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
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.
Postgraduate students - from Monday 14 September 2026 onwards
- Head to the Information Centre to collect your room key. Please make your way to the Car park 2.3 (campus map) just off Vanbrugh Way. If you are arriving by public transport, your nearest bus stop will be the University Library opposite Market Square.
- On your arrival, make your way to the reception desk situated inside the Information Centre to collect your accommodation keys - remember to bring a form of photo ID with you to collect these. At this point, please do not unpack your car / leave your luggage.
- Travel towards Halifax College. After collecting your keys, drivers should head towards Halifax College Car Park (7.1) (campus map). If you are travelling on foot, we will have a minibus to help you to your accommodation.
- Collect your Student ID card from the Unicard desk in Sally Baldwin B block.
Undergraduate students - Friday 18 September 2026
- Please park in the Campus North Car Park (campus map / google maps / what3words) on arrival and head to the National STEM Learning Centre to collect your accommodation key. Please remember to bring a form of photo ID with you to collect these.
- Head towards Halifax College (campus map) where you will be met by members of our arrivals team. They will direct you to the nearest available parking space for you to unload your belongings.
- Move your vehicle to our long stay car park. Once unloaded, drivers will be asked to move their cars to our long stay Campus South Car Park (campus map), which is approximately a 10 minute walk from Halifax College.
- Collect your Student ID card from JJ’s. Once your belongings are in your room, you can head to JJ’s to meet your student committee who will be selling college merch, sports memberships and welcome week tickets. You can also pick up your student ID card from a member of college staff.
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. will not be possible to access your accommodation before your tenancy contract begins.
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. If you have any accommodation queries, get in touch with the Accommodation team.
- The letter at the start (H) tells you that your room is in Halifax
- The next letters show your block/house
- The following digits are your room number
- The first of the digits will inform which floor you’re on
For example: HWO/A/01 is Wood Court, House A, room 1, ground floor. HAI/A/002 is Ainsty Court, Block A, Room 002.
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
During your first week, Halifax and our Students’ Unions deliver a programme of introductory activities, led by our student committee, to welcome you to our college, help you meet fellow students and start living Halifax life to the full.
