Happy Christmas feeling like a tall order? Tips for coping with complicated feelings in the holidays

Perhaps you love Christmas and all the traditions, from music to present wrapping to treats, but if it brings up difficult memories or makes you feel anxious, you aren’t alone in that feeling. The forthcoming holiday can cause a mixture of complicated situations and emotions, such as family and relationship conflict, anxiety around relationships, worries about food, coping with grief, or feeling that everyone else is having a great time and you’re missing out. Even if you look forward to the holidays, it’s normal to experience periods of stress or difficulty, when your environment changes after a term studying.

We asked Rachel, a Mental Health Adviser at Kent’s Student Support and Wellbeing who offers specialist support to care leavers and students who are estranged from their families, what tips would you give everyone for coping with complicated feelings during the holidays?

Make a plan, take control

What are the main issues you will face? Loneliness, or overwhelm surrounded by too many people? Think through the days that might be particularly difficult and plan extra support and connection, or breaks from the busyness. If you want to escape/ learn/ relax online without a known group, you could look up things to join in with via Eventbrite, searching by your interests.

Set your intentions

Whether it’s sleep, how you eat, how much you drink, where exercise plays a role, or whether you engage in certain conversations, set your intentions in advance so you can feel more in control in the moment.

Identify your coping skills

What makes you feel better when you’re struggling? Taking a nap? Going for a walk alone or with someone else? If you’re staying on/ near the Canterbury or Medway campus, or nearby, you can sign up to Walking Buddy to be matched with another student who wants to meet and go for a walk locally. Do you want to stay busy and make new friends at Kent? Check out the calendar for details of what’s on until the end of term and beyond, including games and puzzles you can borrow over the holidays. Does meditation help you? You could connect with the Mindfulness Society before the end of term, or check out some free mindfulness apps. Would curling up with a comfort book, or a pick me up playlist help? You can borrow from Templeman and Drill Hall Libraries, including fiction and digital media. Think about it in advance so you can have those things ready to reach for when it’s all getting a bit much.

Don’t compare – live your holiday the best way you can

Try not to compare your experiences, feelings and relationships to others’, and instead allow yourself to be present in your life without judgement.

Find support

It’s okay to not be okay during the holidays and reach out for support when you need it. Student Support and Wellbeing offices are open after the end of the university term until Tuesday 19 December, and then closed from Wednesday 20 December until Tuesday 2 January 2024. During this closure, there are lots of emergency contacts available to support you wherever you find yourself during vacation.

Our mental health partner organisation, Spectrum Life, is available for crisis support throughout vacation. Spectrum Life provide.

For expert information tailored to students from Student Minds, check out the Christmas resources on the Student Space website, which provides also provides telephone, email, webchat and text support. There is more information about Christmas and mental health from the charity, Mind.

The charity Rees Foundation works to ensure that people leaving care have support networks in place, and are not left alone to tackle life’s challenges, and run some ‘Let’s Connect’ projects, connecting people with other members of the care experienced community.

24/7 Support, even during vacation

University of Kent students wherever they are located can access free, 24/7 online support for issues around mental health and wellbeing via Togetherall, and online platform overseen by qualified therapists which recognised nationally through awards by the NHS and is a safe environment. Togetherall can provide peer talk therapies where members initiate or join forums on topics ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship issues, work stress, abuse, self-harm and eating disorders, improving motivation and self-awareness. There are also online courses which can be taken any time, and brief counselling providing immediate 24/7 support from Guides who are trained counsellors.

Our partner organisation Spectrum Life is available for in-the-moment emotional and practical support for emotional distress or concerns about your mental health during vacation. They offer online, text and telephone support from qualified counsellors and mental health professionals, and will work with you in getting initial support and help, and can liaise with University Student Support and Wellbeing when they are next available to continue supporting you. Telephone 0800 0318227 and press option 1, Text/WhatApp ‘Hi’ to +44 (0)7418 360780, or search for the Spectrum Life app from your app store and follow the log in instructions, using organisation code ud3Z2brH.

Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Being LGBTQ+ at Christmas

Written by Thomas Freeston, Kent Union Vice-President Welfare and Community.

Like in the song, Christmas is often described as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. However, the reality for some LGBTQ+ people is that Christmas and its association are a much less positive time of year. It can be difficult going back home to a family that does not accept you for who you are, or perhaps having to hide your true identity.

