That’s enough of that Bublé man… We’re more Mariah Carey in the #HoHoHost office!

Anyway, heading back to the parents’ house for Christmas? Then you’ll need to start thinking about leaving your Host student accommodation. To make it easier for you here are some ideas to make it a little less of an ordeal.

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Get that train / coach / sleigh booked.

If you haven’t sorted your transport home already, get it done sharpish! Especially if you’re travelling by train as the earlier you book the cheaper it is. It’s the same for National Express and Megabus, but more so with the train as pre-booking should allow you to book a seat. Just try and be flexible and avoid peak times to save some serious £££’s.

It’s too late for Christmas but for the Easter holidays, did you know you can save up to 40% of the rail fare by booking 12 weeks in advance?

Image Source.

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Pack Light.

Yeah, we get the thought process – get mum to do the washing. But think of it, do you really want to be that person dragging a mahoosive suitcase through the railway or coach station? And then having to get it on one of those tiny luggage racks that were made to fit a Tesco bag for life?

Just pack light, only take the essential (clean) clothing home with you, just think you’re flying with Ryanair!

After all, you’ll want space in the case for that Lynx Africa Gift set and all that new underwear that’s waiting under the tree for you.

https://www.facebook.com/uniladmag/videos/2500434119979632/

And to help with packing light…

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…Get the Amazon Elf to do your shopping.

Do most of your Christmas shopping online, loads of independent retailers are online so don’t just think of the Amazon’s of this world.

Get it delivered to the parents’ house and you’ll save yourself a whole lot of time, effort and stress! Let’s face it who wants to be trawling the Highstreet in the cold and wet when its full of Christmas zombies, hopping from the 3 for 2 offers in Boots to the 40-day long queue to get into Pandora?

Get it done early and check the last posting dates to make sure its there in time for Santa.

Also, and here’s a life lesson, make a note of everything you’ve bought. Aww, and if you do get the presents gift wrapped, make sure you complete the gift card, so you know who it’s for.

If you have hit the city centre for a bit of Christmas shopping, maybe checking out the Christmas Markets, don’t forget to pack them and take them with you! ‘Aww sorry gran I left it in uni’ – isn’t going to be a smart move on Christmas day!

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He’s making a list and checking it twice.

Find your inner Santa and make a list of everything you’re taking home with you. This will help when it comes to packing your case, not just when you leave for home but also when you’re heading back to your student accommodation. There’ll be nothing worse than when the train pulls out of the station and you think damn it, iPad!

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Get those assignments done.

If you have assignments due in the new year. Don’t leave it, get it done before you leave for home, who wants to be doing assignments while munching on Pringles and watching Home Alone?

Getting ahead of yourself means you can fully switch off from uni, relax and enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

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Take down the Christmas Tree and empty the Fridge.

We love it when our residents decorate their rooms and flats for Christmas, (make sure to tag us @hoststudentsuk and #HoHoHost on Instagram), but as scrooge-like as it may sound, take them down before you head home. You really don’t want to walk back in your flat and room after a torturous train or coach ride to find a Santa and Christmas tree staring back at you.

And please empty your fridge before you go. Can you imagine the smell if you don’t and come back in January to a fridge full of mouldy food?

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Phone, Wallet, Keys…  

Adam Sandler 100% Fresh on Netflix.

As you head out of your beautifully clean and de-Christmas-ised, student accommodation. Make sure you do the triple pocket tap of Phone, Wallet, Keys.

Just double-check you have those essentials with you including the train/coach tickets.

And finally, get home safe, relax and eat way too much!

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Staying with us over Christmas? Keep a look out for our staying in Halls for Christmas blog.