Festive treats for students not heading home this holiday

This year has been hard on all the University community, with students having to adapt to new ways of learning and living. 

The winter break marks a period of rest and recharge, as the University closes from 22 December to 4 January 2021. But whilst most students have already headed home for the festive period, over 200 students are set to remain in York in university or private rented accommodation. 

York St John teams are working hard to ensure that those students continue to receive key services, as well as some much-needed holiday spirit. 

The University’s Student Life teams have been busy making and wrapping gifts in an effort to make sure that remaining students receive a festive treat pack, full of sweet goodies and fun activities. 

Gillian Sowray, PA to Director of Student Life, said: “We really want our students to have a great holiday. Not all students are able to spend the holiday with family, so this gesture is to let our care leavers, international and estranged students know we are thinking of them. I’ve wrapped over 800 presents so far and am really grateful to all our porters for their help to drop off the gift bags this week.” 

The presents, including a Christmas tree decoration made by technical support staff, jigsaw puzzles and locally supplied food will all be packed in a merry bag for delivery on 21 and 22 December. 

This gift giving follows in the spirit of 500 Amazon Prime vouchers generously donated by Natwest to students at the end of term. 

As well as festive treats, key services will remain in place to help students through the holiday.  

Wellbeing services are in place to help with stress, emotional and practical issues, and mental health worries. Support services for financial concerns are also available over the winter break. 

For students who want to continue studying, the Fountains Learning Centre Ground Floor (study space only) will be open from 23 December to 3 January. Normal opening times apply. There will be access to the book return box and bookable study space. Click and Collect will be suspended over the closure period. 

To find out more about all ongoing support and services visit our Support over the Winter Break page.