Below are a few tips to help you during the Winter break:

Figure out friends you can call and text: Have a friend or two on standby that you can reach out to if you feel stressed or scared or if you’re family says something messed up. It’s useful to have someone you can chat to or vent to if needed.
Make time to be alone: Spending time with many people can be exhausting, especially unsupportive ones! Make time to sit in bed away from it all; go outside or do what you need.
Celebrate the holidays with your chosen family too: Remember to celebrate holidays with the people in your life who are supportive.
Prepare yourself for any questions that tend to come up at family gatherings: There are many questions that come up such as partner, kids, jobs etc. Know how you will respond to these. By doing this you will boost your confidence and reduce the anxiety you may be feeling. Only share what your comfortable with.

The most important thing to remember is that even though no one else is around, you are never alone. There is an entire community of people who care about and who love you.

There is support available for you:

Spectrum Life offers 24/7 emergency expert mental health support via phone, text, or WhatsApp.

Student Space: text STUDENT to 85258 or visit the student space website.

LGBT+ Switchboard: Phone us at 0300 330 0630 open every day between 10:00 – 22:00.

Go Abroad Story: Bangladesh

Kent MSc Development Economics students, Gladness and Rebecca, studied abroad in Bangladesh. Hear what they had to say about their time studying abroad…

Gladness said:

“I embarked on a journey to Bangladesh for my MSc Development Economics dissertation, I did not plan for it initially. However, the opportunity presented itself, and I grabbed it. I felt like I needed a change of scenery to concentrate on my dissertation without distractions for four weeks. Additionally, my love for travel, exploring new places, and meeting new people influenced my decision.

“I studied the Effectiveness of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Program, specifically the Coastal Climate Resilience Infrastructure Programme (CCRIP), on Food Security in Bangladesh. I received fantastic guidance, a lot of assistance, and plenty of attention during my research. The team at BRAC University was incredibly supportive, aiding me in tasks such as data collection and arranging transportation. Their help significantly improved the entire research process.

“During this experience, I gained valuable insights into Bangladesh’s geography, particularly in the coastal areas where my research was focused. Concepts like Regions, Districts, and Upazilas became familiar, with Upazila being a new term for me. Immersing myself in the culture, I appreciated the local food and clothing, savouring the unique herbs and spices in their meals. The religious influence in an Islam-dominated country like Bangladesh was a captivating experience, with the city resonating with prayers every few hours.

“The hands-on experience at BRAC University was instrumental in my academic growth. Guided by a supportive supervisor, I learned the intricacies of empirical studies, including sourcing and cleaning raw datasets. The collaborative efforts of the supervisor and co-workers were crucial in overcoming challenges in data cleaning and processing. As a result, my dissertation earned the highest mark, igniting a newfound passion for research and a desire to explore further opportunities.

“Reflecting on this experience, I wholeheartedly recommend it to other students, especially those eager to explore new places. Being away from the familiar environment allowed me to focus solely on my dissertation, eliminating the distractions of daily routines. Despite occasional challenges like the monotony of daily rice consumption and language barriers, the hosting team’s unwavering commitment to our comfort and the friendly nature of the people in Dhaka made the experience enriching.”

Rebecca shared:

“Bangladesh was the perfect study abroad location for me and my research. My research project explored remittance and household expenditure behaviour, drawing a comparison between Bangladesh and Uganda. Bangladesh’s unique position as one of the top receivers of global remittances made it an ideal location to study how these financial transfers impact the daily lives of Bangladeshi families.

“The trip helped me understand the Bangladesh dataset better before starting the econometric analysis. Being on the ground provided me with a broader cultural understanding and helped interpret the data more accurately. I also gained valuable insights into the social, economic, and political context in Bangladesh.

“My time in Bangladesh provided me with a profound appreciation for the rich tapestry of Bangladeshi culture, the warm hospitality and resilience of its people.

“This experience honed my intercultural communication skills and deepened my understanding of global issues. I cannot stress enough the importance of such immersive experiences for personal and professional growth.

“I wholeheartedly recommend this opportunity to fellow students. It’s not solely about conducting research and acquiring knowledge; it’s also about broadening your horizons, fostering empathy, and forging lasting memories.

“To those considering this adventure, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, seize the opportunity with an open heart and eagerness to learn, and you’ll return enriched in more ways than you can imagine.”

