The University and Students’ Union wanted to ensure these students were supported and that loneliness was avoided with a programme of fun and engaging activities both online and in person called Loughborough Festivities, in line with COVID-19 regulations at the time.

A schedule of events was provided each day over the break on the Loughborough Festivities webpage and included online exercise classes, creative workshops, film nights and a scavenger hunt.

The Vice-Chancellor also hosted a series of COVID secure events for students including a quiz, a bingo night, a fancy dress competition and Santa’s grotto.

Hot meals were provided every day and were free over Christmas and New Year. On 25 December, a full Christmas dinner was provided, with the Vice-Chancellor dishing out the plates.

A team of student ambassadors also acted as peer buddies so students had someone they could turn to if they needed additional support or someone to chat to.

Leah Langley, who is in her final year of studying Sport and Exercise Psychology, was one of approximately 400 students who stayed in Loughborough over the festive break. She chose to stay as members of her family have medical conditions and she did not want to risk making them ill if she caught coronavirus. She said: “It was a very unusual experience, but it was nice to know that I hadn’t been forgotten about by the University. The support available made a huge difference.”

Claire Fletcher, Events Officer added: “Staff from across the University and students from our International Student Network gave their time to host to add structure and support to students’ days so they didn’t feel so isolated or alone being away from family and friends when they usually would be together. On Christmas Day students were given a small gift to open which included a mindfulness colouring book from LU Arts and a Purple Basil Grow Pot from The Crop Club, a past member organisation of The Studio here at the University.”