As we approach the end of this first term of the academic year, what strikes me is how fast time seems to have flown by; and I wonder if that is true for you too.  Whether you’ve been immersed in your studies or research, been involved with democratic, volunteering, sports or societies opportunities, exploring the local area, working part-time, making new friends and contacts - I hope you’ve had a good start to the academic year and that you’ve enjoyed it and had all the support you need. 
 
This term we’ve seen the opening of The Oculus building - becoming a key space for innovative and high quality teaching and learning on campus, and the extension of Library opening hours to be 24/7. I hope you’re finding that these new additions contribute positively to your campus experience. And I have been really pleased to see significant support also for the SU’s Are You OK events for mental health and wellbeing, which is incredibly important.
 
Next term you’ll have the chance to have your say in the National Student Survey and the Warwick Student Survey – these are both important ways to provide your feedback.  SU President Luke Pilot and I will also be hosting Any Questions? on 23 January, bringing together a panel from the SU officer team and University Executive Office to debate key issues here and in the broader higher education context.  
 
Campus certainly doesn’t close over Christmas. We have a large number of students who stay in residences throughout the vacation period, as well as families in staff housing. Most University departments are running until immediately before Christmas itself and we have support staff to keep everything going.  Over the next two weeks, there’s a Candlelit Carol Service at the Chaplaincy, Christmas drinks at The Oculus and a host of festive postgraduate events at the PG Hub.  You can find details of events on campus and in the area, along with opening times of University services over the vacation period, travel information and the usual University news and updates on MyWarwick. 
 
So I hope that you getting to the end of a busy Term 1 with a sense of satisfaction for what you have achieved and the environment in which you have been living. I hope you have opportunity to rest and relax ahead of the new term in January, but – in the meantime -  please do take a look at our staff, student and alumni Christmas message campaign at #warwickxmas and enjoy the end of term.  
 
Best wishes,