisis, and study and stress management. The University has collated a list of links to the various services that you can access here.
London transport changes
There will be no public transport running on 25 December and limited transport on 26 December, which may make it difficult to explore around London on these days. However, Santander Cycles will still be available – you can get 24 hours of unlimited 30-minute rides from £3 with a Day Pass, Lime and Forest bikes will be operating too. There are thousands of bikes around, and it’s a great way to take in the London sights while getting to your location.
What to do on Christmas Day
Not sure what to do on Christmas Day? Well, check this out! The International Students House is celebrating Christmas Day with a jam-packed festive schedule. Head over in the morning for welcome drinks, then enjoy a delicious 3 course traditional British Christmas Lunch. Plus, expect photo opportunities, Christmas Crackers, a screening of the 3pm Speech by His Majesty the King, a movie, walk in Regent’s Park AND a goodie box on departure! Talk about a Christmas Day celebration! If you’re living on campus, Queen Mary will arrange a return taxi for you – click here for more information, and purchase your ticket here.
If you don’t fancy leaving the house on Christmas Day, we feel you! Why not check out Save the Student’s great student-friendly Christmas dinner recipe that’ll cost you less than £2.75 per person – which means even more money to splurge on festive treats! Hang with your flatmates, or invite some new friends from our Facebook group, and give this recipe a try!
Everyone at the Students’ Union wishes you a very happy and safe holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year!