the christmas guide
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International Student Support presents...
The Christmas Guide
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“Season’s greetings” from International Student Support!
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International Student Support Christmas Events
Christmas ‘Crafternoon’ (FF, FE, AF)
Thursday 15 December, 15:00-17:00, Meeting House
Join the International Student Support team for a fabulous Christmas Crafternoon, and meet some of the other students who
will also be staying on campus over Christmas. We will be providing delicious British festive sweet treats and drinks to get eve-
ryone into the Christmas spirit, plus there will be a prize for the prettiest creations! See page 6 for more information
International Christmas Food Party (FF, FE, AF)
Wednesday 7 December, 18:00 - 21:00, Northfield Social Space
International Student Support, The Buddy Scheme & The International Students’ Society are coming together to throw an In-
ternational Christmas Food Party! Bring a festive/celebratory dish from your home country to share, and bring something to
donate to our local food bank being run by the Salvation Army. See page 6 for more information.
Staying on campus over Christmas vacation? International Student Support are running two fantastic events which we think
will get you all in the festive mood! All welcome.
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Christmas events and activities on campus
Show Choir Christmas Fundraiser (FE)
Thursday 1 December, 19:00 - 22:00, East Slope
University of Sussex Show Choir are back at East Slope Bar, with a special, one-off Christmas-themed perfor-
mance. Come and join them in our first event of December as they get to work raising money for Survivors'
Network - and putting on a great show for you to enjoy! See the Facebook event here.
Big Band Christmas Concert (FE)
Friday 2 December, 20:00 - 23:00, East Slope
For one night only Sussex Universities Big Band take to the stage at East Slope Bar to get you in the festive
spirit. Sit back with a glass of mulled cider and spend an evening enjoying all your favourite Christmas tunes,
Big Band style! See the Facebook event here.
End-of-Term Saturday School Disco (FE)
Saturday 3 December, 20:00 - 02:00, East Slope
Want to celebrate the end of your first term at uni with cheap drinks and all your favourite cheesy mu-
sic? Then head down to East Slope Bar on your last Saturday of 2016 on campus for a classic school
disco party! (Dress up is encouraged, but not essential). See the Facebook event here.
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Carols by Candlelight (FE, FF)
Sunday 4 December, 16:30- 19:00, Meeting House
The Meeting House will be hosting Carols by Candlelight. Mince pies and Mulled wine will be served from 16:30. The
Service which will include carols and festive readings, will start at 18:00. If you’d like to know more about what Christ-
mas carols are , or if you’ve never tasted mince pies or mulled wine, you can find a handy explanation at the end of
this guide!
Christmas Craft & Food Market (FE, FF)
Tuesday 6 December, 11:00-16:00, Falmer Quad
Need to buy some last minute Christmas gifts? Fancy trying some mulled wine and mince pies? Wander down to Falmer
House for the Christmas Market before heading over to Library Square whilst the Christmas Tree lights get switched on.
Sunday Funday Christmas Quiz
Sunday 4 December, 21:00– 00:00, East Slope
It's time to pack the bags, grab a slopebite and bid farewell to your first-term with East Slope Bar; come and get in-
volved in our one-off Christmas celebrations, which include music and picture rounds from our favourite Sunday Fun-
day events, a raffle of prizes, warm mulled cider - and even a bit of Xmas Karaoke!! See the Facebook event here.
Open Mic Christmas Special
Monday 5 December, 16:30- 19:00, East Slope
Got any musical talents or just like watching people who have? Everyone is welcome! Whether you're a guitarist, poet,
singer, pianist, saxophonist, beatboxer, or just want to hang out to some sweet tunes, then this is the event for you.
