Christmas Hampers and Festive Support for University of Worcester Students
Thursday, 17 December 2020
Students staying at the University of Worcester over the festive period will have the chance to enjoy a full Christmas lunch and take part in a number of activities.
Around 80 students, many of them international, have opted to remain on-campus for Christmas and New Year. In the past, students who are in halls of residence over the Christmas break have been encouraged to join a local family or organisation hosting Christmas lunch.
However, in light of the pandemic, this isn’t possible this year and so the University and Worcester Students’ Union have collaborated to produce a programme of activities and events to support students over this period.
Caryn Thorogood, Director of Student Life at the University, said: “Each year we have a small number of students who choose to stay in their halls of residence over Christmas, for a number of reasons, and we have been grateful to the local community who have always been so welcoming in inviting those students to share Christmas with them.
“Of course, this year is very different, and we want to make sure that those students who remain on campus are able to enjoy the festivities, safely, like the rest of us.”
Students who would otherwise be on their own in their University Managed Accommodation have been invited to create a Christmas bubble with other students on campus, in line with Government guidance. A socially distanced ‘turkey roll and mince pie’ event is taking place ahead of the Christmas period to allow those students to meet and enjoy some festive cheer.
In addition, the University is providing a Christmas hamper to each ‘Christmas bubble’, and other occupied flats, containing everything required for a traditional British Christmas including a turkey with all the trimmings (dietary requirements are catered for), classic British party games, such as charades, crackers and a tablecloth. The hamper will also include information on the support services available over the Christmas break.
Student Wellbeing Champions are also hosting daily ‘Fancy a Cuppa?’ sessions, up to and including Christmas Day, to ensure students can speak to someone and don’t feel isolated.
Student Services and colleagues across the University are also providing a range of activities and wellbeing support for students over the Christmas period, including options for students to talk to someone by phone, hold a text conversation, access email support, or find self-help information. As usual, the University’s Security team will be on site 24/7 over this period to assist students who need immediate help.
“We hope all of our students, whether they are staying on campus or not, stay safe, healthy and have a most enjoyable Christmas and New Year,” added Mrs Thorogood.