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Things to know this week - 27 November 2023: Cost of living support update

Posted on 27 November 2023

Welcome to your postgraduate taught student news summary of key things happening this week.

UoY community update

UPDATE: Cost of living support
Are you receiving everything you’re eligible for? See our information on cost of living support for students for all the support available at York:

  • The Student Support Fund can help if you’re experiencing unexpected financial difficulty due to an unforeseen change in your circumstances.
  • New from YUSU is the Student Pantry where you can pick up non-food items such as cleaning products, baby formula and stationery for free.

How can we reduce energy usage on campus?
Find out ways to get involved in Energy Action Week, including taking part in quizzes and competitions for the chance to win a £25 voucher. You can also meet the Student Switch Off team in the Library today to give us your thoughts about saving energy.

Calling all cyclists - light up, be seen and be safe!
The Travel and Transport team will be at the Field Lane crossroads tomorrow (Tuesday 28 November) between 4pm to 6pm, sharing tips on keeping you and your bike safe this winter. For those who arrive early, there might even be some free goodies to take home.

1. Get started on your dissertation

When writing a dissertation, the hardest part is knowing where to begin. The Academic Skills Community offers workshops on crafting compelling dissertation introductions, how to edit and proofread, planning for data analysis, and choosing effective statistical testing. Book a one-to-one appointment with our Writing Centre tutors for personalised feedback, or our Maths Skills Centre tutors to discuss any mathematical or statistical questions you may have.

2. How do you deal with the ups and downs of student life?

A key skill in handling student life is being able to think both reflectively, so that you can identify what you have, and also strategically, so that you can identify what you need going forward. The Success at York Toolkit has some great pointers to help you develop the thinking skills that will help you as you work towards your goals. See our focus on resourcefulness and complete activities to help you develop this vital skill.

3. Could you be using alcohol to cope?

Many people try to cope with difficult feelings through alcohol and it is sometimes made worse at this time of year. Not sure whether you’re drinking too much? Take a short quiz to check your intake (alcoholchange.org.uk). While drinking alcohol can sometimes have a short term positive impact on our mood, in the long term it can cause problems for mental health as well as relationships. If you’re worried about a friend - or think you may have a problem - take a look at our information on stress, alcohol and drugs and addiction in our health and wellbeing advice A-Z. There are lots of sources of non-judgemental support - please reach out.

4. Marking Estranged Students Solidarity Week

We signed the Stand Alone Pledge to demonstrate our commitment to students who are studying without parental support. We provide a range of support for estranged students, including funding, rent guarantees, social events, and information and guidance from our dedicated advisor, Daniel Hall. To mark this year's Estranged Students Solidarity Week, look out on our social media channels for more about what we do and get in touch.

5. Win a laptop by sharing your career aspirations

How do you feel about careers advice at York? Let the Careers and Placements team know what support you need, reflect on your career aspirations and make your voice heard by completing the 15-minute careers survey by Cibyl - you could win a £500 gift card or a laptop!

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.