For Economics students interested in this amazing opportunity in Bangladesh please email A.Gschwandtner@kent.ac.uk

See Go Abroad opportunities and funding for the full range of international opportunities available to all Kent students.

Kent Community shared festive wishes and support for University’s Sanctuary students

A memorable Christmas celebration

We were delighted to welcome community members, staff, and students to the University of Kent’s Canterbury Campus on Tuesday 12th December for Carols Around the Christmas Tree. It was an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate the season, sing carols, listen to a performance by the Canterbury 4 Ukraine Ladies Choir, and hear more about the University’s sanctuary programme.

The STAR (Student Action for Refugees) student group read some extracts from the Refugee Tales to reflect on the experiences of detainees in the UK. We heard from Philip Pothen and Sam Scott on the University’s plans to continue fundraising to support our Sanctuary Scholars, and how together we can help refugees and asylum seekers pursue their dreams.

All were invited to add their wishes to our Christmas tree, and think about what we could contribute in terms of time, expertise and donations to grow our work in making a real difference to local asylum seekers and refugees, and provide a transformative experience to our student scholars.

Student, staff and community attendees then enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine and mulled apple juice together.

What are Sanctuary Scholarships?

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to access higher education whatever their background. We currently have 11 students on Sanctuary Scholarships, giving refugees and asylum seekers the opportunity to receive a free University of Kent education, with a full fee waiver as well as a small maintenance grant.

Thanks to a generous supporter, every gift to the Sanctuary Fund this season will be matched, meaning that with Gift Aid, every pound you give now is worth two pounds fifty!

This Christmas as you plan presents for friends and family, please consider giving the gift of contributing to someone’s education and ability to support themselves while they study here. Give to the Sanctuary Fund online.

My advice for postgraduate students embarking on a January start date

Written by Caroline Harriman, PhD candidate.

Starting university in January instead of the traditional September intake can be an exciting yet daunting experience. While most students are settling into their academic routines in the Autumn term, you will be embarking on your journey amid British winter. Whether you have chosen a January start for personal reasons or programme availability, here is my advice to help you make the most of your mid-year entry into postgraduate studies, from one January starter to another.

Embrace the opportunity for a fresh start

January is not just a mid-academic year entry; it’s a chance for a fresh start. Embrace the opportunity to set new academic and personal goals. Take the time to reflect on your achievements and any challenges from the past year and use this fresh beginning to recalibrate your ambitions.

Connect with fellow students

Starting university in January doesn’t mean you’re alone; I joined in January and many people were moving in, navigating campus, and attending social events. Building a support network from the beginning will make your academic journey more enjoyable and help you feel connected to the university community. When you are ready, reach out to your classmates and make connections early on. Attend events, and lectures, and engage in any virtual or on-campus activities available.

Familiarise yourself with campus resources

While September starters may have already navigated campus resources, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the available support services as well. Visit the library, The Senate (Postgraduate-only silent study hub), Nexus, Student Support and Wellbeing, and any other facilities that can aid in your academic and personal success. Knowing where to find help will be crucial as you settle into your new academic environment and kick-start your journey.

Be proactive in seeking academic guidance

Take the initiative to meet with academic advisors and faculty members early on; you can find your academic advisors’ details online and schedule some time with them during their office hour or in a casual setting. Discuss your academic goals, potential research interests, and any concerns you may have, and they can signpost you in the right direction for resources both externally and on campus. Proactively seeking guidance will help you align your studies with your aspirations and make you more confident in your academic pursuits!

Stay organised

With a mid-year start, the academic calendar may feel a bit disjointed, and you may feel that you are out of the loop. Staying organised early on by creating a schedule that includes assignment deadlines, exam dates, and any key events on campus will help you navigate the new term and stay in tune with current events and opportunities. You can use digital organisational tools (such as Teams, Zoom or Monday) or traditional planners (purchasable via Blackwell’s, Amazon or in the city centre) to manage your time effectively and stay on top of your coursework and assignments.

Utilise online resources

Given the rise of online learning platforms, make sure to leverage digital resources available to you! Access the university’s online library database, external research databases (e.g. JSTOR), and any other educational platforms that can supplement your in-class learning. This will enhance your academic experience and provide you with additional tools for success early on.

