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.
Key dates and assessment support
Key dates
The University is closed from Tuesday 24 December to Wednesday 1 January (inclusive).
You will not be able to access any University facilities or services during this time, with the exception of the libraries which will close at 12:00 on Tuesday 24 December and re-open at 8:00 on Friday 27 December.
If you have impending deadlines and have any questions about your work, you should contact your lecturers, course leader or academic adviser as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of getting the help you need before academic staff take a well-deserved break.
East London Students’ Union will be taking a slightly longer break, with no services or activities available from Saturday 21 December until Monday 6 January. The Students’ Union space in Stratford’s Arthur Edwards Building will re-open to students and staff on Monday 6 January.
Mitigation and extensions
If you have an assessment due in the weeks ahead that you are unable to submit due to unplanned events such as illness, please read the guidance on Mitigating Circumstances. The policy has been changed recently so we encourage you to read this even if you have used mitigation/extenuation before.
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.
Visit the Student Wellbeing Service's Intranet page for details of wellbeing support available over the festive period.
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
If it’s Christmas market vibes you’re after, why not head to Wick Wonderland (super convenient for Stratford-based students) or Wembley Park Festive Markets?
Brent Cross Winter Festival is fun for all the family, featuring rides and attractions, food and drink, and ice skating.
There are also classic options like seeing the lights as you shop in central London (though be warned about the huge crowds), seeing a theatre show, ballet or pantomime, or going ice skating in an iconic spot like Somerset House.
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.