While some of you might be getting ready to go back home for the holidays, some of you may be spending Christmas at UoB. Don’t worry, as lots of our students, particularly international students, stay on campus during the holidays. While it’s a quieter time than usual, there’s still plenty for you to do on campus, in halls, and in Birmingham.
Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this is a time for spreading joy, giving back and making memories. See this as a chance to experience new things, make new friends and spend time celebrating with people you usually wouldn’t meet.
So, wherever you’re from, on this page you can find tips from other international students, what British Christmas traditions are, what winter essentials you’ll need and lots more.
Cook a traditional Christmas dinner
Like in many cultures, food plays an important part in the festivities. In the UK, there are certain foods that are mainly only eaten at Christmas, for example, Mince pies and Pigs in Blankets (they’re yummier than they sound!).
A traditional British Christmas dinner usually consists of a roast Turkey (or meat alternative) served with lots of vegetables. You can have a go at making a traditional Christmas dinner and festive puddings, by following some of these great recipes:
Speaking of food...
Did you know that in Japan, back in 1974, the American fast-food restaurant KFC released a festive marketing campaign in Japan? The slogan "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!" (Kentucky for Christmas!) started a national tradition that still thrives to this day. Although Christmas isn't a national holiday in Japan, families from all over the country head to their local KFC for a special Christmas Eve meal. Yummy!
Plus, if that's not the most unexpected Christmas food combination you've heard, over in Australia, it's barbeque time during Christmas! From huge glazed shrimp, grilled lamb kebabs and all the BBQ trimmings you could ever ask for, Australia has taken a well-done approach to Christmas food.
And if that doesn't get your stomach rumbling, head on over to the most romantic city in the world, Paris, where during Christmas, you can enjoy seafood snacks such as oysters in and around festive markets. Would they earn a spot on your Christmas dinner table?
Share your own traditions
Just because you’re spending Christmas in the UK, it doesn’t mean that you have to do everything the British way!
If you’re an international student away from home, why not gather your friends or housemates together and share some of the festivities like Guild International Officer Ravi?
Ravi
Guild International Officer
“Staying in Birmingham over Christmas holidays can be a unique and enriching experience. It's an opportunity to explore the city, its festive markets and cultural events. Connect with other students who are also staying back, it's a great chance to build lasting friendships. Remember, the university offers support and various activities, so you're never truly alone. Enjoy the season and make the most of this special time!”
English Literature student Natalie talks about what she's looking forward to over the holidays, and her own Christmas traditions back at home.
Natalie
English Literature student from the US
“Being an international student, I find myself looking forward to the details, the seemingly insignificant traditions that, put together, make up the whole of what Christmas is to me: matching pyjamas on Christmas morning, boxes of stuffed bears to decorate the living room, "The Italian Christmas Song" playing on the radio, my grandmother's meatballs, putting olives on our fingers and trying to eat them all at once, rewatching Barbie in 'A Christmas Carol' for the hundredth time, homemade ornaments and peppermint drinks and snow globes and struggling to wrap oddly shaped gifts.”
BA Creative Writing and Film student May shares what she's excited to do during Christmas in Birmingham, and how traditions differ from her home country in Ghana.
May
BA Creative Writing and Film student from Ghana
“Before coming here, I read that the Birmingham Christmas Market is one of the biggest and best in the UK. So, I’m very excited to see that in person and experience the transformation of the Bullring into a Winter Wonderland! I’m also looking forward to spending time with my newfound family in Birmingham before I head back home to Ghana. My friends and I are particularly keen about the Big Wheel and Ice Skating in the Centenary Square. Most of all, it'll be interesting to see the difference in the celebrations in Birmingham versus Ghana.”
And last but certainly not least, BSc Human Neuroscience student Chloe shares how she'll be spending Christmas with her family.
Chloe
BSc Human Neuroscience student
“I will be spending Christmas with my mum and my two cocker spaniels at home, we're a pretty small household! We usually have a Christmas lunch together whether it is an English roast, or a traditional Chinese meal. I always call my relatives who live abroad to wish them a happy Christmas too.”
Giving back this Christmas
We know that this season is a great time for giving and if you’re not sure what to do this Christmas then why not consider volunteering? You’re not only spreading the joy but you’re also supporting a worthy cause. Student Ishita is spending Christmas away from her home in India and plans to volunteer at a dog shelter to make her Christmas even more meaningful.
Ishita
MSc Marketing student from India
“Try visiting an old age home, an orphanage or a dog shelter and spread the ‘Christmas Cheer’. You and your friends could all go, there is really no feeling greater than being the reason for someone else’s happiness! Being a dog lover, I definitely plan to volunteer at a dog shelter, helping those babies find their forever homes would make me very happy!”
Or how about trying something new? Student Toyosi is looking forward to doing something she would never do in her home country of Nigeria!
Toyosi
Law student from Nigeria
“I am looking forward to experiencing a Christmas Market. I would advise international students to find the perfect people to spend Christmas with, experience the UK’s culture, try things you can’t find in your country. In my first Christmas here I tried ice skating. Or perhaps do some charity work (Christmas is a great time to give back)!”
