An Ariel View of Campus West

Before you arrive

  • Check out the University welcome pages, including information on how to register and what to bring.
  • Complete the Alcuin pre-arrival survey. We will email your University account with the survey a few weeks before you arrive.

Keeping up to date

As we get closer to the start of the semester, we'll email your University of York email account with information and advice on how to prepare. Catch up on any messages you've missed below:

Students walking to Alcuin College

When to arrive

New undergraduates are asked to arrive into Alcuin College on Saturday 14 September 2024. New postgraduates can arrive from Monday 9 September 2024 onwards. 

Accommodation Services will email your University of York email account with a link to the induction module and ask you to book a one-hour arrival slot.

Arrivals day

1. Getting here

Find detailed travel information on the maps, directions and parking web pages.

As we have limited car parking spaces, we ask that you follow this process to help minimise congestion.

Car parking process

2. Meet STYCs and collect keys

Our Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs) will greet you on arrival and show you where to go. You’ll be able to identify them by their  Alcuin t-shirts. If you have any questions, just ask!

Your Alcuin STYCs will direct you to pick up your keycard and you’ll also be welcomed by our college staff. Remember to bring your photo ID, (ie a passport or driving licence), when doing so. 

If you booked an arrival time after 5pm, you should visit the Alcuin Reception to collect your keys.

3. Move into your room

Once you’ve picked up your things, volunteers will be on hand to help you find your accommodation and move belongings if needed.

If you travel by car, you’ll be directed to the nearest unloading point. 

4. Say hi to your flatmates

Once you’ve unpacked and have familiarised yourself with your surroundings, we suggest you say hi to your fellow flatmates. Your kitchen is usually a good place to do so. 

STYCs will be in touch with you at points throughout the week to help you settle and tell you about key events.

5. Think about dinner

Whether you are moving into catered or self-catered accommodation, you'll need to think about food for your first evening.

Depending on when you arrive, our on-campus outlets may be closed, and if you are moving into catered accommodation, please be aware your meals will only be available on weekdays during the semester.

Your room number

Accommodation services will email you in September with your room number and block/flat. If you have any accommodation queries, you should contact the Accommodation team.

  • The letter at the start (A) tells you that your room is in Alcuin
  • The next letter is your block/court
  • The number is your room number
  • The first digit of your room number is your floor: (0 is Ground Floor, 1 is First Floor etc.)

For example: A/K 101 is Alcuin K block, first floor, room 101.

Your first weeks

Throughout your first week, Alcuin and our Students’ Union will coordinate a programme of welcome activities, led by your student committee, to welcome you to our college, introduce you to your fellow Alcuinites and get you ready for living university life to the full.

Get involved at Alcuin