From mastering the art of ice skating to cooking a traditional roast dinner, our special 40th anniversary-themed bucket list will help you make the most of winter in the UK.
For many of our Chevening Scholars, the icy UK winter can be a bit of a shock to the system!
But luckily, there are plenty of items on our 40th anniversary bucket list to help them make the most of the colder months.
In the spirit of the 12 days of Christmas, we’ve compiled our top 12 picks from this year’s bucket list for an unforgettable festive season!
1. Go ice skating
Throughout the festive period, you’ll find lots of pop-up ice rinks around the UK, including:
Why not seize the opportunity to master a new skill? Don’t forget your gloves though!
2. Go on a countryside walk
During the colder months, it can be tempting to stay inside, but nothing beats a crisp countryside walk. And if you go between study sessions, it’s a great way to clear your mind and make space for new ideas.
So wrap up warm, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the peaceful charm of nature!
If you’re looking for some inspiration of where to go, you can find local walking routes online.
3. Volunteer somewhere at Christmas
Tis the season for giving, so why not roll up your sleeves and get involved in some volunteering activities.
Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to the community; it’s also a chance to meet new people and learn new skills. You could even link up with other scholars from your region and volunteer together.
There’s a great directory of Christmas volunteering opportunities at do IT, the UK’s national volunteering database.
Your university’s student union is also likely to facilitate volunteering activities throughout the year. Depending on what kind of volunteer work you’re interested in, they may be able to point you in the direction of some local organisations.
Just remember to be mindful of the work restrictions on your visa when taking on any volunteering roles.
4. Visit your university library
Finding a cosy indoor study spot for the winter months is an absolute must!
Explore the libraries at your university and find the one that works best for you. Bonus points if it looks like Hogwarts!
5. Cook a traditional Sunday roast dinner
On a cold winter’s day, what could be better than a hearty roast dinner?
A roast dinner usually centres around a piece of meat (such as beef, lamb, chicken, or pork) or a vegetarian alternative.
To accompanying this, you need some crispy roast potatoes, an array of roast vegetables, and, of course, a Yorkshire Pudding.
Add some gravy and you’re ready to dig in!
6. Make a festive decoration
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some festive homemade decorations.
We love these edible cookie ornaments, which taste great too! But for an option that will last a little longer, you could get creative with some paper snowflakes.
They are super easy to make, and all you need is some paper and scissors!
7. Visit a Christmas market
The UK is home to a variety of Christmas markets, including:
Most Christmas markets are free to enter, so having a wander round and admiring the decorations is a great thing to do if you’re on a budget.
8. Try a local quiz night
At this time of year, nothing beats huddling into the local pub for a good old-fashioned quiz.
With expertise in such a vast range of subject areas, if you bring together a team of fellow Cheveners you’re sure to have a good chance of taking home the prize!
But win or lose, a quiz makes for a lovely night out.
9. Watch a festive carol concert
To get into the holiday spirit, why not attend a festive carols concert?
Seeing a performance at London’s world-renowned Royal Albert Hall is an amazing experience. You might also find some free concerts in your local area.
10. Try making a new UK recipe
During the colder months, it’s important to take care of both your body and mind. Trying one of our favourite winter warmer recipes is sure to help you with this!
You could also have a go at making one of these classic British dishes.
11. Visit a museum
When it comes to weather-proof activities, nothing beats a trip to the museum.
Spend hours immersing yourself in history and learning new things. And what’s better, many of the museums in the UK are free to enter; just be aware that you might need to book a ticket in advance.
12. See fireworks on New Year’s Eve
And finally, celebrate the arrival of 2024 with a magical fireworks display!
As always, London will be putting on a spectacular show this year, but you’ll find many more fireworks displays dotted across the UK.
And if you don’t want to brave the cold, watching them on TV counts too!
How many bucket list items have you ticked off so far? Share photos and videos of you completing each item using the hashtags #CheveningBucketList and #40YearsOfChevening.
Lights twinkle on decorated trees in homes around the UK as the evenings grow darker and colder. Christmas can be a joyful time of year, but for international students studying in a foreign country it can sometimes be challenging.
Current Chevening Scholar and Social Media Ambassador Natasha Burnett takes us along for the ride as she tries some uniquely British foods and experiences!
Chevening Scholars: Want to make the most of the festive season? Here are some of the top events happening around the UK this month!