Support over the winter break
- Written byStudent Communications
- Published date 28 November 2025
At UAL, support doesn’t stop when term does. Wherever you’re spending the winter break, you can access services that help you look after your wellbeing and feel connected.
Below you will find tips for taking care of yourself over the festive period, as well as full details on how to access support services and facilities during this time.
Taking care of your wellbeing
The winter break can be a great time to slow down and reset so you feel ready for the new term. It's also important to look after your wellbeing because this time of year can feel different for everyone.
Below are some ways to look after yourself across the break.
Make time to rest
After a busy term, giving yourself moments to pause can help you feel more grounded and ready for the new year ahead. Rest can look different for everyone, you might want to see loved ones, spend time on a hobby or simply take a step back and reflect.
Check out the Wellbeing Hub for more tips, or Student Minds for resources on making the most of the break.
Stay connected
It's never too late to join an Arts SU society or network. Attend Halls Life and College events to meet new people, or if you want to give back to the community, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities across London.
Be creative
Take the time to explore more within your practice without academic pressure and get inspired from recent work from UAL Showcase.
Explore the city
If you're staying in London over the break, take advantage of offers like Student Art Pass discounts or your college specific local guides to discover art, culture and experiences in your local area.
Student Services
Student Services staff will be available during the holiday period, except during the University closure period: 25 December to 2 January.
This includes:
Need urgent support?
If you have a serious emergency over the holidays, call emergency services (999 in the UK) immediately, or visit our out of hours support page to find someone to speak with. If you're an international student, you may also want to get in touch with your embassy or consulate for help.
Togetherall
All UAL students have access to Togetherall, a free online mental health tool. You can access Togetherall 24/7 throughout the holidays:
- Speak to others in a one-to-one chat or a community group
- Take online self-help courses exploring anxiety, sleep, depression, problem solving, assertiveness and more
- Complete self-assessments to help you understand more about yourself and how you are feeling, set goals and track your progress
Is it the most wonderful time of the year? In this article, Togetherall recognises that "while the holiday season can represent joy, gratitude and togetherness, it can also be associated with family and financial pressure, loneliness, anxiety and tension”. Read the article to find out how to cope with complicated feelings during the holidays.
Library Services opening hours
Library Services spaces and staff are available throughout the winter break, other than during university closure periods.
LCF and Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges libraries will close for the winter break from 6pm, 23 December 2025 until 5 January 2026.
CSM and LCC libraries will be open on 24 December 10am - 3.30pm, where you can join us for our winter warmer celebrations. There is no sign up needed, just come along for crafting fun, seasonal games, hot drinks, snacks and festive tunes.
Check our website for service hours at individual colleges. If you’ve got questions, Contact us on Ask.
Academic Support
Academic Support teams are available for online tutorials and drop-ins during the holidays, except during the university closure period of 25 December - 2 January. Check your College page on Academic Support online for available tutorial dates for your course.
Remember, you can access online resources on Academic Support online at any time.
Canteens closures
Canteen | Closure date | Re-opening date |
Wimbledon | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
Lime Grove | 12 Dec | 5 Jan |
Camberwell (Peckham Rd) | 12 Jan | 12 Jan |
Camberwell (Wilson Rd) | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
Chelsea | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
LCC main canteen | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
Typo Café | 24 Dec | 5 Jan |
CSM (Archway) | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
CSM (KX) | 19 Dec | 5 Jan |
LCF East Bank | 19 Dec | 5 Jan |
Arts Shop closures
College | Closure date | Re-opening date |
Camberwell | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
Chelsea | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
Wimbledon | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
LCF (East Bank) | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
LCC | 12 Dec | 12 Jan |
CSM (KX) | 24 Dec | 5 Jan |
Lime Grove | 12 Dec | 5 Jan |
Living in Halls over the holidays
UAL Halls are open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means, all students living in halls are welcome to stay over the festive period.
There's lots of information about support over the break and contact details if you need to reach out at Halls Life.
If students have any questions or need to speak to someone, we recommend going down to reception, or contacting your team via the usual channels. All contact details can be found on the accommodation services page.
Events over the break
There are plenty of events happening in Halls and with Arts SU over the winter break to keep you connected with your UAL community.
- 1 December: Handmade Holidays
- 4 December: Festive Crafternoon
- 5 December: Winter Walk and Doodle
- 6 December: UAL Winter Ball
- 8 December: UAL Christmas Carols
- 25 December: Christmas Day in Halls (open to non residents too!)
Accommodation Services
During the festive period, the main office will be closed from 25 December until 2 January, however the team will be providing a limited enquiry service via email. For students who are remaining in halls and need to speak with a member of staff please visit your reception.