If you are staying on campus or in Cornwall over Christmas, this information offers a brief guide to opening hours for facilities and services in the University.
Christmas & New Year in Cornwall
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Christmas in Cornwall 2025
Staying on campus or in Cornwall over the winter break and Christmas? If so, check out the pages below to find out what facilities, services and events are available within the University.
Most campus services will be available as normal until Tuesday 23 December, and will re-open for normal business on Monday 5 January 2025. Between these times they may be closed or operating limited opening hours, so we advise you to check the details on this page.
Digital Hub Christmas Message
A message from the Digital Hub ahead of the festive season; if you are lucky enough to get a new phone over the holidays don’t forget to update your security settings. Find out more.
Digital Hub face to face appointments will close at 17:00 on 12 December 2025 and reopen at 09:00 on Monday 5 January 2026.
There will be online appointments available from 15-19 December 2025.
The Digital Hub will reopen as usual on Monday 5 January 2026.
Monday 22 – Tuesday 23 December 2025
Phone Lines, SID online enquiries, and Info Point Desk open 09:00 - 17:00.
Wednesday 24 December 2025 – Sunday 04 January 2026
All Info Point and Hub services including Mitigation application processing will be closed.
Monday 05 January 2026 onwards
Resumption of normal services from 09:00
Phone Lines, SID online enquiries, and Info Point Desk open 09:00- 17:00.
The Penryn Info Point phone number is 01326 371800.
Christmas Opening Hours: 20 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Our campus Libraries and Student Helpdesks will be closed on Bank Holidays and for certain closure days over the festive period. Please see below for details.
Penryn Campus Library
- Penryn Campus Library will be open 9am–8pm daily (except for Bank Holidays and closure days)
- Closed: 25–26 December 2025 and 1 January 2026
- Library and Student Helpdesk staff available:
- 22nd – 23rd December: 9am–5pm
- 24th December: 9am–4pm
- Staff will be unavailable: 25 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
- Usual term time hours resume 5 January 2026
At the times when the Penryn Campus Library is open but unstaffed and it will be operating self-service. During this period, our campus Safety and Support team will be patrolling the space. Should you need them, they are contactable via the SafeZone app, or by calling 01326 254444.
Falmouth Campus Library
- Closed: 20-21st December 2025
- 22-23 December 2025: Open 9am-5pm
- 24 December 2025: Open 9am-4pm
- Closed: 25 December – 4 January 2026
- Library and Helpdesk staff will available during the open hours specified.
- Usual term time hours resume on 5 January 2026
When no staff are available the campus Safety and Support team will be present to patrol the space. Should you need them, they are contactable via the SafeZone app, or by calling 01326 254444.
For immediate welfare concerns over the holidays contact
- Halls Team
From 17:00 on Tuesday 23 December - Monday 5 January please contact Glasney Lodge on 01326 253503 if you are living on campus and have any immediate welfare concerns. This number is available 24/7. - Safety and Support Team
Safety and Support team will also be available on campus 24/7, their emergency number is 01326 254444 or you can contact them via the SafeZone app.
Student Support Team
Until 5pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025 student services will follow normal opening hours.* Normal services will resume on Monday 5 January 2025.
In term-time they are usually open 09:00-17:00 Monday to Friday.
Wellbeing
Support via Spectrum Life
Spectrum Life provide 24/7 access to a helpline, an online portal, and specific treatments like counselling. You can download the Spectrum Life app by searching for it in your app store – use code FXPlus when asked for your ‘organisation’.
If you want to talk to the helpline or access talking therapies you can call/text:
Phone UK based: 0800 0318227
International number: 00353 15180277
Whatsapp: Text “Hi” to 07418360780
There is also an online self-help portal which you can access using the code FXPlus when asked for your ‘organisation’
Togetherall online support
All students have access to Togetherall which is an online support community, offering peer and professional support and is available 24/7, 365 days of the year. They also have a blog about coping with complicated feelings over the holidays.
Silvercloud
You could also try the online mental health programme Silvercloud which is free for Uni students.
