For many of us, this festive time of year can be a wonderful time to connect and celebrate with family and friends. We recognise that it can also be a stressful time which might impact on our emotional, physical, or financial wellbeing.
If Christmas is a challenging time, it’s important to remember that we are not alone and that there are many things that each of us can do which might help. Here are some sources of support to help you manage the holiday season and look after yourself.
To help those who remain in Cambridge connect with each other over the festive period, there are a few options:
If you would like to connect with other Trinity Hall students remaining in Cambridge over the winter break or even volunteer to help organise some simple activities, please let us know by completing the registration form or by emailing the Wellbeing team.
The Cambridge Students’ Union has produced a Winter Holiday Activities Guide which highlights activities and events in Cambridge that are open to all. From here, you can also join a University-wide winter break WhatsApp group to help you stay connected with students from across the colleges.
8, 15 & 22 December and 5 & 12 January | 2-3.30pm | Online via Microsoft Teams
Regardless of where you will be based over the winter break, if you would like some company while studying during this time, join our online Write Together sessions for a supportive, structured space to help you stay focused and make steady progress. We’ll work in short, timed blocks with shared check-ins – cameras optional, all students welcome.
Join the online Write Together sessions via the intranet or through the link in the Wellbeing team’s most recent newsletter.
Running from 9 to 19 December, the University Sports Service’s ‘Give it a Go’ programme offers free physical activity opportunities to students with any level of experience. This year, they are continuing the sessions over the winter holidays with their ’12 Sports of Christmas’ festive timetable, including sports sessions in football, badminton, volleyball, yoga and more. Bookings to join the sessions can be made via the camunisport app.
The Wellbeing team will remain available for support up to 5pm on Tuesday 23 December and resume again at 9am on Friday 2 January. Email the Wellbeing team to make an appointment.
The University Student Support Services, such as the University Counselling Service and the Accessibility and Disability services, will also be open until 1pm on Wednesday 24 December and will open again at 9am on Friday 2 January. There will be a voicemail message between these dates signposting to available support options.
Whether you are spending the winter break in Cambridge, at home, or elsewhere, here are some resources that can help you manage the holidays.