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International Student Support Christmas Crafternoon (FE, FF, AF)
Thursday 15 December, 15:00-17:00, Meeting House
Join the International Student Support team for a fabulous Christmas Crafternoon. Show off your Christmas-
themed craft skills by making Christmas cards and trying your hand at origami. Meet some of the other stu-
dents who will also be staying on campus over Christmas. We will be providing delicious British festive sweet
treats and drinks to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Illuminating the Christmas Tree (FE, FF)
Tuesday 6 December 16:00-17:00, Library Square
After the Christmas Market, join other Sussex students and staff for Christmas festivities – all are welcome to
celebrate in Library Square and the Meeting House, with mince pies, mulled wine, and carols festive songs from
the University Big Band and the Show Choir.
Ukulele Society Christmas Fundraiser (FE)
Thursday 8 December, 18:00 - 23:00, East Slope
Join the Ukulele Society for a fun filled evening of music and help them raise
some funds.
International Christmas Food Party (FE but must bring a dish!)
Wednesday 7 December, 18:00 - 21:00, Northfield Social Space
International Student Support, The Buddy Scheme & The International Students’ Society are coming together to
throw an International Christmas Food Party! Bring a festive/celebratory dish from your
home country to share, and bring something to donate to our local food bank: ...
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Family friendly activities
Christmas Stocking Workshop (FE, FF, AF)
Tuesday 20 December 2016, 11:00-12:00, The Hive (Hove)
Design and make your own Christmas stocking with all the
colours and sparkle of the season in our festive workshop.
The workshop involves no sewing and is aimed at age 5+.
Adults welcome to join in, book 1 ticket per stocking. Book
online here.
Panto - ‘The Magic Castle’ (FF, AF)
Thursday 22 December 2016, 10:00 - 13:00, tickets costs £10
per child, each child can bring 2 adults free
Panto - The Magic Castle, is a traditional pantomime (see
page 20 of this guide) especially designed for young children
held in the Westows indoor softplay area. The children are
welcome to get up and move around/use play equipment
whilst performance is underway. Click here for more infor-
Meet Father Christmas at Preston Manor (FE, FF, AF)
17, 18, 20, 21, 22 December 2016, 10:00 - 17:00, Preston
Manor, £8.50 per child, Preston Manor admission fees apply.
Price includes gift.
Experience the magic of Christmas as Lady Ellen’s sumptuous
Drawing Room is transformed by the presence of Father
Christmas. Come and see the work of his helpful Elf who has
been busy decorating the Christmas Tree and the room with
garlands and Victorian-style decorations and finally wrap-
ping the gifts for all the children who come to visit. Book in
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Christmas Lunch (FE, FF)
Friday 23 December 2016, arrive at 11.30am for a 12 Midday Start, Falmer House
For Sussex students and their families who will be staying in Brighton over the Christmas vacation, a 3 course traditional Christmas
Lunch will be served at Falmer House. Our festive meal includes crackers, drinks and entertainment. .Every adult who attends the
event will receive a “Christmas Tea” Goodie Bag filled with an array of delicious items to feast on over the Christmas Season. Plus
every child will receive a Christmas present.
There is no charge, but booking in advance is essential. Numbers are limited and tickets are first come
first served so please do not miss out as last year all tickets were collected within 3 weeks and many
were left disappointed.
Bookings for the Christmas Lunch should be made before 12 Midday on Friday 16 December to Ja-
nine Thorogood email [email protected] indicating any special dietary requirements and
the name, age of children who will be coming along. Tickets should be collected no later than 2pm on Friday 16th December.
Christmas Day Celebration (FE, FF, AF)
Sunday 25 December 2016, 13:00—15:00, Meeting House
The Meeting House will be open from 1pm until 3pm for students to come together for a Christmas Day
celebration. This will be an opportunity to gather, Celebrate and connect with other students on this spe-
cial day.
We are extremely grateful to the University’s Chaplains Robin Selmes & Andrew Jackson and the chaplaincy team and their helpers
who will be hosting the two events above which are funded by the University’s community Social fund and International Student
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Transport services over Christmas and New Year
If this will be your first experience of being in the UK at Christmas time, you may be surprised to see that many of the
services that you can easily access during the rest of the year are reduced or completely unavailable at certain times
during the Christmas and New Year period. Most businesses in the UK (including shops and supermarkets) are closed
on Christmas Day (25 December), and many are also closed on Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 Jan-
uary).
