Making the most of your Christmas break - productivity, wellbeing, festive cheer
For many international students, the Christmas break is bittersweet: some will be heading home, but many will be staying in the UK, far from family.
Whether you're planning to travel or staying on campus, this holiday season is a golden.
1. Use the Time to Boost Your Career Skills
a. Online courses and certifications
Take advantage of your free time by enrolling in short online courses or
micro-credentials. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer
courses in digital marketing, data analysis, project management, and more.
These can help you build your CV and give you a fresh sense of purpose over the
break.
b. Internships and part-time work
If you’re staying in the UK, consider picking up a part-time job or internship.
Even a few weeks of work can develop workplace skills, expand your network, and
help with living expenses. Speak with Herts Careers about available holiday
internships or temporary roles.
c. Personal projects
Use this time for passion projects start a blog, build a small web app, write,
or design. Not only are these valuable to your personal development, but they
also look impressive on future job applications.
d. Skill-building workshops at uni
Keep your eyes peeled for workshops hosted by the university over the break.
These might include CV writing, interview techniques, or professional
development sessions run by the careers department.
2. Prioritise Physical and Mental Wellbeing
a. Exercise and mindfulness
Staying active is key during this break. Use the university’s gym, or try out
winter walks around campus or in nearby nature spots. You could also experiment
with yoga, meditation, or journaling to help manage holiday stress and
homesickness.
b. Healthy routines
Even though it’s a holiday, try to maintain a balanced daily schedule. Set a
regular sleeping pattern, eat home-cooked meals (or cook with friends!), and
allow time for rest and leisure.
c. Support networks
Feeling homesick? You’re not alone. Reach out to the Student Wellbeing team, or
join student-led international groups or Christmas social events organized by
the uni. Sometimes, just talking to someone who’s in the same boat can make a
big difference.
3. Enjoy the festivities around Herts and London
a. Campus decoration and events
Herts often hosts festive events, craft fairs, pop-up markets, and social
meetups. Take a break from your studies or projects to join. These events are
brilliant for making friends, feeling part of a community, and enjoying the
holiday vibes.
b. Trip to London
If you’re feeling adventurous, plan a day (or more) trip to London. The city is
magical at Christmas think Oxford Street lights, Winter Wonderland in Hyde
Park, Christmas markets, and maybe even a West End show. Bring a few friends,
and explore together it’s more fun and feels safer when you’re not solo.
c. Local get-togethers
Why not host a small gathering in your accommodation? Even a cozy Christmas
movie night, a potluck dinner, or a board game evening can make your break feel
homely. Inviting other international students can help build your own little
community away from home.
4. Reflect, plan, and set goals for the New Year
Reflect on your journey
Use this break to think about your first term (or semester): what went well?
What challenges did you face? Reflecting helps you recognise your growth and
acknowledge what you’ve achieved as an international student adapting to uni
life.
Set short-term goals
Decide what you want to work on in the new year. It could be academic
(improving your grades), personal (making more friends), or career (finding an
internship). Write these goals down and create actionable steps.
Build your network
Reach out to lecturers, peers, or alumni. LinkedIn is a great place to connect,
and you could ask for advice, or even set up informal chats or meetings. Use
this time to plant the seeds for future opportunities.
5. Capture the memories
- Take photos around
campus, especially with the decorations these moments could be a lovely
memory of your first (or second…) Christmas in the UK.
- Blog, vlog, or journal
about your experiences. It can be therapeutic and might help others who
are going through the same feelings of homesickness.
- Create little traditions: maybe every year during the break you try a new Christmas recipe, or visit the same Christmas market. These traditions can be comforting and something to look forward to.