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Things to know this week - 3 October 2022

Posted on 3 October 2022

Welcome to your undergraduate student news summary of key things happening across the University this week.

UoY community update

UoY advice and support for the cost of living
We know students are facing cost of living worries. Last week, we told you about our cost of living hub that signposts information and support. We’re pleased this week to announce new support with our Household Energy Grant. If you’re in an all-student household off campus where bills are not included in your rent, check if you’re eligible for a £150 payment. 

Get in touch early
If you are worried about money, it’s always better to get in touch sooner rather than later. Don't forget that the specialist trained advisers in our Student Support and Advice Team can direct you to funds you may be eligible for and they can help you manage your budget, give debt advice and help with housing concerns. Contact the Student Support and Advice Team.

1. Help with managing your money

Now is the time to get a clear idea of your finances. New for 2022/23, we've partnered with Blackbullion, the financial wellbeing platform, so you can sign up for free to access practical financial information. The learning covers 80+ personal finance topics, such as credit scores and saving. There’s information about interest free overdrafts, how to spot scams, and subjects to help you prepare for life after your studies, such as tax and pensions. You’ll also find tools to help you manage your money, like a budget calculator. Find out more and sign up for Blackbullion.

2. SPOTLIGHT: Support for our international students

There have been difficult events happening across the world in recent times. Our International Student Support Team helps overseas students living in York all year round, but can also provide extra support for any students affected by global crises. Events such as the recent flooding in Pakistan and hurricanes in North America, as well as wars and unrest in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Ukraine, affect our students in so many ways. The International Student Support Team can provide a range of help, for example helping students to stay in contact with loved ones back home, providing temporary financial guidance, and contacting local charities and support networks. Find out how the International Student Support Team can help you.

3. Have questions about academic study but are too scared to ask?

Whether you’re new to York or not, get the academic year off to a great start by learning how you can build on and develop your study methods. Our Academic Skills Community workshops will help you to make the most of your skills. Sessions this term include:

  • Seminars: what they are and how to make the most of them
  • Academic writing: what it is and how to do it
  • Critical thinking: what it is and how to do it
  • Academic reading: what it is and how to do it
  • Note-making for reading
  • Strategies for increasing reading speed
  • Essay writing

Don’t get left behind - sign up for our Academic Skills Community workshops this term.

4. What are your thoughts on the new Student Centre?

The new Student Centre will provide a home for social events as well as places to eat, relax and study. We are currently planning the internal spaces and a series of engagement events have been organised so students can find out why the building is important to the University, what it will offer and how the project will be managed. Book your spot and find out more about the new Student Centre.

5. Black History Month 2022

We’re celebrating Black History Month 2022 throughout October. The theme for 2022 is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’ so we are highlighting the action that is being taken by the University and within the city in order to challenge racism and implement our anti-racism actions. Find out more about Black History Month 2022 at York.

Offers, discounts and paid opportunities

Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for more 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.