The Benefits of Joining a Society at University

Christmas in Exeter

Exeter transforms into a winter wonderland every December. The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market is a must visit, bringing together stalls filled with handmade gifts, street food and mulled wine. This month long event has live music most evenings, right in front of the Cathedral. Be warned though, it’s incredibly popular, we urge you to go sooner, rather than later!

If you’re living at Verney Street, you’re in the perfect location. Just a short walk from campus, the city centre and of course the Christmas markets! You can pop down to the market after lectures or meet friends for festive drinks. Plus, your highly central location means that its easy to catch the Christmas light displays across the High Street. With everything so close by, you’ll soon see why student life in Exeter feels so special during the festive season.

Christmas in Lincoln

Lincoln is known for going all out at Christmas. The Lincoln Christmas Light Switch-On takes place at the end of November and is a huge highlight in the Lincoln calendar, with live music and entertainment leading up to the big moment. If that’s not enough lighting action, in December the Christmas Lights Trail is all around the city and you can choose to follow the Ice Adventure or check out Lincoln Castle being Illuminated.

From College Mews, you’re only a 7-minute walk to campus and the city centre, which means everything is right on your doorstep. Whether it’s late night Christmas shopping, sipping a festive hot chocolate in Thor’s Tipi Bar or joining the city’s famous Santa Fun Run, Lincoln has so much going on in the build up to Christmas. Living in College Mews makes it easy to mix study, Christmas fun and all the trappings of first year university life.

Christmas in Leicester

Leicester’s city centre becomes a festive wonderland with its Christmas Wheel of Light and the annual Light Switch On in November. There are also plenty of Christmas markets and independent shops to explore, making it a great place for finding unique gifts.

If you are living with OR Students in Leicester, such as Hops House, The Oval or The Button Factory, you are close to all the action. From The Oval you can easily head into the city for the Wheel of Light, and if you live at The Button Factory or Hops House you are well placed for cosy coffee stops with friends after late night Christmas shopping. With so much happening nearby, you’ll never miss out on the festive season.

Christmas in Newcastle

In Newcastle, Christmas starts with the infamous Fenwick’s Christmas Window, which is a much loved Newcastle tradition and draws large crowds every year. The Christmas Market at Grey’s Monument is also a must visit, offering everything from festive food to artisan gifts. If you fancy a night out, forget the clubs, the city’s Christmas bars and pop ups are the best places to be this winter if you’re after a cosy festive atmosphere.

Step House is close to both Newcastle University and Northumbria University, meaning that you’re within walking distance of the markets, nightlife, and the stunning Quayside, which looks particularly magical lit up for Christmas.