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:
