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Things to know this week - 23 Sep 2024: Getting started

Posted on 23 September 2024

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

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UoY community update

Student finance update
Don't want to miss payment deadlines? The easiest way to pay tuition fees and for university accommodation is by direct debit. You need to submit your completed direct debit mandate form by Monday 7 October in order for it to be processed before your first payment is due on 31 October.

If you applied, you should have received your student finance by now. See our advice if you haven’t yet received your student loan.

Long Boi statue unveiling
Long Boi superfan and Radio 1 DJ, Greg James will broadcast his Radio 1 Breakfast Show live from campus this Thursday (26 Sep). A limited number of tickets are still available for the unveiling ceremony from the York SU website. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. You can also listen live to the show via BBC Sounds or head down to The Courtyard from 8.30am onwards, where they will be playing the show.

Campus update
We have made some changes to the opening times for catering outlets and shops on campus, based on usage patterns. Please be aware that the Library Cafe will now be closed at weekends. You can see alternative options on our shop and catering outlet opening times web page or on the MyUoY app. Remember you can also heat up your own food and get hot water in the Library student kitchen on Floor 1 of the Fairhurst building. The Nisa outlets at Market Square and Kimberlow will also be closed at weekends.

Be a good neighbour
Help us to support our local community and avoid complaints by being a good neighbour. This includes saying hello, keeping noise levels down, parking considerately and respecting private land.

1. Settling in to uni life

Whether this is your first time away from home or you are coming back to study after a break, starting university is a time of great change. The first few weeks can be quite bewildering and it’s not unusual to feel lost or lonely. But know you’re not on your own in feeling this way - read our student blogs and see our 8 tips to help with settling into uni.

We’re with you all the way. When you attend teaching sessions, you may be asked to ‘check-in’ at the start. Check-In is our support tool that helps us to quickly identify if it looks like you may be struggling or experiencing difficulties. If it looks like you're not engaging with your studies, we will reach out with guidance and support.

2. What is a lecture or seminar?

Studying at York might be very different to what you have previously experienced. You may have come across phrases like ‘lecture’ or ‘seminar’ and you’re not sure what it all means. Our Introduction to lectures, seminars and tutorials online session on 9 October (login required) looks at what to expect from each learning opportunity. We’ll also share tips and approaches you can use to get the most out of each teaching session.

3.  Welcome to the Library

If you've never used a university library before, it can be a big and intimidating place. See your library quickstart guide for where to start. You can also join a relaxed online introduction (or re-introduction) to our library services at our Everything you wanted to know about using academic libraries but were afraid to ask session on 9 October (login required).

And even if you think you know university libraries, do you really know the Library? We have many new tools to help with organising information, keeping track of your notes and working collaboratively. Come to our Introduction to useful digital tools at York on Wednesday (25 Sep) to further develop your digital, information searching and academic skills (login required). Check out our ‘You don't know what you don't know’ skills guide.

4. Support for disabled and neurodivergent students

We can arrange academic support and adjustments for disabled students and those who are neurodivergent. A Student Support Plan (SSP) determines reasonable adjustments for your course and explores other support options available to you. 

  • You need to contact Disability Services even if you had an SSP at York for a previous course or if you had an SSP at another institution
  • The deadline for providing evidence for individual exam arrangements for the January assessment period is Friday 25 October

In order to access support, you will need to complete our registration form and upload your supporting documentation. If you’re not sure about your options, come to our disability drop-ins this semester for a quick chat about what support is available and the evidence you might need.

5. Finding part-time work

We know many students work part-time whilst they study and it can be a good way to develop skills for future job applications and meet new people. We recommend a limit of working up to 20 hours per week during the semester. See our advice on working while you study and make sure you sign up for Handshake, our careers platform, which lists jobs and opportunities throughout the year. 

International students - come to our Looking for part-time work in York event on Wednesday (25 Sep).

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.