Accessibility statement

Things to know this week - 14 Oct 2024: Tips to beat homesickness

Posted on 14 October 2024

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

View this email

UoY community update

Fees and accommodation payment reminder - 31 October 2024
A quick reminder that if you pay your own tuition fees or accommodation costs, a payment instalment is due at the end of this month. The easiest way to pay is via the ‘My Finance’ section in e:Vision. If you have set up a direct debit, this will be automatically taken around the due date and you’ll receive a notification of the amount beforehand. Please be scam aware. REMEMBER: We will never contact you and ask for your card details over the phone for payments. See our 7 tips for spotting a scam.

Yorkshire Marathon on campus (17-21 October)
Look out for road and car park closures this week due to the Yorkshire Marathon.

Gentle Hair Day and the BAME Support Hub
The Department of Psychology, alongside the Open Door Team, is developing a BAME Support Hub to bring together staff and students to share their experiences and celebrate the diversity within our BAME population. As part of this, come to this year’s Gentle Hair Day on Wednesday (16 October) for a relaxed, pressure-free space for students and staff of Black heritage to chat about all things hair.

Check you’re using the correct laundry app
Please ensure you use the Circuit Laundry Plus app when using Circuit Laundry on campus and NOT the standard Circuit Laundry app. Find out more information about the launderettes on campus.

Upcoming work to renew network certificate
We will be renewing the network certificate on Thursday (17 October). This certificate validates that the network you are connecting to is provided by the University and renewing it is an important part of maintaining a secure network.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week
This week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week and partners across York are hosting a series of events to help you learn more about hate crime and how it can impact communities. Our Together York ethos means that we recognise, value and celebrate diversity and expect all members of the University to treat each other with dignity and respect. See our information on reporting hate crime or a hate incident, including how we deal with reports.

1. Feeling homesick? You’re not alone

The excitement of the start of semester may have died down and the realities of academic work may mean that you’re wanting the comforts of home right now. Don’t worry - homesickness is very common amongst students and there are ways to get through it. Try our 7 tips to beat homesickness.

2. Get involved with student societies and activities

Focusing on life here in York can help develop your sense of belonging. Trying new things, and getting involved in group activities can be a great way to build your confidence, build new support networks and discover hidden passions. And with over 200 student societies and 70 different sports clubs, there’s plenty for you to explore, no matter your experience level. Who knows, you may even find yourself singing on Radio 1 one day…

https://youtu.be/jdYicsHvGO0?si=BPt-DfONPhdfjivG

Want to try something new without committing to a full membership? Give it a Go with a range of taster sessions over the semester.

3. Get involved in the community

York Students in Schools is a great way to gain valuable work experience and make a positive impact on the lives of young learners. 

Find out more at the What is YSIS? event on 23 October or visit the Careers drop-in every Thursday 2-3pm in the Careers and Placements Building. Discover how the University Community Fund could help you make an impact in the local community by developing your own volunteering project.

4. Get involved with representing your fellow students

Ever wanted to make a difference to equality and inclusion here at York? This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! The University of York Students’ Union is looking for a new Equality and Inclusion Sabbatical Officer (part time). In this role, you’ll be a key contact for liberation groups across the University. You’ll work to integrate intersectionality into policies, work with the University to address systemic barriers, and help to foster an inclusive environment. Find out more about the role of Equality and Inclusion Sabbatical Officer (part time).

5. Win £1,000 with the return of the Brighter Futures Grants Programme

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Brighter Futures Grants programme in collaboration with Santander. We’re giving you the chance to win one of 10 grants, each worth £1,000, to support your academic journey. All students are eligible to enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You don’t even need to bank with Santander to get involved. Apply for the Santander Universities Brighter Futures Grant by 11pm on 5 December 2024 for your chance to win!

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.