You can find more resources on our Wellbeing pages and the SU's welfare page.
Education Welfare Team
Penryn Education Welfare Team will be unavailable during the University holiday closure period. Tuesday 23 December 2025 up to Monday 5 January 2025.
You can find out more about the Cornwall Education Welfare Team and Support here.
* Please note. There are no Accessibility and Inclusive Learning drop-in sessions out of term-time.
International Student Support is available in the usual ways until 15:00 on Tuesday 23 December 2025 and the team is back at 09:00 on Monday 5th of January 2026.
If your question can’t wait, why not browse through our most popular links to help answer your questions:
I’m starting a new programme in January 2026, when will I receive my CAS?
Looking for careers support this Vacation?
From Monday 15th to Friday 19th December, we’ll be open online, Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 15:00. We’ll be here to help you via Live Chat from any page on our website, or by emailing careers@exeter.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)1392 72 4493. We’re fully closed from 15:00 on Friday 19th December to 09:00 on Monday 5 January, but you’ll still have access to Handshake, and all the information and advice on our website www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
- The Multifaith Chaplaincy on Penryn Campus (Tremough Barton Cottage 8) will be open 9:00am-17:00pm Monday – Friday throughout the festive break. However, no chaplains or staff will be present during this time.
- The Muslim Prayer Room in Tremough House, Penryn campus, remains open 24/7.
- The Multifaith Chaplaincy room in the Fox Building on the Falmouth Campus will be closed from 17:00pm on Wednesday 24 December and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2026.
You can find all the Chaplaincy events here.
You can find out about events planned for those staying over the festive break on both the events on campus page and the Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU) website.
This includes:
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30/11 - 02/01 |
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Falmouth Christmas Tree festival at Princess Pavilion, Falmouth Find details here Christmas Tree Festival - Falmouth Official
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03/12 |
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Intercultural Café: Join us to make some Christmas cards and decorations, share your winter traditions, and relax with a hot drink and snack. |
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10/12 |
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Intercultural Café: Staying on campus over the Winter Break? Come and meet others staying on campus and find out about community events which will be happening over the holidays. |
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14/12 |
5-6:30pm
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Falmouth Vineyard Church Carol Service, The Stannary, Penryn Campus |
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22/12 |
2:30-3:30pm
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Falmouth Vineyard Church Christingle Service, The Stannary, Penryn Campus |
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24/12 |
11am – 2pm |
Food and Drink on Campus
Penryn Campus:
Catered Halls
- Finishes on Friday 19 December and re-starts on Monday 5 January 2026
Penryn Campus Shop
- Monday 22 December – Wednesday 24 December: 08:00 – 16:00
- Thursday 25 – Friday 26 December: CLOSED
- Saturday 27 December – Wednesday 31 December: 10:00 – 14:00
- Thursday 1 January – Friday 2 January 2026: CLOSED
- Saturday 3 January – Sunday 4 January 2026: 10:00 – 14:00
- Normal opening hours resume from Monday 5 January: 09:00 – 17:00
Christmas Meal Hamper — Available to Order from Penryn Campus Shop
Only £10.00. Products subject to availability.
Last order date by Monday 15 December
Last collection date is Tuesday 23 December 2025
Your Christmas Hamper includes:
- Kershaws ready meal for one: turkey dinner with roast potatoes, carrots, peas, and stuffing
- Small Christmas pudding with a pot of double cream
- Croissant with jam sachet
- Tropicana fresh orange drink (300ml)
- Pack of four mince pies
- Small chocolate selection box
Payment: If you would like to order a hamper, payment is required in advance. You can pay over the phone, by calling our main Reception on 01326 370400 (they will transfer you to the Shop), or you can email the Shop at Lorraine.Vincent@fxplus.ac.uk with your contact details and we will call you back.