Kent Law School Mooters reach Grand Final

During the previous academic year, students from Kent Law School (KLS) accomplished remarkable successes in mooting and mock trial competitions. Several teams advanced to the semi-finals in various national mooting competitions in 22/23, with the most significant accomplishment being the team’s advancement to the National Finals of the prestigious OUP/ICCA Moot. This competition, which has been running for decades, is highly competitive, with over 60 universities vying for a spot in the grand finals.

In a first for KLS, our team of mooters earned a place in the Grand Finals of the OUP/ICCA Moot, an outstanding accomplishment.

Darren Weir, Director of Lawyering Skills said, ‘For many years KLS has entered the competition and has reached the semi-final stage more than once, which is an amazing achievement. But, to see our team get through to the Grand Final held at Middle Temple was fantastic. A huge well done to Raph and Victoria for breaking records and getting us to the final’.

Raphael Hardy said:

‘It was a wonderful experience to moot against some of the best teams in the country on such a wide range of legal issues. The competition is tough, your submissions need to be on point and that is why the moot is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the country. It is a good challenge for those looking to improve on the existing skills they have built up at Kent’.

Victoria Bradshaw said:

‘It was an incredible experience and one I will remember into my career at the Bar. It is a chance to practise your advocacy skills against some of the best mooting teams in the UK. The renown competition tested our legal and oral argument skills like no other. Getting through each round was a testament to our commitment, hard-work and team work. We couldn’t have reached the finals without the help of our wonderful mentor Darren Weir, who is a valuable asset to Kent Law School. It was extremely challenging but very rewarding – an opportunity one should not pass!’

What is mooting?

Mooting is a popular activity among law students and legal professionals. It is essentially a simulated court proceeding where participants argue hypothetical legal cases. Moot courts give law students a chance to develop their argumentative and public speaking skills, as well as their knowledge of legal research and writing.

Mooting is just one of the lawyering skills offered at Kent Law School and is part of our outstanding co-curricular Lawyering Skills Programme. Owing to KLS’ growing reputation for practical lawyering skills, KLS has teamed up with Thomson Reuters Case Center to host the National Law Student Triathlon for the third successive year.

Kent Stars: Green-thumbed Gardeners

This month’s Kent Stars are Kent Community Oasis Garden Ambassadors Charlie and Ameira. They help mentor students, host events and promote the garden on social media, all with the aim to make the space as welcoming and friendly as possible. Hear from Charlie and Ameira:

Charlie – “Hi, I’m Charlie (he/they)! I’m a third year Politics student. When I’m not studying, I spend all the time I can at the community garden or cooking nice warm meals with the vegetables we harvest.”

Ameira – “Hi!! I’m Ameira (she/her) and I’m a third year English Literature student!! All my friends know not to bother me on Wednesdays or Fridays because I will be at the garden and I spend the rest of my free time with friends, reading or playing board games.”

Tell us about the Kent Community Oasis Garden and what you get up to as a KentCOG Ambassador.

Both – “KentCOG is a partnership project between the University of Kent and East Kent Mind, a mental health charity. It’s a lovely space for students, staff, and community members to learn and practice sustainable gardening, and socialise. We thrive to create a space that’s open and respectful of everyone, and also the natural habitats and biodiversity on site. We want this space to not only be about gardening but also about connecting and enjoying yourself with nature.

Even in winter, there’s always things to do in the garden, both outside and inside. There’s usually plants to care for, bulb planting, maintenance to do around the garden (weeding, bark chipping, dead hedging, etc) arts and crafts activities, and we start planting seeds in February.

As student ambassadors, we aim to participate in making this space welcoming for our fellow students, as well as work on social media outreach and represent the student volunteers in management meetings. We want to make sure each student feels safe and heard at the garden!”

What advice would you give to other students?

Both – “Make time for yourself to spend time around nature! It’s so beneficial for your mental health. We really recommend coming to the garden, even for just a little bit of time. There’s always a variety of activities to do, from planting to harvesting to more hands-on garden management. It’s also a great opportunity to socialise if you want to. If you don’t know anything about gardening, don’t let that stop you! There’s always time to learn any skill from scratch.”

What are your plans for the next year?

Ameira – “I’m still at the stage where I’m trying to figure myself out but I’m most likely staying in academia for a little while longer to pursue a master’s degree! Feeling very sad that I won’t be around KentCOG but I’m always going to find time to come down even after I graduate from Kent.”

