Community and culture

Find opportunities to socialise, share your interests, connect with others and build new friendships.

You can find out about the groups, events and networks (both in person and virtual) that are available to members of our staff community.

Events on campus

YorkConcerts

A varied programme of guest performers and regular concerts by the University Symphony Orchestra, the 24 and the Chimera Ensemble.

Open lectures

Free lectures by expert speakers, aimed at a general audience.

York Ideas

Year-round events featuring talks by global speakers, family activities and learning experiences.

Conferences and events

York Conferences and Events hosts events including concerts, festivals, exhibitions and tribute acts on campus, with proceeds reinvested back into the University.

Research events

Events for staff and the general public including YorkTalks, Three Minute Thesis and Falling Walls Lab York.

York Student Cinema

YSC typically show three films per week during term time in P/X/001 (Exhibition Centre, Campus West). Screenings are open to staff and the public.

Book a room on campus

Events in York

What's on in York

York has a diverse mix of venues, showcasing music, art, cinema and comedy.

YorkCard

A YorkCard gives discounted entry to leisure facilities and attractions.

Sport and exercise

Want to make new friends while achieving your fitness goals? Whether you want to try something new, join a team or drop in to a pay-as-you-go class, York Sport has a wide range of activities for you to choose from.

Plus there are staff leagues in various sports, a weekly 5km parkrun, and fitness classes on campus.

Sport at York

Other activities

The Languages Cafe

Intercultural Peer Assisted Learning sessions, which provide a social space to practice conversation in eight languages

University Choir

Join the University Choir of 250 voices. They rehearse on Monday evenings during term and give concerts three times a year.

Staff volunteering

Volunteer during work time with York Cares to support a cause you care about.

An award-winning community without limits

Named Community University of the Year 2026.

Our staff are the foundation of our success. We're proud to be The Mail University Guide’s Community University of the Year 2026. This award celebrates our York Festival of Ideas and our collective effort to create a positive environment for everyone.

Whether you’re volunteering through York Cares or joining a staff network, you're part of a force for positive change.

Networks and groups

There are a number of social groups and networks for staff. Some coordinate in-person events and activities while others are informal online social communities within the University's Slack workspace.

Family Network

A group for anyone at the University with dependants.

Men's Health @ York

Get together, take part in activities and talk about physical and mental health.

Rainbow Alliance

This EDI staff network holds monthly socials including lunch clubs and pub meet-ups.

Find more staff networks

Join our Slack groups

Veera posing by Central Hall, as featured on the #yorpaws Slack channel. Photo by Minna Lehtinen.

Connect on Slack whether you are working on campus, or from home:

Find peer support on #staff-autism-space, #rainbow-alliance
If you're feeling creative, browse #artandcraft
For nature appreciation try #yor-plants, #wildlifeofuoy
Chat health and wellbeing on #staff-mental-health-wellbeing-networking, #menopause-staff-chat
Animal lovers can head to #yorpaws, #catsofuoy
Sustainability champions and bargain hunters convene on #recycle-chat, #recycle-for-sale-or-wanted

Search for other groups or set up your own. Join the #slack-talk channel and look out for the monthly channel spotlights.

Senior Common Rooms

Members of staff can get involved in college life and access a vibrant social calendar by joining a Senior Common Room (SCR).

Events can include illustrated talks, trips, cheese and wine evenings, book clubs, sports activities and quizzes.

You'll also be invited to student-run events and can make use of the college's communal areas and amenities.

Derwent College

To find out more about joining Derwent SCR, contact derwent@york.ac.uk.

Wentworth College

All members of staff are welcome to join. Find out more by emailing wentworth-scrc@york.ac.uk.

A View of Wentworth from Accross the Lake — Wentworth College