Living the uni life incorporates many things: studying, learning and becoming who you are, as well as consolidating what you want to do in the future. But one aspect of university is making new friends and socialising. The end of first term is a great way to do just that!
Many colleges and societies have formals and nights out to celebrate the end of term. As I am a member of Vanbrugh College, last year I attended the winter formal at the National Railway Museum. It included a full 3 course meal with 3 bottles of wine on each table, a DJ and a disco. This is a great way to get to know more people in your college and spend time with the friends that you have already made. It also allows you to get all dressed up, rather than wearing the classic jeans and a nice top for a normal night out! If your college has a formal event, I would really recommend it, even if you only go during your Fresher’s year. It’s an unmissable experience, and a good opportunity to get a new profile picture and cover photo!
There are also college and uni sports socials that normally take place on a Wednesday. Our final Athletics social of the first term had the theme “nativity” so everyone had to get dressed as a different person or animal that was in the story. It was a great way to see everyone and have one last night out together before 4 weeks off!
It’s not a necessity to go out – there are many alternatives to clubbing and even more so at Christmas time! York is home to an amazing Christmas market with many Christmas stalls which are great for presents. There are also many delicious food stalls, selling things such as hot dogs, brownies, doughnuts, mulled wine and hot chocolate. I highly recommend the brownies – they’re so tasty!
Alternatively, if you fancy doing a bit of ice skating to get into the Christmas spirit, you can! The Designer Outlet, which is an easy bus ride away, opens an ice skating rink from mid-November. This allows you to do something a bit different which is not too far and is great for having a laugh with some friends (or even a good idea for a date!).
Sometimes, though, you don’t fancy going outside. It might be raining (no surprise there) or you might be lucky enough to see some snow! So what can be done those cold and dark days when you want to have a break from your work? A lovely way to bond with your flatmates is to decorate the flat in a Christmassy manner! Buy some cheap tinsel and maybe even some lights and give your room, the corridors and even the kitchen a Christmas makeover!
And if your flat is feel daring enough you can tackle the immense task of cooking a Christmas dinner. Just think about the delicious meat, roast potatoes and mixed veg with good old Yorkshire Puddings on the side!
These are all great ways to get into the Christmas spirit before going home and seeing the family and friends – I hope you’ve found them useful.
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