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.
On-campus residents - Saturday 19 September 2026
Due to the number of students arriving into James College, you will be asked to book an arrival slot to help us minimise unnecessary queues and delays. Please try and arrive during this time.
- 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.
- Once you have your keys you can then return to your car and move it to the Campus West Car Park (campus map / google maps / what3words) where you can unload your belongings.
- After unloading your luggage, you will need to move your car to Campus South Car Park (campus map / google maps / what3words).
From 9am to 5pm, members of our team, including our student volunteers known as Second and Third Year Contacts (STYCs), will be on hand to help you carry your belongings and show you to your accommodation block.
Living off campus?
- From Monday 21 September, head to the Unicard desk in Sally Baldwin Block B to collect your student card. 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 a member of James 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?
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 your room code in September, which includes your room number and block. If you have any queries, get in touch with 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.)
- If you're in house style blocks (A-F), the second digit is your house number (0 = House 1, 1 = House 2 etc)
For example: J/B/104 is B Block, House 1, First Floor, Room number 104. J/F/114 is F Block, House 2, First Floor, Room number 114.
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 the first week, James College and our Students’ Union will put on a programme of welcome activities, led by the student committees, to introduce you to the college, get to know your housemates and begin your new university adventure.
