Need some motivation to get going this January? If so, you’re not alone!

As it can be a little tricky to get back into the swing of things after the break, here are our tips for starting the new term as you mean to go on…

Get spring cleaning

Ok, so it’s not quite spring yet – but clearing the space around you is the best way to start the new term with a fresh outlook. Make sure your workspace is tidy as this will stop you from procrastinating when your workload kicks in! If you decide to tackle your wardrobe, consider keeping any bits you no longer wear for our swap shop at the end of the month. Not only will you be able to get your hands on some fresh new garms, but you’ll also be saving the environment. 

Get rid of any old cables, broken headphones or old tablets you have lying around and drop them off at our reception desk. We've partnered with Genuine Solutions to help you ethically recycle your e-waste and help students at the same, as all profits made from selling tech on will go straight back into our hardship fund.

Having a clear out is also a great way to earn a bit of extra cash. List your unwanted books, furniture or whatever else on The Hanger Marketplace for other UCL students to buy.

Join the gym

With exercising more being the top UK resolution this year* it's clear we all know that getting active has a whole host of added benefits including doing wonders for your mental wellbeing. By boosting your dopamine levels and increasing your energy, working out at the gym is the perfect way to beat those January blues. And making time to work on your fitness has never been easier, with Bloomsbury Fitness sitting in the heart of the UCL campus. Better still, we have a real sense of campus community in our gym - you’ll be taking classes and working out alongside fellow UCL students.

Staying fit doesn’t have to break the bank, either – we’re offering a 6-month membership for just £119 this January. That's an instant £40 saving compared to paying monthly. Who said London gyms had to be expensive?

Get involved with our Welcome events

We’re hosting a range of events to welcome you back this term. From a trip to the theatre to the return of our much-loved vintage fair, we’ll make your return to UCL an entertaining one. Check out the full schedule.

Our bars are also keen to make sure January starts with a bang, and as well as hosting your regular favourites there's something special going on every Friday night in the upcoming weeks. Even better all events are free to attend for those (like us) on a budget this month:

Challenge yourself: take part in Veganuary or Dry January

If you’re looking for a simple way to look after both your health and the environment, why not have a go at Veganuary? The 31 day challenge invites people to cut out all animal products for the first month of the year. Sounds great, right? If you’re struggling to work out what you can eat, we’re here to help. Our cafes on campus (we're looking at you Gordon's, Print Room, Bloomsbury and GFC) are well-stocked with vegan goodies, and we’re always better value than the high street - you won’t find any overpriced smoothies in our spaces (just delicious ones)! We also offer plant milk in hot drinks as standard at no extra cost. Win win. 

If you don't know where to start then alumni Laura's blog post shows you some easy changes you can make. A special shout out to George Farha Café whose Grab and Go counter now only serves vegetarian and vegan options and we also can't wait to try the new Japanese Curry and Vege Gyoza options in the main café this term.

Or perhaps you'll be one of the many this year who made drinking less alcohol their New Years Resolution (it's one of the top 10 resolutions in the UK*). If this is you, then all the bars have a range of non-alcoholic options available so you can still enjoy a great night out. We'd recommend checking out the new Tequila Sunset on a Monday in Phineas or Huntley (where with a 2 for 1 deal you can throw yourself in to finding your new favourite) or one of the Institute's great mocktails any night of the week!

Vege Gyoza Curry now available in George Farha Café and Tequila Sunset mocktail available in Mully's and Phineas on Mondays.

Raise your voice - The Ultimate Bar Survey

You're not the only one who made resolutions this year! One of ours is to make sure our bars offer the best service and experience for you, this is why we want to hear from you in our Ultimate Bar Survey this January.

Whether you’re a regular in one of our bars or only visited for Welcome Week we want to hear from you so we can continue to improve our student bars and events for the future.

Share your feedback, and you'll be entered into our prize draw for your chance to win one of four £25 Hanger vouchers or a spot at a Cocktail (or Mocktail) Masterclass we'll be hosting at The Institute.

Aside from ours there's lots of causes you can get behind and support this year, read the volunteering section below if you want to contribute and lend your voice.

Find something fun that you enjoy

You might think it’s too late to join a club or society at this point in the academic year - but that’s absolutely not the case. Many societies also have discounted memberships for those joining mid-way through the year too. Check out the directory here and come along to a couple of our mini society fairs to find out more. Trust us, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the best way to stay motivated, and you’ll be able to meet loads of like-minded people at the same time. 

Offer your time to others… 

According to the experts, volunteering can boost your self confidence, self esteem and life satisfaction, so why not give it a go this month? Our New Year’s Volunteering Fair is taking place on Thursday 18 January and will serve as a good opportunity to speak to a range of organisations about the opportunities they have available and find something that fits around your schedule. Whether you’re a tech wiz looking to improve your skills or you want to work with animals, there's something for you.




* British New Year’s Resolution Statistics 2024, Forbes.com, December 2023.

Last updated 10 months ago Read time 6 mins