Staying local over Christmas? Student Advice has some suggestions of things to do

Staying in Brighton or Eastbourne over Christmas? If you’re looking for some ideas of free and affordable things to do over the festive season, we’ve got some suggestions for you.

Christmas Carol Service:

Wednesday 11th December, St Andrews Church, Moulsecoomb, 5pm – 7pm

Everyone is welcome to attend this free university community event for students and staff. Carols and readings followed by drinks and mince pies.

Home from Home Christmas Lunch:

Thursday 19 December, Varley Park, 1pm – 4pm

This event is for all students who are staying in Brighton or Eastbourne over the holiday. There is a 2 course meal, carol singing, games and Secret Santa. Tickets cost £5.50 but please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642888 if you are a care leaver or an estranged student who is unable to afford the cost of the ticket. Please book your place by 1pm on Friday 13th December.

Christmas Meal at the Meeting House:

Friday 20 December, Meeting House, University of Sussex, 12 – 2

Students and their families are invited to a buffet style lunch at the Meeting House on the University of Sussex campus. This event is organised by the chaplaincy at University of Sussex and University of Brighton. Places are free but we have limited tickets. Please contact Sarah Herbert by emailing orientation@brighton.ac.uk if you wish to attend.

Christmas Day Host Visits:

Wednesday 25 December, various times and locations

Students who are staying in Brighton over the Christmas vacation are invited to spend Christmas Day with local families, who are members of Brighton and Hove Methodist Circuit. This will involve going to the family’s home for the day, eating a Christmas meal and taking part in the day’s celebrations, whether that is watching a Christmas film, playing games or going for a walk together.

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience some Christmas Day traditions, especially if you cannot spend Christmas Day with family or friends. You don’t need to be a Christian or celebrate Christmas to take part, new friends could be just around the corner.

Please complete our short registration form if you would like to join a local family for Christmas.

The Brighton and Hove Santa bus travels through Brighton, Hove and beyond bringing joy to often isolated neigbourhoods and communities whilst collecting for local charities. Catch a glimpse of Santa and co where you live by checking the santa bus route map

What’s occurring? for more information, check What’s On Brighton, Visit Brighton or Visit Eastbourne for up to date free and charging events in and around East Sussex or check free papers like Friday Ad, shop windows and community notice boards.

Christmas can be a very stressful time, particularly if you’re struggling financially. If you’re feeling anxious about being on your own over the holiday, or you’re worried about travelling home to see your family, please come and talk to us. We can help you and we’re here right up until Christmas Eve when the university closes.

The Student Advice Service is open at every campus, but you visit or call whichever site suits you best. The main telephone number is 01273 642888.