The Christmas Vacation 2010–2011.

Your handy guide to staying in over the Christmas vacation www.ssd.dept.shef.ac.uk/christmas 2 3 Are you staying in Sheffield over the A sense of community during vacations Christmas vacation?

In the city of Sheffield there are over 8,000 International Students Research shows that people who feel The best way to stay connected is by from more than 120 different countries across the world who live connected to a sense of belonging joining the ‘Staying in Sheffield over experience greater wellbeing in all Christmas?’ Facebook group where alongside British students and local residents. During term-time areas of life, including in academic you can start conversations, join in the city buzzes with activity, however many of these students also work. This happens when people on events, and request to become stay in the city over the vacation period too. feel respected, valued and when they friends with those you meet at the can contribute in shaping the life group events. On the Facebook group This guide aims to provide information about the different of a community. This also happens you can also create your own events activities which are on offer to students who stay in Sheffield over when people are able to build such as meeting for coffee and invite the Christmas vacation. It also gives advice about how to stay healthy relationships and share others from the group to join you. connected to the University community over the holidays. their experiences. What events or activities would you like to organise this vacation? We hope that you will find this guide helpful and that you will get The project hopes to encourage a sense of community by supporting Be aware that while the group is involved in the activities on offer in order to make this vacation students in the transition from the monitored anyone may join, so be truly memorable! autumn term to the vacation period. careful about giving out personal By providing a varied programme of information or inviting people into social activities during December and your home unless you know them. January we hope to combat isolation and instead build community among Stay in touch Contents those living in Sheffield. We also On Facebook search for ‘Staying in hope to raise awareness about the Sheffield over Christmas?’ or visit Welcome and Introduction...... 2 Looking after yourself...... 10 International Student experience www.facebook.com/group.php Connecting to a sense of community Information for Student Families...... 11 across our Universities and encourage gid=160246847322817 ...... 3 students to take ownership in building Family-friendly ideas...... 12 community on and off campus. Check the website for up to date What to expect...... 4 Volunteering during vacation...... 14 advice and information about all our events Build your own Christmas...... 5 How to stay connected Competition...... 15 www.ssd.dept.shef.ac.uk/christmas With so many students staying in Event programme...... 6–9 Sheffield over the vacation there is no Follow us on Twitter! need to spend the holidays on your http://twitter.com/stayinginshef own. As well as International Students, For all other questions email many British postgraduates will Sheffield Hallam or ? [email protected] be on campus during the vacation, Many of the events listed in the Events Programme are open to students of and local commuter students will both Universities. We would like to encourage students from both Universities also be nearby. If you are from one to mix and to take part in the project together! If an event is only open to of these student groups, you are also students from one University (e.g. IC World Cinema) this will be stated. invited to come along to all of the activities! 4 5 What to expect Build your own Christmas

