Information for new students
Starting university can be daunting and it will take you time to settle in, don’t be too hard on yourself in the first term when you are dealing with so much change.
Through the Student Communities programme, we offer some support to help make the transition to university life as smooth as possible.
Step Ahead Induction
The Step Ahead Induction programme is designed to help you have the best possible start at York.
Find out more about Step Ahead Induction
Student Buddying Scheme
You can request a second or third year Student Buddy to help you settle into University life and support you during your first few months here. All students who belong to our Student Communities are encouraged to request a Student Buddy, you can do this before you arrive or during your first few weeks here.
Find out more about our Student Buddying Scheme
University Jargon A-Z
This University Jargon A-Z has been put together by current students for new students. We hope it helps to explain some of the new terms you will come across when you first start studying at the University of York.
Read the University Jargon A-Z
Meeting other students
Meeting other students and feeling part of a community is a valuable element of the University experience. There is a lot of support to help you do this, so please reach out!
Student Communities social events
Our Student Communities events programme has been created to provide a fun and safe environment where you can take part in activities (at a reduced cost) and meet other students while doing so. This year’s Student Communities social events have included pottery painting; cocktail nights; axe throwing and bouldering.
You can find out about upcoming Student Communities events in our weekly (during term time) Student Communities newsletter and through our social media. If you don't currently receive our weekly newsletter and believe you belong to one of the Student Communities please complete our Student Communities Registration Form.
Colleges
Whether you live on or off campus, you will be allocated membership to a college. Your college has a team of staff and student volunteers to help you settle in, offers events and activities, and to provide wellbeing support.
York Students’ Union Societies
York Students’ Union has around 65 sport clubs and over 200 student societies which all students are welcome to get involved in. Many of these offer taster sessions in the first few weeks of term and you can join at any time. The YUSU Activities Access Grant provides financial support towards YUSU activities up to a maximum of £80 towards membership costs and a further £80 towards participation costs (including equipment, playing kit, transport costs and trip fees). Access grants are provided as reimbursements, so you first need to join the groups you’re interested in and then apply for the grant. You can be reimbursed for up to £160 in total. Grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and the application form will remain open until the funds run out. Find out more about the Activities access grant or contact societies@yusu.org if you have any questions.