Fill Your Calendar

We’ve a jam-packed schedule of events and activities to help get you into the mood for Christmas.

Art Unwrapped

Art lovers will not want to miss our Art Unwrapped series, which brings a beloved painting from the Ulster Museum collection to our Belfast campus, guided by Year 2 Fine Art students.

Thursday 27 November - Tuesday 23 December

Christmas Jumper Swap 

Dig out your unwanted Christmas jumpers and shop for a pre-loved alternatives to support UUSU in raising much needed funds for to Women’s Aid NI.

Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 November

Christmas Jumper

A cat in a Christmas jumper

Campus Glow Up

Join colleagues and students as your campus lights up at our annual Christmas Tree switch on.

Christmas tree lights switch on

A lit up Christmas tree outside the Martha Magee building in Derry~Londonderry in the evening

BSOA Christmas Market

Shop for amazing handmade gifts, art, and crafts from talented local artists, students and graduates. Whether you're looking for unique presents, festive decorations, or simply a joyful experience, this market has something for everyone.

Saturday 29 November, Belfast campus

BSOA Christmas Market

Woman holding up a piece of fabric attached to a hanger

Giving Back: Mission Christmas

Every year, Ulster becomes a drop off point to support Cash for Kids: Mission Christmas. Help make sure that children, who might receive nothing, will have something special to open on Christmas morning. We’re collecting new, unwrapped gifts for children aged 0–18, with drop-off points at campus receptions.

Donate before Friday 5 December.

Chaplaincy Events

The University Chaplaincy is getting into the festive spirit with activities that give you a chance to pause, recharge and find a bit of calm during the Christmas rush.

Their events are all about connection, reflection and taking a breather as we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to 2026. Whether you celebrate Christmas or just want a moment to slow down, the Chaplaincy is creating welcoming spaces for peace, purpose and community across our campuses.

If you’d like to chat with a Chaplain over the Christmas period or find out more about what they offer, visit the Chaplaincy webpage.

To view all Christmas events at Ulster, check out the full festive line-up.

Mission Christmas

Toy gingerbread men

Your Season, Your Way

You don’t need to spend a fortune, abandon your sustainable habits, or even feel obligated to celebrate if it’s not your thing.

This time of year can get overwhelming, especially when it feels like everyone else is having an Instagram-worthy Christmas. If you’re feeling the pressure, take a breath. Our Christmas hub is packed with advice, ideas and support to help you shape the season in a way that feels right for you.

You are not alone

If you are struggling with something and need support,our Student Wellbeing team are on-hand to help. Drop in on campus, call 028 9536 7000 or email studentwellbeing@ulster.ac.uk

Student Wellbeing will be closed from Friday 22 December – Tuesday 2 January.

Other support

Inspire (counselling) 0800 028 5510

LifeLine (crisis support) 0808 808 8000

Samaritans (listening ear) 118 123

If you require any health services you can access a list of GPs and emergency services in your area via NI Direct or check out other helplines available.

Support Services

A group of students standing in a line, arms around each other