The festive period is a busy time for Remember to buy enough food before In the UK many people spend Christmas Day preparing a special meal which most people in the UK, and it is often Christmas Day as many places will be is eaten around lunchtime. Some people go to a service in the morning and a time when people spend time with closed for a few days! Also, Monday reserve opening gifts until after coming home. Others play special games and their families or close friends and 27th and Tuesday 28th December are turn on the television to hear the Queen’s Speech at 3pm! In the evening people eat specially prepared meals and public holidays in the UK. watch festive films or sit around sharing stories. This year, why not get together exchange gifts. Many people celebrate with other students and build your own Christmas Day, adding your own rituals Most Museums and art galleries Christmas as a Christian festival, and traditions from your culture! will be closed on Christmas Eve, and local churches and Sheffield’s Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Cathedrals will be holding concerts Non-alcoholic spiced punch Year’s Day. With all public buildings and services across the season. It has Make your own gifts or cards it is best to call ahead, or visit their Place 1 pint Orange juice also become a cultural festival here in in a saucepan website to find out exactly when they Save money and get creative by making with 1 pint Apple juice, the UK with lots of parties, markets half a are open over the Christmas holidays. your own gifts! If there are a few of you, teaspoon of ginger and mixed spice and carol singing. Traditionally, the . why not try organising a ‘secret Santa’? Take an orange and push a few Christmas period is a time when There are around 83 public parks cloves This is where you all get given the name into the orange and place that in the people are encouraged to consider in Sheffield and they are great of another person in the group to buy mixture with a broken how they can share what they have spaces for children and adults to cinnamon stick. or make a gift for! You can agree to only Simmer over a low heat for 5 minutes and be more generous with people enjoy the winter weather (especially spend a few pounds or to all make a and serve! who are disadvantaged. However, it if it snows). Some parks have present instead of buying one. has also become a very commercial playgrounds, cafes, lakes and ponds. festival in the UK and the shops You can find out more about facilities, can get very busy around this time opening times and your nearest park Make your own traditional Christmas cracker! (especially Meadowhall!) at www.sheffield.gov.uk/out--about/ Christmas crackers were first invented by a British sweet shop owner called Tom parks-woodlands--countryside/parks Be aware that public transport may Smith in the 1840’s. They are a fun way to start or end a meal together and usually be affected during this time so it is The Peak District National Park is contain paper hats, jokes or small gifts! To learn how to make yours by hand visit best to check this before you travel. located on the edge of Sheffield and is the websites below: Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for the oldest national park in Britain. www.oldenglishcrackers.com/make-your-own-crackers.htm details about UK train travel or visit or Consider taking the Sheffield City www.travelsouthyorkshire.com for www.bbc.co.uk/victorianchristmas/activity/christmas-crackers.shtml Centre Tour which runs every information about local transport Tuesday (apart from 28th January), and ideas of places to visit during the 10–11:30am, from the Winter Garden vacation. Information Desk, for free. The tour is Gingerbread Christmas decorations What is open? led by the City Centre Ambassadors and includes an introduction to and 50g caster sugar. Most shops and public buildings Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 4 (160C) then mix 75g butter notable buildings and open spaces . , half a teaspoon bicarbonate of soda and 50g golden syrup such as Museums will be open every and stories and anecdotes of Add 2 egg yolks and a teaspoon ground ginger and ground cinnamon. Mix day except Christmas Day (25th memorable city centre events. Add 250g plain flour Dec) and New Years Day (1st Dec). it all together. Divide the mixture into 2 balls, knead the dough and put it in the fridge However, many shops will have for 30 minutes. Remove the dough after this time and roll it out using a rolling pin reduced opening hours on Christmas to a thickness of 1 cm. Using a cookie cutter, (or a knife!) cut out your gingerbread Eve (24th Dec), Boxing Day (26th shapes Make a small hole at the top for a ribbon to go through. Place them on a Dec) and New Years Eve (31st Dec). greased baking tray and cook for 10 minutes. Be careful not to leave them hanging on the tree too long as they will go stale! 6 7 Events Programme For more ideas and full listings of events taking place in Sheffield visit the website!

Launch Event Family-friendly trip to Sheffopoly Christmas Cinema Thursday 2nd December, Weston Park Museum Friday 10th December, 2pm, meet Monday 13th December, 5–8pm, 4–5.30pm, , Saturday 4th December, outside the Town Hall The Void cinema, Level 1, Owen Free 12.00–2pm, meet at Museum Building, Sheffield Hallam We are bringing Monopoly to life entrance University We will launch the Christmas Vacation so come along and get to know this Free Project with the opportunity to have wonderful city of Sheffield. In teams Join us as we watch a festive film at you will have to make your way afternoon tea with the Lord Mayor of Families and curious students alike Sheffield Hallam University! around Sheffield to set locations, Sheffield and get a special tour of the can join us on a group visit to Weston each location will be worth different Council Chambers. Come along for Park Museum to explore the world Tour of amounts, like on a Monopoly board. your chance to meet other students from millions of years ago to the A great way to meet new people and who are staying over Christmas! present day.’s amazing collection Saturday 18th December, 11am, explore the city! Please bring your of beautiful, varied and unusual meet outside Sheffield Cathedral camera or camera phone with you. Trip to Lincoln Christmas treasures will be brought to life. We The Dean of the Cathedral will take will end the day with a visit to the Market us behind the scenes of Sheffield café. For more information visit: Assist Carol Service Cathedral – one of the most historic Friday 3rd December, 10.25am, www.museums-sheffield.org.uk meet at train station Saturday 11th December, 3pm, and important buildings in the City. Cathedral Church of St Marie on Meet us to catch the train to Lincoln’s Tour of Norfolk Street, S1 2JB Folk Train traditional Christmas Market, where Football Stadium Every year Sheffield charity ASSIST Tuesday 21st December, 6.55pm, you can stroll around over 300 stalls Tuesday 14th December, 2pm selling Christmas foods and gifts, host an carol service with an meet at train station nestled with in the medieval square. A Free international feel to bring together Every fourth Tuesday of each month truly festive experience! A train ticket people who may be far from their own Join us for a free tour of one of the people gather on Platform 2C to catch will cost £15 (without a railcard) families. There is a collection to raise oldest football stadiums in the world the 19:14 folk train to Manchester! A and you may want to bring spending money for destitute asylum seekers and the home of Sheffield United FC traditional folk band will play as you money. who live in Sheffield. – Bramall Lane! The tour starts off in travel along the Hope Valley and there the museum which hosts the original Homeless and Rootless will be more live music at the Rambler Student Parent Coffee hand written rules of football and a pub in Edale until it is time to catch Morning replica of the F.A cup, continue into at Christmas: the 9.30 train back to Sheffield. An the dressing rooms, down the tunnel Volunteer Training experience of British culture ideal Saturday 4th December, Coffee and on to the pitch. An ideal photo Sunday 12th December, 1.30–2pm, for the festive season! A return train Revolution at Sheffield University opportunity! ticket is £6.80 (without a railcard) Student’s Union, 9.00–12.00pm meet at the Sports and Activities plus money to buy a drink at the pub. Free Zone at Sheffield Students’ Union

