News flash! Low cost Christmas present ideas
Just because you’re strapped for cash this Christmas, it doesn’t mean you can’t show your loved ones how much you care. Check out some of our favourite DIY low cost Christmas gift ideas...
LOVE LIVING WITH HOST? Rebook for September 2025
Feel like there’s so much to do and so little time? We’ve all been there. But as you plough through the never-ending revision and exams in your final term of university, it’s important to remain focused. In doing so, you’ll gain the grades you’ve worked hard for and achieve what you set out to.
And whether you’re graduating this year or just finishing for summer before returning to study in September, university is a very important time of your life. It’s a time you will look back over a lot in the years to come, and with that, it is the time you will probably have the most regrets if you don’t make the most of it now.
So, make a list of everything you want to do, see and achieve before you leave university, the city and your friends; and before it’s too late. Why not make a checklist and actually find a way to enjoy ticking off each one? You’ll thank yourself later for taking the time to do so. Don’t worry if you don’t do everything now, think of that lovely summer break you’ll soon have to make memories.
1. Join that society that you always wanted to try but never got round to going to; even if you quit after a week, at least you can say you’ve tried it.
2. It might seem like a chore to attend, but make sure you book regular meetings with your tutor. This is so you can discuss everything from your course and exams, to future opportunities. Listen to any words of wisdom they have to offer, as you never know when you might need to take their advice.
3. Do all the touristy things your uni town has to offer. If you’re in Birmingham for example, pay Cadbury World a visit, or shop ‘til you drop at the Bull Ring shopping centre – you may never live there again so make the most of having these places only a stone’s throw away from where you are living.
4. Pop into your university’s careers office. You’ve been putting it off for too long but now is the time to drop in and see what information is available. You won’t know whether it’ll be useful and worth visiting until you’ve been.
5. Go to as many lectures as you can. It might sound nerdy, but you’ll probably never get the opportunity again to attend so many interesting lectures, listen to guest speakers and enjoy interactive sessions available to you that are completely free and on your doorstep.
6. Don’t spend so much time in the library that you end up practically living there and look back on the final term negatively. You’re not going to fail just because you took a few nights off to enjoy yourself with your friends.
7. Having said that, it’s important to remain focused and work as hard as you can in lectures, classes and revision periods. But, without making yourself ill or miserable. The hard work will pay off and you can be truly proud of your commitment, as will we.
8. Save up and plan an epic summer holiday. You might not get the chance for such a long holiday again until you retire, so now’s your time! Believe us when we say make the most of these days. You’ll soon be wishing you were back in class when you’re sat day dreaming at your desk on a warm sunny day.
9. Find something unique about your uni and give it a go. Whether it’s a strange tradition or a completely bizarre party, it’s something that makes your uni different and special so you can dine out on those stories for years.
10. Truly appreciate living with your best friends. Most of you will head in different directions or move back to your family home, which is great, but you’ll probably miss the late night pizza parties and having a support system from your friends 24/7.
11. Make plans to stay in touch with everyone and stick to them. Don’t just follow them on Facebook, pick up the phone and call them every so often for the gossip! And don’t forget to pop in and say “Hello” to your Host team from time to time.
12. And finally, get involved with the final year celebrations! Whether it’s a summer ball or your graduation, it’s a pivotal moment that will stay with you forever. So, if you can go, make the effort to go and take loads of pictures so you have them to look back on in years to come.
If you’ve been living with us while at university, we hope you’ve had an enjoyable and hassle-free experience. And if you’re still looking for somewhere to live in September, why not stay with us? We have all-inclusive student accommodation available across the UK for you to call home. For more information about our accommodation, contact us.
To become more ‘environmentally friendly’, Host is launching the #HostEnvironmentalPledge campaign to encourage responsible behaviour and drive sustainability across our sites throughout the UK and Ireland.
It’s a simple campaign! For every percent we reduce our overall utilities (electric, water and gas) consumption by we donate to one of our nominated charities.
Show me all newsJust because you’re strapped for cash this Christmas, it doesn’t mean you can’t show your loved ones how much you care. Check out some of our favourite DIY low cost Christmas gift ideas...
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