
YorJourney
Myth-busting
Our myth-busting sessions will focus on what university is really like. We’ll tackle common misconceptions about everything from freshers to academic workload, and answer all of your burning questions! This is a safe space to talk about any of your worries or doubts about university, and hear from current students who’ve been in the same position.
Wellbeing
The Wellbeing strand will focus on how you can look after yourself and your wellbeing whilst at university. There will always be a lot going on with studies, socialising, extra-curricular activities and household tasks, so it's important that you can prioritise your mental health.
Academic Skills
The Academic Skills strand will give you an insight into what university study is like. You will take part in an academic seminar, which will involve small-group discussions with your peers and an assigned tutor. You will also take part in a session to introduce you to academic writing and referencing.
Academic Assignment
The Academic Assignment is a 1500-word essay set by a university academic at York. This is a great opportunity to develop academic writing skills and gain first-hand experience of university study. You will be matched to a postgraduate tutor who will offer support and guidance on research, essay structure and referencing.
Eligibility
You will be invited to take part in YorJourney if all the following criteria are applicable to you:
- You have successfully completed the first year of one of the following widening access programmes
- Next Step York
- YorWay to York
- York Experience Summer School
- Black Access
- Pathways to Medicine
AND
- You have applied to study at University of York and received an offer from us
- You have confirmed the University of York as your firm or insurance choice (firm choice only for Medicine applicants)
You will be notified if you are eligible by the YorJourney Team via direct email in the Spring before YorJourney begins in late June. For example, if you started the Next Step York programme in December 2023, if eligible, you will be notified in Spring 2025. This will start the sign up process, so please keep an eye on your emails and get in touch with the YorJourney team if you have any questions. Please also let us know if your contact details change!
Completing YorJourney
Completing YorJourney typically consists of the following:
- Attending compulsory live Zoom sessions.
- Writing and submitting an overall reflective short essay on your experience of YorJourney.
- Completing the Next Steps MOOC.
We will provide full details on how to complete YorJourney when you are invited to join.

Please note applicants who have been accepted on to the Medicine with a Gateway Year at the Hull York Medical School will be invited to take part in YorJourney but will not need to complete it to receive their alternative offer.
Next Steps to University
The Next Steps MOOC is designed to guide you through what to expect when you arrive at university. You will hear from recent graduates and get some top tips on living independently, making friends, budgeting and much more.