Supporting our students over the festive break
12 Dec 2025
As we enter winter teaching break from Monday, 22 December 2025, it’s important to remind colleagues that comprehensive support remains available for students throughout the festive period.
Whether they’re on campus, at home, or overseas, we’re committed to ensuring they feel supported and connected.
Mental health and wellbeing
Students are never alone – urgent mental health support is available 24/7 via the Mental Health Support Team helpline, alongside additional crisis phone lines. Wellbeing resources, including Spectrum.Life, a 24-hour mental health support helpline and app, are accessible to help students manage stress during this busy season.
Safety and security
Campus safety remains a priority. Students can access Campus Support and Security by calling 0161 306 9966, using the SafeZone app, and reporting concerns through Report and Support. These services operate year-round, even during closure periods.
Accommodation
All halls of residence will remain open, and residents are not required to vacate their rooms. While the Accommodation Office will be closed, ResLife teams will continue to provide support.
Students overseas
For those on placements or international programmes, emergency contact details are available to ensure help is at hand if needed. Non-urgent queries should go through placement organisers during UK office hours.
In an emergency situation requiring an urgent response, students can contact the University’s insurer AIG for assistance.
- For emergency travel and medical assistance, students should call +44 (0) 1273 552 922 or email CorporateAssist@aig.com.
IT and Library services
Students can access 24/7 IT support via phone and the Connect portal. Library services, including study spaces and online resources, remain available, with adjusted opening hours posted online.
Students’ union and careers
The Students’ Union building will close from 19 December to 5 January, but online resources and advice services remain accessible. Careers support, including applications and interview guidance, is available online throughout the break.
Faculty support
Each Faculty has outlined its available support during the break. Contact details can be found on the Student Support site.
Link to support in your out of office message
We’d encourage you to also add a link to the student support webpage in your out of office email replies over the closure period - where students can find the information above and more.
Suggested text for out of office replies:
Thank you for your email and we hope you are enjoying a welcome Christmas and New Year break. The University is now closed until Monday, 5 January 2026. Your query will be dealt with once colleagues return after this date.
We have a range of support services available over the break and you can read more about these on our student support webpage. This includes details of 24/7 support for mental health and wellbeing.
Once again, we hope you have a restful break and look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year.