The six seasonal events you can’t miss around campus this winter

It’s that time of year again: the days are getting shorter, seasonal depression is kicking in, and the assignments are rapidly piling up.

The combination of all of these factors put together is enough for you to be in desperate need of a pick me up, and who can blame you? Here is a guide to the best seasonal events and activities happening on and around campus this winter.

(Take a shot every time I mention Christmas, I dare you.)

Somerset House Ice Skating Rink

If you missed your call to star on this year’s series of Dancing on Ice, then this one is for you.

Somerset House being just a stone’s throw away from Strand Campus is a Christmas blessing in disguise. What better way to fill the gap between your next seminar or lecture than by showing off your moves on the rink?

However, if like me, skating is not your thing (and you’re too embarrassed to use a penguin), there’s still plenty of food options and festive music to get you into the spirit, with a DJ playing Christmas hits all evening – do make sure you mentally prepare to hear Mariah Carey being played on repeat.

The rink is a great place for an Instagram photo shoot with the gigantic Christmas tree being a perfect backdrop for your feed, and it’s open now until the 12^th of January.

Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland

An all-time classic. You just can’t go wrong with this option, and it really has something for everyone.

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Despite the common misconception that Winter Wonderland is expensive, there are plenty of ways to go on a student budget. If you go off peak then you don’t have to pay an entry fee, and will have more to spend on activities!

Winter Wonderland opens this week, from 21^st November to the fifth of January.

Christmas Lights

With it now being dark by 4pm, there’s no better way to soak in the festive atmosphere than taking a walk around London and admiring the Christmas light displays.

Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and more all now have Christmas lights brightening up their streets. Alexa, play Blinding Lights by The Weeknd.

Christmas Carol Service at Strand Campus

Live out your ‘Home Alone’ dreams by attending a candlelit service of Christmas Carols sung by the Choir of King’s College.

The Carol Service is non-ticketed and takes place from 5:30-6:30 pm on the 10^th December in the College Chapel, so it’s best to get there early as it’s guaranteed to be a popular event.

Visit a Christmas Market

Looking for the best place to spend your maintenance loan on an overpriced hot chocolate? Just a short walk from Waterloo and Strand Campus you’ll find Southbank Centre and Leicester Square’s very own Christmas markets.

With stalls selling anything from Christmas decorations to food, you can beat the winter blues by swapping your daily meal deal for festive market food.

Southbank Centre’s Christmas market is open until the 26^th December, and Leicester Square’s Market runs all the way until the fifth of January.

Visit a café

If your SFE is looking rather depleted, and you’re already counting down the days until you will be paid again, then this option is the perfect way to get into the festive spirit (without causing an overdraft).

Places like Greggs, Caffé Nero, and Pret are all around campus, and offer great seasonal food and drinks menus. Plus, if you’re on O2 or Virgin Media, then you can take advantage of your customer-status by getting one festive drink or treat each month for just £1. You’re welcome in advance.