(and dealing with the winter blues)

Staying in halls over Christmas can be a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, campus can feel calmer and quieter, and you might finally have space to breathe. On the other, that quiet can sometimes tip into feeling a bit lonely, especially when it gets dark early and the weather gets gloomy. 

If you’re staying put this winter and the winter blues are creeping in, here are some simple, realistic self care tips that can help you feel a bit more grounded.

1. Give your days a loose plan

When things start to get boring or 'samey', having a rough structure can make a massive difference. Try a mini routine like: 

• Open the curtains as soon as you wake up
• Eat something decent by midday
• One 'out of your room' moment (kitchen, laundry, quick walk)
• One small task (tidy your room, reply to a message, food shop)
• One cosy thing (film, game, book, long shower)

Think of it as a gentle checklist, not a productivity challenge. 

2. Make your room feel like a reset space

Sometimes your room can feel like a cave in winter, but it's important to make it feel more like a safe, cosy haven. Easy upgrades include: 

• Put a lamp on instead of the big light
• Tidy one area you always see first (desk or bedside table) 
• Change your bedding if you can, or at least your pillowcase
• Pop on a playlist you really like, not background noise
• Add a little 'comfort corner' with a blanket and a drink

Got fairy lights? This is their time to shine!

3. Eat things that will make you feel good

When you're low, it's tempting to snack your way through the day or skip meals completely. But your mood can really take a hit when you're running on crisps and chocolate. 

Here's some low effort ideas that still count:

• Instant noodles with vegetables and an egg
• Microwave rice and tinned tuna or chickpeas
• Toast with peanut butter and banana
• Soup with break and cheese
• Hot chocolate and a biscuit as a planned treat

Aim for something warm once a day if you can, it can help more than you think. 

4. Get daylight on your face, even for 10 minutes

You don't need a huge walk or a full gym session to feel better, just try to get outside briefly while it's light. Here's some simple ideas to get you out and about for a while: 

• Walk to a shop you'd go to anyway
• Do a lap of campus with a podcast
• Stand outside with a warm drink and jacket on 
• Pop your headphones in and walk around the block

5. Keep your scrolling from turning into a spiral

When it's quiet, it's easier to sit on your phone for hours and come away feeling worse. If you notice this happening, try swapping in something that still feels easy but doesn't drain you, like: 

• A comfort TV series
• A long YouTube video that feels cosy
• A game, puzzle, or simple creative thing
• A podcast while you tidy an area
• A 'one chapter' rule for a book you like

Avoid doom-scrolling in bed, it hits different at 1am. 

6. Don't wait to feel social before you reach out

When you feel low, you're less likely to message people, but messaging people is often what helps. If full chats feel like too much, try low pressure messages: 

• "You around today?"
• "Want to video call later?" 
• "Fancy a quick walk?" 
• "How's your week going?" 

Even sending one message a day can help you feel connected. 

If it's more than the blues you're feeling, don't handle it alone. Seek support in your hall or from local services – we're here for you.