New students and arrivals
Before you arrive
- Check out the University welcome pages, including information on how to register and what to bring.
- Complete the Alcuin pre-arrival survey. We will email your University account with the survey a few weeks before you arrive.
- Whether you are moving into catered or self-catered accommodation, you'll need to think about food for your first evening. Depending on when you arrive, our on-campus outlets may be closed, and if you are moving into catered accommodation, please be aware your meals will only be available on weekdays during the semester.
Your room number
Accommodation services will email you in September with your room number and block/flat. If you have any accommodation queries, you should contact the Accommodation team.
- The letter at the start (A) tells you that your room is in Alcuin
- The next letter is your block/court
- The number is your room number
- The first digit of your room number is your floor: (0 is Ground Floor, 1 is First Floor etc.)
For example: A/K 101 is Alcuin K block, first floor, room 101.
When to arrive
Your undergraduate arrival day is Saturday 16 September 2023. Accommodation Services will email your University of York email account with a link to the induction module and ask you to book a one-hour arrival slot.
If you are a postgraduate, you can arrive from the date on your room offer. Welcome activities and induction events will begin from Monday 11 September 2023.
Arrivals day
1. Getting here
Find detailed travel information on the maps, directions and parking web pages.
If you are arriving by car, please sign up for an arrival slot via your accommodation offer. This will help our college teams to manage the large number of students arriving on campus. As we have limited car parking spaces, we ask that you follow this process to help minimise congestion.
2. Meet STYCs and collect keys
Our Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs) will greet you on arrival and show you where to go. You’ll be able to identify them by their grey Alcuin t-shirts. If you have any questions, just ask!
Your Alcuin STYCs will direct you to pick up your keycard and you’ll also be welcomed by our college staff. Remember to bring your photo ID, (ie a passport or driving licence), when doing so.
If you booked an arrival time after 5pm, you should visit the Alcuin Reception to collect your keys.
3. Move into your room
Once you’ve picked up your things, volunteers will be on hand to help you find your accommodation and move belongings if needed.
If you travel by car, you’ll be directed to the nearest unloading point.
4. Say hi to your flatmates
Once you’ve unpacked and have familiarised yourself with your surroundings, we suggest you say hi to your fellow flatmates. Your kitchen is usually a good place to do so.
STYCs will be in touch with you at points throughout the week to help you settle and tell you about key events.
Keeping up to date
As we get closer to the start of the semester, we'll email you with information and advice on how to prepare. These emails will be sent to your University of York email account. Find any that you may have missed below.
Your first weeks
Throughout your first week, Alcuin and our Students’ Union will coordinate a programme of welcome activities, led by your student committee, to welcome you to our college, introduce you to your fellow Alcuinites and get you ready for living university life to the full.
