Weekends and holidays when everyone leaves

Weekends, reading weeks and long breaks are when living alone can hit hardest: halls empty out, home students go back to their families, and the routine of classes disappears. A plan made in advance turns these quiet weeks into something you can actually enjoy.

Why breaks are hard

• A YoungMinds blog by an international student in the UK describes the winter break as the hardest stretch: without lectures she lost her routine and her mood dropped.
• Curtin University reminds students that many peers feel the same way even if campus seems empty, and that loneliness does not necessarily mean you are physically alone.
• Expect a dip and plan for it, rather than being surprised by it on the first empty Saturday.

Plan the weekend before it arrives

• By Thursday, have at least one fixed plan for Saturday and one for Sunday: a match, a market, a society event, a long call home, or a solo outing from the previous lesson.
• Keep your weekday wake time within about an hour at weekends; the NHS advises waking at around the same time every day.
• Mix one social activity, one active one and one restful one. The NHS 5 steps suggest connecting, being active and learning something new.
• Invite someone. NHS Every Mind Matters suggests inviting others to free or low-cost local activities. A simple message works: 'I am going to the Sunday market at 11. Want to come?'

A holiday plan for staying behind

• Ask your university what runs over the break. The University of Lincoln, for example, has run an online group for students staying on campus over Christmas, and its student wellbeing team is a point of contact.
• Volunteer: Lincoln suggests helping at a charity shop or care home over the holidays, which gives the time purpose and introduces you to people. The NHS 5 steps also list giving to others.
• Get outside each day, even in cold, dark weather: Lincoln suggests walks in local parks and green spaces with a podcast or music.
• Use the quiet time for a project: a new recipe each day, learning a skill, or reorganising your room.
• Plan treats: Lincoln suggests a self-care day or small gift to yourself after a demanding term.

Eid, national days and special occasions away from home

• Find out early whether your university's faith society, chaplaincy or community groups are organising Eid prayers or a meal. The Keeping Your Faith module covers this in more detail.
• Plan a video call with family for the key moment, and agree the time in advance, allowing for time zones.
• Keep your culture close: YoungMinds suggests cooking a home dish, listening to familiar music or watching a comfort show from childhood.
• Host or join a small gathering with other students who are also away; see Cooking for Others and Hosting.

Going home, and when to stay

• The University of Dundee suggests planning a visit home as something to look forward to, but not too often, because you may miss events where you would meet people.
• If you go home for the holidays, keep in touch with one or two university friends so returning feels easier.
• If a break is going badly, say so early to family, a friend or your university's wellbeing service. Curtin notes that student wellbeing and counselling services can help if the holiday blues become overwhelming.