Public transport services are also likely to be affected during the Christmas and New Year period. Brighton & Hove
buses will be operating as follows:
Further details of local bus services during the vacation are available at www.buses.co.uk or 01273
886200
Saturday 24 December - Saturday service on all routes, with early finish on all services from approximately
10pm. Many night buses will NOT run.
Sunday 25 December - No service.
Monday 26 December - Boxing Day special timetable on many routes. Many night buses will NOT run.
Tuesday 27 December - Sunday service on all routes.
Wednesday 28 December, Thursday 29 December and Friday 30 December - Saturday service on all routes. Ex-
cept routes 77, 78, 79, N22 and N29 will not operate and buses on route 5A will stop at Hove Polyclinic today.
Saturday 31 December - Saturday service on all routes. All Night buses will operate as normal.
Sunday 1 January - Sunday service on all routes.
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Train and coach services across the UK may also be affected, so if you intend to travel to other parts of the
UK by public transport during the vacation, please check the following for information before you travel:
National Rail Enquiries for train travel see here or call 03457 484950
National Express for coach travel: www.nationalexpress.com or 08717 818181
You can also get information about local and national train and coach travel at the 1 Stop Travel shop at 26 North Street, Brighton
BN1 1EB.
Southern Railway currently expect strikes over the Christmas and New Year period. For up to date information about these strikes,
check online here. Strikes are currently planned on the following dates:
Tuesday 6 December until Thursday 8 December
Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December
Friday 16 December
Thursday 22 December until Saturday 24 December
Saturday 31 December until Monday 2 January 2017
Monday 9 to Saturday 14 January
Train travel during the Christmas and New Year period is likely to be extremely difficult across the country, even if these strikes
are cancelled. It is important to plan any journeys carefully.
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International Student Support Office
Closed Friday 23 December - Monday 2 January. We reopen on
Tuesday 3 January 2017.
Outside of term time we are open 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-16:00
Campus Venues
East Slope: Closed Friday 9 December - Monday 2 January
Falmer Bar: Closed 22 December - Monday 2 January
Room 76: Closed 9 December - Monday 2 January
Students’ Union Reception
Closed Monday 12 December - Monday 30 January
Coop
Closed Sunday 25 - Monday 26 December 2016 & Sunday 1 Jan-
uary 2017
Saturday 24 December 2016 - 02 January 2017 (subject to
change) 07:00 - 21:00
Sussex Student Lettings
Closed Friday 23 December - Monday 2 January
Pharmacy
23, 29 & 30 December 10:00 - 14:00
Closed Monday 26 & Tuesday 27 December
12 December 2016 - TBC 09:30 - 16:30
Union Shop
Friday 9 December - Monday 2 January 8am-6pm
(Closed on weekends).
Library
Friday 9 December - Monday 2 January open 09:00 -
19:00
Sport Centre
Closed Thursday 22 December 5pm - Tuesday 3 January
Falmer Sports Complex
Closed Thursday 22 December (early closure) - Tuesday 3
January
Excluding 28, 29, & 30 (open for gym use only)
University Service Closures
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Ice Skating at the Royal Pavilion Gardens (FE, FF, AF)
Every day from Saturday 5 November 2016– Sunday 15 January 2017
The return of the ice rink to the Royal Pavilion Gardens each year brings the Christmas spirit to the city. Ice Skating at
the beautifully lit Pavilion Gardens is an unforgettable festive experience, and you can also enjoy delicious food and
warming winter drinks at the rinkside bar and Kitchen. For more information, visit www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk.
Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park (FE, FF, AF)
Hyde Park, London, 10:00 – 22:00, Friday 18th November – Monday 2nd January, free entry
The big Christmas attraction in London’s Hyde Park is a great place to visit for a day out. Entrance is
free but tickets have to be bought for some of the attractions which include ice skating, ice sculpture
show, giant wheel and circus. For more information, visit: www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Beach Hut Advent Calendar (FE, FF, AF)
1 – 24 December 2015, 17:30-18:30, Hove Seafront
(Kingsway)
This is the eighth year of the world’s first beach hut advent
calendar. The iconic ice-cream coloured doors of the beach
huts lining the Hove esplanade take part in a live advent cal-
endar throughout the countdown to Christmas. A different
hut opens its doors on each evening of December, each
showcasing an artistic festive surprise.
