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
Undergraduate students - Saturday 19 September 2026
New undergraduate students living on campus arrive into Derwent on Saturday 19 September 2026. We ask you to follow the following process upon arrival - details of each of the locations mentioned below can be found on our Derwent College map.
- Collect your room keycard and student ID from the National STEM Learning Centre. Please park in the Campus North Car Park (campus map / google maps / what3words) and remember to bring a form of photo ID with you.
- Follow your block specific instructions below. Your next steps will vary depending on which part of Derwent you will be moving into. If you aren’t sure which block you’re in, please check your accommodation offer.
Blocks A, J, K, M
- Begin unloading. Once you have collected your accommodation key, move to Central car park (campus map / google maps / what3words) and begin unloading your luggage. As spaces are limited, you will be given a 30 minute timeslot within which to do this, and then asked to move to allow others the same opportunity.
- Get help from available STYCs. Current student volunteers, known as Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs) will help students unload their car and bring their luggage over to their accommodation - keep an eye out for their STYC t-shirts! Our volunteers will endeavour to help as many incoming students as possible, but we ask you for your patience if demand is busier than normal.
- Move your car into the long-stay car park. Once you have unloaded your luggage, drivers then need to move vehicles to one of the long stay car parks at the Science Park (campus maps / google map / what3words).
Blocks B, C, D
- Drive to Derwent reception, and begin to unload. Drivers are asked to move to the Derwent reception area (campus map / google maps / what3words) to unload their belongings. Please note that due to the limited space available, drivers will need to move their vehicle from this drop-off point as soon as possible. Volunteers on the day will let you know if alternative spaces become available.
- Get help from available STYCs. Current student volunteers, known as Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs) will be stationed outside reception to help students unload their car and bring their luggage over to their accommodation - keep an eye out for their STYC t-shirts! Our volunteers will endeavour to help as many incoming students as possible, but we ask you for your patience if demand is busier than normal.
- Move your car into the long-stay car park. Once you have unloaded your luggage, drivers then need to move vehicles to one of the long stay car parks at the Science Park (campus maps / google map / what3words).
Blocks F, G & H
- Drive to the WACL short-stay car park, and begin to unload. Drivers are asked to move from the Central carpark to the WACL car park (campus map / google maps / what3words) where you will be given a 20 minute timeslot to unload. Please note that due to the limited space available, drivers will need to move their vehicle from this drop-off point as soon as possible to allow others the same opportunity.
- Get help from available STYCs. Current student volunteers, known as Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs) will be stationed around the car park to help students unload their car and bring their luggage over to their accommodation - keep an eye out for their STYC t-shirts! Our volunteers will endeavour to help as many incoming students as possible, but we ask you for your patience if demand is busier than normal.
- Move your car into the long-stay car park. Once you have unloaded your luggage, drivers then need to move vehicles to one of the long stay car parks at the Science Park (campus maps / google map / what3words).
- Collect your Student ID. Once you have moved in, you can pick up your student ID and have the opportunity to buy Derwent merch / sign up for sports membership in the Dining Hall, where members of the student committee will be present.
Postgraduate students
Postgraduate students living on campus are encouraged to arrive into Derwent College from Monday 14 September 2026 onwards. Collection your accommodation key from the Information Centre. When you accept your accommodation offer you will be asked to confirm this date or notify us of an alternative.
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?
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 accommodation
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 accommodation
I have physical disabilities and require accessible parking. Do I need to register in advance?
Blue Badge holders can use accessible parking spaces on campus and you don't need to register in advance.
See our campus map for accessible parking spaces.
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?
Check campus outlet opening times to see whether they will be open when you plan to arrive. Note that our campus catering outlets only take card or contactless payments.
If you are moving into catered accommodation, please be aware your meals will only be available on weekdays during the semester, starting Monday 21 September 2026.
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 letters at the start tell you which building the room is in
- 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: D/M/123 - Derwent, M Block, Room 123.
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 week
Throughout your first week, Derwent and our Students’ Unions coordinate a programme of welcome activities, led by our student committee, to welcome you to Derwent College, introduce you to your fellow Derwenters and set you on course for living university life to the full.
