New students and arrivals
Keeping up to date
As we get closer to the start of the semester, we'll email your University of York email account with information and advice on how to prepare, and share copies of the emails below.
Welcome to the University of York! Things to do first - 22 August 2025
Arrivals day
If you are living in University accommodation, your arrival date will be determined by the start date specified for you in your accommodation contract. It is important you arrive only on the day you are allocated.
Foss Studios residents - Saturday 13 September 2025
Details about your arrival day will be sent to you directly from the Hello Student Team - keep an eye out for an email titled “Online Leasing Invitation” from book@hellostudent.co.uk.
If you have any questions about your move-in process, please contact the team via their homepage: https://www.hellostudent.co.uk/contact
On-campus residents - Sunday 14 September 2025
- Please park in the Campus North Car Park (campus map / google maps / what3words) on arrival, and head on foot to Alcuin Vedge in Alcuin D block (campus map / google maps / what3words) to collect your keys, student card and other information. Please remember to bring a form of photo ID with you to collect these.
- Once you have collected your keys, you can then return to your car to begin unloading. Welcome staff and Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs) will be around on hand to help show you to your accommodation block.
- If closer spaces are available at the time you arrive, our stewards will let you know. If you are directed into these spaces, you will need to move your car back to the Campus North Car Park (campus map / google maps / what3words) once you have finished unloading to help manage congestion, and allow others the same opportunity.
- We have a very limited number of trolleys available so you may wish to bring a fold up trolley on wheels if you are bringing more than you can manage to carry.
Living off campus?
- Once you’ve arrived in York, make sure to head to our Information Centre (open 24/7) to collect your student card and other important information. Please remember to bring a form of photo ID with you for collection.
- See our advice for moving into private rented accommodation, including a handy moving in checklist for your first key tasks, and explore the range of support available for all local and commuting students.
- Wherever you’re based this year, you’re still a member of Alcuin College and welcome at all college events and activities!
Frequently asked questions
I’m not able to move in on the day I’ve been assigned. Can I arrive on a different day instead?
Foss Studio residents
Please contact the Hello Student Team (book@hellostudent.co.uk) who will be best placed to advise.
On-campus students
We strongly encourage you to arrive on the day your tenancy contract begins. Arrivals weekend is a very busy time at the University, with lots of traffic and queues across campus.
If you choose to arrive after this date, please be aware there will be a limited number of parking spaces available, as well as limited assistance available to help you move into your room. We therefore strongly recommend you move in on your allocated arrival date.
If you have any questions, please contact your college team at alcuin@york.ac.uk, who will be able to advise.
I’m a neurodivergent student and would like to move in when it’s quieter. Is that possible?
Arrivals weekend is very busy and can, for some students, be overwhelming. If you have specific needs, please contact the team at alcuin@york.ac.uk (for on-campus arrivals) or book@hellostudent.co.uk (Foss Studios residents) and we will be able to advise the best time to arrive.
I have physical disabilities and require accessible parking. Do I need to register in advance?
If you require accessible parking, please contact your respective team at either alcuin@york.ac.uk (on-campus residents) or book@hellostudent.co.uk (Foss Studios residents) who will be able to advise.
What happens if I arrive ‘out of hours’?
Foss studios residents
Please contact the Foss studios team at book@hellostudent.co.uk for the latest information.
On-campus residents
You will be able to collect your keys from our Information Centre, which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you arrive after 5pm, please be aware there will likely be a limited amount of parking and assistance available to help you move into your room.
Will I be able to buy food when I get there?
If you are moving into catered or self-catered accommodation on campus, you'll need to think about food for your first evening. Note that our campus catering outlets only take card payments.
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.
Once you've arrived
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.
Report any issues
If you're living on campus, we’ll email you a room inventory when you move in. Check your room thoroughly and report any problems.
Report a problem with your room
If you're living off campus, your accommodation provider / letting agent will provide you with an inventory on the day you move in. See our advice for moving into private sector accommodation, including what to expect and a handy moving in checklist for your first key tasks.
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.
