Winter Hosting - Information for students
Will you be staying in Glasgow over the Winter Holidays? Don’t spend it alone - apply to have a winter host!
Winter Hosting aims to help students staying in Glasgow over the winter break to feel at home away from home while fostering a sense of community and culture-sharing. The scheme particularly benefits international students who decide not to return home over the festive period.
To take part in the scheme, you will need to complete a short Microsoft form. You will then be matched with a host and other students in a small group. The group will be made up of between 2 to 4 students and one staff host.
You, your host, and the other students with will take part in a festive activity of your choice on a day of your choosing during the winter break. Activities could range from sharing a meal, doing a wellbeing walk, going ice skating, attending a musical event or pantomime, or simply meeting up for hot chocolate! You and your host can decide which activity you’d like to do and when you’d like to do it.
Applications are now closed for 2025
What sort of activity will me and my host take part in?
You, your host and the other students can take part in any festive activity you’d like.
Some suggestions include:
- Grab a drink together (hot chocolate, coffee, tea...).
- Share a meal together.
- Attend a musical event or pantomime.
- Attend a religious/church service or partake in a religious tradition that either the host or student celebrates.
- Make a holiday craft (Christmas baubles).
- Visit a Christmas market.
- Go to a museum.
- Visit an historic sight in Glasgow.
When can I apply for a host?
Student applications to have a Winter Host will be opening soon.
Who are the hosts?
All hosts are University of Glasgow staff and they have chosen to volunteer their time to be hosts. Please ensure to respect your host and their time whilst enjoying your activity!
When will me and my host meet?
You, your host, and the other students that your host is matched with can choose which date and time you wish to meet over Christmas Vacation.
There will alos be an in-person Meet and Greet during December term time to introduce yourselves and meet other students staying over the winter break.
Will my hosts have any other students matched with them?
Yes, some hosts may be matched with more than one student and you all may be taking part in the activity together as a group.
Will I visit my host’s home?
No, in line with the University's Code of Professional Conduct for University staff, staff aren't permitted to have students in their homes. Therefore, you will meet your host on campus or in a public place, such as Glasgow city centre. You, your host, and the other students your host is matched with will decide together where you will meet.
Is there a fee?
No, Winter Hosting is free to take part in, though you would be expected to pay for any activities that you take part in with your host if a fee is involved (for instance, paying for food, drinks, or for a ticket or entry fee). It is always best to check with your host if any cost will be involved before you agree on an activity. Your host will be happy to choose an activity that is low or no cost.
What if I don't celebrate Christmas? Can I still take part?
Yes! You are still very welcome to take part if you don't celebrate Christmas. Students and hosts both come from diverse backgrounds and religions and celebrate diverse holiday traditions. Many festive activities are not tied to Christmas or to any particular religious tradition. Though, if you would like for us to try to match you with a host who shares your same religious faith, please let us know in the application form.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about Winter Hosting then please don't hesitate to get in touch with the International Student Support Team by emailing uofgtogether@glasgow.ac.uk
Full Guidelines for Students
Winter Hosting Guidelines for Students
We ask that all students follow these guidelines to ensure that the Winter Hosting experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible for everyone involved.
Winter Hosting is an exciting opportunity to bring together students and staff members who stay in Glasgow during the winter break. However, it is important that we
stick to the rules so that everybody can have fun! Here are some of the guidelines you will be expected to follow whilst partaking in this initiative.
Whilst your activities will differ from others, all these rules still apply during the winter break. We look forward to hearing back about all the fun you had and hope you have an amazing Christmas break!
-The UofG Community Team
Before the Event:
- Read and adhere to the University’s Non-Academic Misconduct Policy: Students should read the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy including the section on Examples of non-academic misconduct and ensure that they are adhering to the policy at all times when interacting with their hosts and the other students.
- Organise to meet in a public place: Rather than visit your host’s home you should instead should meet in a public place, such as on-campus or in Glasgow city centre. You are encouraged to meet in Glasgow instead of another city or location. All students should download the Safezone app and ensure that they are familiar with its use before meeting with their hosts.
- Ensure to meet in small groups: You should not meet your host 1 to 1. Instead, you should meet your hosts along with the other students that they have been matched with, in small groups of at least 2, but ideally 4.
- Inform your host of any dietary requirements: If you and your host decide to share a meal or drinks, ensure that your host is aware of any dietary requirements or allergies that you have. Your host will be happy to accommodate these.
- Ensure you are comfortable with the chosen activity: Hosts and students should agree on an activity together that everyone is comfortable with. Don’t hesitate to express any preferences or concerns that you have with your host regarding the activity. For example, if you don’t celebrate Christmas and would like to take part in an activity that is not Christmas-related, please tell your host. If alcohol is consumed as part of the activity, this should be consumed in moderation. Please check with your host if the chosen activity will have a cost. You will be expected to cover the cost of the activity, so please make sure you are happy with the amount that the activity will cost. Alternatively, ask your host if you can find a low or no-cost activity. You can find a list of suggested activities below.
- Download the SafeZone app: If you haven’t already, ensure you have the SafeZone app downloaded on your phone. In the event of an emergency, the SafeZone app can be used to get assistance.
During the Event:
- Inform your host if you become injured or unwell during the activity: If at any point you don’t feel comfortable, become unwell, or become injured during the activity, then speak with your host.
- No children can partake in the activity: We ask that if you have children that they do not take part in the Winter Hosting activity.
- Don’t get a ride with your hosts: Hosts should not drive students. Instead, public transport should be taken if required.
Additional Information:
If you are unable to speak to your host about your concerns if you need additional help or support, then don’t hesitate to do one or more of the following:
- Use the Safezone app or contact Campus Security over phone or email.
- In the case of an emergency, contact emergency services on 999.
- Email the International Student Support team for assistance at this email address: uofgtogether@glasgow.ac.uk .Please note, ISS may take up to 5 working days to respond to your email. Also note that ISS will not be working during the University closure days of 24th December through 2nd January, so will be unable to assist during this time.
Suggested activities:
- Grab a drink together (hot chocolate, coffee, tea...).
- Share a meal together.
- Attend a musical event or pantomime.
- Attend a religious/church service or partake in a religious tradition that either the host or student celebrates.
- Make a holiday craft (Christmas baubles).
- Visit a Christmas market.
- Go to a museum.
- Visit an historic sight in Glasgow.
Please remember these are suggestions for things to do. The activity you decide on is at the discretion of you and the other students/ staff member.
Happy Winter Break!