Things to know this week
Things to know this week - 7 Oct 2024: Tips for looking after yourself
Posted on 7 October 2024
UoY community update
War in Gaza: one year on
Today we mark one year since the start of the horrific Israel-Gaza war and the Middle East crisis. Students and staff have challenged the University to take action in a number of ways over the last 12 months - read an update on how we are progressing our commitments as a University of Sanctuary.SCAM WARNING: Fake finance official
We’re aware of a current ‘fake official’ scam affecting students at the moment where someone may phone you to advise that your bank account has been compromised and you need to transfer your money to a new account. The phone call is convincing, using information gleaned from social media and citing a fake crime reference number. Please be extremely cautious of any phone calls, text messages, or emails that ask for personal or financial details. See our information on scammers - they’re after your money.IMPORTANT: Have you completed your ‘Right to Study’ check?
- All new students must upload evidence of your right to study in the UK to e:Vision.
- International students who do not have, or have not applied for, a Student visa need to upload evidence AND THEN attend a registration event BEFORE 4.30pm tomorrow (8 October) so that your evidence can be verified.
You need to provide evidence or you may be withdrawn from your degree. If you’re experiencing problems, the Visa Compliance team are happy to help: email right-to-study@york.ac.uk.
Free electrical safety tests for students
You should arrange to get any electrical equipment you use in public spaces tested for safety. This could include phone chargers, laptops and anything you use in the kitchen in your campus accommodation. See drop-in PAT testing sessions this week.Complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial
A reminder that you need to complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial on the VLE. If you do not have an Integrity Tutorial in your VLE module list, email integrity@york.ac.uk.
1. Take part in York research for World Mental Health Day
Thursday (10 October) is World Mental Health Day. You can play a part in important research taking place right here at York by completing our SWANS survey into student wellbeing. By letting us know in the survey how you have been feeling over the past couple of weeks, you’ll contribute to much-needed research into student wellbeing so that we can inform effective strategies to support students generally and make positive developments in our student support services. Check your UoY inbox this week for your invitation to take part in the SWANS survey.
2. TalkCampus - no matter where you are in the world
TalkCampus is instant, free, 24/7 support for student mental health. It’s available in over 26 languages from a global community of students just like you - so there is always someone there to listen. Download the TalkCampus app to talk about the ups and downs of student life or if you’re struggling and worried about your mental health. And, don’t forget, there are lots of people at the university who are here to help with your wellbeing.
3. Feeling disorganised?
Let the Academic Skills Community help take some of the stress out of organising your studies with these upcoming online workshops:
- 14 Oct: Time management
Tips and tools for organising yourself to enable you to make the best use of your time.
- 16 Oct: Assignment planning
How to understand the assignment requirements, break down tasks, set deadlines, and allocate time effectively to ensure thorough research, writing, and revision. - 17 Oct: Strategies to increase reading speed
How reading strategies - such as skimming, scanning, text navigation, and deducing meaning from context - can be applied to the reading of academic texts.
See nine tips for time management in our Being organised: a Practical Guide and find out about tools to help you, including how to make a semester planner.
4. Money worries?
We know that the cost of living continues to affect students and our information on cost of living support for students has been updated for the new academic year. There is a range of support available, from college free food events to laptop loans, free period products and free work clothes. We have monthly money advice drop-ins for disabled and neurodivergent students. The Student Support Fund may help you if you're experiencing unexpected financial difficulty due to an unforeseen change in your circumstances. And Blackbullion, our financial education platform, can help with things like making a budget. If you find yourself struggling, please get in touch with the Student Hub.
5. Private housing problems?
You can discuss any issues you might be having living in private accommodation at our regular housing advice events. We offer contract checking as well as advice drop-ins with our specialist Student Housing Adviser and volunteer Law students at the Baroness Hale Law School Clinic. We can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Offers, competitions and paid opportunities
- Enter the Handshake Live Rent Free prize draw for a chance to win £3,000
- Joan Samuels Scholarship for disabled postgraduates
Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for jobs and opportunities.
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.