Live Well, Feel Great

Hi Student,

As first term wraps up, hopefully you’re excited to rest and reflect on all the memories you’ve made so far. This time of year can be difficult too, for all number of reasons, and you might be feeling the pressure of upcoming assignments and exams.

However you’re feeling, we’re here to guide you through it.

This winter break special edition Live Well, Feel Great is all about staying healthy and happy over the break. Grab a hot chocolate and find inside:

Looking after your body

Students doing yoga together, seated on a mat infront of an iPad.

Stay warm with home work outs

Mix up your home workouts with LesMills+. Register on KEATS and get access to a range of online classes at different levels. Low intensity day? Try Pilates. Looking for movement and a mood boost? Join dance classes. Want to work up a sweat? Follow a HIIT workout.

Keep moving

A collage of photos of London scenes with red colour pops: a red phone box and red London bus, red leaves and red lanterns in Chinatown.

Add colour to your day

Going for a winter walk? Make it mindful by seeing how many things you can spot of the same colour. This fun challenge helps you to notice your surroundings and be present. (Literal) bonus points if you sign up for King’s Move to collect points for your steps.

Download King's Move

Silhouettes of hands in front of purple lights

Get home safe

Before you head out, remember to:

Stay together and make sure that everyone gets home safely.
Let someone know what your plans are and when you’ll be back.
Plan how you’ll get home – the Night Tube, night bus, or a licensed taxi.
Use Citymapper for transport status updates and walking routes.
Keep to busy, well-lit areas.
Sit near others on public transport.
Keep your drink with you and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Be aware of spiking and where to get support.
Keep your valuables secure.

Tips for staying safe

Looking after your mind

Loneliness, Actually: A guide to feeling less alone

The expectation at this time of year is togetherness. From adverts to films to social media, it’s hard to avoid images of groups of friends, big families and happy couples.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, that’s not the reality for a lot of people and it can feel lonely sometimes.

Tackling loneliness

Christmas lights in Regent’s Street at nighttime.

Ways to spend your winter break in London

If you’re staying in London over the winter break, it’s the perfect time to explore the city and soak in the season.

We’re bringing you a round-up of free and paid things to do, including the Light Trail on South Bank, winter walks and catching a last-minute theatre show.

Things to do

A person taking a picture of themselves with a phone in the mirror beside a view of London with the London Eye and Big Ben

A self-care guide for winter break

"Hi, I'm Christie and I'm an MA student studying Creative and Cultural Industries. Can you believe winter break is just around the corner?

Despite being cosy season, winter can get a bit lonely, especially with shorter days and exam season ahead. Here are my self-care tips, from staying connected with loved ones to healthy routines, self-reflection, and utilising King’s resources to the fullest."

Winter wellbeing tips

Two students talking while sitting down.

Getting support during the winter break

Find out when support services are open during the winter break.

Get support

Take Time Out is back!

Take Time Out returns from Monday 12 – Friday 16 January. Come and take a break, try a relaxing activity and unwind during exam season.

Coming soon

Close up of a crossword and a wooden pencil

Give your brain a break

Get ready to cosy up and test your knowledge of all things festive and frosty! The crossword is packed with clues inspired by the magic of Christmas and the chill of winter.

Sleigh and solve

Building connections

Disability History Month

Disability History Month runs from 20 November until 20 December to celebrate and empower our community of staff and students with disabilities at King’s and beyond.

Drop in to the Time Out Hub on Tuesday 2 December to find out how the Disability Support & Inclusion team can support you and try a relaxing activity.

KCLSU are also bringing you a programme of events, including a breakfast fair on Wednesday 3 December where you can chat to student groups and find out what’s on this month.

Check out the DHM events

Three people around a plush Christmas tree

Find your winter buddies

Staying on campus during the break? Join us for a free festive lunch, activities and fun games.

Where: Franklin-Wilkin Building Canteen, Waterloo Campus

When: Tuesday 16 December, 12.00 – 15.30.

There are 150 places available for students staying on campus, sign up so you don't miss out.

Join our ‘Winter Buddies 2025’ group in the King’s Student app to stay connected.

Two people wearing Santa hats holding a star

Fun and festivities

Throughout December the Chaplaincy is hosting free festive events, including crafts, carols, card making and festive lunches.

Get in the seasonal mood at the carols sing-along at Waterloo on 9 December 13.00 – 14.00, or come to the Christmas Carol service at the Strand on 9 December 17.30-18.30.

What's on at the Chaplaincy

Recommendations

Read: Disability Visibility edited by Alice Wong. This collection of first person essays are all written by disabled people, offering insights into their lived experience.

Watch: CODA (2021) the three-times Oscar winning film follows Ruby, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), as she navigates supporting her family and following her dreams.

Listen: Exam Study Expert: Rewiring ADHD for students Hosts Dr Alix Hibble and William Wadsworth chat to Eric Tivers, from the ADHD reWired podcast, about tips for time management and focus. Great for exam season, whether you’re neurodivergent or not.

Live Well, Feel Heard

Your health and wellbeing matter to us and we want to make sure we're sharing the advice and guidance that matters most to you. By taking a few minutes to fill out this simple questionnaire, you'll help us understand your habits, share feedback on our Live Well, Feel Great online magazine, and guide future health and wellbeing content.

As a thank you, we'll run a prize draw one month after we send this edition of Live Well, Feel Great, giving you the chance to win one of these:

A £25 King's Food voucher loaded onto your King's ID card
A £25 voucher for the KCLSU shop

Take the survey

Emergency contacts

If you have an emergency over the break when support services are closed, here’s where to get help:

Housing: Contact your local authority or Shelter.

Money: For support with money, benefits or debt, contact your local Citizen's Advice Bureau and your local authority for guidance.

Mental health: Check the crisis support pages for a list of organisations who can help. You can also go to the nearest A&E.

Physical health: In an emergency, call 999. Otherwise, try your GP or if they are closed, NHS 111.

Reporting a crime: If you experience or witness a crime and need emergency support call 999. You can report non-emergency crimes online.

Check Student Services Online for answers to common questions, tips and advice.

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