Christmas alone
Either through choice or circumstance some students will find themselves alone in Derby or Buxton this Christmas.
The University will certainly be quieter during this time as most students will leave to go home and the university buildings will be closed for part of the Christmas break. Given the constant hype that surrounds Christmas it can be easy to feel worried or upset at the prospect of spending it alone.
There are things you can do to increase your enjoyment of the break and to ward off feelings of loneliness.
Keep busy
Remember that exams are just around the corner so you have a great opportunity to use your time positively. Socialise with friends who are still around. Spring clean your room and flat. Keeping busy will help you to avoid ruminating on the negative aspects of your situation and will give you some positive practical outcomes.
Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way of keeping busy and doing something positive and at Christmas charities do need extra help. These websites provide some ideas about what you could do. http://www.timebank.org.uk/volunteer_christmas/
Volunteering will also help you by putting you in touch with other people and giving you a sense of purpose.
Socialise
Try to maintain social contact with as many people as possible. Not all students go home for the whole of the break. Find out when your friends are going to be around and meet up with them.
You could also use the Student Union facebook page to arrange a meet up with other students who will still be here over Christmas. This could be an opportunity to make new friends.
Exercise
It can be tempting in December to stay indoors where its warm but you should make sure you are getting outside and exercising each day. Sunlight and exercise improves mood and will help you feel better physically as well.
Try to see the positives
For many people spending time alone may be preferable to the Christmas they are going to have. If you are going to be alone you will have complete control over your own time, you can do what you want, when you want, without pressure to please anyone else.
Indulge
Give yourself rewards over the Christmas break - these don't have to cost a lot of money but if you can, treat yourself to something special. You could, for example, buy yourself a treatment, go to the football, cook yourself a nice meal or just set aside time to watch a movie or read a book.
Seek support
If you are worried about how you will feel during the Christmas break it my help to talk to a counsellor beforehand. You can find details about our counselling service here.
