The Christmas break is almost here! With many of you working towards upcoming deadlines or looking for things to do in east London over the festive period, we wanted to create a handy guide to cover everything you might need to know.
Christmas break confusion
For students, this year’s official Christmas break runs from Monday 22 December until Sunday 4 January. The University is closed from midday on Wednesday 24 December until 09:00 on Monday 5 January. During this time, you won’t be able to use University services such as The Hub. However some other spaces will be available.
The libraries in Docklands and Stratford will close at 17:00 on Wednesday 24 December (Christmas Eve). From Saturday 27 December to Sunday 04 January, the libraries will be open 08:00 to 23:59 every day. They will return to normal hours from 08:00 on Monday 5 January. Read more on their site.
USS will be closed from midday on Wednesday 24 December until 08:00 on Monday 5 January.
East London Students’ Union will be taking a slightly longer break, with no services or activities available from lunchtime on Friday 19 December. We’ll be back on Monday 5 January, getting ready for another exciting year at the Students’ Union.
Attention international students
For most students, teaching will resume onMonday 26 January, but the rest of the month still counts as term time due to exams and welcome week. This has implications for international students, their jobs and working hours.
Even if you don’t have January exams, the weekly working hour limits set out on visas still apply for the majority of the break. Have this in mind while scheduling shifts in December and January.
If you have a placement, it’s important to check with your employer to ensure you continue to obey your visa rules.
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail: Getting ahead of your deadlines
If you have deadlines coming up and there’s anything you aren’t sure about, act now. Academic staff deserve a break too, and they’re unlikely to be contactable during the Christmas break.
Ask any questions or take any opportunities for feedback as soon as possible. Don’t leave it until your last day on campus, as that could already be too late. The last few weeks of term can be hard to get things done, so do what you need to now.
You also shouldn’t expect a response on email or Teams during the holidays. Staff are not obliged to reply during their time off.
Understanding extensions
If you have an assessment due in the weeks ahead that you are unable to submit due to unplanned events such as illness, you have the right to submit a mitigating circumstances claim to request additional time to submit your assessments.
There are two different types which are applicable in different scenarios: self-certification (simply an extension) and mitigation with evidence (for more serious situations). Find everything you need to know here.
If you choose to self-certify for an assessment with a deadline on a day the institution is closed (e.g. during the Christmas Closure period), you will need to submit your assessment the first day when the university reopens. Remember that you must complete the form by 23:59 on the deadline day.
Winter wellbeing
The University's wellbeing team won't be available while the University is closed. However, you can still access remote support for urgent wellbeing issues. Head to the wellbeing page on the intranet for options including the Spectrum.Life student assistance programme. You are never alone.
Festive fun stuff
Many students at the University choose to stay in the area over the festive period, and there’s loads of fun stuff happening to keep you occupied.
Out and about
Christmas Markets
If it’s Christmas market vibes you’re after, why not head to Wick Wonderland (super convenient for Stratford-based students) or Christmas at Wembley Park?
The Southbank Centre’s Winter Market is back this year. Head along to browse gifts, decoration and more, as well as loads of festive bites. Free entry.
Of course, Winter Wonderland is the biggest Christmas event in London. It can be pretty expensive to attend, so we recommend that you book an off-peak slot for free entry. Then spend your hard-earned money on food, drink and fun stuff instead!
Culture
Seeing a theatre show, ballet or pantomime is a classic festive pastime. TodayTix is a great destination for cheap last-minute tickets to plays, musicals and ballets.
Some of our top panto picks this year include Mama Goose at Stratford East and Sleeping Beauty at the London Palladium. The latter is one of London’s most star-studded pantos each year! It’s also well worth checking out local community theatres for more affordable options.
If you want to get into the Christmas spirit the traditional way, a carol service could be the thing for you! Check out what’s on at your local church, or head along to Barge East’s free Carols by the Canal event on Wednesday 17 December.
If you’re heading into central, why not make a day of it and head to one of London’s many free entry galleries or museums? The exhibitions likely won’t be festive, but you’ll really feel London’s iconic buzz. What could be better than that? Find a list of free museums here.
This Christmas, Snoopy is the guest of honour in London’s Fleet Street Quarter. The iconic character has taken over the streets to form a sculpture-led art trail.
This December, the Outernet digital culture space has been transformed into a winter ice palace. Experience their shimmering frozen kingdom with music and dazzling visuals that include the Nutcracker’s ballroom and Santa’s workshop. The venue is free to visit over December.
Sport
Traditionally there are plenty of sports fixtures across the festive period, particularly on Boxing Day. Typically these matches have a joyful community atmosphere, and are a great way to get out of the house after a cosy few days at home. Have a look to see whether any local London teams are playing (West Ham, Charlton and Leyton Orient are pretty close by), or head to a pub to watch the biggest matches on TV.
On Christmas morning, you might consider watching the Peter Pan Cup, when a hardy group of swimmers take to the frigid waters of the Serpentine in Hyde Park. It’s a traditional race that dates back to 1864. The public is free to watch the race, just remember there’s limited public transport to travel to the park.
Lights and more
London is known for its wonderful Christmas lights, and if you’re new to London it can be really special going to experience them in areas like Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Be warned that it can get incredibly busy and a little overwhelming – consider going as soon as it gets dark on a weekday to limit the number of people around. Want to avoid the crowds? A dedicated bus tour could be a great option for you, but they do come with a price tag!
The Uber Boat is another fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective, and more affordable, too. Check out trips down the Thames here.
Trafalgar Square is home to one of the most famous Christmas trees in the world, but we reckon the one in Covent Garden is prettier…
The Southbank Centre is also currently displaying its annual Winter Light installation along the South Bank. Head over to discover a range of free light-based outdoor artworks. Just wrap up warm!
Access to London’s Sky Garden is free on weekdays between 10:00 and 18:00 and at weekends between 11:00 and 21:00. Booking a time slot is essential. The space is full of plants and flowers and at Christmas time, illuminated Christmas trees and decorations, too. And don't forget those views!
Check out online guides to everything on offer in London, including those from Time Out and Visit London.
On campus
If you live in halls of residence, Residential Life have a range of events to bring residents together during this special time of year. Their programme includes a Christmas lunch, New Year’s Eve brunch and Hannukah dinner.
Students staying in their accommodation are encouraged to attend to help mark these occasions and meet other halls residents in the process! Find out more and discover their other festive events on the accommodation portal.