Health, wellbeing and sustainability
The University offers a range of mental health and wellbeing support, along with outdoor activities to enjoy around campus.
We aim to support our staff, students, and the broader community in leading healthy lives, so they’re well-equipped to contribute to a sustainable, happy, and healthy future.
There are links below to our main staff and student health and wellbeing pages.
Key achievements
Wellness Wednesday
Students offered free access to York Sports gyms in October 2023.
Longboi Biology Art Trail
A duck trail designed by the Biology Department in memory of the University’s famous duck resident.
Living Wage
The University is accredited as a real Living Wage employer.
Strategic goals
As outlined in our Sustainability Plan 2021-2030, we aim to support our staff and students to benefit from a healthy mind and body; through interacting with our wellbeing programmes, natural grounds initiatives, and buildings designed for the health and wellbeing of occupants.
Community wellbeing
Create a campus that supports the health and wellbeing of its users via nature and outdoor activity.
Mental health and wellbeing
Looking after your mental health is key to getting the most out of your University experience.
- You can read advice and find where to access support on our student health and wellbeing pages.
- Student Minds raise awareness of mental health at the University and provide information on support available to students.
- Our staff health and wellbeing pages provide a range of advice and guidance to support our staff community.
- Mental health is one of our key research themes at the University.
Walks and trails
There are several walks and activities available for staff, students and the public to explore around our campus.
- The Nature Walk takes you through some of the areas on Campus East that are great for flora and fauna.
- The Campus Tree Trails take routes around Campus West to show off the diverse array of native and non-native trees.
- The Active Trail is an exercise challenge between Campus East and West with fitness obstacles throughout.
, 3,041kb)Birds on campus
Our Biodiversity Living Labs committee have put together some maps to help identify the different types of bird species that can be found on Campus East and Campus West.
These maps have been designed by Millie and Erin, our Biodiversity Living Lab interns.
Sport and fitness
Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is key to building a sustainable future. When we take care of ourselves, we're better equipped to take care of the world around us.
- Our student life pages provide information on getting involved with sport in your college or at the University.
- Our travel page shows you how to access the University bike pool, cycle training and other cycle schemes available for staff and students.
- York Sport operates two on-campus gyms and fitness centres on Campus East and West.