Each year, teams in the FD play a critical role in keeping campus operational during the Christmas period. Despite the disruptions brought about by the pandemic, Christmas operations on campus will continue to run like those in previous years.
Our Estates Operations staff will ensure campus buildings are maintained, heating will be switched off and all buildings will be flushed regularly to ensure water hygiene safety. Colleagues will also be on call to handle any emergencies during this period. The Security Services team will be present and on patrol around campus and accommodation 24/7 to support those students remaining in Leeds. If at any time you need to contact Security, all the key details you need can be found here.

Throughout the Christmas break Great Food at Leeds will continue to maintain a service to students in University-managed accommodation and to those students who are moving into their accommodation ahead of starting University in the second semester, working in partnership with the International Office. Catering teams will also continue to deliver isolation boxes to any student that might need it and will remain the first port of call for emergency food boxes.

For much of the break it will be business as usual for our residential sites, as staff continue to look after students staying in their accommodation. As ever, across our residences periodic cleans are being organised throughout communal areas such as flat kitchens. This is more important than ever this year as the team strive to give students an environment which is safe, pleasant and clean. There has been plenty of preparation by site staff to make sure that everything is ready for those students arriving over the break ahead of their courses starting in January. Residence staff have liaised with the International Student Office to ensure that all their rooms will be ready for them when they arrive, and to ensure that those who have to self-isolate on arrival in the UK will be able to receive food deliveries to make this period as easy as possible for them. The Residence Life team have been planning a series of events, both in person and virtual, including the Treat Yo’ Elf  Christmas stockings for residents who will be here after the end of term, and a series of virtual mixers to help residents stay in touch.

The Sustainability team have collated their favourite walks, climbs and cycling routes. These are all easy to follow with advice for students to encourage them to get outdoors and enjoy exploring the city and surrounding areas safely. If you’d like to try any of the routes yourself then take a look at the sustainability website. 

Our facilities at the Edge and the Refectory will remain open. The Edge will re-open from the 14 December on restricted opening hours and will offer members a full time table of activities including swim sessions, climbing sessions, online fitness classes and walks. The 12 days of Winter Wellbeing Christmas Advent calendar has also been launched. The calendar offers some great daily ideas to provide a boost to physical and mental health.The Refectory will also remain open on 21,22,23rd 10am-2pm to ensure fresh hot food is available to students still on campus, as well as this, Caffe Nero at Laidlaw will also be open over the break apart from 25th,26th dec and 1st January.

All of our services have joined up with the Christmas in Leeds programme – a resource for all students and postgraduate researchers and their partners and families. Wherever you are you can get involved in an eclectic mix of virtual and offline events hosted over several channels.