All students with families are invited Have you thought of volunteering to attend a coffee morning where you during the vacation? Receive essential can meet other parents. Children are training to volunteer at a day centre welcome too! Followed by a trip to for the homeless and vulnerable over Weston Park Museum. Christmas and New Year. 8 9

Sheffield Conversation Club Walk in the Peaks City Conversation Club International Student Weds 22nd December, 2–4pm, Monday 27th December, 11am, Friday 7th January, 4–6pm, Wellbeing II Coffee Revolution, Sheffield meet by the Town Hall Starbucks on Division Street Thursday 13th January, 2pm, University Students Union. Sheffield University Students Sheffield is thought of as the greenest An opportunity for students to get Come to Sheffield Union to take part City in Europe – come along and together for conversation in the City Union, Gallery in the Christmas Conversation Club! find out why! An experienced British Centre. Helen’s second session will explore Students from both Universities will student will lead you on a leisurely the ‘transitional’ experience of moving have the chance to get talking and walk to the edge of the Peak District. to the UK. The group will discuss the make new friendships. There will also Family-friendly Winter Wear flat shoes and you may want to different cultural expectations of be quizzes and games. Bring money to Stroll bring something to eat along the way. counselling and she will feedback on buy a coffee or piece of cake. There will be the option of getting the Saturday 8th January, 11am, Meet recent research into the International bus back, so bring along a few pounds at the entrance to Endcliffe Park student experience. Family-friendly Festive just in case. (next to Hunters Bar Roundabout). Drop-in There will also be some time to IC Conversation Club All are welcome to join this gentle answer brief questions of a general Thursday 23rd December, 2–4pm, wintery stroll through one of nature. The Chaplaincy House, 119 Ashdell Thursday 30th December, Sheffield’s finest parks, through the Road, S10 3DB 4–6pm, IC Café woods toward Forge Dam where (University of Sheffield students only) The University of Sheffield’s Anglican there is a playground, a café famed for its ice-cream and lots of local wildlife! Chaplain and his family will be having Whether you are hoping to catch up an open house for all students and with new friends or simply stopping student families. There will be tea, for a study break, come to the IC Café International Student cake and a Christmas tree too! and socialise with other University Wellbeing I of Sheffield students who are staying Tuesday 11th January, 11am, Christmas Day Lunch over the vacation! A good opportunity to make some last minute plans Sheffield University Students Saturday 25th December, 10am or together for New Years Eve. Union, Gallery 1pm, St Mark’s Church, Broomhill, S10 2SG, £2.50 Helen Richardson from the University IC World Cinema of Sheffield Counselling service All are welcome to St Mark’s Church Monday 3rd January, 3–7pm, IC will explain how counselling can on Christmas Day! will be families, Level 4 Group Rooms (University help International students. She individuals, International students and of Sheffield students only) will explore some of the issues Postgrads: all ages and all people. At experienced by International Students 1pm there will be a lavish traditional An opportunity for small groups to and give advice on how to optimise British roast with Christmas games watch a selection of films from across physical and emotional health so that and carol singing. are also welcome the globe. Feel free to bring your own all students can enjoy their study and to attend the Christmas Day service favourite films for the group to decide time in Sheffield. at 10am. To book your place for lunch email [email protected] on! Arrive early as spaces are limited. A tasty vegetarian option is also available! 10 11 Looking after yourself Information for Student Families

