Leisure 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.
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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.
Events in York
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.
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.
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.
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Rainbow Alliance
This EDI staff network holds monthly socials including lunch clubs and pub meet-ups.
York Cares
Our volunteering partner York Cares offers opportunities for employees to make a difference in the city.
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.
Wentworth College
Food, drink and accommodation
Get social on Slack
The University Slack workspace is a great way to feel connected no matter where you are working. Colleagues have set up lots of social channels where you can drop in for a catch up during the work day.
Here's an idea of some of the channels you might like to join:
🧘 chat health and wellbeing tips on #staff-mental-health-wellbeing-networking, #menopause-staff-chat
🤗 find peer support on #staff-autism-space, #rainbow-alliance
🎨 if you're feeling creative, browse #artandcraft
🍀 for nature appreciation try #yor-plants, #wildlifeofuoy
🐈 animal lovers can head to #yorpaws, #catsofuoy
♻️ eco warriors and bargain hunters convene on #recycle-chat, #recycle-for-sale-or-wanted
Visit Slack and search for other groups or set up your own.
- Find out more about using Slack, including best practice tips