Winter Isolation & Isolation

Students, particularly those who stay on campus during the winter break can often feel isolated and lonely. Loneliness is the feeling of sadness or discomfort that arise when a person’s social relationship is perceived as insufficient, unsatisfying, or absent. Alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely; some people can enjoy and are fulfilled by be alone, whereas some people can feel lonely in a crowd.

Types of Loneliness

Emotional Loneliness – When someone you were close with (e.g. romantic partner family member, close friend, or pet) is no longer there.

Social Loneliness – When you feel like you’re missing a wider social network (e.g. large group of friends, course mates, flatmates and colleagues) or a sense of belonging to a community.

Transient Loneliness – Feelings of loneliness comes and goes.

Situational Loneliness – Loneliness which you only feel at certain times (e.g. Christmas) or is triggered by life events, such as moving to a new place (i.e. to university), losing a loved one, or going through a significant change.

Chronic Loneliness: When you feel persistently isolated or lonely all or most of the time.

Tips for Dealings with Loneliness During the Festive Break

Be Aware of Your Feelings: Recognize and understand how you feel so you can address those emotions actively. Loneliness can affect your mental health, so ignoring it might make things worse. Awareness is the first step to making positive changes. Try keeping a journal to track your thoughts and feelings—it can help you process your emotions and regain control.

Talk To People: In addition to being honest with yourself about how you’re feeling, you should also be honest to others about if you’re struggling. Talking to others about your feelings is crucial even If you don’t have a strong social circle; consider speaking to a ResLife Ambassador or with a professional, such as a GP, counsellor, or advisor, If you do have friends or family, share your thoughts with them—chances are, they might relate to how you’re feeling. Even a simple conversation or connection can brighten your mood.

Socialise Digitally: If you're spending the season alone, try connecting with loved ones virtually. It might not be the same as face-to-face interaction, but it can certainly help to ease pangs of loneliness. You can catch up for a chat or even get into the festive spirit by playing some virtual Christmas party games. This is especially helpful if your friends or family live miles away or even further afield. Mind's online community Side by Side is a welcoming place to speak with others and share your experiences. Comedian Sarah Millican runs the Christmas Day #JoinIn campaign. The campaign is aimed at people on their own at Christmas who would like to connect with others. A person sitting on a couch with a birthday hat onDescription automatically generated

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Maintain a Routine: Structure your days to keep busy and focused. Having a routine can reduce stress and prevent you from dwelling on negative emotions. Whether it’s setting time for hobbies, exercise, or small errands, staying active helps maintain a sense of normalcy and purpose during quieter holiday periods.

Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Make time for hobbies or activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, painting, cooking, or playing an instrument. If you’re comfortable, explore solo activities like visiting a Christmas market, listening to a podcast or going to a movie. These moments of self-care can help you rediscover fulfilment and comfort in your own company.

Stay Connected: Avoid isolating yourself, even if you feel like withdrawing. Strengthen existing relationships by reaching out virtually or through messages, especially if you can’t meet in person. If your social network is small, engage with like-minded people in communal spaces, like student accommodations or local events. Shared experiences can help ease feelings of loneliness. A person holding a phone and posing for the cameraDescription automatically generated

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Volunteer or Join Groups: Volunteering or participating in group activities can offer a sense of connection and purpose. Check for local opportunities or university societies where you can lend a hand or meet new people. Helping others not only improves your own mood but can also make a positive impact on someone else feeling similarly. You can apply to be a Crisis at Christmas volunteer here.

Use Social Media Mindfully: Social media can help you stay connected but be cautious about how it affects your mood. Christmas-related posts and photos from others may make you feel more isolated. Comparing your experiences to others' curated holiday highlights may worsen feelings of isolation or FOMO. Balance your use by focusing on meaningful interactions rather than passive scrolling and avoid spending too much time online. A person holding a phoneDescription automatically generated

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Treat Yourself: Take some time to indulge in what makes you happy. Enjoy your favourite foods or drinks or treat yourself to a special meal. Remember, you don’t need to follow traditions or cater to others’ expectations—this is your time to do what feels good for you. Just be mindful of balance; overindulging in food or drink might leave you feeling worse later. Consider other ways to pamper yourself, like taking a relaxing bath, painting your nails, or lounging in your coziest pyjamas. Whatever brings you comfort and joy, now is the perfect time to embrace it!

Spend Time Outdoors: When it’s cold outside and you’re feeling lonely, the last thing you may want to do is spend time outside. Getting outside and exercising, even for 20–30 minutes a day, can improve your mood and reduce feelings of loneliness. Activities like walking, running, or visiting natural spaces help release endorphins and foster a sense of connection. You might potentially even meet people. In London, the annual Samuel Pepy’s Christmas walking tour and the Charles Dickens Christmas walking tour will be taking place. Tickets cost £25.

Things to Do

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Skate around JW3 Ice Rink – Located in West Hampstead’s Jewish arts, culture and community centre, the JW3 is one of the city's only ice-skating rinks open on Christmas Day. The 70-capacity, 200-square-metre space is under a canopy in the piazza, which means you can hit the ice whatever the weather. To book tickets, click here.

The Serpentine Swimming Club: You can head to The Serpentine Lake in Hyde Park to cheer them on during the annual Christmas Day morning Peter Pan Cup race. For more information, visit here.

Head to Chinatown – London’s Chinatown is a great place to make tracks for on December 25 if you fancy a non-festive bite to eat. A few of the restaurants stay open as usual. Nothing like a Christmas bowl of dan dan noodles, is there? For more information, click here.

Christmas Day Lunch Cruise & Guided City Tour - Take in spectacular views of London’s most famous locations including the venue for Prince William and Kate’s royal wedding – Westminster abbey, the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral and the King’s royal home – Buckingham Palace. After you’ve finished your London adventure on land, you will then take to the waters as you board a boat on the River Thames! Purchase tickets here.

Christmas Day Vintage Bus Service – The annual Route 430, Christmas Day vintage bus service will run again on Christmas Day between Roehampton and Putney Bridge Station. This a free service staffed by volunteers from 1950s Vintage Bus hire. For more information visit their website here or email richard@1950s-vintage-bus-hire.co.uk .

Winter Isolation & Isolation

Types of Loneliness

Tips for Dealings with Loneliness During the Festive Break

Things to Do

Inclusion on Campus

References