Promoting activities

Encourage students to become involved in activities outside of academic work to help reduce pressure and stress.

Session checklist

Non-academic activities could take many forms, including:

• University-coordinated volunteering opportunities, including York Students in Schools (YSIS)
• Getting involved with York Students' Union societies and volunteering
• Running for election to become a Students' Union officer or course rep
• Becoming more involved in their college committee
• Getting involved in student media
• Becoming a paid Student Ambassador to promote higher education in schools or help on University Open Days
• Applying for internships or work experience
• Looking for international work experience
• Part-time or temporary employment
• Taking up a hobby or sport with York Sport or Students' Union Sport.

If your supervisee plans to undertake a placement or internship, remind them of the key people in their department they should engage with before their departure and on their return.

Outcomes

By taking into account all aspects of your supervisee’s life at university, you will be helping to achieve the following outcomes:

• Students often feel a greater sense of belonging to the University when they become a member of a smaller community, for example through their college, club or society. This plays a major role in our newer students settling in.
• By enjoying the emotional and physical health benefits that come from being members of clubs and societies and playing sports, students are likely to be happier and healthier, leading to better results and improved satisfaction.
• Through encouraging your students to take part in non-academic activities, you are helping them to develop strategies to reduce stress levels at an early stage. Less negative stress should mean better long-term results.
• By recommending your supervisees find ways to gain additional experience, you are helping them develop their personal skills and improve their employability prospects.