Festive Fun for UEL International Students
The lights have gone up, the streets are bustling with shoppers… which probably means that your friends have been asking you what you’re doing for Christmas.
If this will be your first Christmas Day in the UK, it’s worth knowing that it is a bit different to other public holidays. Banks, shops and conveniences are closed, public transport is shut down for the day, and generally the vast majority of the population (not just practising Christians) are with close family and friends. So, it is a good idea to make plans or you may find yourself stuck!
Get involved!
- Christmas Day at ISH
- Spend Christmas with a British Family
- Events throughout London
- Visa advice for travelling outside the UK
1. Christmas Day at ISH- taxi paid for by UEL!
As a student at UEL, you are automatically a member of International Students’ House, an organization set up to support students from overseas whilst they are in the UK, and help you to settle in and make the most of your time. They run lots of events and trips around the UK and beyond, but their most popular day of the year is Christmas!
Every year ISH organize a fabulous Christmas Day for students from all over the world to take part. It is a great opportunity to meet other people from different universities, experience a British ‘Christmas Dinner’ and generally have a great day! What’s more, UEL will pay for a taxi to transport you there and back. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!
“Christmas Dinner @ ISH was great! Thanks for the great offer and the wonderful time. This event led to very good friendships with nice people.” UEL Study Abroad Student
“Christmas at ISH was awesome! met really nice people, the food was gr8 and the entire program was fun. Thanks for the free taxi ride.” Eva Epsona, UEL MBA student
UEL students at ISH for Christmas 2011
ISH Christmas Day includes:
Drinks Reception
3 Course Christmas Lunch
Queens Speech
Winter Walk in Regents Park
Movie Marathon
Tickets: Student £10 Alumni £20 Guest £30
Click here to book your place
What do I need to do to book?
1. Visit www.ishevents.org/christmas-2012/ to book your place online
2. Email your confirmation of the booking to isa@uel.ac.uk. If you are within the first 20 students to apply, we will arrange your taxi to and from ISH.
Please note if you do not email your booking details to the ISA team, we will not be able to book your free taxi!
We regret that taxis can only be provided for enrolled UEL international students.
Science Without Borders students: Please contact swb@uel.ac.uk
Home/EU students: Please contact chaplaincy@uel.ac.uk
THE DEADLINE FOR ISH CHRISTMAS DAY TICKETS HAS NOW PASSED. Hope to see you next year!
2. Spend Christmas with a British Family!
HOST UK promotes international friendship and understanding by arranging for international students studying in the UK to spend a day, weekend or Christmas in a British home. Since it was founded in 1987, over 75000 students have enjoyed their hospitality, and many described their HOST visit as one of the most valuable experiences they had in the UK. Hosts are not paid for the visit, but you will be charged an administrative fee of approx. £60, and you will have to pay for your travel.
“Our hosts just went above and beyond in every aspect. They are kindhearted, caring and very sociable. They made this trip wonderful- delicious, plentiful food - gorgeous house -lots of beautiful walks in the countryside. It snowed when we were there which simply added to the beauty.” Pheroze Unwalla, Canada Find Out More
3. Events throughout London
To help you make the most of being in London at Christmas time, check out the following websites. UEL cannot take responsibility for the content of these sites.
• A guide to all things going on around town with details of Christmas markets, carol concerts and other festive fun. TimeOut London
• Experience a traditional British Christmas tradition - check out London's Carol Concerts
• Christmas shopping with a difference - Listings of London's many Christmas Markets
• ISH organise several other events at Christmas and throughout the year. ISH Events
• For more information about Christmas travel around London see Transport for London (TFL)
4. Visa advice for travelling outside the UK
If you’re travelling home for Christmas and are in the UK on a Tier 4 visa, check out the International Student Advice team's tips for travel.
UEL International wishes you a fun-filled festive season!
Page updated 21/12/12
Translate this page
Please note that the translator will not work in the Firefox browser.
Useful links