Christmas Events/Activities in Brighton
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Christmas Burlesque Masked Ball
Various dates through December. See website for details, Brighton Music Hall
With twinkling fairy lights, seductive red drapes and hot real fires to welcome you, this year we really can guarantee you a white
Christmas as the snow falls inside our fully dressed venue. Admire the ‘expertease’ of the spectacular burlesque dancers. Then,
dance into eternity to the sounds of our finest live singer, followed by a superb DJ playing until 2am - this promises to be
the most deliciously decadent of nights. This is Brighton after all, so be reassured our girlesque and boylesque team will be ca-
tering for all tastes. For more information, click here.
Thursday Night - Christmas Pottery Party Night! (FE, FF)
Every Thursday until 22 December, 18:30 - 22:00, Painting Pottery Cafe
Come along to Christmas Pottery Party Nights! Open until 10pm every
Thursday up until Christmas, perfect for your work party or a group of
friends. It’s BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) with festive nibbles provided for
group bookings. For more information, click here
(FF) The Big Christmas Singalong
Tuesday 20 December 2016, 19:00, Brighton Dome, £12
Brighton Dome will be filled with festive cheer in one of the
musical highlights of the yuletide season! The ‘Choir with
No Name’, a charity that runs choirs for homeless and mar-
ginalised people, bring their two London choirs to Brighton
for this special one-off event. From ‘Fairytale of New
York’ to ‘Rockin' Robin’, join in with all your Christmas fa-
vourites and be part of a unique, feel-good event that’s
sure to get your bells jingling. Proceeds from the evening
will benefit the Choir with No Name and Brighton Housing
Trust. For more information, click here.
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Christmas Artists Open Houses (FE, FF, AF)
(Weekends) Saturday 26 November - Sunday 11 December, various locations, free entry
The Artists Open House provides a unique experience for visitors, where you can view an array of work from the contemporary
and original local artists and makers in their homes, as well as meeting the artists and buying artwork and crafts directly from
them. The Artists Open Houses Christmas festival offers a wealth of wonderful things for you to view, experience and buy this
Christmas. For more information, visit www.aoh.org.uk.
Tempest Christmas Market & Santa’s Grotto (FF)
Saturday 10 December, 11:00-18:00, The Tempest Inn, 159-161 Kings
Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 1NB
Brighton beach’s best Christmas market is back! Head down for some
delicious mulled wine, festive gifts, food and drink, jewellery, home-
ware, toys, clothing and decorations. Everything you could need for the
perfect Christmas! Bring the kids along to meet Santa, receive a gift
and take a photo with him. See the Facebook event here.
Sussex Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert (FF, AF)
Sunday 6 December at 17:00, All Saints Church, Hove. Tickets £10 with NUS card
The Sussex Symphony Orchestra has been bringing live music to audiences for over 20 years. Join in this festive Christmas Con-
cert where they play Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite, P. Lane’s Wassail Dances, BBC’s Alistair Appleton Narrating The Night be-
fore Christmas. For more information, click here.
Burning of the Clocks Parade (FE, FF, AF)
Wednesday 21 December, 18:30, free entry
The annual ‘Burning of the Clocks’ parade is a celebration of the Winter
Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The city streets are lit up by a
procession of beautiful lanterns making its way through the city centre
to Brighton beach for a bonfire, live music and fireworks! For more in-
formation, click here. Check out our Facebook page for info about our FREE lantern making workshop where you will also
get a wristband for the parade.
International Student Support & Housing Services are putting on some
lantern making workshops on Friday 16th December 2pm-4pm & Monday
19th December 10am-12pm.. See our Facebook Page for more info.
