It's time for a well-deserved rest...

Whether you're staying in halls or not, the winter break is here! With a few weeks ahead to enjoy the holidays and prepare for the next semester, here's just a few ways you can make the most of your break this festive period.

1. Catch up with friends, family and hobbies!

First term is always so busy so it's never a better time to catch up on the things you might not get around to during the semester. Even if you have lots of deadlines and work to catch up on over the break, be sure to make time for friends, family, hobbies and the things that make you happy. Taking time out to enjoy your favourite hobby or a coffee with a friend will help you relax and unwind.

Staying in Liverpool over the break? Here are some fun, festive ideas to do during your break!

2. Rest!

Don't underestimate the importance of getting enough rest. Although it can be tempting to fill every day with lots of social plans over the festive period, be sure to take some time out for yourself to rest. Rest can mean getting lots of sleep but can also mean eating well, drinking plenty of water, staying active and taking the time to do your favourite hobbies.

Catching up on yourself after a busy semester means that you'll ready for the next one. Remember, don't feel pressured to say 'yes' to making plans if you feel overtired or like you just don't want to!

3. Make a timetable

While rest and catching up with family and friends might be at the top of the agenda, catching up with work and assignments is also one to think about so you come back to uni feeling prepared. Making a timetable means that you can plan out your time and make the most of your break while also meeting that deadline!

Try to stick to your timetable as best as possible but don't panic if not every day doesn't go to quite to plan. Splitting your day up into morning/afternoon/evening can be a good way to map out your day. For example, if you spend your morning studying that can leave your afternoon or evening (or both) free to do whatever you want. Timetabling doesn't mean you need to plan every moment of every day, but it can help give you reassurance that you'll have the time to get your work done too. 

Check out the library's tips ahead of the exam season!

4. Prepare for next semester

It's ok to feel as though first semester might have not have gone as planned or quite as you'd hoped. There is so much to get used to from living out in Halls, moving to a new city, starting a new course and everything that comes with it. Don't worry, there's still plenty of time to get stuck into new activities, meet new people and find new opportunities. Here's our suggestions for next semester...

• Want to represent your Hall? Gain new skills, plan exciting events and meet new people? It's not too late to join your Hall's Student Committee! The HSC welcome new members at any time of the year. Email hsc@liverpool.ac.uk if you have any questions or are interested in joining! Click here for more information.
• Interested in sustainable living and making an impact? Look out for Sustainable Halls events, competitions and articles next semester!
• Have you tried a Give it a Go trip or activity yet? It's a must for anyone living in Halls! Joining a trip or activity on the Give it a Go programme is either free or heavily discounted for anyone living in Halls. Check this page in the new year to find out what you can get involved in.
• Joined a society yet? Whether you've not already joined one or are looking to join another, the Guild has over 200 societies to join. It's a great of meeting new people who have the same interest as you and if you have a new idea, you can even start your own society! Click here for the Guild's societies available to join. Don't forget that the Guild will host a refreshers fair in second semester, a chance for you to meet lots of new societies and get involved in lots of new opportunities.
• Keep an eye out for Hall Sport activity in the new semester! Catch weekly sport sessions open to beginners and all experiences. Stay tuned on Halls Life!
• Thinking about gaining new skills and enhancing your CV? Consider volunteering opportunities open to you. The Guild post new volunteer opportunities regularly here. It can be a great way for you to learn new skills and connect with others! 

5. Reflect on your time so far!

There's no better time to sit and think about everything you've achieved so far. Even if your university experience hasn't quite been what you planned or imagined it to be, there will be so valuable experiences that you can take away from first term. 

The very first Halls Life event of 2025 will take place on Wednesday 8th January, 6-8pm in Vine Mezz! Join  us for a Halls Craft Night - the perfect way to bring in the new year!