Back to Uni After Christmas.
How to Settle Back In After the Holidays
Coming back to Lancaster after the Christmas break can feel like… a lot. Let’s be honest, those few weeks at home flew by, and now it’s time to readjust to uni life, coursework, cooking for yourself again, and yes, remembering how cold Lancaster can get in January. Whether you’re excited to return or not ready to face it, we’ve got some tips to help you settle back into student life at Bailrigg Student Living and take care of yourself along the way.
The post Christmas wobble is normal
Going from lazy mornings, home cooked meals and your childhood bedroom back to lectures and deadlines is a big shift. Don’t worry if you feel a bit off for the first few days, you’re not alone! Loads of students feel the same sense of anxiety at the start of term, it’s totally normal.
The key is to ease yourself back in. Take things one day at a time, and don’t expect to fall straight back into routine overnight. It takes a little time and that’s totally okay.
Pack more jumpers than you think you need
If you’re from a coastal or southern region, Lancaster’s winter chill might come as a shock. Inland locations like Lancaster tend to feel a lot colder, so layer up! Pack a few extra jumpers in your case before you return to Uni, a warm coat, and of course some decent socks (hiking socks are perfect if you feel the cold easily). You’ll thank us on the walk from your seminar to the library…
Bring a bit of home back with you
The jump from home to living in your own flat at Uni can hit harder after a long break. A few comforting things, a blanket from home, your favourite mug, some fairy lights can go a long way in making your uni room feel like home again. Plus if your parents packed you off with some frozen meals or snacks, even better.
Use your mid-January slump to reconnect
Even if you didn’t manage to speak to your flatmates very much over Christmas, now’s the time to say hello again and reconnect. Why not make a hot chocolate and catch up in the communal lounge? Or how about a film night in the cinema room to bring everyone back together?
Little moments like these help ease the transition and remind you you’ve got a whole second uni family here at Bailrigg Student Living.
Plan visits and stay connected
If you’re missing your people from home, get a visit in the diary. Whether they’re coming to Lancaster or you’re planning a quick trip back in reading week, having something to look forward to helps massively with homesickness.
FaceTime chats, a shared Netflix session, or even sending funny memes in your family group chat, they all help keep that connection going until you next see each other.
Ease back into your academic mindset
Unless you are in third year, most students don’t revise quite as much as they said they would over Christmas. But January is the perfect time to ease back into being super productive. Start small, maybe squeeze in a couple of focused hours in the study room at Bailrigg, or head to the Lancaster Uni library for a quiet change of scene.
Fun fact: According to scientists, your brain is at its most alert at 10am, 2pm, 4pm and 10pm – ideal times to schedule those revision bursts! Read more about the best times to study.
Be kind to yourself, the January blues are real
Dark mornings. Cold winds. Endless coursework. January can feel long and bleak, especially without the sparkle of Christmas lights. The best remedy? Get outside for a walk (Williamson Park is beautiful this time of year), put on your comfiest hoodie and make yourself a hot drink.
And remember, the support team at Bailrigg Student Living is always here if you need a little extra help or a friendly face.
Ease back in, don’t dive
You don’t need to have everything figured out in Week One. Uni routines will settle, the work will become manageable again, and the social life will pick up before you know it. Until then, take it slow and don’t forget to save yourself the last of your Christmas chocolate for a well earned study snack.
