The Autumn Term has been a mixture of excitement, stress, and personal growth. It’s incredible how quickly time passes when you are immersed in learning and adapting to new experiences. This term has opened my mind to new dimensions and introduced me to new friends from all over the world.

After a final week filled with essay deadlines and late-night study sessions, I am ready to unwind and embrace the festive season. For the first time, I will be staying in London for Christmas. I have been told the city is an excellent to place to be during this time of year. I have organised my Winter break around three themes: rest, explore and prepare – and I hope my plans will inspire yours! These plans cater to all preferences, whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between.

Rest

First on the agenda is rest. After an intense term, I am looking forward to curling up with a good book. As someone who loves fiction, I have chosen A Court of Thorns and Roses as my holiday read. I will also be watching my favorite Christmas movies, it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the winter with a cup of tea.

I plan to bring a taste of home by cooking my favourite meal. It’s been too long since I’ve had a homemade meal that reminds me of my family, and the African markets on East Street and around Brixton have plenty of ingredients. Cooking and enjoying familiar dishes brings a sense of calm and nostalgia during the holidays.

Explore

After resting and recharging, it’s time to explore. Christmas in London is truly magical, with so much to see and do. My plans include joining LSE LIFE’s Christmas Lights Walking Tour at Covent Garden, visiting Winter Wonderland, and exploring the Southbank Centre Winter Market. These iconic destinations are perfect for enjoying festive lights, sipping hot chocolate, and indulging in seasonal treats.

I will also be taking loads of pictures to remember my time in London. For those eager to venture beyond the city, London serves as an excellent base for day trips. My friends and I are planning visits to Oxford, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, and Canterbury. Exploring the English countryside and escaping from the fast-paced city life is a great way to experience more of the UK during the holidays. Fingers crossed that our ambitious plans make it out of the group chat!

Prepare

While the holidays are a time to rest and explore, it’s also important to stay ahead of the challenges awaiting next term. With essays, exams, and internship applications on the horizon, I have set aside time to work on my assignments, refine my dissertation ideas, and update my CV.

LSE LIFE continues to be a valuable resource, even during the break. They’ll be available until 20 December and reopen on 2 January, offering support with exam preparation and career planning. I am also planning to sneak in a potluck gathering with friends before term begins. I’ll be making puff puff, a Nigerian snack I’ve raved about all term. I can’t wait to finally share it with everyone, it is definitely worth the hype.

The Autumn Term was a whirlwind of trying to find my sea legs in a new city while juggling classes, seminars and assignments. I plan on using the downtime to create a better routine and prioritise staying healthy. With better planning and a refreshed mindset, I am excited to tackle the Winter Term and make the most of the months ahead.