Hello! My name is Hannah, and I’m currently studying a MSc in Sports Psychology here at Loughborough University. Originally from Durham and having completed my undergraduate degree here in Sport and Exercise Science, I’d thought I’d take the opportunity to reflect on my experience of going home for Christmas after my very first term away at university. 

Before moving to Loughborough, I had never lived away from home before, so this transition was a big leap. I remember feeling excited to move away from home, yet also a bit nervous for what was to come. It was a new chapter, and while I was eager to dive into my course and meet new people, there was that feeling of uncertainty about the unknown. Moving into Rutherford Hall, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. I had some preconceived ideas about what life would be like living in university halls, but being there in person, and experiencing the dynamic environment living on campus, was different. 

As the weeks went by, I found myself gradually settling into the Loughborough bubble. Initially, I missed the familiarity of home, but as semester one progressed, I began to build friendships and appreciate the independence that came with university life. Managing the transition from A levels to undergraduate study, along with managing life away from home, taught me a lot about how to balance my studies alongside my social life.  

However, as the first term drew to a close, I was looking forward to spending time with my family and to feeling the comfort of home again. I was excited to indulge in home-cooked meals, catch up with home friends, and simply relax after a busy first semester. One thing I appreciated during the break was the chance to recharge. I had spent the previous term juggling the demands of university, and the Christmas holidays offered me much-needed rest. During this time, I focused on being surrounded by my loved ones, making time for myself, and preparing for the January exams with some university work.   

When it comes to the Christmas break, I have a few tips for making the most of it, especially when it comes to balancing revision and rest.

Firstly, try not to stress too much about academic work over the holidays. It’s essential to give yourself time to relax. While it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of always keeping busy the break is a chance to rest and get ready for the upcoming semester. That said, I did set aside a few hours here and there to revise; the key is to find a balance that works for you — enough to feel prepared, but not so much that you feel like you’re missing out on Christmas. Remember short, focused study sessions can be far more effective than long, draining hours of work.

Spending quality time with loved ones is also a priority during this break. Whether it’s catching up with family over dinner or going for a walk with friends, make sure you make time to do this. They help you unwind, reconnect, and reset for the upcoming term ahead. 

As for asking for gifts or buying things for university, I’ve learned it’s a good opportunity to ask for things that will help me feel more settled back at university. Whether it’s a new set of headphones for studying, some workout gear for the gym, or even textbooks you might need for the upcoming term, the holiday break is the perfect time to think about what could help make your second term more enjoyable and manageable. 

One thing I wished I had packed in September was a few extra cozy items for my room — a nice rug, and an extra set of warm bedding can make a huge difference when it’s cold outside and you want to make your space feel like extra cozy!

Looking ahead to returning to Loughborough in the New Year, there were several things I was excited about. I was excited to continue my studies, as well as spending time with the friends I’d made in semester one. Another thing I was excited about was returning to a routine. While the break was a welcome change, I thrive on structure, and there’s something comforting about getting back into a good study routine, attending lectures, and engaging with university life again. 

Lastly, if I could give myself one piece of advice before starting university, it would be to embrace the change. Change can feel unfamiliar and even daunting at first, but it brings opportunities for growth and connections that last far longer than you might expect. The friendships I’ve made through in my first semester of university are still some of the strongest I have, even three years later as I undertake my master’s degree.