Staying in Bournemouth for the winter break?

The Christmas market in Bournemouth

Lots of students choose to stay in Bournemouth over the winter break, so you won’t be alone if you’re staying local this year. You can find out what you can get involved with over the next few weeks below, plus wellbeing support for you and others. 

We’ve shared information about what university services are available during the winter break (20 December – 6 January) on our website. Please refer to this if you plan on visiting campus during the break.

Festive Christmas Lunch

ResLifeBU have organised a Festive Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 25 December for students that are staying in the local area this year. All students are invited to attend – whether you live in BU halls or not.

The festive lunch will be followed by an afternoon of festive cheer – expect music, great company and plenty of laughs in a memorable celebration in Bournemouth. Find out more about the event and book your place now on Eventbrite. Places are available on a first-come first-served basis, so please book your place if you’d like to join this event.

Make sure to follow @ResLifeBU on Facebook as well as @ResLifeBU on Instagram for the latest information during the winter break about any other activities run by ResLifeBU.

Faith & Reflection

The Faith & Reflection Centre will be closed from 8pm on Friday 20 December until Monday 6 January. Prayer facilities in P221/P226, Poole House and in BG-301, Bournemouth Gateway Building will available. Please check in with the building reception on arrival and departure.

Should you require support around accessing a Muslim prayer space over this period please email Sister Tama Merdaci; [email protected].  

Carol singing and live music

Some carol services will be attended by BU Music and Faith & Reflection and you are welcome to attend to join in the festive singing or to enjoy the music:

‘A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols’ event at St Peter’s Church 
Thursday 12 December, 6pm
Join us for a free, traditional carol service with the University Music Chamber Choir at St Peter's Church in Bournemouth.

There are also more opportunities to enjoy live music over the winter break, some examples of these are below:

Carols by Candlenight at St. Mark's Church in Talbot Village
Sunday 22 December, 6pm.

Lunchtime Jazz, Swing and Blues at St Peter's Church
Friday 20 and 27 December, 1pm.

A range of choirs, singers and bands at Bournemouth Square
Various times and dates between 2 December and 1 January.

Take a look at our music pages to see what other events are happening in the lead up to the winter break.

SUBU events

Your Students’ Union at BU are getting into the festive spirit with a host of events throughout December including:

Mature Students Festive Cheese and Wine Night
Tuesday 10 December, 6pm – 8pm on the second floor of the Student Centre, Talbot Campus.

Women’s Network Christmas Party
Friday 13 December, 6pm – 9pm, Dylan’s Bar.

SUBU’s Lansdowne Christmas Party
Monday 16 December, 5pm – 8pm, BG301 in Bournemouth Gateway Building, Lansdowne Campus.

International Students’ Christmas Party
Tuesday 17 December, 6:30pm – 11pm, Dylan’s Bar and Kitchen, Talbot Campus.

As well as a range of other society social activities before the winter break.

Things to do in the local area

If you fancy feeling festive, a visit to Bournemouth’s Christmas market, open daily from 11am until 1 January, is a must-visit. Featuring an alpine lodge, ice skating, live music, and entertainment, it’s a festive treat in the heart of the town. Don’t miss the magical Christmas tree Wonderland Trail with over 100 glittering trees and illuminations starting at the seafront and winding through the town gardens. 

With the £2 bus fare cap still in place, it’s easier than ever to explore everything the local area has to offer. 

Other highlights in and around Bournemouth include: 

Enjoy some festive cheer… and respect others

If you're living in a residential area many of your neighbours will have time off work, school and college during the holidays, so please remember to keep noise to minimum, the front of your house tidy and put your bins out for collection (and bring them back in again!).

This can also be a lonely time for some people, so keep an eye out for your neighbours - why not send them a Christmas card or knock on the door with some homemade mince pies to let them know you'll be at home.

If you see anything suspicious, report it to the police by calling 101 from a mobile or landline - or 999 in an emergency.

If you need wellbeing support over the winter break, we encourage you to contact the following organisations: