Usually approximately 140 students remain on campus during the festive period however, due to the pandemic there are likely to be around 350 students staying on campus, with more in Loughborough town itself.

The activities, ranging from exercise classes and online creative workshops by LU Arts to film nights and daily challenges, aim to support students who may be feeling isolated away from their loved ones.

LSU volunteers are also aiming to facilitate a community spirit with events and communication platforms to ensure students can look out for each other over the holidays.

LSU Action are also still running their Soup Kitchens every Sunday over the holidays if you would like to volunteer to help serve the community food and drink. You can join this group for more information.

Food will continue to be provided for students throughout the holidays at Towers dining hall. Brunch will be served between 11.30am-1pm and dinner between 4.45pm-6pm. A main meal, drink and dessert is £5.50 or £4.50 for just a main meal.

On the following days meals will be free but you must pre-book:

Pre-book by 22 December for:

• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

Pre-book by 29 December:

• New Year’s Eve
• New Year’s Day

Keep a close eye on the schedule as new activities are being added in the run-up to Christmas. The Vice-Chancellor will also be joining us for some of the festivities and he has a few surprises in store for students.

LSU’s Welfare and Diversity Executive Officer, Alex Marlowe, added: “The festive holidays may be seen as a time for students to return home and be with family and loved ones. For some students, whether they are from our East Midlands campus, our London campus, or are members of Loughborough College, this is not possible.

“Whatever the reason, it is important that these students have access to support, community, friendship and entertainment in what can be a difficult time. 

“We hope that students make use of some or all of the things that have been put together, or if not, that they know that they always have options. Whatever the reason for staying with us, you are part of a community, and are part of the Loughborough community, and we are here for you. 

“Our campaign begins today, but if you have any specific questions please drop me an email at: welfareeo@lsu.co.uk and I will get back to you.”

A full schedule of events is available on the website and you can stay up to date on all activities on the Facebook page.