Sustainability Café
- Closes on Friday 19 December and re-opens on Monday 5 January 2026
Stannary Kitchen
- Monday 22 December – Tuesday 23 December: 08:30 – 14:30
- Wednesday 24 December: 08:30 – 12:00
- Thursday 25 December: CLOSED
- Re-opens on Monday 5 January 2026 – Friday 9 January 2026: 08:00 – 17:00
Stannary Bar
- Friday 19 December 2025: 12:00 – 23:00
- Saturday 20 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026: CLOSED
- Re-opens on Monday 5 January 2026 – Friday 9 January 2026: 12:00 – 18:00
Café Bar
- Closes on Friday 12 December and re-opens on Monday 5 January 2026
Koofi
- Monday 15 December – Friday 9 January 2026: 09:00 – 17:00
- Monday 22 December – Tuesday 23 December: 10:00 – 14:00
- Wednesday 24 December – Sunday 4th January 2026: CLOSED
- Monday 5 January – Friday 9 January 2026: 09:00 – 17:00
AMATA Café
- Monday 15 December – Friday 19 December 2025: 09:00 – 16:00
- Saturday 20 December – Sunday 4 January 2026: CLOSED
- Monday 5 January – Friday 9 January 2026: 09:00 – 17:00
ESI Cafe
- Monday 15 December – Friday 19 December: 08:30 – 15:00
- Saturday 20 December – Sunday 4 January 2026: CLOSED
- Monday 5 January – Friday 9 January 2026: 08:30 – 15:00
More details can be found on the FX Plus Winter on Campus page.
Our virtual desktop service is available throughout the year. It allows you to remotely access a huge range of learning resources that you may need for your course.
With an internet connection and suitable device (including Windows, Mac and Chromebook) you can access:
- A software directory with download links for you to install software on your own devices.
- Windows Virtual Desktop, providing secure access to a suite of applications to support your study.
*The software available remotely will depend on the department in which you are studying.
To find out more visit the virtual desktops webpage. If you need more detailed guidance, the Digital Hub can help.
We recommend using OneDrive for Business to store your work, you can find more information on the files and storage page.
If you encounter issues, please contact SID. You can also book time with an expert for an introduction to virtual desktops.
Digital Hub
Digital Hub face to face appointments will close at 17:00 on 12 December 2025 and reopen at 09:00 on Monday 5 January 2026.
There will be online appointments available from 15-19 December 2025.
The Digital Hub will reopen as usual on Monday 5 January 2026.
FX Plus IT Support
IT Service Desk provision over the festive period:
Usual service is Monday – Friday (excluding Bank Hols) 8:45am – 17:15pm.
- Closed from 17:15pm on 23 December 2025
- Open to resume usual service from 8:45am on Monday 5 January 2026
There is an Emergency Out of Hours monitoring service where staff will be on call to respond to any automated alerts and resolve any critical system outages should they occur.
The Campus Safety and Support team provides security services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information visit the FX Plus website.
Campus Safety and Support: 01326 255875
24/7 Emergency Line: 01326 254444
Glasney Lodge will remain open 24/7 over the Christmas period.
Email: safetyandsupport@fxplus.ac.uk
You can also use Safezone to contact safety and support on Campus
SafeZone is a quick and easy way of connecting you to the safety and support team when you are on campus. You don’t have to remember any numbers and it allows you to send additional details like your exact location and photos.
If you’re studying alone, or outside of regular hours you can also “check in” with the safety and support team through the app. You can ask the app to do this automatically if you want. This will make the team aware of your presence and can be used to share your location in an emergency.
On Cornwall Campuses once you have downloaded the App, for free, from the Apple or Google store you will need to select FX Plus as an organisation after you’ve logged in using your Exeter credentials.
Find out more about Safezone here.
The Sports Centre opening times during the winter break are as follows:
- Monday 22 December, open 6:30am – 22:00pm
- Tuesday 23 December, open 6:30am – 22:00pm
- Christmas Eve, open 6:30am – 18:00pm
- Christmas Day: Closed
- Boxing Day: Closed
- Saturday 27 December, open 8:30am – 18:00pm
- Sunday 28 December, open 8:30am – 18:00pm
- Monday 29 December, open 8:30am – 18:00pm
- Tuesday 30 December, open 8:30am – 18:00pm
- New Year’s Eve, open 8:30am – 18:00pm
- New Year’s Day: Closed
- Friday 2 January, open 8:30am – 18:00pm
- Usual opening times resume from Saturday 3 January 2026.
