Connecting with others and activities

An out of focus image of some lights with a warm tint 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:

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.

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.  

  • London Met Fitness and Recreation Team - Advice and guidance for health and wellbeing. 
  • 'Ourparks' - Get fit for free - Find a register for a free fitness class in a local park. 
  • London guided walks - Find a walk over the festive period.
  • Sports clubs finder - Despite the cold weather, the holidays present a great opportunity to take up a new sport, or get back into an old one. BBC Sport has produced a list of club finders for different sports and activities.
  • Find a walk - Along with sport, walking is good for both physical and mental health. A full map of UK walks and routes can be found through Ramblers.
  • Fitness and exercise apps - Healthline have compiled a list of the best fitness and exercise apps, including home workouts if you prefer to stay indoors.

Park bench and trees in the mist

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