Deal with Loneliness Be a stress buster Introduction from Sheffield Family-friendly trip to Loneliness is normal for human beings Stress or anxiety is caused by a high Students’ Union Women’s Weston Park Museum so take the initiative to ring, text, email adrenalin level. Avoid caffeine if you Officer Saturday 4th December, 12–2pm, and skype friends and family in your feel stressed. It is present in coffee, tea I’m delighted to be able to introduce wider network. They will want to hear and fizzy drinks. Avoid lots of chocolate meet at Museum entrance the student families section of from you as much as you will want to or other very sugary foods as these Free the Christmas Vacation Guide. We hear from them. Do not avoid things cause blood sugars to peak and then recognise that student families make that make you feel challenged. The fall which makes stress worse. Do satisfaction at speaking to someone relaxation exercises and take physical up a large and valued section of our Family-friendly Festive even for a few minutes can give you a exercise as this has been proven to student community and the guide Drop-in and the website are here to show good feeling that lasts all day. reduce anxiety hormones. A common Thursday 23rd December, 2–4pm, way is to lie down and tense and relax you all the fun things on offer for Get outside each muscle group for a count of student families over the Christmas the Chaplaincy House, 119 Ashdell holidays. Look out for more student Road, S10 3DB At least once a day, make a plan to get eight at a time whilst breathing slowly. family events at Sheffield Students’ out in the outdoors, even if the sun Breathe out for twice as long as you Free is not shining (which it often isn’t in breathe in if you are feeling panicky as Union over the coming year 2011. You Britain at this time of year!). This is this rebalances your oxygen levels. will be able to find out more about these events, plus services and other Family-friendly Winter because it is good for the body and Stroll mind to get fresh air and to walk about. Share your worries with a information for student families on Mood chemicals also rise when the trusted person our website. Happy Holidays! Saturday 8th January, 11am, Meet sun hits your face and the best time in In Britain we say “a troubled shared is Rachel Steyne at the entrance to Endcliffe Park winter is about midday. a trouble halved” and this is very true University of Sheffield Students’ Union (next to Hunters Bar Roundabout) .You could speak to a friend , a tutor, a Women’s Officer Free Plan your day family member, a Chaplain or someone Not having the structure of University at the Counselling Service or Nightline. Activities Being listened to helps you feel valued, Children’s Services life can leave you at a loss. Check out The Christmas Vacation Project will everyone needs someone to talk to. activities taking place through the be running the following activities Pantomime Christmas Vacation Project, in places for families. Please note that you will of worship or locally. Ask other people Be your own best friend Tuesday 11th January, 2pm, be responsible for your child at all of to join you and ask them if you can Sheffield Union Auditorium, £2 Praise yourself for all the things that these events. do the same! Remember they are in are going well – it has been a busy term A professional theatre company are the same position as you. Plan at least full of work! . Don’t focus on negative putting on a Pantomime (a theatre one pleasurable thing and one thing things at the moment, save that for Student Parent Coffee that gives you a sense of achievement when you can speak to someone. Use Morning performance aimed at families) for all the night before so you don’t put it a journal to speak to yourself and care students with children aged between Saturday 4th December, Coffee off. Remember it is a vacation so don’t for yourself emotionally on the inside. 2 and 8 years old. The performance work all the time because too much This helps to come up with new ideas, Revolution at Sheffield University is of the children’s classic ’Cinders work stresses the mind and makes you relieves stress and helps you feel more Student’s Union, 9am–12pm and Buttons’. Tickets are available less productive. independent. It can also help you to Free from the University of Sheffield Union be much clearer and at ease with your Nursery. emotions and it is totally private. 12 13 Family-friendly events for Student Families

Here are some family-friendly activities taking place in Sheffield over the vacation. For full listings please visit the website and look on the Information for Families section. You can also visit www.eventsheffield.co.uk/browse/11/children-and-families Why not attend one of our organised activities and make plans with another family?

A Magical Christmas Christmas Wreath Making Heeley City Farm 10th–12th December, Sunday 19th December, 1–3pm, Open everyday, 9.30am–4.30pm 4.30–8.30pm, Botanical Gardens, Sheffield General Cemetery, Free Clarkehouse Road, S10 2LN. Cemetery Avenue, off Ecclesall £5 for adults, free for children. Road. Meet our friendly animals, play in our under 8’s Playground, enjoy our Farm Free Enjoy a magical evening and be Café serving healthy, farm-cooked entertained by illuminations, carol An afternoon of festive children’s meals, browse our peat-free Garden singing, free traditional children’s crafts with refreshments. Centre and our Gift Shop featuring rides, a miniature steam train rides local crafts. and fairies in the Glass Pavilions. Kelham Island Museum Various craft, hot food and Graves Park Animal Farm refreshment stalls will be available. Monday to Thursday and Sundays, 10am–4pm, Alma Street, S3 Open everyday, 9am–4pm Whatever Next! Free Free Graves Park Animal Farm provides a 15th December–8th January, The Discover Sheffield’s industrial popular home to some of the rarest Lyceum, Tudor Square, S1 2LA. heritage! The Museum is stacked breeds of farm animals in the country. full of objects and photographs to Visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk You can get up close and personal examine, touch and listen to. There for information about tickets. with Tamworth pigs; Highland cattle are also trails, coloring sheets and and Jacob sheep, plus goats, donkeys, Whatever Next is a performance children’s books, as well as puzzles waterfowl and many more which tells the story of Baby Bear’s and activities on steelmaking and life quest to visit the moon. It explores at home and an interactive play zone. There will also be activities for the wonders of outer space using children at local libraries or at Central juggling, puppetry and imagination! It Children’s Library in the City Centre. is suitable for children aged 3+. Students can register to borrow children’s books and CDs easily! Visit www.sheffield.gov.uk/libraries/find/ all/centralchildrens 14 15 Volunteering during Vacation

