Holiday Toolkit (Out of Hours)

Gareth Hughes is the Clinical Lead for Student Space and is a psychotherapist, researcher and writer on student wellbeing, including the book Be Well, Learn Well

Not every student looks forward to going home for the holidays. This can be for many reasons and it is ok for you to feel this way. A few strategies can help you manage how you feel about this.

Many students feel obligated to return home, even when they don’t want to. It is important to remember that you are an adult and are entitled to make your own choices. Take time to think about the following:

• why you are planning to go home
• whether you do need to go
• why you don’t want to return home.

Thinking through what will happen

It may help to think about who you are going home for and who, if anyone, it will help. It may also help to think about the potential consequences of either choice (going home or not), and how likely those consequences actually are.

Student life can be very pressurised and in these circumstances it can be easy to lose some perspective. Ask yourself – will being at home be as bad as I think? Are my fears realistic?

Try to work through the consequences in a calm way and to be honest with yourself about what the likely outcomes are. It may help to talk to someone else about how you feel.

If you are worried about a specific issue it may be useful to discuss this with your family, before you return home - if you feel this is possible. Sometimes, addressing areas of conflict can help resolve issues and strengthen your relationships.

You can get more information about preparing to address conflict here: Preparing to address conflict | Student Space

Gareth Hughes is the Clinical Lead for Student Space and is a psychotherapist, researcher and writer on student wellbeing, including the book 'Be Well, Learn Well.'

If you are staying at university for the duration of the end of term break, making some plans in advance will help to ensure it is as good an experience as possible.

Your university is likely to be quieter over the break. At least some university buildings are likely to be closed for part of the time and most staff will be taking a well-earned rest from work. It may also be that there are fewer students around and less to do with your time.

In addition, it can be easy to feel worried or upset at the prospect of spending it alone or away from your family.

While these worries are perfectly normal, there are things you can do to increase your enjoyment of the break. Taking control of your time proactively can help you to get the most out of the break and feel more positive.

Keep busy

Maintaining a daily structure and keeping active will help to maintain your mood and energy levels. A lack of structure and vegging out can be fine for a day or two, but over time it leaves us feeling sluggish and down.

Having a plan for each day can help you to stay active. You may want to think about socialising with friends who are still around; spring cleaning your room, getting regular exercise or studying for next term. This will help you to feel you are achieving something each day.

Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way of keeping busy and doing something positive. Volunteering to help others is also good for us and it can help to build up your CV.

Your university, Students’ Union or Guild may have some volunteering opportunities or you can explore what opportunities there are through local and national charities such as Time Bank.

Volunteering will also help you by putting you in touch with other people and giving you a sense of purpose.

The Who Cares? Scotland Helpline is a lifelong offer open to Care Experienced people of any age across Scotland.

What does ‘Care Experienced’ mean?

The term Care Experienced refers to anyone who has been or is currently in care or from a looked-after background at any stage in their life, no matter how short, including adopted children who were previously looked-after. This might include kinship care; looked after at home; residential care; foster care; secure care; or adoption.

What is the helpline?

The Helpline is open 12 noon to 4pm from Monday to Friday. We can be contacted by phoning 0330 107 7540 or emailing help@whocaresscotland.org

The Helpline offers the following:

• Connection with Who Cares? Scotland
• Support and signposting around finances, benefits, housing, health, employment, education, and rights
• Lifelong advocacy
• A listening ear

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, relaxation, and connection. However, for many students, it can also be a challenging period as you juggle academic pressures, family commitments, financial stress, and the need for self-care. Whether you’re heading home, staying on campus, or navigating a different path this holiday, we’ve gathered some tips to help you make the most of your winter break and prioritise your well-being.

🎄 Self-Care Over the Festive Period: A Guide for University Students 🎄

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, relaxation, and connection. However, for many students, it can also be a challenging period as you juggle academic pressures, family commitments, financial stress, and the need for self-care. Whether you’re heading home, staying on campus, or navigating a different path this holiday, we’ve gathered some tips to help you make the most of your winter break and prioritize your well-being.

Take Time to Truly Rest

The academic year can be intense, and now is your chance to recharge. Here are some ways to rest effectively:

• Create a sleep routine: Aim to get 7–9 hours of quality sleep. A consistent sleep schedule can boost your mood, concentration, and overall energy.
• Digital detox: Set aside specific times each day to unplug from social media and screens. Use this time to read, listen to music, or simply relax without interruptions.
• Mindful moments: Try meditation or breathing exercises, even just a few minutes daily. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer quick sessions that can help reduce stress and center your thoughts.

Set Realistic Expectations

The holiday season often comes with high expectations, but remember that it’s okay if things don’t go perfectly.

• Avoid overcommitting: Be realistic about what you can manage with family, friends, and yourself. It’s okay to say “no” to plans if you need personal time.
• Practice gratitude: Taking time each day to acknowledge what you’re grateful for can shift your perspective and improve your mood.
• Stay grounded: Focus on what truly matters to you over the holidays, whether it's spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying a favourite hobby, or simply having some quiet time to yourself.

Stay Connected

If you’re away from home or unable to see loved ones in person, here are ways to stay connected:

• Schedule virtual meet-ups: Connect with family or friends through video calls, especially on significant days. Shared online activities like virtual movie nights can help you feel close even from afar.
• Reach out for support: The holiday period can bring up difficult feelings. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or services if you’re feeling low.

Reach Out for Support

Remember, you don’t have to navigate holiday stress alone. Many students struggle with the unique pressures of the festive period, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. There are help details on this page Emergency Support

As the festive season begins and we find ourselves busier than ever, it is important to consider your personal safety. From securing your home, and taking care when out socialising, to protecting yourself when online, Police Scotland have created a range of advice to help you enjoy the festive season safely.

Home Safety

Safe Nights out

Online Safety

Road Safety

More safety information and tips can be found on the Highlands and Island Police Division Facebook page or on the Police Scotland webpage.

Wherever you may be learning, whether its online or on campus as a student of UHI Inverness we can help you to access the support you might need such as wellbeing & counselling services, study support, accommodation support or financial assistance.

Our student code of conduct clearly states that Gender Based Violence is unacceptable in any environment.

Our staff take care not to share person-identifiable information on protected characteristics without consent (e.g 'outing' LGBTQ people; disclosing pregnancy status)

Financial support in the local community

Where to get help

• Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau
• Payplan 
• National Debtline 
• Business debtline
• Money Advice Service 
• StepChange 

Citizens Advice Bureau

The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, impartial, independent and confidential advice.

• Telephone: 0808 800 9060
• Find your local bureau
• Get free advice

Welfare support

Are you missing out on benefits you might be entitled to, or needing support with money matters or personal budgeting advice? Get in touch for free confidential help and advice.

• Telephone: 0800 090 1004
• Email: welfare.support@highland.gov.uk