Xiaohongshu
Third-year Nutrition student Ashley Hou shares how she makes campus feel like home during the colder months.
The clocks have gone back, it’s dark before 17:00, and the Welcome Week buzz has worn off. If uni feels a little less shiny right now, you’re not alone. It’s completely normal, especially if this is your first autumn away from home or in the UK.
As an international student myself, I completely understand it. My first autumn here was tough. The days felt short, the weather was grey, and I was far more homesick than I expected. Over time, though, I found a few small habits that made a big difference. Here are five things I do to make campus feel like home when the weather gets colder.
Find your favourite study spot
Having a regular place to study gives your week an anchor. When everything else still feels new, it’s comforting to have somewhere familiar, where you know the best seat, the noise level and where to grab a coffee.
My personal favourite is Honest Greens in Soho, a short walk from campus. It’s a restaurant serving fast, affordable and healthy food. Not only does the food taste amazing, but the interior is so cosy that it’s the perfect place to settle in for a few hours and lock in.
If you’d rather stay on campus, UCL has loads of great options:
- Main Library: The classic choice, with a beautiful, traditional feel for focused, quiet study.
- Student Centre: Modern, bright and opens 24/7, which is great for group work or long study sessions.
- IOE Library: A good alternative when the main libraries are busy.
I’d also recommend having a backup spot. During deadline season, your favourite seat won’t always be free and knowing where to go next saves a lot of wandering around in the cold.
Take a walk around Bloomsbury
Daylight is limited at this time of year, so every bit of sunlight counts. Even a 15-minute walk between lectures can help you reset, clear your head and make the most of the light while it lasts.
For a shorter walk, head to one of the garden squares near UCL, like Gordon Square, Tavistock Square or Russell Square. They’re all just a few minutes from main campus and look especially lovely when the leaves change colour.
If you have more time at the weekend, Regent’s Park is about a 20-minute walk away and perfect for a longer stroll. Or head to King’s Cross, where Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard have food vendors and stalls at the weekend. I love treating myself to something sweet or a coffee there, then walking along Regent’s Canal.
The best part? The walks are completely free, and you don’t need to sign up for anything.
Have one thing in your week that’s always there
Having something to look forward to during the darker months is so important. Whether it’s a workout class, or a chill social, a regular commitment gives your week some structure and keeps you motivated when the evenings draw in.
Personally, I joined Jazz Choir last year and went every Tuesday. It was one of the most fun things I’ve ever done. It gave me something to look forward to midweek and a chance to meet people outside my course.
At UCL, there are over 400 clubs and societies to choose from, so there really is something for everyone. Many still welcome new members after Welcome Week, so don’t worry if you haven’t joined one yet. It’s not too late! Browse the Clubs and Societies directory or try a Project Active session to find your thing.
Celebrate the season’s festivals
One of the best things about being at UCL is how many festivals we get to celebrate in autumn and winter, not just one. Over the coming months there’s Bonfire Night (5 November), Diwali (8 November), Hanukkah (from 4 December), Christmas and more.
This is a great time to gather your friends and celebrate together, whether it’s your tradition or someone else’s. Check out what cultural and faith societies have planned. Many of their events are open to everyone, which makes them a great way to try something new!
Know who to talk to when it gets a bit much
It’s completely normal to feel a bit low and homesick during the darker, colder months. Small things can help, like getting outside in daylight, calling home or spending time with friends. But if things start to feel like too much, you don’t have to deal with it alone. UCL Student Support and Wellbeing offers free and confidential support to all students. There is always support for everyone at UCL.
Campus doesn’t feel like home on day one, and that’s okay. For me, it happened slowly: a favourite study spot here, a weekly rehearsal there, a winter walk through Bloomsbury when the light was just right. As the days get shorter, pick one small thing from this list and try it this week.