Charlie – “I’m a bi-diplome student between Kent and Sciences Po Lille, a university in France, so I’m leaving Kent at the end of the year. I hope to restart an abandoned garden project in the school building’s yard to keep the passion going!”

The Kent Community Oasis Garden is located near the end of Park Wood at our Canterbury campus. KentCOG is open on Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00-14:00. Students, staff and the local community are invited to attend these open gardening sessions, no experience necessary.

Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

Staying on or near campus over the winter break? Let us know and connect with other students

Staying in campus accommodation

Autumn Term finishes on Friday 15 December. Let us know if you’ll be staying in your campus accommodation over the winter break in Canterbury by Wednesday 13 December. If you are staying at Pier Quays, Unite Students will be in touch with you.

Don’t forget if you’re living in part-catered accommodation and want to stay on campus over the winter break, you’ll need to book vacation accommodation at least one week before you’re due to move out.

Connecting with other students staying on or near campus

Winter Coffee and Chat Break, 19 December

On Tuesday 19 December, you’re invited to join the Winter Coffee and Chat Break in Nexus, Templeman Library. Connect with other students staying on or near campus over the winter break and find out what’s happening in the local area.

Meet with ResLife Ambassadors, who are also staying on campus, and share with them your suggestions for events you’d like them to plan on campus over the winter break.

More events over the winter break

Check out the winter break events page which includes festive themed events before term finishes as well as a few events happening over the winter break. These include a board games socials and a New Year Festive Dinner (5 January).

Umii app icon to show you’re staying on or near campus

You can also download the free Umii app, which helps you connect with other verified students at Kent. From 1 December, you can choose an icon to your profile which shows others that you will be on or near campus over the winter break, helping you find with students who might want to hang out over the holiday period.

Check out the winter break webpage for more information, support and events.

Airport transfer service: Return from overseas after winter break

Are you travelling overseas over the winter break? You can use our airport transfer service for your return to campus.

Our Airport Transfer Service will operate from London Heathrow airport on Thursday 11 January. The service will meet students whose flights arrive between 6:00-15:30, and will travel to both the Canterbury and Medway campuses. The price is £45 per person.

Booking is now open and will close at 23:59 (UK time) on Monday 8 January 2024.

Find out more and book your place.

Events roundup: 11-17 December

It’s the final week of the Autumn Term! Find out what’s on as we wind down the end of the year.

Monday 11 December: Support session and Cathedral Carol Service

Student Support and Wellbeing (SSW) are running a support session for students affected by the recent terrorist attacks in Israel and ongoing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This is a drop-in session taking place from 13:00-14:00 on Monday, upstairs in Locke Building near the Coop, staffed by a mental health adviser and counsellor from SSW. All students are welcome.

On Monday evening, it’s the University of Kent Christmas Carol service at Canterbury Cathedral, a magical evening featuring the University Chamber Choir and Kent Gospel Choir. Tickets are now sold out, so make sure to attend if you were lucky enough to get one!

Wednesday 13 December: Create a winter garland and Student Life from a Deaf Perspective talk

Create a sustainable winter garland at the Kent Community Oasis Garden. The Gear up to Grow sessions provide core gardening and nature-based skills, centred on understanding the sustainability challenges our world is facing.

As part of Disability History Month, deaf influencer and content creator Kirsty Jade will be sharing her experience of university life and what she wishes hearing people knew about Deaf culture and British Sign Language. Kirsty’s talk will take place in Keynes Lecture Theatre and on zoom 17:00-18:00.

Thursday: Finding a part-time job and Crimbo Queen at K Bar

Thinking about finding a part time role? Come along to this session to find out what steps you can take to secure a part time role. There’s also an online CV and Cover letter session including recommended structures as well as hints and tips.

K-Bar and UKC LGBTQ+ Society are thrilled to bring you Crimbo Queen – a fabulously festive Christmas party designed especially for Kent’s LGBTQ+ community, and those who just want to dance the night away.

Friday: Term End Stress Buster (Medway)

As term finishes, you can head to PK107 in Pilkington for an evening of karaoke and sing-along sessions to help you unwind. This is a laid back evening, organised by the students’ unions at Medway.

Winter break events

Staying on campus over the winter break? Check out the winter break webpages for events and support.