Have you thought about using your vacation to volunteer? Volunteering is a Homeless And Rootless at way for students to get involved in activities which have a positive influence in Christmas society. It is also a great opportunity for International students to experience British culture and see a side of Sheffield which is different from the University. 24th December–1st January, You can also get work experience, improve your English and build your 5 hours confidence all for free! Help out at a day centre in the SheffieldVolunteeringand Volunteering at Hallam Union have organised a City Centre which provides food, range of special ‘one-off’ volunteer opportunities which you can try out during entertainment and shelter for December and January. These activities will be posted on the website and are the homeless and vulnerable over a good way to try something for the first time. Why not have a go? Christmas and New Year. Volunteers All students who take part in volunteering during the vacation can receive a can do just one shift (5 hours) within special certificate! this period. You must attend training Student Competition! Voluntary Activities at Voluntary Activities at on Sunday 12th December to take part (see Events Programme) We would love to hear about the Hallam Union Sheffield Union experiences of students who Here are just a few of the activities Here are just a few of the activities Christmas on the Farm have stayed in Sheffield over the taking place for Sheffield Hallam taking place for Sheffield University vacation. On our website is a University students. For other students. If you would like to attend Saturday 11th December, Student Experiences Blog and we voluntary opportunities at Hallam please email 11am–3pm, Heeley City Farm. encourage all students to write a Union over the vacation visit: [email protected] short piece describing the highlights www.hallamunion.org/volunteering/ Inner city charity, Heeley City Farm and the challenges of your time need help to prepare and deliver a staying in Sheffield over Christmas. The Festive Wrap Christmas Gifts Appeal great day of Christmas entertainment The best blog piece will win a and to raise money. Duties will special prize! Tuesday 7th December, 5-8pm 1st–10th December include volunteering in Santa’s and Saturday 11th December, Brighten up Christmas for the local Grotto, distributing Christmas trees, 1–4pm, Activities Pod in the HUBS homeless, families fleeing domestic children’s crafts, singing carols and violence, refugees and asylum seekers serving Christmas food and drink. Feedback on your The Youth Action Team are preparing by preparing them a gift. On Friday a ‘Festive wrap’ to provide Christmas experiences 10th December from 1–3pm in the Carol Concert with gifts for local families and Sheffield’s This is the first time the Christmas Sports & Activities Zone you can wrap the Elderly homeless community. The selected Vacation Project has been run in your gift and drop it off! Pick up a charities this year are Bluebell Wood Sheffield and we would like to hear leaflet from the SheffieldVolunteering Wednesday 15th December, 1–4pm Children’s Hospice, who provide care from you about what worked well office for more information. and support for children with life Volunteer at a carol concert with local and what didn’t work so well. You limiting conditions, and Homeless and elderly people in Broomhill. You will can do this by filling in a feedback Rootless at Christmas (HARC), who be involved in setting up the concert form which will appear on the support the homeless community at room, welcoming guests, serving website in January or by attending Christmas time. We believe that these refreshments, chatting to the elderly one of a feedback session on projects have a really positive impact and listening to carols! Wednesday 19th January. on the City of Sheffield. Bring your gift along to wrap at the times listed above. About the Christmas Vacation Project Accommodation contracts, visa issues and the cost of travel home are all reasons why many students stay in Sheffield, and there is evidence to suggest that a number of students experience real isolation during this period. Through the Christmas Vacation Project, The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are proposing to work collaboratively to support transition from the academic session through the four weeks of the Christmas vacation. We hope that our collaboration will increase our capacity to support students who live in close proximity and to develop more fruitful partnerships with other organisations in the local community and in the city of Sheffield by working together. The Christmas Vacation Project is a pilot scheme for 2010–11 and is funded by the Prime Minister’s Initiative for International Education to support the International Student experience.