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The Fairy Tale Fair - Christmas Craft Fair (FF, AF)
Sunday 11 December, 11:00-16:00
The Fairy Tale Fair is a whimsical themed craft fair in
Brighton. Handmade crafts, jewellery, Christmas gifts,
stocking fillers, live singers, cafes and treats, face
painting & more. For more information, click here.
Brighton Dome Christmas Open Day (FE, FF, AF)
Saturday 3 December, 11:00—16:00, Brighton Dome
Let the festivities commence! Join us for a feast of family
friendly Christmas cheer inspired by Alice’s Adventures in
Wonderland. Dust off your finest Christmas jumper for the
ultimate festive photo opportunity, plus there’ll be craft
activities for our youngest visitors. For more information,
click here.
Etsy Christmas Market (FE, FF, AF)
Saturday 3 December, 11:00-17:00, Corn Exchange
The annual Brighton Etsy Christmas market is an oppor-
tunity to shop local and independent, promoting the
value of handmade and connecting the customer with
the maker. Whoever you’re looking to buy for and what-
ever you’re looking to find you’re sure to discover it;
from homewares and jewellery to skincare and art, the
fair will be bursting with stylish, contemporary gifts. For
more information, click here.
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New Years Eve events and activities in Brighton
Krater Comedy Club NYE Special
Saturday 31 December, Komedia, 19:00, Tickets from £35
Laugh yourself into 2017 with the funniest night out in Brighton. Eat, drink, watch four top stand-up comedians
and laugh!
Fireworks (FE, FF, AF)
Saturday 31 December, Brighton Seafront
Head over to the seafront to watch the series of fireworks displays as thou-
sands come together to celebrate the new year. There will be synchronised
displays at various points along the seafront, from the marina to Hove.
Right: photograph by Sussex student David Fabbiocchi
New Years’ Eve Parties
Saturday 31 December, Various Locations
Almost every venue in Brighton will be holding a New Years’ Eve celebration, so pop into your favourite bar/
club/restaurant and ask if they’re planning an event. Lots of events will be ticketed so try to check in advance.
Keep an eye on the Visit Brighton website for more events as it gets closer to these celebrations.
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Many of you will decide to travel home over the Christmas vacation, whilst many others of you might decide to make the most of the Christmas vacation
by travelling abroad for fun. If you are intending on leaving the UK at all over the festive season, then please check the advice about travelling abroad on
the International Student Support webpages. You should take particular care to look after your documents - passport and BRP (Biometrics Residence
Permit) if you have one - as these are expensive to replace, and could delay your entry back into the UK.
No matter where you travel, keep these basic tips in mind:
√ Communication
Stay in touch. Inform family, friends of any travel plans, and any changes of your itinerary. Ensure that your contact details are up-to-date on Sus-
sex Direct, and make sure you include your mobile phone number so that we can contact you in any emergency. Have alternate ways of sending and
receiving messages (e.g., e-mail, mobile phone, SMS, Facebook, etc.).
√ Your safety
Keep your head up! Walk with confidence, checking your map and phone discretely. When you focus on your mobile phone or wear head
phones, you will be less aware of your environment and put yourself at risk. Mobile phone theft is one of the most frequent crimes world-wide.
Protect your personal information. Do not reveal personal matters (such as where you live, study, family members, e-mail address, phone numbers,
or your travel plans) to anyone you don’t know and trust. Be friendly but cautious.
Be discreet on social media about yourself and your plans.
Learn about local laws and customs, and be aware of cultural differences. While traveling, you are subject to the local laws and it's very important
to know what's legal and what's not.
Avoid civil disturbances or demonstrations of any kind, as they can turn violent without warning. Understand the risks of attending large public
gatherings. Choose public activities carefully.
Avoid carrying cash and use major credit cards instead (but make sure they are accepted at your destination before departing on your trip). It is a
good idea to notify your card company that you are going to be travelling so that when they see transactions from abroad, they don’t assume the
card is stolen and place a block on it.
Travelling Abroad? Here are some tips for keeping safe