Winter Hosting – Information for staff hosts

Winter Hosting is a scheme at UofG aiming to help students feel at home away from home, while fostering a sense of community and culture-sharing amongst international students and staff. The scheme particularly benefits international students who are unable to or decide not to return home over the festive period. 

While informal meet-ups between staff and students have occurred in the past, we recognised a need for more structured opportunities to foster connection during the holiday period. This initiative aims to address that gap by inviting students to register and be matched with a small group of peers and a staff volunteer lead (that's you!).

You and the students you are matched with will take part in a festive activity of your choice on a day of your choosing during winter break. 

Activities could range from going ice skating, attending a musical event or pantomime, or simply meeting up for hot chocolate! There is no pressure to partake in any particular activity; it is completely up to you and the students. You may also wish to ask the students to share something about their culture or traditions with you.  

We believe the scheme will be an enriching experience for both students and hosts. Thank you for learning more, and we hope you'll take part.

Applications are now closed for 2025

 

How do I apply to be a host?

To become a host, you will need to complete a Microsoft form where you will include information about yourself and your hosting preferences. Please note, applications opening November. 

How many students will I be matched with?

Depending on numbers of students who apply and the preferences you indicate in the application form, you will be matched with between 2 and 4 students. To remain in line with the University's Code of Professional Conduct, you will meet with the students in a small group rather than one to one. 

Is there a cost involved?

We do not expect you to pay for the students that you host and we are ensuring students are aware that they will need to pay for themselves for any activities you take part in. You will be expected to cover your own costs for the activity. Many low or no cost activities are possible and a list of possible activities will be provided to all hosts and students. 

What sort of activities will we take part in?

You and your students can take part in any festive activity you’d like.  

Some suggestions include: 

  • Grab a drink together (hot chocolate, coffee, tea...)
  • going ice skating
  • going to a Festive market
  • attending a musical event or pantomime
  • partake in a special holiday tradition that you celebrate
  • partake in a special holiday tradition that the student(s) celebrate

 

Can I invite the students to my home?

To remain in line with the University's Code of Professional Conduct, you will not be able to invite students to your home and instead will meet the students you are matched with on campus or in a public place in Glasgow city centre. 

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 team at uofgtogether@glasgow.ac.uk

 

 

Full Guidelines for Staff

Winter Hosting Guidelines for Staff Hosts 

We ask that all hosts follow these guidelines to ensure that the Winter Hosting experience is as enjoyable and safe as possible for everyone involved. 

Whilst Winter Hosting is a fantastic opportunity to build on student-staff partnerships and ensure that many feel part of our UofG community, it is important that guidelines are followed to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience! 

We have put together a few guidelines that should help navigate you through your winter hosting experience! Whilst your activities may differ from others, please ensure to keep yourself and the student(s) safe! Otherwise, enjoy your winter break and activities; we look forward to hearing from you! 

-The UofG Community Team  

 

When planning the event: 

  • Ensure to meet in small groups: Hosts and students should not meet 1 to 1. Instead, hosts should meet with the students that they are matched with in small groups of at least 2 but ideally 4 students.  
  • Choose an activity everyone is comfortable with: Hosts and students should agree on an activity together that all parties are comfortable with. Hosts should keep in mind that students may hesitate to express concerns they have with an activity and ensure that all their opinions are heard. Hosts should be particularly mindful of activities that are more physical, such as ice skating, or religious, such as attending a church service. Bear in mind that not all students will celebrate Christmas and may not want to take part in a Christmas-themed activity. If alcohol is consumed as part of the activity, this should be consumed in moderation. Finally, be mindful if the activity has a cost. We do not expect hosts to pay for the cost of the activity, so ensure that your students are happy with the activity cost. You can find a list of suggested activities below. 
  • Organise meeting in a public place: Home visits are not permitted under the Code of Professional Conduct. Therefore, hosts should meet students in a public place, such as on-campus or in Glasgow city centre.  Hosts and students are encouraged to meet in Glasgow instead of another city or location. All staff should download the Safezone app and ensure that they are familiar with its use before meeting with the students. 
  • Check for dietary requirements: If hosts and students share a meal, hosts should check with students for any allergies or dietary requirements. Hosts are discouraged from cooking and instead encouraged to have the meal in a restaurant or buy food from a food vendor. Please also be mindful that some students may have dietary restrictions due to religious or cultural reasons, such as not drinking alcohol or not eating meat. 
  • Download the safe zone app: We recommend you download the SafeZone app to give you the most seamless experience when contacting campus security. In the unlikely event that a student is injured or faces distress, the security team can aid you in contacting the relevant campus services that can help after the fact. 

During the event: 

  • No children may partake in the activity: We ask that staff and students’ children do not partake in the Winter Hosting activity.  
  • Take action if your students become injured or unwell: In the unlikely event that your students become injured or unwell, it is your responsibility to ensure they receive the care or support required. This may mean finding a first aid station or escalating the issue to Campus Security or Emergency Services (phone 999) if necessary. 
  • No driving students: Hosts should not drive their matched students. Instead, if you travel with your students, then public transport should be taken. 
  • (Optional) Take Photos and Videos Together: If the students and hosts are comfortable, it would be beneficial to show other students there are ways to tackle loneliness over the term breaks, documenting your fun and sharing it with the community team will help in doing that! 

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. 
  • Go on a wellbeing walk 
  • Visit the Christmas markets. 
  • Go to the museum. 
  • Visit a historic sight in Glasgow. 

Please note, these are suggestions of activities, the activity that you decide is at the discretion of you and your students  

Happy Winter Break!