For those staying in Halls over the Christmas period, a packed program of festive events is open to all AUB students. All three of our AUB accommodations are open daily for social and quiet reading spaces, as well as hot chocolate socials every Monday late-afternoon.
For those who love their Christmas films, Home Park are showing a festive movie every Tuesday at 18.00, while Madeira Road and Campus Halls are running their own program from 19-23 December at 14.00. In all cases, popcorn is included!
Finally, on the big day itself, 25 December, both Madeira Road and Campus Halls are hosting a Christmas Day potluck. Students are invited to bring their favourite Christmas dishes and share in a festive feast.
Whether you live in or in private accommodation elsewhere, our Halls are open to all AUB students throughout the holidays.
Regulars in Bournemouth town centre will have seen the Christmas Tree Wonderland, which returned with a vengeance this year. You can go ice skating at the SKATE rink in the Lower Gardens, find festive food and drink in Bournemouth Square, or explore the many selfie spots from the Triangle all the way down to the Pier.
Poole has a trail of its own as part of the Christmas Maritime Light Festival. This year, light installations include a 5m-tall ship, a giant anchor, plus a curtain of lights and several lit-up Christmas trees.
You can also drop into Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, and catch this year’s pantomime Cinderella, starring Cuckoo’s Tyger Drew-Honey. The panto also features two of AUB’s acting alumni Ethan Cawthorn and Tilda Collecott, and the work of MA Historical Costume’s Emma Hord.
Venturing even further afield, there’s the illuminated Christmas trail with over a million festive lights at Kingston Lacey, Wimborne, which is running until Christmas Eve. National Trust ticket fees apply.
Take care of your wellbeing this Christmas
While on and around campus this festive season, it’s just as important as ever to take care of your wellbeing, both physical and mental. While friends and family may be away for the holidays, there are still people to talk to if you’re feeling a bit low. Chat Cafés are open all over the BCP area and beyond.
Also, if you’re feeling the pinch from the ongoing cost of living crisis, there are Warm Spaces operating across Bournemouth and Poole, offering free food and drink, TV and Wi-Fi, and a chance to chat and connect with other people.
We’re reminding all students that you’re not alone this Christmas, and there’s still plenty of support available to those who need it:
Our Halls of residence will be open to ALL AUB students throughout the holidays. If you're on one of our sites during this time and require support, take note of these important contacts:
CAMPUS HALLS
- Telephone number: 01202 363105
- Email: hallsadmin@derwentfm.com
- Halls Security (24 hrs): 01202 363201
HOME PARK
Telephone number: 01202 001487
Email: home.park@studentroost.co.uk
Halls Security (24 hrs): 07476 644345
MADEIRA ROAD
Telephone number: 01202 797000
Email: hallsadmin@derwentfm.com
Halls Security (24 hrs): 07476 644345
In a life-threatening emergency, or if you're actively suicidal, call 999 immediately or go to your nearest Hospital's A&E department (Royal Bournemouth Hospital).
The Retreat
The Retreat is a safe and welcoming environment for anyone over 18 years of age, based in Dorset and who has self-identified their crisis and wants to access support. You can find them at Hahnemann House, Hahnemann Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5JW, open daily (16.30-00.00). You can drop in – no appointment needed.
Connections
24/7 Dorset HealthCare helpline for anyone experiencing a crisis with their mental health. You can contact them on 0300 123 5440.
Dorset HealthCare University - Access Mental Health
If you're struggling to cope or feel yourself nearing a breakdown, Access Mental Health is here to provide help.
If your emergency is urgent but not life-threatening, you can:
- Dial 999
- Request an urgent appointment at your GP surgery. You can still call your GP outside of working hours as they usually have an out-of-hours number to call.
Samaritans
Samaritans is a telephone, email and visitor service for anyone experiencing emotional distress. Tel: 116 123 (24-hour confidential listening service - call them for an immediate response) or write an email to josamaritans.org (answered within 24 hours).
HOPELINEUK
HOPELINEUK is a confidential helpline for young people dealing with suicide, depression and emotional distress. If you're having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be, you can contact them for confidential support and practical advice.
Tel 0800 068 4141
Text: 07786 209697
Mon-Fri: 10.00 – 22.00
Weekends and Bank holidays: 14.00 – 22.00
CALM
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a website and helpline aimed at preventing male suicide.
Nationwide Tel: 0800 585 858.
SANEline
SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. They're open every day of the year from 16.30 – 22.30 on 0300 304 7000.
SHOUT
Crisis Text Line offers free text support 24/7 across the UK. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text CAM to 82.
CRUSE
CRUSE (National bereavement and loss helpline) can offer support, advice and information on coping with a bereavement. Get in touch on 01202 302000.
Dorset Open Door (local bereavement support). To contact local bereavement support, call 01305 361 361 or email dhc.dorsetopendoor@nhs.net.
Students Against Depression
Students Against Depression is a website by and for students. It provides information and advice on mental health conditions that are common to students, including anxiety and depression.
Hub of Hope
The Hub of Hope is a directory of mental health support services.
STUDENT SPACE
Support through the uncertainty of student life
