Hey everyone, Megan here!

With the Christmas holidays approaching and many students staying in Salford for the festive break, I thought I’d take you through some of my go-to tips and tricks for making sure that you take care of yourself at the end of this unusual year ?

If you’re wondering how long the University will be closed for, most campus buildings will close at 17:00 on Friday 18 December and reopen on Monday 4 January 2021. You can find all the details of the support available over this time on our dedicated Christmas vacation webpage.

PERSONAL TIPS AND TRICKS

If you’re spending Christmas in your university accommodation, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Spending the Christmas season away from loved ones can be hard and a little lonely, so call your mam or your brother or your cat or your dog – it makes all the difference!

Next up, I know meditation might not be everyone’s thing, but it’s a great way to stay present, which can be a tricky thing to do if you’re missing home. I use an app called Breethe which comes with a 14 day free trial. Set yourself a challenge, if the 12 days of Christmas isn’t right, maybe try the 14 days of meditation. Being truly present for 10 minutes each day is super good for the head! In the first lockdown I started yoga. I use an app called Down Dog, it’s got everything you need for beginners and beyond. You’d swear I was a yoga guru but honestly 10 minutes each day leaves you feeling great!

If you’re self-isolating you can complete this form and you will get a friendly call from a member of the University support team, who can offer advice on deliveries of food and essential items, and wellbeing support.

‘TRY IT WITH YOUR FLAT MATES’ TIPS AND TRICKS

If you’re anything like me and my flatmates, you’ll be missing wandering around the Manchester Christmas Markets drinking mulled wine in the freezing cold – I hear you! We set up a stall in each room of our flat and held our very own Christmas market: cheese boards, hotdogs, hot chocolate, beer, the whole works. Don’t knock it till you try it!

If you or your flat mates need emergency assistance on campus you can download the Safezone app. You can also add the Security Team’s contact number into your phone. If you have any concerns over Christmas contact the team on 0161 295 4773 (non-emergency) or 0161 295 3333 (emergency).

FESTIVE FOOD TIPS AND TRICKS

If, like myself, you’d be doing well to microwave some veggies for tea and you’re staying at university this year, then you might be a bit down about missing out on festive treats. Not to worry: the University and Salfood have set up low-priced food deliveries for students living in Campus Living Villages, Tramways and IQ student accommodation sites. You can get three meals for £7 delivered to your place and they’ve got veggie and vegan options too. Just make sure to order before 12pm for the next day! All the details can be found on the Student Hub ?

SOCIAL TIPS AND TRICKS

I know we’re all sick of Zoom calls but what else have we to be doing! When lockdown hits hard and I find myself missing the girls at home in Ireland, a cheeky Zoom quiz and a glass of wine cheers me right back up!

If you find yourself feeling low and you don’t fancy chatting to family or friends you can call the Student CareFirst phoneline on ???? ??? ????. This confidential counselling service can provide you with advice and support whether you are in a crisis or not. So if you just want to chat about your mental health and well-being, you can still ring the number.

SUPPORT IN A CRISIS

If you have an urgent problem or a critical need over the holidays, you can access information and advice on the Student Hub. This includes support available from University of Salford Security, NHS, Samaritans, CALM, Papyrus, SHOUT, Crisis Point and Nightline.

Have a lovely break everyone, stay safe!?