Preparing for my first winter in the UK as an international student – discover my winter survival kit

As the chilly weather is at my doorstep, days are getting dark sooner and seeing my breath more vividly in the cold, I can feel my first winter in the UK is close. UK winter can be challenging, especially for an international student coming from a tropical country like Vietnam like me. However, by preparing… Read more » about Preparing for my first winter in the UK as an international student – discover my winter survival kit

Christmas lights Lower Gardens

How to have a great Christmas in lockdown

It’s December and it seems that trees are up everywhere, lights are flashing away…it can only mean that Christmas is coming around again. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic this year’s Christmas will be very different to ones we’ve had previously. But that does not mean it can’t be an enjoyable time. So here are… Read more » about How to have a great Christmas in lockdown

My first Christmas experience…

One of the best parts about international living is being able to exchange cultures and celebrations. As December progresses, we step into the time of Christmas festivities with bright lights, colourful decorations, and hot chocolates. As someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas and come from Malaysia and Saudi Arabia where Christmas is not a common celebration,… Read more » about My first Christmas experience…

Having a wonderful Christmas time!

Lights are up in Bournemouth, trees festoon every store, Starbucks is stocking Eggnog Lattes…yes, Christmas is just over a week away! Naturally, there have been plenty of things to do around Bournemouth Uni at this time – earlier this month, SUBU arranged the Christmas Fair; with confectionery, clothes shopping and fresh cupcakes, it was a… Read more » about Having a wonderful Christmas time!

An English Christmas for an Indian Girl

Before moving to Bournemouth, my idea of Christmas was based on movies and books. Indian Christmas is different- a week of holidays, adorable little stars hanging outside every home, and giant Christmas trees in shopping malls. The world in my books and films and the world around me were so far apart, I could have… Read more » about An English Christmas for an Indian Girl

5 ways to celebrate the festive season on a student budget

Christmas is fast approaching, and as well as December deadlines and January exams, trying to budget over the festive season can be very difficult. But fear not – there are definitely ways to celebrate the holidays on a student budget! Each year my housemates and I find new and exciting activities that require minimum spending…… Read more » about 5 ways to celebrate the festive season on a student budget

8 best and worst things about going home for Christmas

Cold weather, a smell of cinnamon biscuits and mince pies, Christmas tree, tinsels and a mug of hot chocolate. There is nothing that could possibly sound better than going home for Christmas when you are drowning in deadlines this December. It is honestly, the light at the end of the tunnel. And yet, here you… Read more » about 8 best and worst things about going home for Christmas