Check out the BVSC website for volunteering opportunities in and around Birmingham.
Meet up with other students
We know how difficult it can be not to go back home at this time of year, so it’s even more important not to be alone.
With many international students staying around, Student Content Shaper Sharon from Ghana says it’s good to spend time with people and venture out to explore Christmas celebrations in Birmingham.
Sharon
MSc Development Policy and Politics student from Ghana
“This Christmas in Birmingham, I'm looking forward to exploring the city more and my advice to other international students is to be intentional about spending time with people. There's no need to be shy or afraid of asking your friends to hang out as everyone wants to spend Christmas together with other people.”
Likewise, Student Content Shaper Chloe tells us what she's looking forward to, which might give you some inspiration on spending your Christmas here in Birmingham.
Chloe
BSc Human Neuroscience student
“I look forward to visiting the Birmingham Christmas Markets as I do this every year and always get a German hot dog. It is so nice to be able to spend this time with family and friends and appreciate what we have.”
International Student and Student Content Shaper Beverly shares how she spends the holidays in Birmingham.
“As an international student, I felt the most alone around the holidays. However, realising I'm not the only one feeling lonely allowed me to reach out to other international students and plan our own holiday activities.”
Drama and Theatre Arts student Mahina shares advice on making friends as an international student.
Mahina
Drama and Theatre Arts student
“As an international student, I came to Birmingham alone, which made my experience feel very lonely and even frightening at times. When you feel a sense of sonder, realise everyone has their own challenges, remember that everyone is still adjusting too, and that mindset really helps. Stay true to yourself, find things you love, and start by simply saying hi! Put yourself out there and embrace the uncertainty of meeting new people, because there's always something in common with everyone you meet.”
Staying in University accommodation?
Your accommodation team will be available to support you 24/7, even on Christmas Day. Make sure to check our Christmas opening hours page for more details.
The accommodation team have planned a whole host of activities for you, including...
- Join your friends for a traditional Christmas lunch, complete with crackers and festive songs, on Wednesday 18 December (1pm – 3pm) at Vale Infusion. Explore the menu and book your place online by 23.59pm on 29 November.
- Celebrate the end of term at the Duck and Scholar (The Vale Village) on Friday 13 December (7pm - 11pm). You can expect Christmas films, music, and a limited edition festive cocktail! Find out more.
- Meet up with other students staying at uni over the holidays in Shackleton Lounge, open every day from 10am - 3pm (closed on Wednesday 25 December, Thursday 26 December, and Wednesday 1 January). Find out more.
- You can also join Friends International Birmingham, a non-profit organisation that will be putting events on for international students staying in Birmingham over Christmas and provides a platform for students to make new friends. Find them on Facebook.
- Check out the full events schedule for Christmas in accommodation.
Do you have any more tips or information you think would be useful to know as an international student studying at UoB? Send us your tips by emailing The Student Communications Team at studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Winter essentials
You haven't experienced a true British winter until Christmas! Unfortunately, it does mean we enter the coldest time of the year, as the temperature drops significantly. So, it's really important that you dress appropriately and keep yourself warm when you're out and about. Here’s a handy checklist:
- A big, warm coat
- A woolly hat so your ears are covered
- A warm scarf
- Gloves
- Winter boots (with a good grip for those frosty days)
- Thermal socks
- An umbrella
- A hot water bottle
- Long sleeve tops and jumpers
- Warm nightwear, including slippers and a dressing gown
Charity shops are a great place to find these items at low-cost prices, and there are lots of budget-friendly stores around Selly Oak and in Birmingham. For a bonus Christmas treat, always ask if they do a student discount for some extra money off!
Popular British Christmas words
Ever wondered what some English Christmas words or phrases mean? We've got you.
King’s Speech (previously Queen’s speech)
An important part of the Christmas Day celebrations is people gathering to watch the Christmas message on television delivered by the King or Queen.
The broadcast can be watched on major broadcasting channels such as the BBC, ITV or Sky, and on BBC Radio.
Pantomimes (Panto)
Pantomimes (also known as Panto) are live shows packed with songs, comedy, dancing, live music and audience participation, making it a great way to have some fun with your family and friends over the Christmas period. Some examples include Peter Pan. You can search which Pantos are showing near you at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
There are loads of other types of Christmas theatre that can make for magical viewing such as A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.
Christmas Crackers
Not to get mixed up with cheese and crackers (biscuits)! Christmas crackers are used as festive table decorations in most households during a Christmas lunch or dinner.
They're made of cardboard paper tubes, wrapped in brightly coloured paper and twisted at both ends. Each person takes the end of the cracker and pulls it. Or if there is a group around the table, everyone crosses their arms to pull all the crackers at once. The surprise is the cracker noise they make and the joy of everyone getting a paper hat, small gift and tell-a-joke inside, which can be great fun to do with your friends and family!
If you're an international student studying at UoB and have any other tips you’d like to share with us, email The Student Communications Team at studentcommunications@contacts.bham.ac.uk