Student Christmas Present 2025 – Free Gym & Studio Classes
The ‘Sports Centre’ would like to offer all Students the opportunity to access both the Gym and Studio Classes for Free, Sat 20 Dec – Sun 04 Jan, inclusive.
Six Free classes / gym sessions per individual.
A Personal Profile is required, to book your Gym Session / Studio Class. Visit: fitnesscentre.fxplus.ac.uk.
When making a booking you will need to submit the following Coupon Code: Reslife25.
Bookings can be made from, 7:00am, Fri 19 Dec.
For further information, please contact Tyrone Morgan, Sport & Fitness Manager – 01326 370770 / tyrone.morgan@fxplus.ac.uk.
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Local events in Cornwall
There's lots going on in our local area. Check out the Falmouth town website for more details or the visit Truro events page.
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December – Various dates |
Various times |
Local Church events over Advent and Christmas over the Winter Break can be found here: Welcome to Falmouth & Penryn Churches Together – Churches Together in Cornwall
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15/12 - 22/12 |
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Hannukah Kehillat Kernow, the Jewish community in Cornwall, will be marking Hanukkah with daily candle-lighting services on Zoom and marking the eighth night with a party hosted by some members. Some information is on their website here: https://kehillatkernow.com/ or email Gemma Tracey chaplaincy@fxplus.ac.uk to be put in touch with the community.
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20/12 |
7.30pm - 9.30pm |
Truro Cathedral Choir: Peace on Earth Truro Cathedral's celebrated choir presents a spectacular selection of festive music to get you into the Christmas spirit. Tickets required.
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21/12 |
2pm onwards |
Penzance Montol (Winter Solstice) Festival The Montol Festival is a revived midwinter celebration held in Penzance each year around 21 December, marking the winter solstice with strong links to traditional Cornish customs. It features lantern-lit processions, “guise dancing” with masks and costumes, street music, and the selection of a playful Lord of Misrule, creating a carnival-like atmosphere in the town. The night usually ends with symbolic rituals such as burning a decorated Yule log on a bonfire, celebrating the return of the light after the darkest time of year. |
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24/12 |
10.30am |
The Falmouth Harmony Choir will once again fill the streets of Falmouth with festive song as they have done for over 100 year. Choirs from across Cornwall will congregate near Five’s Cyderhouse, Grove Place, Falmouth before leaving at approximately 10.30am, making their way through town, charming the crowds with their Cornish songs and carols, before finishing at The Moor at around 1pm.
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25/12 |
10am – 11am |
Gylly Beach Christmas Day Swim. There is a local tradition of a Christmas swim mid-morning at Gyllyngvase Beach. This is a community tradition rather than an organised event. Fun to watch even if you don’t brave the chilly water!
Castle Beach Café will be open serving hot drinks and food on the morning of Christmas Day.
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Check before you travel
If you plan to travel in Cornwall using public transport, be aware that some bus and train companies will be offering reduced services or certain services may not be running.
Check timetables and social media updates for the latest information: First Kernow and Go Cornwall for buses and Great Western Railway for trains in Cornwall.
Transport outside Cornwall may also change, so it is always best to plan ahead and check before you travel.
Think ahead when going out
Now the dark nights are fully upon us, think about your visibility to other road users when walking and cycling in the dark, especially when crossing roads. Your eyes have adjusted to the dark however you may not be as visible to other road users.
If you’re going for a night out, make sure that you have a plan for how to get home, especially if you end up on your own. Try to stay with your friends, and keep a taxi number on you, or better still book your taxi in advance.
If your battery dies, ask to use your friend's phone or, if you get separated, ask in a shop or pub.
You can find more guidance on keeping safe on the stay safe web pages or view the Devon & Cornwall Police advice site for some tips to ensure your night is safe.