Connecting with others and activities

An out of focus image of snow falling upon which are the words Student Services.

The season may be cold, but warmth can be found in the company of others, particularly those who have a shared interest. The festive period also provides an opportunity to focus on things we like to do as individuals, such as watching a film, catching up on a great book or learning something new. See our list of resources and activities below for some great ideas!

If you are finding it hard to meet new people, remember many other students will feel the same way. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

  • Societies at London Met - The London Met Student Union provides advice and links to a range of societies.
  • Connecting with other students - Mind provides some useful tips and advice to help you connect with others.
  • Online festive parties - Visit the Eventbrite website to find a festive party.
  • 15 best friendship apps to make friends - It can be tough to make friends. But don't worry, there are accessible apps you can use to make some great friendships.
  • UK Men's Shed - Men's Sheds encourage people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities. Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation.

Tree image

While films, television and music can provide great entertainment, there are many other things you could try. For example, why not get involved in community activities such as volunteering?

  • Volunteering advice from London Met - Email volunteering@londonmet.ac.uk for advice and guidance or check out voluntary roles on MyCareer. Making a positive impact in your community can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
  • Volunteer with FareShare - FareShare matches volunteers to roles that support the community.
  • VolunteerMatch - Find The Best Volunteer Opportunities Near London
  • Volunteer to help the NHS - NHS Volunteer Responders have a range of roles available, all of which help the local community. This could be collecting a prescription or shopping for food and essentials for those who are vulnerable in our community.
  • Jacksons Lane - Is an arts and cultural organisation in Haringey with strong community links.
  • Islington Manor Gardens for health and wellbeing - Manor Gardens' Community Wellbeing Programme promotes good physical and mental health in North London. Weekly activities and events from Centre in North Islington, including coffee mornings, a food co-op, wellbeing activities, conversation cafe, art therapy, men's group, women's group and more. 

Or maybe explore your gardening skills?

  • RHS Inspiring everyone to grow - Top tips to get growing, features, inspiration and other useful growing resources.

Cooking can benefit the body and mind, and it is a great way to share time with others. Why not brush up on your cooking skills, or develop a new 'signature dish'?

Help to bring down the cost of food by setting up a food cooperative with your neighbours:

Food and community:

  • FoodCycle - FoodCycle connects communities, reducing loneliness and food poverty - working with thousands of volunteers and surplus food to help everyone who needs us. By creating welcoming spaces for people from all walks of life to meet, eat and have conversations, and by offering a weekly telephone Check-in and Chat, we are supporting people's health and mental wellbeing.

Ginger biscuits

The winter break provides a great opportunity to catch up on that book you have been meaning to read or watch that film that has been on your watch list all year.

Looking for something that isn't festive?

Create a soundtrack that helps lift your mood, so you don't have to listen to seasonal tunes all through the festive period. 

  • Online music guide - A Money Saving Expert guide to online music resources - including information on free streaming platforms.
  • Spotify and YouTube also offer Student Plans for their paid services.  

Being active is an important part of maintaining health and wellbeing. The resources below provide advice, guidance and links to a range of resources that can help you to be active.  

Park bench and trees in the mist

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