#TeamUofG Student Newsletter

UofG is closing for the festive period on Friday 18 December 2020 to Tuesday 5 January 2021 but we are still here for you.

We know that the holidays this year may be a tough period for a lot of people  – whether you are unable to go home or have just arrived and are planning on starting a course in January.

Students can still access help online and in our halls of residences.

Urgent Matters

If you need help with an urgent matter affecting your wellbeing, you require emergency financial aid or accommodation, contact the Gatehouse on 0141 3304282.

And, if you have not already done so, download the Safezone app, in case you should need to contact us in an emergency.

Mental Health Support 

While Christmas is a time of celebration for many, it can also be a difficult time of year for some. Support is available and no-one should ever feel afraid to ask for help.

•  All students and staff have access to Togetherall, a safe space online to get things off your chest and learn how to improve and manage your mental health and wellbeing.
• A limited number of Wellbeing Consultations are being provided by CaPS during the Christmas closure. These can be booked online on the following dates 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd, 28^th 29^th and 30^th of December. 

• Breathing Space, is a free, confidential phone line offering advice to people experiencing anxiety, depression or low mood. They can be contacted on 0800 83 85 87, 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday; and 24 hours at the weekend. Calls to Breathing Space are free from landlines and from mobile networks.
• The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgmental, emotional support 24 hours a day for people struggling to cope. Anyone can contact Samaritans any time for free from any phone on 116 123. This number is free to call and will not show up on your phone bill.

Emergency and Crisis Support

The University Crisis Team can be contacted 24 hours a day on 0141 330 4444. In an emergency always dial 999. Further information on the Crisis Team can be found on the University website. 

 

General Wellbeing Advice

There are some steps that you can take to look after yourself and to reduce stress and anxiety over the festive period:

• avoid excess alcohol
• exercise to help reduce stress and lift a low mood
• take time for yourself and relax on your own terms
• make sure you get enough sleep
• talk to others and take the time to listen

Find more information on the Student Space website.

Programme of Holiday Events

We will do everything we can to make sure no-one feels isolated during the festive period - and of course within what is possible and in compliance with the Scottish Government guidelines.

We are hosting a programme of holiday events for UofG students. More details can be found here in this festive edition of our UofG student newsletter. 

International Students

If you are an international student arriving in Glasgow over the holiday period and in need of any support, contact our Welcome Team on internationalstudentsupport@glasgow.ac.uk or visit the International  Student Support web pages  

Registration Enquiries

If you have a registration-related enquiry, please notify the UofG Helpdesk and the team will reply as soon as they can

Main Library 

Do remember that our Main Library on the Gilmorehill campus will be open on the 21, 22, 23, 29 and 30 December, 2020. The full details over the festive period can be found on the Main Library web pages.

UofG Sports Facilities

Our UofG Sports at the Stevenson Building are open as per the details on the website with the following changes to their opening times over the festive period:

• 24 December, 2020 - Open 06:30-13.30 & 14:30-16.30
• 25-28 December 2020 - CLOSED
• 29-31 December 2020 - Open 09:00-13:30 & 14:30-17:30
• 1-2 January 2021 - CLOSED
• 3-5 January 2021 - Open 06:30-13.30 & 14:30-22:15

If you still want to keep fit and active over the festive period when facilities are closed you can check out our Fitness and Wellbeing pages for support at home.

Halls of Residences

For students in UofG halls of residence, and with the assistance of staff volunteers, we aim to do the following live and in person activities over the festive period following Scottish Government guidance. The Home Alone Facebook site and UofG Living web pages will be updated nearer the time of the planned activies but will include:

• Glasgow walks and tours -  Guided walks from the West End will take place across the holidays
• Mince Pies and Christmas Cheer (23rd December)
• New Year resolutions (30th December)
• New Year’s Day ramble (1st January)

Over the course of this period, we will do our best to phone each student for a chat and provide follow up calls as necessary.

Reopening

The University reopens on Tuesday 5 January 2021, when we embark on our new year together. 

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First published: 17 December 2020