Celebrating Christmas at University Before Leaving for the Holidays

Getting into the Christmas spirit at university is a great opportunity to spend time with your housemates, and make you look forward to going home for the holidays. From creating your own decorations to choosing a Secret Santa present, we’ll help you celebrate without breaking the bank.

Decorations

Putting up the Christmas tree and decorations can really get you in the festive mood, but if you’re buying them new, the costs can rack up. Look in your local supermarkets for some affordable options. Fake trees are often cheaper than real ones – especially as they last much longer! If you can’t afford one, why not try a wall hanging or washi tape Christmas tree for a different look that takes up less space?

Pound shops are great for sourcing things like baubles, tinsel and fairy lights on a budget. You could get crafty making paper snowflakes or garlands, or by painting some plain glass ornaments. Stick some wrapping paper artfully on your cabinet doors to make the kitchen look cheerier, or create a snow globe with a salt shaker, glitter, and a festive figure like a deer or robin. If all else fails, you could always borrow spare decorations from your family and friends.

Another beautiful addition to any home is a Christmas wreath. You can make them using a wire or ready-made grapevine base, then weaving in things you might find on a country walk like foliage, twigs and berries. You could even spray paint and add some pine cones for extra flourish.

Presents

It can be difficult to balance treating your friends and not spending a fortune. Secret Santa sets a budget for everyone to stick to, and helps avoid awkward moments when someone has clearly spent less or more on a present. Agree on a price limit and put the names in a hat, or use an online Secret Santa tool that privately emails everyone their chosen name!

If you struggle to come up with present ideas, think about your housemate’s hobbies and quirks. What about a student cookbook if they’re starting to make more ambitious meals, or a coffee set complete with a festive mug and biscuits if they’re a caffeine addict? Something to make their room more homely is a nice touch – like a framed photo of everyone in the house, or a cosy blanket. If they work too hard and don’t often treat themselves, a luxury item like a pampering set might be just the trick. Personalised gifts such as mugs or calendars can make cute and funny presents too, while a hamper with jars of their favourite sweets could go down a treat. You could also consider planning a trip out, perhaps to the cinema or a local attraction, or buying a game that everyone can play together!

Christmas Dinner

The house Christmas meal is the perfect opportunity to swap Secret Santa presents. If your budget allows, stretch it to include festive napkins, tinsel and crackers. For the food itself, get everyone to chip in and do their bit. Make a real event of it – it will feel even more festive with a Christmas playlist!

Creating an exciting, delicious dinner doesn’t have to be expensive or a chore. Chicken is cheaper than turkey, and just as tasty! Try frozen vegetables or a selection from the local market to keep costs down, and buy sausages and bacon separately to roll your own pigs in blankets. Plus, don’t forget the gravy! You can easily make some from scratch with leftover meat juices, flour and a stock cube.

There’s lots to think about at Christmas, so shipping your belongings home from university or sorting out storage needs to be simple. Our specialised student shipping and storage service is just the solution for the festive period. Contact us to find out more.