No matter whether you are in residences or back at home it is always important to stay safe. Christmas is a busy time of year. There are holiday parties to attend, copious amounts of food to be eaten, Christmas shopping to do and family to see.
However, during this time it is also important to look after yourself, whether you are heading home or staying in your residence.
Out on the Town
We all know it’s hard to avoid excessive consumption of both food and alcohol over the Christmas period. It’s the one time of the year where even gran might get a little tiddly.
If you’re planning a few big nights out make sure you remember to stay safe. The city might seem a whole lot more inviting at Christmas, but reports show that crime increases over this period. Make sure you:
- Walk with friends
- Take a taxi if you’re alone
- Avoid dark alleyways (harder than it sounds when it gets dark at 3.30pm!)
- Always tell someone where you’re going
- Always shield your pin when withdrawing cash
- Look out for your friends
- Ensure there are no tailgaters when returning to your home or residence
- Be responsible and don’t take unnecessary risks
In your Residence
If you’re heading home over Winter break make sure you hide your valuables and make sure your doors and windows are secure.
To help maintain a safe, secure and sustainable residence please ensure the following are done before heading home:
- Switch off any electrical appliances, an indoor fire isn’t very enjoyable without a fireplace.
- Turn off your heating, lighting and any taps to avoid excess electricity and water consumption over the break.
- Clean out the fridge, disposing of any produce or items that may become a serious health issue if left alone for three weeks.
- Let us know if you are leaving. We have a duty of care to make sure all our residents ar
e safe, whether you are with us or at home.
Do something different
When classes start back on the 15 January many of you will be ready to break ground on a new term. With that in mind, now is your opportunity to make the most of this downtime. Use the break to catch up on that best seller you haven’t had the chance to read. Visit friends or go to a local café and people watch. Remember that this is the time of the year where you can put your feet up and recharge those batteries.
Keep well!
It’s a cold, dark time of year, which makes locking yourself up in your room with a jar of peanut butter and Netflix seems very inviting. If you’re trying to beat the winter blues remember that exercise helps improve your mood. There’s a bunch of Christmas-themed walking tours taking place all over London, check them out here.
If you’re staying in your residence, make sure you get together with your flatmates or neighbours for a glass of mulled wine or a hot chocolate.
Get involved
There’s no need to be alone over the Christmas period. King’s College London and KCLSU have joined forces to create the Global Lounge, a Winter Break space with games, film nights and more. Attend one of the events or simply bring some friends along and celebrate the English Winter over a free cup of tea and a sandwich.
Merry Christmas! We can’t wait to welcome everyone back in the New Year. Remember, if you’re staying with us over the break you can still contact your Residence Welfare Team (RAs and Wardens) through email and phone. You can find out more information about Christmas at King’s here.
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