Lots of students choose to stay in Bournemouth over the winter break, so you won’t be alone if you’re staying local this year. You can find out what you can get involved with over the next few weeks below.
We’ve also shared information about what university services are available during the winter closure (23 December – 3 January) on our website. Please refer to this if you plan on visiting campus during the break.
Living in BU accommodation?
If you are living in BU-managed halls, ResLifeBU has organised a range of events and activities for you to get involved in during the winter break. These activities include pottery making, comedy nights, Christmas Day lunch on 25 December and more. You can browse the full range of events on the Linktree created by the team.
Make sure to follow @BUResLife on Facebook as well as @reslifeBU on instagram for the latest information during the winter break.
And there's more...
We've also got activities which are open to all students, as well as fun events in the local area. Check below for more things to do and join in with, plus wellbeing support for you and others.
Living in private accommodation or local to Bournemouth?
BU has worked with ResLifeBU to make some of the events organised by the ResLife team available for all students this winter break. Whether you live in private accommodation, live locally with family or stay in BU halls – you can join in the festive cheer.
If you’d like to attend any of the following events, please book your place on the relevant Eventbrite page.
Faith & Reflection events
The Faith & Reflection Team are hosting a series of events for the week before Christmas to offer the opportunity to get involved and meet new people. If you'd like to attend, there is no need to book, simply turn up at the relevant location. This includes:
Carol singing and live music
Some carol services will be attended by BU Music and Faith & Reflection and you are welcome to attend to join in the festive singing or to enjoy the music:
Things to do in the local area
If you fancy feeling festive, a visit to the Christmas market in Bournemouth town centre should be on your to do list! Open daily from 10am (except for Christmas Day) from now until 2 January, you'll find traders and caterers as well as an alpine lodge, ice skating, live music and entertainment for you to enjoy. You can also follow the Christmas tree Wonderland trail featuring 100 glittering trees and illuminations starting at Bournemouth sea front and continuing through Bournemouth Gardens.
There’s also plenty happening in Poole including the annual charity bath tub race at Poole Quay on 1 January – definitely not one to miss! And a Maritime Light Festival running between 19 November and 2 January.
Some of the other activities taking place locally that you might be interested in taking part, include:
- Santa McMillan charity sea swim – Boscombe pier at 9:45am on Sunday 25 December.
- Christmas Tree Festival – St Luke’s Church, Winton at 3pm – 5pm between 1 December and 23 December.
- Bournemouth Gardens free street event – Bournemouth Gardens, 25 December from 10am.
- Visit the Giant Gallery – Second floor of Bobby’s Department Store, Bournemouth
Enjoy some festive cheer… and consider your neighbours
If you're living in a residential area many of your neighbours will have time off work, school and college during the holidays, so please remember to keep noise to minimum, the front of your house tidy and put your bins out for collection (and bring them back in again!). This can also be a lonely time for some people, so keep an eye out for your neighbours - why not send them a Christmas card or knock on the door with some homemade mince pies to let them know you'll be at home.
If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police by calling 101 from a mobile or landline - or 999 in an emergency.
If you need wellbeing support over the winter break, we encourage you to contact the following organisations:
- Student Assistance Programme on 0800 028 3766 for a free 24/7 wellbeing helpline
- Shelter on 0344 515 2000 for housing support
- Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 for personal support
- NHS Connection 24/7 Mental Health advice and guidance line on 0300 123 5400
- Please also see the online resources section on our winter break services webpage.
