How to Winter Like a Portsmouth Student

With a blink of an eye, the winter holiday season is approaching, and we’re getting ready to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026. To help you make the most of the break, here are some fun, cozy activities you can enjoy either solo or with friends.

A classic place to start? A festive movie night. 

• Step 1: Set the vibe. Decorate your space, throw in a few blankets and you’ve got the perfect cozy corner
• Step 2: Pick a movie. Choosing can be the hardest part but when in doubt, you can’t go wrong with the Home Alone series. If you and your friends can’t settle on one, throw your options into a random spinner and let fate decide. It’s a fun way to add a little surprise to the night
• Step 3: Don’t forget the snacks. Store bought snacks always work, but making your own feels extra rewarding. We have two easy, budget friendly recipes under the Christmas Recipe section down below 👇
• Step 4: Make it extra cozy. Pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate, get comfy and enjoy the night

Christmas Recipes

Air-fryer s’mores

Line your air-fryer basket with baking paper, add roughly chopped chocolate and top with marshmallows. Cook at 200°C for about 5 minutes until melty and golden. Serve with oat biscuits for dipping. For 4 portions, use roughly 100g marshmallows, 200g milk, chocolate and your favourite biscuits.

Brownie in a mug

A handful of simple ingredients, 60 seconds in the microwave, a swirl of whipped cream and you’re done. Follow this recipe if you want to give it a try!

Christmas roast

There’s no ‘right’ way to make a roast, but here are some tips to keep it budget-friendly:

• Create a shopping list and set a budget to avoid impulse buys 
• Shop smart: opt for generic or store-brand staples 
• Start early and make the most of sales
• Roast cheaper root veg like carrots, potatoes and parsnips (they can go on the same tray, saving space, time and money!)
• For a wallet-friendly dessert, go for the brownie in a mug

Union Tuck Shop

Fancy a snack on the go? The Tuck Shop by the Union Shop is the perfectly budget-friendly pick me up store. 

Christmas DIY

Let’s bring old paper back to life - here’s all you need:

• Paper (from old books or revision notes you no longer need)
• A pen, scissors, basic yarn or rope and a glue stick 
• Your creativity and a bit of patience!

And voilà - you’ve got a beautiful decoration you can hang on your tree, dangle from the ceiling or gift to someone special. Follow this tutorial for the full process.

(Credits: @katerinaskripnik1 on YT)

No Christmas tree? No worries. Try making these miniature paper trees instead. Fair warning: this one’s more of a medium level DIY (...we definitely need more practice). Follow the tutorial and let us know how it turns out!

(Credits: @easyorigamiworld on YT)

What are the chances of snow this year? Once upon a time, roofs and roads were covered in inches of snow. This year, we can hope but we can also bring snowflakes inside our warm homes. Those old notes or books you’ve been meaning to throw out? Put them to use with this snowflake paper tutorial; perfect for decorating banisters, doors or trees.

(Left - Credits: @EasyCraftsDIY; Right - Our attempt)

Not sure where ours went wrong, but… we think it resembles a snowflake?

There are hundreds of tutorials on social media that might work even better for you. It’s fun, cheap and super customisable. If you give any of these a try, let us know at @myportsu💜🤍!

But what about the scene around Portsmouth? 

You might already know about some of the festive bits happening around campus, but if this is your first winter in Portsmouth, here are a few seasonal sights and activities you can explore. 

❄️ Christmas Carol Celebration - Park Cafe, Park Building

Hosted by UoP Chaplaincy, this free event is a lovely way to end the term and get into the festive spirit. Expect performances from the University Choirs, Orchestra and Concert Band, along with free hot drinks and mince pies. Happening on 15 December between 5:30-7:00 PM, the event is open to everyone but make sure to grab a ticket! 

🎅 Societies - winter socials & meetups 

If you’re part of a society, keep an eye on your group chats and socials. This time of the year is packed with Christmas dinners, themed socials, ice skating meetups, movie nights and end of term celebrations. Many societies host relaxed, budget-friendly events to help everyone unwind before the break, so it’s a great time to get involved or try something new. 

Festive atmosphere and seasonal spots 

Across the city, you’ll find plenty of places getting into the festive mood, from decorated streets and small seasonal stalls to waterfront areas lit up for winter evenings. 

Whether you’re staying in, heading out or celebrating with friends, we hope this winter brings you warmth, fun and a well-deserved break. Here’s to a restful end to 2025 and a bright start to 2026.