Rohan, a recent MSc Sport Business and Leadership graduate and Student Ambassador at Loughborough University London, shares a personal reflection on spending the holiday season in London as an international student from India.

What is the holiday period like for you in London compared to how this time of year is usually spent back home?

Back home in Delhi, the holiday period feels very family-centred and familiar. Even if there is no single specific festival happening right then, there is always a sense of warmth and activity in the house. People drop by, family friends visit, there are long conversations over chai, and there is a general feeling that you are surrounded by people who have known you your whole life. The sounds, smells, and rhythm of the city are familiar, and you almost take for granted that you will be spending this time with family, sharing meals and small everyday moments.

In London, the feeling is quite different. The city slows down a lot as you approach Christmas and the New Year. University campuses become quieter, many students travel home, and some shops and restaurants have shorter opening hours. You notice the silence more, especially as an international student. At the same time, London has its own special kind of festive atmosphere that I do not experience in the same way in Delhi. The streets are beautifully decorated, there are lights everywhere, and whole areas of the city are transformed for the season. It feels less like a big family gathering and more like me consciously creating my own version of the holidays with friends, with the city itself, and with small traditions that I have started to build here. So while Delhi is about comfort and familiarity, London is about discovery and making the holiday period meaningful in a new setting.

How do you like to spend the holiday period in London as an international student?

As an international student in London, I have realised that the holiday period is much better when I treat it as a mix of rest and exploration. On one hand, it is a valuable break from deadlines, classes, and constant movement. I allow myself to slow down, sleep properly, cook, catch up on things I have been putting off, and just breathe a bit. That quiet time is important, especially after a busy term.

At the same time, I try not to let the days blur together, because that is when homesickness can creep in. I like to make simple but intentional plans. Last year, for example, I went to Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, which felt like a very “London in December” experience. I spent time walking around different Christmas markets, which are perfect for wandering, eating warm food, and soaking up the atmosphere. I also went out in the evenings specifically to see the Christmas lights across central London, which turned into some of my favourite memories from that period. In between these outings, I enjoy quieter days where I stay indoors, watch films, cook something comforting, or meet a friend for coffee. None of it is particularly extravagant, but together it creates a holiday period that feels full, gentle, and genuinely enjoyable.

Are there any seasonal events, traditions, or places in London that you enjoy during the holiday period?

There are a few things in London that really define the holiday season for me now. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park is one of them. It is busy and very obviously festive, but walking through it with friends, seeing the lights, hearing the music, and trying some of the food gives you a strong sense that you are part of the holiday spirit in the city. It almost feels like stepping into a temporary winter festival within London.

Another thing I really enjoy is simply walking through central London in the evenings to see the Christmas lights. Areas like Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Covent Garden, and the surrounding streets look completely different at this time of year. Last year, I spent time just wandering around these places and taking it all in, and it genuinely felt magical. It is also one of the best free experiences you can have as a student, which is always a bonus. I also love going to the Christmas markets. There is something very relaxing about strolling through stalls, holding something warm to drink, chatting with friends, and not being in a rush.

New Year’s in London has its own charm as well. Going to see the New Year’s fireworks was a highlight for me. Being in a crowd of people, with the skyline lit up and everyone counting down together, felt like a very powerful moment of being part of a shared experience in a new city. All of these things together have become my little set of “London holiday traditions.”

Do you ever feel homesick during the holiday period, and what helps you cope with being away from family and friends?

I do feel homesick during the holiday period, and I think that is very natural as an international student. It often hits hardest on days when I know my family in Delhi is together, or when I see photos and videos of gatherings back home. Sometimes even small things trigger it, like seeing families shopping together or hearing a familiar song. It is in those moments that the distance feels most real.

What helps me cope is treating homesickness as something normal rather than something to be ashamed of. I try to stay connected to my family in a structured way instead of just missing them in my head. Planning video calls, even short ones, makes a big difference because it gives me a direct sense of their presence rather than just imagining what they are doing. I also try to bring a bit of ‘home’ into London, whether that is through food, music, or small routines that remind me of Delhi. Something as simple as eating a familiar dish or having a quiet evening with a comforting film can ground me.

Being around people here also helps a lot. I have learnt that spending too many days completely alone during the holidays can make everything feel heavier. Meeting a friend for a walk, going to see the lights together, or just having someone to talk to changes the tone of the day. It reminds me that even though I am far from home, I am not actually alone. I also remind myself that missing home does not mean I am not happy in London; it just means that both places matter to me, and that is actually something quite special.

What advice would you give to new international students who might be spending their first holiday period away from home in London?

For new international students spending their first holiday period away from home in London, my main advice would be to approach this time with a mix of gentleness and intention. It is completely normal to feel emotional or unsettled at first. You are not only adjusting to a new country, but also experiencing a time of year that is usually very family-based in a completely different context. Acknowledging that this might feel strange or even difficult is a good starting point. At the same time, it helps a lot to make some kind of plan for the holidays rather than drifting through them. The plan does not need to be complicated. It could simply mean deciding that you will explore Winter Wonderland, visit at least one Christmas market, or spend an evening walking through central London to see the lights. These small experiences give you things to look forward to and create memories that are uniquely tied to your time in London. They turn the holiday period into something you actively experience rather than something you just “get through.”

Staying connected with home is also important, but it is helpful not to spend all your time comparing London to your usual celebrations. Regular calls with family and friends can be comforting, but try to also create small traditions of your own here, whether that is cooking a favourite meal, having a film night, or making a particular walk or café part of your holiday routine. And finally, do not be afraid to reach out to others. Many international students stay in London over the holidays, and a lot of them are feeling the same way. Sending a message to a classmate or a friend and suggesting something simple, like going out for coffee or visiting a market, can make a big difference for both of you. The holidays can be a time of loneliness if you let everything close in, but they can also become a time of quiet connection, reflection, and new experiences if you allow yourself to participate in what the city has to offer.

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A big thank you to Rohan for writing this blog!