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Things to know this week - 11 September 2023: Welcome to all!

Posted on 11 September 2023

We’re looking forward to welcoming you - or welcoming you back - to York! During the semester, we send you a postgraduate taught student news summary of key things happening each week.

UoY community update

University of the Year nomination
Congratulations - you are studying at a university nominated for University of the Year by Times Higher Education (THE) in what is widely recognised as the 'Oscars of higher education'! The nomination is based on our response to the cost of living crisis and how we have looked after each other and those around us. You can watch and read why York has been shortlisted. The winner is announced in December. Don’t forget we have all our cost of living support outlined on our cost of living web page.

Industrial action update
We are extremely disappointed that, although the marking and assessment boycott has been withdrawn, UCU has announced industrial action for the full week beginning Monday 25 September (Teaching Week 1). Many students won't be affected, so please attend scheduled teaching unless told otherwise. (Teaching timetables will be released for new students this week). We will update our web pages and email you with more information as soon as possible, so keep checking your University inbox and the industrial action web pages.

1. Welcome to all!

Welcome activities for new postgraduates kick off with the GSA’s Welcome Night tonight - with free pizza and drink voucher included! - and continue over the next few weeks. Other highlights include the Information Fair and the Medieval Ball where a scrumptious dinner awaits you. Meanwhile, there are events for all as part of YUSU’s Freshers 2023. All students - new and returning, undergraduate or postgraduate - are welcome to come along to Comedy Night for an evening of laughs, join Film Night to watch ‘Ratatouille’ right here on campus, or get your fanciest clothes out for Fight Night, to watch contenders battle it out in the ring.

And, after a busy Freshers Week, there’s the Self-Care Fair where you can attend yoga and play with therapy dogs - with delicious food of course! All this and more alongside your college Freshers’ events, so come and explore what is on offer for all during Welcome 2023!

2. Do you know the tell-tale signs of a scam?

We often hear of scammers targeting students at this time of year. Protect yourself by taking a few moments to find out about current scams we know of - like the Student Loans Company phishing scam and the fake HMRC tax refunds scam. International students should also be aware of the fake visa or police scam. Learn our seven tell-tale signs of a scam and register for an online event this week on Money mules: how to avoid the trap.

We also see a lot of email scams. To protect yourself and your personal information, you need to be able to spot phishing messages. Your username and password are vital pieces of your University identity - never share your password. If someone does know it, you need to change your password.

3. A chance to develop your language skills

If you are interested in learning a new language or continuing with one you have studied before, our Languages for All courses are a great opportunity to enhance your career prospects and open a window into different ways of thinking and experiencing the world. Come to a talk next week to find out more about language learning opportunities at York.

4. New look for the MyUoY app

A brand new design and interface for the MyUoY app is rolling out to students. Download or update the MyUoY app in your app store today to see the new and improved version. The app includes lots of features to help make day-to-day life on campus easier. The app is available on Apple and Android devices - simply search ‘MyUoY’ in the app store of your smartphone or tablet to download. (Please note you must update the app to continue to use it, earlier versions are no longer available).

5. Changes to First Bus routes and fares

Routes, timetables and free zone buses in York will be changing on Sunday 24 September: 

  • The free intercampus buses (routes 68 and 69) will be renamed C1 and C2 and have differing routes and timetables
  • The 66 and 67 routes are now fully paid-for routes and no longer offer any free travel
  • Fares are rising, with the cheapest ‘per day’ ticket now 94p (using the annual pass)

See more information on using public transport on our website.

Offers, competitions and paid opportunities

Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for jobs and opportunities.

Student news

Things to know this week is produced and distributed by the University's Internal Communications Team. Please email any feedback to university-internal-comms@york.ac.uk.