On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… dwindling student finances, looming assignment deadlines and typical Manchester rain, not snow!
Christmas as a uni student doesn’t always feel like a Miracle on 34th street – sometimes, it’s more like the Nightmare Before Christmas. The excitement of counting down the days with a chocolate-filled advent calendar can be quickly replaced by the stress of counting down the words in a 2000-word essay.
However, despite the mayhem that the final few weeks can bring, there are ways to manage the end-of-semester demands and still find time to make the most of Christmas at uni, and with a little inspiration from the traditional twelve days of Christmas, let me share mine.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree
Amidst the tinsel and tutorials, the chaos can be overwhelming and have you eager for the solitude of a partridge in a pear tree – somewhere quiet, peaceful and serene. A perfect way to find this calm is to discover a study spot; John Ryland’s library, nestled in the city centre, is a great alternative to monotonous days in the library, and slightly more impressive than a pear tree! Equally, the Christie Cafe is a perfect on-campus choice. Food and drink are available, and it really feels as if you’ve stepped inside Hogwarts.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me two turtle doves
Balancing home and university life can be challenging. A single car or plane journey can take you from the routine of 256 Tuesday’s and fighting to catch the 142 at 5pm, back to the familiarity of home life – everything seems unchanged, yet you’ve built an entirely new life filled with new faces and new routine.
Separate lives can be difficult to navigate, however, there are ways to make it easier and have the parallel worlds co-exist, just like two peaceful turtle doves. The first thing to bear in mind is that it is normal for this transition to feel strange, so allow yourself some time to adapt. Another strategy to ease the transition is to keep a routine. Going from a regimented one at uni, to not having one can leave you at a loose end. Having two routines to alternate between can help create the balance between the two worlds.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me three French hens
Aspiring to feathered birds might seem a bit far-fetched, but we actually have more in common with the three French hens than you might think: Just as hens flock together for support and connection, we too thrive when we are part of a community.
Building your own ‘flock’ starts with finding people who share the same interests, experiences and perspectives. Finding common ground will help combat feelings of isolation and feeling out of place. Our diverse student body means there are opportunities to find a well-suited community. Similarly, bonding over shared interests can help and societies are a great way to meet people who share yours. This year, I joined the dance society as a second-year student and have met people who share my love of dance. Having weekly classes and socials strengthens this bond.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four calling birds
If only the constant calls from exams, lectures and commitments could be as calming as the chirping of birds. Being called in multiple directions can be overwhelming and leave you unsure of what to tackle first.
Effectively managing your time is crucial in balancing everything. One helpful way is to treat university like a 9-to-5. While this may seem daunting at first, this structure ensures you attend to all your deadlines and still leave time for activities you enjoy- like binge-watching Home Alone films. Taking other small steps, such as planning out your entire week, may feel like trying to take fairy lights off the tree, but is invaluable when making sure you don’t miss anything.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me five golden rings
A dwindling student finance doesn’t quite allow for a golden ring kind of budget, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other ways to enjoy the last few weeks.
When stretching out the last few pennies, setting (and sticking to) a weekly budget can help you stay on track. Planning meals ahead of time can stop you getting sidetracked by the festive aisle and only buy what you truly need.
For gifts, exploring budget-friendly options, like DIY presents, charity shop hidden gems and Secret Santa exchanges, can mean there’s something under the tree that costs no more than a chocolate penny.
Christmas as a student means making the most of seasonal activities without the hefty price tag. Gathering your friends for a cozy Christmas movie night where the only expense is some popcorn and hot chocolate. Or, you and your housemates can team up and split the cost (and cooking duties) of a homemade Christmas dinner.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me six geese-a-laying
The festive frenzy can feel like a flurry of feathers when juggling everything, but just like six geese busily laying eggs, there are methods in ‘cracking’ the chaos.
The importance of scheduling your time to fit everything in has already been mentioned, but another method is to lay one egg at a time. Focusing on one task a day can make sure nothing is left unhatched. So for example dedicating a day to flashcards and the next to Christmas shopping can help maintain a great balance.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me seven swans-a-swanning
Take inspiration from the elegance of swans gliding through water as you look to swim seamlessly into the next semester with ease and confidence.
Reflecting on semester one’s successes and challenges means you can build on what went well and tweak any areas that might need improvement to help your studies and student life run more smoothly.
This might involve committing to new things academically, like preparing notes before lectures, making flashcards right after and doing the required readings before they quickly mount up. It could mean tackling the life practicalities that independent student life brings, like meal prepping or keeping up with laundry. These small habits will have you gliding into semester two gracefully.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eight maids-a-milking
This festive theme serves as a reminder to students to ‘milk’ the support that the university offers.
The only thing you’re probably thinking about adding to your plate is more roast potatoes on Christmas day, but at some point, you will start to think about life after your studies. And when you do, the university’s career service is here to help. With drop-in and online sessions, there are great opportunities to ask questions and get advice.
Academically, a resource students often forget about is their academic advisor. Asking questions can be a great source of advice and guidance, especially ahead of upcoming exams. Additionally, the library is providing support with workshops on academic skills and extended opening hours.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing
Just like nine ladies dancing, it’s important that we also find our own rhythm at university. I’m not suggesting you dance around Ali G but, just like in a dance, it’s important to figure out the steps that work best for you.
My university experience didn’t begin very rhythmically. Year one was a challenge, as I adjusted to new dynamics and missing home life. However, throughout the year, things began to fall into place. Now, in my second year, I’ve found my rhythm. I know what works best for me- whether it’s spending time with certain people or staying busy- and equally what doesn’t make me happy.
The biggest takeaway from those dancing ladies is that it takes time to find your flow and learning what steps don’t work is just as important as discovering the ones that do.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ten lords-a-leaping
As we leap into the final weeks of the semester, it is important to maintain momentum, just like this lively lot. To combat burnout, there are a few small habits we can adopt to keep us energised and focused and leap into the last stretch.
The first trick is to take advantage of when you have the most momentum. Whether you’re an early bird who thrives after being recharged by a night’s sleep, or you’re a night owl who loves the library being open until 2am, understanding when you’re the most productive will help you tackle demanding tasks.
To channel your inner lord-a-leaping, implementing physical exercise into your week is a refreshing break from sitting at your desk all day. You could do a yoga class to unwind or go for a run or a walk.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping
Much like the sound of eleven pipers piping filling the air with their festive noise, there are different places to discover in Manchester to find your own noise. Whether you’re taking a break from revision or looking for something seasonal to do with your weekend, there’s no shortage of places with a holiday buzz.
If you fancy a festive place for a drink, then you could try the Dome, Miracle on the Avenue or the Oast house. Beyond drinks, there are other activities to enjoy, such as the Freight Island light trail, the Christmas bingo lingo at the student union and Christmas light display at the Trafford centre. And of course, there are the Christmas markets too- if you can navigate market street being even busier than usual!
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming
The final day of Christmas is a perfect opportunity to leave the end of the semester on a high note. It serves as a reminder to celebrate everything you’ve achieved, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s completing a difficult module or stepping outside your comfort zone. So, take a moment to drum up your successes and finish the semester positively.