Free (and cost-effective) ways to celebrate the festive season

If you’re celebrating this festive season, here are some free (and cost-effective) ways to get involved starting with tops tips to help with gift-giving at this time of year:

• If you have lots of housemates and a limited budget, read this article on ‘Cheap Christmas present ideas for your uni flatmates’ including tips for festive bakes, stocking-sized gifts and group outings instead of present buying.
• Christmas doesn’t always have to break the bank – get inspired by reading this article on ‘How to do Christmas on a budget’. Think eco-friendly gift-wrap and £2.50 per person for a Christmas dinner.
• Everyone appreciates and values homemade gifts. Here are ’10 easy homemade Christmas gift ideas’ featuring a DIY cocktail kit, snow globes, hot chocolate sticks, and more.
• Set realistic expectations. Why not draw names for a gift exchange where you get one person a gift at a set budget or commit to a kids-only gift exchange with your family and friends.
• Remember not everyone expects a gift and it’s the thought that counts. You may want to explore the idea of not exchanging gifts – to save money, avoid waste or focus on spending time with loved ones. You could start a new tradition or go on an outing instead, like browsing Christmas markets to get into the holiday spirit – especially if you bring a travel mug of homemade hot chocolate.

Free events and activities across our campuses, including Christmas Day. Here are some highlights: 

• Monday 5 December, 14:30–16:00, Faith and Reflection Centre
  Festive feeders and card workshop: Paint a bird feeder to take home over the winter break or try your hand at making a homemade card.
• Between Tuesday 6 December–Friday 23 December, 19:00–21:00, various halls locations
  Halls festive crafts: Get in the creative spirit with an array of festive themed arts and crafts activities. All the materials will be supplied to inspire you to make and create. Visit the event calendar on SharePoint for various dates and locations.
  
• Wednesday 7 December, 17:00, Faith and Reflection Centre
  Carol service: Join the chaplains for a short carol service with lots of opportunities to sing and enjoy a free tea, coffee and mince pie after.
• Wednesday 7 December and Wednesday 14 December, 12:30–14:30, Faith and Reflection Centre
  Toasties – festive edition: Our usual selection of free toasties plus cranberry and mincemeat options.
• Saturday 10 December, 11:45, meet outside Building 38 near SUSU Redbrick, Highfield Campus
  Santa fun run: Everything is free including a Santa suit to keep, tea, coffee and festive biscuits.
• Thursday 15 December, 12:00–14:00, Avenue Campus
  Wellbeing pop up cafe: Meet our wellbeing experts outside the cafe for a free tea or coffee and some free festive nibbles.
• Friday 16 December, 13:30–15:00, Faith and Reflection Centre
  Last English conversation of the year: Meet new people from all over the world. Free Christmas crackers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Saturday 17 December, 15:00–17:00, Faith and Reflection Centre
  Hanukkah party: Open to students, staff and families. Listen to the story of Hanukkah – the Jewish festival celebrating light over darkness – with light refreshments. Register for the free Hanukkah party online.
• Sunday 25 December, 12:00–22:00, The Student Hub (Building 37, Highfield Campus)
  Christmas Day – free festive fun: Including a selection of board games, crafts, movies and sweet treats. Drop in anytime between 12:00–22:00, registration is not required, and you can stay for as long or little as you like. Simply call 02380 599 599 to let us know when you are outside. 

Find more student events and activities on the My Southampton app. 

SUSU Christmas 2022
From a festive roller disco to gingerbread house decorating and a Christmas club night, SUSU are running lots of fantastic festive events in the lead up to the winter break. Check out all the events you can enjoy on the SUSU website. 

Christmas breakfast in Terrace Restaurant
On Wednesday 21 December, the Terrace Restaurant on Highfield Campus are taking breakfast bookings between 8:00-10:00. The festive breakfast includes a full English breakfast, festive nibbles, hot drinks, winter punch (alcohol free), and crackers for £7.95 per person. Book a table by emailing [email protected]