The View Warms your Wintery Cockles

So the evenings are drawing in, the days are getting shorter and that overdraft you took out eight weeks ago is running seriously thin. And you're sat there (reading your favourite student webzine) thinking, 'what to do, what to do?'

So we want to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and remind you it’s Christmas soon. So you can look forward to that cheque from your grandparents, who feel so sorry you're falling on hard times because you, poor little baby, are slaving away and studying hard at big nasty university for the first time. And until then, here are a few little ideas to keep you entertained... without spending too much!

We suggest you find a snuggle buddy. It can be sad and lonely in winter, and my housemate last year was perfect for the odd platonic spoon and a giggle, whilst we watched every episode of Scrubs know to mankind.
Pull some pranks. There's nothing more fun than winding someone up. Obviously don't be taking/breaking anything of value, but we found posting road signs through people's windows, holding mattresses to ransom, sticking phones to the ceiling, putting post-its on EVERYTHING and taking one of every earring particularly hilarious.
Meet some more neighbors. There are probably hundreds of people in your halls you don't even know yet and just because fresher’s week is over doesn’t mean you have to stop getting to know them. Smile, chat, and invite them for a cuppa or to your next pre-drinks.
Make up a new game or play an old favourite. Some examples we included in Hall Crawl ‘08, Cucumber a la Slap, Wine Club, Quiz night, Strip Poker, challenges and dares etc.
Buy your drinks in & get a take-out. Cheaper than The Bridge and you get to chose your company. Rent a bad film and get in your PJs. Its obvious, but so few of us seem to do it often enough.
Go charity shopping. We may be poor but we still need retail therapy every now and again. Buy a tattered old Jackie Collins or some bitchin’ new threads. Vintage is still in baby.

So remember, keep warm, kick some leaves, play in the rain and chase some squirrels, have fun times. Happy Autumn :)