Top Tips for Students Going Home for Christmas

With the end of the year fast approaching and the festive season practically here, many of you will already have your eyes firmly fixed on heading home to enjoy the holidays.  

But, with packing, travelling, gifts, and much more to think about, make sure you follow our 6 top tips so that you’ve got everything covered to leave your house or flat empty and enjoy your time away… 

Don’t overpack

It’s so easy to overpack your suitcase with things you think you’ll need. But, it’s important to remember that you’re only going home for a few weeks, so how many outfits, tops, jeans, jackets and coats do you really need? Plus, you’ll likely have even more after Christmas, so just remember, the more you take with you, the more you’ll need to bring back. 

Empty your fridge

Trust us, the last thing you need when you get back to uni from a lovely Christmas break is a foul smell of mouldy food. Make sure you empty the fridge and the bin! Alternatively, if any of your flatmates or housemates are staying at uni over Christmas, check if they want to use up anything before you chuck it. 

Turn down the heat

If everyone you live with is going home for Christmas, you don’t want to be wasting energy keeping nobody warm, but you don’t want to risk freezing pipes either. So, set your boiler to its FROST setting and if it doesn’t have one, adjust the temperature to 12–16°C. Sorted.

Switch off devices

While you’re away don’t leave anything on standby, as there’s not going to be anyone raring to use them. So, if you’ve got smart TV’s, devices, or consoles, make sure you turn them all off at the plug. Remember, leave your fridge and freezer plugged in though. 

Lock up your home!

Sounds simple, but an easy one to overlook is to lock windows and doors (front, back and bedrooms). This is the easiest way to access the property so it’s also the easiest way to protect it. 

And remember, the last one out turns the lights off 

Don’t leave your lights on wasting energy on an empty room, make sure the last one out turns them off.

Enjoy the festivities!

You deserve a well-earned break! Make sure you make the most of your time at home and, most importantly, spend Christmas with peace of mind that you can return to uni as stress-free as possible having followed our top tips!