Before you arrive

  • Check out the welcome pages, including information on how to register and what to bring.
  • Complete the James pre-arrival survey. We will email your University account with the survey a few weeks before you arrive.
  • If you've decided to live off-campus or commute in, you’ll still be a member of a James College. See the local and commuting students page for extra help and support. Look out for a college email inviting you to a welcome event and orientation session.

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:

James STYCs and Students Caryying Belongings

When to arrive

New undergraduates are asked to arrive into James College on Saturday 14 September 2024. 

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

You can find 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

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by our Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs), recognisable by their James t-shirts. They’ll show you where to go and can answer any questions.

Your STYC will direct you to pick up your key card and student ID, and be greeted by our college staff. Don’t forget to bring a photo ID with you.

If you’ve booked an arrival time after 5pm, you should collect your keycard from the reception in the Roger Kirk Centre.

3. Move into your room

Once you have your key card, a STYC or STYM (student mentor) will take you to your accommodation. 

If you arrive by car, now’s the time to unload your belongings.

4. Say hi to your flatmates

Once you’ve sorted out your things and are starting to feel a little more at home, why not say hi to your flatmates once they’re done too? Your kitchen is the place to do so. 

Your flat’s STYMs will also be in touch to keep you updated on what will happen in the weeks ahead.

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 your room code in September, which includes your room number and block. If you have any queries, get in touch with the Accommodation team.

  • The letters at the start tell you which building the room is in
  • 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.)
  • If you're in house style blocks (A-F), the second digit is your house number (0 = House 1, 1 = House 2 etc)

For example: J/B/104 is B Block, House 1, First Floor, Room number 104. J/F/114 is F Block, House 2, First Floor, Room number 114.

Your first week

During the first week, James College and our Students’ Union will put on a programme of welcome activities, led by the student committees, to introduce you to the college, get to know your housemates and begin your new university adventure.

Join in at James