How to make the most of your days during the chilly weather

As winter settles in after the holiday season, navigating life in London during the colder months can be challenging. 

While the forecast predicts chilly temperatures on the horizon this week, we want to reassure you there's still a lot to look forward to this month. 

To help you weather the cold snap, here's some tips on how to stay cosy in halls and keep warm when the temperatures drop. ❄️

🏡 Changes to your hall during winter 🏡

During the colder months, there are a few things that could happen around your hall to be mind of, such as:

• The pathways may become slippery due to icy weather. You might see our UAL Halls Staff combat this by putting salt on the paths to reduce the ice

• The pipes can freeze over during the colder weather. Be sure to regularly turn on/off your taps in your bathroom

• Electric blankets are prohibited in halls but you can use a hot water bottle to keep cozy throughout the night

🌡️ Daily checks of the forecast 🌡️

It might be an obvious one, but before getting dressed for the day, take a moment to check what Mother Nature has in store. This will save you having to change throughout the day if the forecast does significantly change.

For the most accurate London forecasts, you'll want to rely on trusted weather apps. To get a localised London report, some good apps to use are BBC Weather or Met Office.

🧣 Making the most of layering up🧣

While you can't control the weather, you can master your layering of clothing to stay warm and snug inside.

The beauty of layering is you can easily adjust your temperature by removing or adding pieces as needed throughout the day.

👩🏽‍🍳 Improve your culinary skills and try something new 👩🏽‍🍳

It’s the best time of the year to start comfort cooking and try to plate up some winter warmer recipes.

From viral hits to quick-and-easy favourites, our catering team has put together a list of their top winter recipes that will warm your hands and your soul.

🪴 Don't forget about your plants 🪴

If you are a plant-lover, don’t forget to keep them well-fed and watered as the temperatures drop.

Here’s a list of our top 5 tips to keep your plants looking their best this winter, or just to keep them alive!

🎭 January Halls Life Events 🎭

With over 40+ events happening in our halls this month, why not sign up to an event to give something new a go.

From crafty activities to cosy movie nights in, to pizza making and cupcake decorating, there’s something for everyone to get excited about.

Here’s the full line up of every UAL Halls Lifes Event happening in January.

☕️ Cosy hang out ideas to do with housemates ☕️

Time flies during the semester, doesn't it? Looking back to September, so much has changed – from your new surroundings to fresh friendships, all while the temperature drops.

It’s all about embracing these changes and making the most of them. From hosting a potluck or themed dinner, to Netflix and spa nights, here’s 9 cozy hang out ideas to plan inside your UAL halls.