New students and arrivals

New students being shown around by Vanbrugh STYCs

Before you arrive

We’re sure you want to plan ahead:

  • Take a look at the welcome pages, including how to register and what to bring.
  • Complete the Vanbrugh 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 Vanbrugh 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:

Vanbrugh Students Walking on Campus

When to arrive

If you are arriving outside your designated arrival date: All keys should be collected from the Campus West Information Centre Reception (on Vanbrugh Way) which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

If you are living in Fairfax House, your undergraduate arrival date is Saturday 14 September 2024.

If you are living in Le Page Court, Donald Barron Court or Barbara Scott Court, your undergraduate arrival day is Sunday 15 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

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

Car travel

There are a few car parks close to Vanbrugh College. We’ll let you know which one to use nearer your arrival date. Please leave your bags in your car until you’ve collected your university key card and our College Team has greeted you.

Learn more

Public transport

You’ll be dropped at the bus stop opposite the Library, just a short walk from Vanbrugh College. There’s also a bus stop outside Fairfax House.

Learn more

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 friendly Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs) will greet you on arrival and show you where to go. You can identify them by their Vanbrugh t-shirts. If there’s anything you need to know, just ask them!

Your Vanbrugh STYC will show you where to collect your keycard and student ID, and introduce you to our college staff. Don’t forget to bring some photo ID. 

If you aren't able to come on your allocated arrival day, or if you arrive after the final booking slot, please collect your keys from Vanbrugh Reception located at the Information Centre on Market Square.

3. Move into your room

Once you’ve collected your ID and keycard, a STYC or STYM (student mentor) will show you to your accommodation at Vanbrugh. 

If you travel by car, you’ll be directed from the car park to nearer your accommodation if possible, so that you can unload your things. To help ease congestion, please return your car to the car park once you’ve unloaded your belongings.

4. Say hi to your flatmates

Once you’ve got your bearings and have unpacked your stuff, you might want to say hi to your flatmates. Your kitchen is a good place to start.

The STYMs for your flat will be in touch soon, to inform you 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 in September with your room number and block/flat. 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 first digit of your room number is your floor: (0 is Ground Floor, 1 is First Floor etc.)
  • The digits are your room number

For example: V/A/026 is on the ground floor in Le Page A.

Vanbrugh has a variety of different building codes. Find yours below.

Fairfax House: 

  • FX/244 is a room on the second floor and FX/012 is on the ground floor

Le Page Court:

  • V/A/026 is on the ground floor in Le Page A
  • V/B/109 is on the first floor in Le Page B

Donald Barron and Barbara Scott Courts:

Each of the blocks above has its own code followed by three numbers.  The first number is the floor and the next two numbers are the room.  

  • VBA/B/201 is on the second floor of Donald Barron House B room 1
  • VSC/D/008 is on the ground floor of Barbara Scott House D room 8
  • VSC/F/112 is on the first floor of Barbara Scott House F room 12

Your first week

During your first week, Vanbrugh and our Students’ Unions will deliver a programme of introductory activities, led by our student committee, to welcome you to our college, help you get to know fellow students and start living Vanbrugh life to the max.

Join in at Vanbrugh