Building opening times and support over the winter break

As semester one draws to a close and we get ready for the winter break, please see LJMU’s opening times for buildings and student support over the coming weeks. Plus, where LJMU staff can find support and wellbeing resources.   

Campus opening hours  

LJMU buildings 

The university and most student services will close at 5pm on Thursday 21 December 2023 and reopen on Wednesday 3 January 2024.  

Student Life Building will remain open 24/7  

The Student Life Building will remain open 24/7 over the winter break and security will be based at reception. Catering outlets will remain closed although vending machines will be available. Security can always be contacted via the phone number on the back of student/staff ID cards (0151 231 2222).  

Other buildings on campus  

Most university buildings will close on Thursday 21 December at 5pm and reopen on Wednesday 3 January 2024. The university also plan to operate condensed hours from Monday 18 December to Wednesday 20 December 2023 in all the main buildings, with each closing down at 8pm. The only exceptions will be the Student Life Building which will remain open 24 hours, and Aldham Robarts and Avril Robarts Libraries, which will remain open until 11pm.  

Receptions and Estate helpdesk

From Monday 18 December reception desks and the Estate helpdesk will be staffed between the hours of 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The Estate helpdesk will follow normal out of hours procedures from 4pm and calls will continue to be answered. These hours will run until 12 January, with normal hours returning Monday 15 January. Switchboard hours will remain 8.30am to 4pm.  

Support Services for Students  

Student Advice and Wellbeing (SAW)  

The SAW drop in at the Student Life Building will close at 4pm on Thursday 21 December 2023 and reopen Wednesday 3 January 2024.  

Although support services are suspended for the winter break, the Student Life Building will be open throughout the period, and Staff from SAW will be available 10am to 4pm on:  

• Wednesday 27 December  

• Thursday 28 December  

• Friday 29 December  

This service will offer general support for any queries that you might have, and to book an appointment for you when services re-open.  

For further information about services offered during usual opening and to access additional resources and advice, please see our student support pages.

International Students

International student ambassadors will be in the Student Life Building for a chat/ to offer support to international students, over the winter break, 10am to 4pm on:  

Library buildings and services  

Aldham Robarts and Avril Robarts Libraries will close on Thursday 21 December at 5pm and reopen Wednesday 3 January 2023 at 8.45am  

Library services staff will be available in the Student Life Building from 10am to 4pm on the following days:  

• Wednesday 27 December  

• Thursday 28 December 

• Friday 29 December  

Academic Achievement 

The Academic Achievement Team’s drop in will be closed inclusively from 5pm on Thursday 21 December to Wednesday 3 January 2024.  

Don’t forget you can still access useful self-study resources to help you with assignments and studying for exams, during this time. There’s also further guidance on your study and assessment which includes further information on applying for personal circumstances or what to expect from January exams.  

Student Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise  

Student Futures’ services will close on Thursday 21 December at 5pm and reopen on Wednesday 3 January 2023 at 9am.  

Sport Building and gym  

The Sport Building will close on Thursday 21 December at 5pm and re-open on Wednesday 3 January at 9am.  

During the winter break a pop-up gym will be provided in the Student Life Building.  

John Moores Students’ Union (JMSU) winter socials and support  

JMSU will close at 5pm on Thursday 21 December 2023 and will re-open at 9am on Wednesday 3 January 2024.  

Living alone or not visiting friends/family during the festive season?  

VP Education Officer Shaquita has a range of winter socials happening over the winter break including movie nights, cosy winter walks and study sessions. If you’re still in Liverpool over the festive period, why not come along to one or all of the winter social events.  

JMSU has also compiled useful information over the winter break from sexual health to mental health support and services.   

Things to do in Liverpool over the festive season 

JMSU has also compiled their top picks of what do around the city over the winter break, perfect for students, those who are parents/guardians, or if you don’t celebrate Christmas. 

Chaplaincy events over the winter break

There's lots of event happening at the local churches around Liverpool. LJMU's Anglican chaplaincy has shared those in the local area:

Sunday 17th December:

10.30am Nativity Service at St Mary's Wavertree, South Drive with turkey rolls after the service
11am The Toy Story Nativity at Penny Lane Church
4pm Nativity Service at St James in the City, Upper Parliament Street with turkey rolls after the service
6pm Carols Round the Piano at Penny Lane Church

Sunday 24th December:

10.30am Christmas Eve Service at St Mary's Wavertree, South Drive
11am Christmas Eve Gathering at Penny Lane Church
11pm Christmas Eve Communion at Penny Lane Church

Monday 25th December:

10am Christmas Day Celebration at Penny Lane Church
10.30am Christmas Day Service at St James in the City, Upper Parliament St

Sunday 31st December:

11am New Year's Eve Celebration at Penny Lane Church

Support for LJMU staff

Staff can use the Vivup Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service to speak to a trained counsellor 24/7, 365 days a year.

To access the support line, call 0330 380 0658 and mention you are LJMU staff or visit the Vivup website.

You may also find the resources on the Staff Wellbeing hub useful.