Student Sustainability Opportunities Hub
Welcome to the Student Sustainability Opportunities Hub! A space to discover sustainability-related opportunities that you can get involved with, from modules and courses to internships and volunteering. Our platform is available for all current students at the University of York to use.
The hub can help you to:
- Develop your sustainability skills, knowledge and experience.
- Think about a career in sustainability.
- Go beyond your degree programme with our sustainability elective modules.
- Find work experience or volunteering opportunities.
- Enjoy sustainability opportunities and events on campus.
Student opportunity: Green Impact Lab Auditor training
SOS-UK and the University's Department of Biology are offering an exciting opportunity, where you can receive IEMA-approved training on sustainability auditing, and then put your newfound skills into practice by conducting Green Impact audits of our labs, all happening on campus on 14 October 2025.
The training will support you to develop and practice transferable employability skills including communication, teamwork, decision-making, time management, and organisation. You’ll also develop a better understanding of sustainability in the workplace and what York is doing to be more sustainable in our labs.
No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to try something new! We are particularly interested in students with some experience working in labs or from a sciences faculty due to the nature of the audit work. After the day you will get a digital badge to demonstrate your experience. Apply by 5 June 2025.
How can I get involved?
Sustainability events
We host a wide range of sustainability-related events and activities throughout the year. Take a look at our events page to stay up date with the latest events happening on campus and beyond.
Green societies and groups
There are a number of student-run societies promoting sustainability at York, along with opportunities to get involved through your college and Student Union.
Wellbeing & nature trails
Explore our green spaces to support your mental health and wellbeing. Students, staff and the local community can access a range of nature trails and outdoor activities to get moving and enjoy our estate.
College Sustainability Challenge
Our College Sustainability Challenge is a sustainability campaign which supports and encourages students to live sustainably, with a specific focus on saving energy and water, as well as recycling and reducing waste.
Fund your sustainability project
Interested in starting a sustainability project while at University but need some funding? The Student Union's Sustainable Development Grant may be able to help.
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Living Labs
York Living Labs brings together our University community to work on sustainability problems on campus, and use the campus as a test-bed for sustainability solutions which have wider impact. Find out how you can get involved.
Studying and beyond
Modules, courses and programmes
Choose from a wide range of sustainability-related elective modules, including our award-winning Sustainability Clinic, along with courses and programmes.
Green careers advice
Sustainability and the environmental sector is broad and comprises of a wide range of employers and career opportunities, both outdoors and office-based.
Informal learning & development
MOOC: Bioeconomy
Join this free course to learn how renewable resources can help the future of our planet. Join the fight for a sustainable world that works for us all.
MOOC: Tackling environmental challenges
Join this free course to discover how environmental research can inform how we respond to and solve global environmental issues.
Find out about the latest opportunities
Work experience, volunteering and internships are an important part of getting into any career. If you're looking to stand out and build sustainability-focused skills, check this webpage regularly for new opportunities.
How to be more sustainable at University
Find out how you can be more sustainable while studying and living in York, including guidance about sustainable travel, reducing waste, eating and shopping sustainably and saving energy on campus.