School of Education

Coping over the winter break

Our Student Support Officer, Kirsteen Fraser, has put together some advice and tips for getting through the winter break that you can read below.


For many people, the holiday break can be a time of rest, relaxation and spending some much-needed time with friends and family. This is not the case for everyone. For some, this might be a difficult time of year with feelings of loneliness, money worries, difficult relationships or juggling multiple commitments.  Others may be away from home for the first time and find the winter break a challenge – particularly if they see others having a good time and feel that they are missing out.

Try to be realistic with your expectations.

Over the festive period, it can be easy to fall into the trap of feeling everything should be perfect and if something doesn’t match our or the expectations of others we are failing. Imperfection is a part of life and accepting that not everything will go to plan can help you avoid putting pressure on yourself and others.  

Accepting that things might go wrong can help you avoid unnecessary stress but also give you time to do things for your enjoyment and fulfilment.

Stick to a budget.

Money can be a big cause for stress during the festive period and it can be easy to get carried away with nights out, buying gifts for friends and family and having more free time than you would normally. Try to set a budget for your winter break spending (gift buying, nights out) and stick to it to avoid any unexpected bills in January. 

• You can find more information on budgeting on the Scottish Government’s Student Information Hub.
• You can also find tips on setting a realistic student budget on MoneySavingExpert.

Stick to your health habits and routines.

The winter break is notorious for making us break with our healthy habits and routines, but if you can try to stick to the healthy habits you may have developed or are in the process of working on. Even though you may not have classes to attend, trying to keep a healthy sleep routine and eating habits while exercising regularly can make the tough transition through dark winter nights easier.

If you are thinking about trying to get healthier during the winter break (or perhaps after the break) the Glasgow University Sports Association is a great place to start your journey with buddy systems and recreational sport for all levels.

Take a breath and exercise self-care.

Sometimes it can help take some time for yourself, particularly if the winter break has you feeling out of place, struggling to maintain a routine, or having to cope with guests, and other interruptions to daily life. Remember to do things that you enjoy and give you energy and fulfilment. Take time to go for a walk, meet up with friends, read a book, listen to music, or play that video game you’ve been putting off.

No matter what you decide to do, make sure you set aside time for yourself to allow you to relax and recharge. 

Away from home for the first time while staying in Glasgow?

You may be away from home for the first time over the winter break and this might be challenging particularly when you see classmates spending time with friends and family.

Even if you are away from family over the break, take time to call them and stay in touch. Use social media, video calls and phone calls to stay in touch and avoid feeling left out.  While you may be thousands of miles away from your loved ones, you can still maintain a connection.

If you are in the city over the break, remember that Glasgow is a city with lots to see and do even if you are on a budget. Many of the city’s museums are free to enter as well as having some of the best musical venues in the world.   

Visit Scotland: Things to see and do in Glasgow
What’s on: Glasgow
TimeOut: Glasgow 

If you’ve seen all that Glasgow has to offer, or just want a change of scene, you can also travel beyond the city easily via train and experience events like Hogmanay across Scotland.

Christmas and Winter Festivals
Hogmanay and New Year

Don’t forget professional support if you need it.

Even though the University is closed from the 23^rd December until the 3^rd January while staff take a break. You can still access support with our partner Health Assured: Wisdom. This service delivers a confidential service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with counsellors on hand to provide guidance and help students work through any concerns on a wide variety of issues.

This service remains open while the University is closed. All University students can access the free confidential helpline on 0800 028 3766 or use the App to discuss any difficulties they may be facing.

You can also access Togetherall, by using your University of Glasgow email to sign up and access self-help resources, peer to peer support and access professional support by trained counsellors.



Remember that the University will be closed over the winter vacation and that many staff will be taking annual leave, so responses will be delayed. We look forward to welcoming the new year and wish you a healthy and happy new year in 2024. 

Appointments will be available to book from the 8th January 2024.