Brighton Clock Tower decorated with Christmas lights

Here for the holidays?

Staying in halls or your accommodation over the holidays?

Anyone staying in Brighton or Eastbourne over the holidays? Maybe it’s your first Christmas in the area or even in the UK?

Check out the International team’s Festive Guide for information about festive events for joining in with. The guide also has information about university opening times and helpful contact information.

Festive Guide #herefortheholidays #UKChristmas

Facebook groups and socials

Plus, there are Facebook groups set up for those of you in halls over the break to set up meetups and events with each other. You don’t need to be a halls resident or an international student to take part. All students are welcome to join – find your nearest group below:

Christmas lunch

If you’re staying in your uni accommodation over the holidays, you might want to join us for the Home from Home Christmas lunch – Buy your lunch tickets here.

Join us for a Christmas lunch to celebrate the end of the year and the start of the holidays! Everyone is welcome.

Tickets are £5.50 for a two course lunch with soft drinks and nibbles on arrival included. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book your ticket.

**Please make sure you book and pay for your ticket by 1.00pm on Friday 13 December **

If you have any queries about the meal, please contact us at orientation@brighton.ac.uk

Christmas day visits

Would you like the opportunity to experience Christmas Day with a local family?

The University of Brighton Faith and Spirituality Network has arranged for members of their congregations to host international students on Christmas Day (Wednesday 25 December). This will involve going to the family’s home for the day, eating a Christmas meal, and taking part in the day’s festivities.

This is a lovely opportunity to experience so Christmas Day traditions! You do not need to be a Christian or celebrate Christmas yourself to take part.

Please contact Sarah Herbert at orientation@brighton.ac.uk for more information.

Help out at a soup run

The Faith and Spirituality Network is organising a soup run on Thursday 26 December. It’s a great opportunity to help out and serve hot soup to those in need. We meet at Howard House (BN1 9SD, opposite Falmer Station) at 6.45pm, or you can join us directly at the crypt at St George’s church, Kemptown, BN2 1DW (at 7.15pm) where we prepare everything before heading to the lift on Madeira Drive to serve up. If you want to help out, please email Mary Ann Enriquez at m.enriquez@brighton.ac.uk

External support

If you find yourself in need of wellbeing support over the holidays, you may want to reach out to our external contacts.

The Samaritans in Brighton and Hove offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you.

T: 01273 772277 / 0845 909090
E: jo@samaritans.org
W: www.samaritans.org

In Brighton, the Cascade Coffee Shop will be open through Christmas and New Year’s Day, offering a safe and welcoming space for anyone struggling or feeling isolated over the holidays.

And, finally, Happy Christmas!