For many students, going home for Christmas is something to look forward to. For others, it can feel complicated, stressful, or even unsafe.
As your Students’ Union Advice Service, we want you to know you are not alone and there are places to turn during this time away from the usual routine, where you may be in situations that make you feel uncomfortable or feel the financial stresses of the festive season, see if there are ways in which you can reduce the impact the break has on you.
Christmas can be especially difficult for LGBTQIA+ students, estranged students, care leavers, and anyone whose home environment does not fully accept who they are. You might be navigating difficult conversations, hiding parts of yourself, or spending the break without family support. That can take a real emotional toll.
If going home for Christmas feels heavy, that does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It means your situation is complex, and you deserve understanding and support.
If you do go home, it is important that you look after yourself while you are there. Try to find time for yourself and give yourself small rewards along the way. Keep in mind the reasons you decided to go home – you may find they help to motivate you.
Finally remember that the winter vacation is a short break – you will be returning to university soon, ready to start the new term.
Our Advice Service will be closed for the Christmas break from 5:00pm on Friday 19th December. This means we will not be reading or responding to emails during this time.
If you email or fill in our triage form over the Christmas break, we will get back to you as soon as possible when we reopen in the New Year.
However, we appreciate that some of you may still need to access support over the Christmas during this time.
Please access our Advice page https://www.uogsu.com/advice/ below or access the following services available to you.
University Support Services Information: https://www.glos.ac.uk/student-support/ or your MyGlos App
Self Help Apps and Services: https://connectglosac.sharepoint.com/sites/health-and-wellbeing/SitePages/Find-self-help-apps-and-services.aspx
During the University Closure Days 24th December – 2nd January departments will not be monitoring communications, if you feel that you are at immediate risk of harm or have an emergency do not wait for a reply and call the emergency services on 999 (or your local emergency number if outside the UK).
For urgent mental health support that isn’t life-threatening call 111 and select the mental health option. You will be connected to trained mental health professionals who can provide advice, support and direct you to appropriate local services.
The Samaritans offer confidential, non-judgemental support. Call 116 123 for free 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org although email responses may take longer.
If you prefer not to talk you can text “SHOUT” to 85258 for a confidential 24/7 text support service.
If you are still in Gloucestershire over the break, access Gloucestershire Health & Care Urgent Help & Advice here: https://www.ghc.nhs.uk/crisis/
If you are at University:
24-Hour University Security (Emergency Contact): Phone: 01242 714402
The security team is available 24/7 and can contact key staff if urgent support is needed or you are in crisis. This is the primary number to use for emergencies during the closure period.
Alternative Security Number: Mobile: 07793 245017
This number is also monitored by the University security team for assistance during closure periods.
Additional Information:
All campus receptions are closed during the Christmas closure dates.
Libraries remain open 24/7 for study, but will not be staffed during the closure, you can access them through the swipe door access with your student card.
The SU Advice Service will reopen on Tuesday 13th January 2026 at 9am if you need urgent signposting from 5th January when our main sites reopen, please email su@glos.ac.uk for more information.