New students and arrivals
Keeping up to date
As we get closer to the start of the new academic year, we'll email your University of York email account with information and advice on how to prepare.
Arrivals day
Due to the number of students arriving into David Kato College, our arrivals are separated across two different days to avoid significant queues and delays. As part of this process to minimise traffic, all students are asked to book and follow a specific arrival slot for their move-in on campus.
Your individual 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.
Instructions slightly differ depending on the day you are allocated to arrive.
What to expect
To help you navigate your way on the day, our Campus Safety team have also put together a video to help visualise how these steps will look if you are driving to David Kato College.
Frequently asked questions
I’m not able to arrive on the day I've been assigned. Can I move in on another day?
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 kato@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 a little overwhelming. If you have specific needs please email kato@york.ac.uk and we will be able to advise the best time to arrive.
I have physical disabilities and require accessible parking.
If you require accessible parking, please contact the David Kato College team via email: kato@york.ac.uk
What happens if I arrive 'out of hours'?
Our key collection hubs are open between 8am and 8pm, though you should aim to arrive during your pre-booked arrival slot if you have one.
If you arrive on campus outside these hours, please make alternative arrangements until our key collection hubs reopen. In an emergency, you can contact Campus Safety on +44 (0)1904 32 4444.
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.
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 your room number and block/flat. If you have any accommodation queries, get in touch with the Accommodation team.
- The letters at the start (DK) tell you that your room is in David Kato
- The next letter is your block
- The following digits are your room number
- The first digit of your room number is your floor: (0 is Ground Floor, 1 is First Floor etc.)
For example: DK/J/019 is David Kato College, Block J, Ground Floor, Room Number 019.
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
During your first week, David Kato and our Students’ Union will host a programme of welcome activities, led by the student committees, to welcome you to our college, introduce you to your new flatmates and begin your university journey.
