Getting ready to arrive

If you've confirmed your place and completed all the things to do first straight away, start getting ready to begin your postgraduate life at York.

Getting ready for postgraduate study

Postgraduate taught students

If you're a taught postgraduate, your department may have preparing to study pages with information and advice on starting your studies. Check for any pre-study materials provided by your department. You may receive a reading list - before you rush out to buy your books, check our Library YorSearch to see what's there. Sometimes relevant chapters are loaded onto the Yorkshare VLE and the Library has a book exchange where leaving students donate their books for new students.

Preparing to study

Postgraduate researchers

If you're a postgraduate researcher, information for new postgraduate researchers outlines support available, systems you will use, and activities which you must complete in your first year.

New postgraduate researchers

If you are a postgraduate researcher (PGR) you may have already had contact with your supervisor. Although your study will be more independent than for a taught course, your supervisor will provide an important role in guiding your research.

If you are a postgraduate taught student (PGT) your department will help to place you with a relevant supervisor for your studies.

Your department will arrange for you to meet your supervisor early in your first semester. Read our advice on how to get the most from your supervisory sessions.

The University Library is a key resource. Your University card gives you 24/7 access to the Library and associated study spaces almost every day of the year. Check out their Information for new students to get started and have a look at our Skills guides for videos and interactive tutorials.

You can also take our virtual Library tour and view our video guides to find out how things work and explore the Subject Guides to see what's available for you.

Your department will have a dedicated Faculty Librarian to advise you on how to find and use the right resources for your studies.

You may also wish to ask for advice from the Library’s Research Support Team for help with open access publication, managing your research data and copyrights.

Visit the Skills Hub to improve your academic skills, including writing, maths, IT or language skills through online modules, courses, drop-in sessions and workshops.

For postgraduate researchers, the York Graduate Research School offers you the opportunity to advance your skills and training tailored to research.

If you are studying for a Masters degree, you must complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial on the VLE as soon as possible.

Research students must complete the Research Integrity Tutorial on the VLE.

We also have tailored advice on studying at York for international students.

Join our postgraduate community online

You're automatically a member of our Graduate Student Association (GSA) and YUSU (the University of York Students' Union). Think about following them on social media and getting involved.

If you're a postgraduate researcher, you are part of the York Graduate Research School (YGRS). Check the York Research Student Community blog to keep up to date with news and events.

Join the Official University of York Postgraduate students 2023/24 Facebook group

Student communities

We have tailored support for different communities of students.

First generation students

Mature students

Refugees

Students from military backgrounds

Students with children

Students who are carers

Your college

At York, you'll be a member of one of our colleges - a small, distinct community that will make you feel at home. Wentworth Graduate College is a postgraduate-only college but you can apply to any of the other colleges. You'll have access to common rooms and receive invitations to college activities and events, and your college will offer welfare support and student representation.

Your department

Look out for induction and welcome events run by your department to help you meet staff and students on your programme.

Faith and religion

A number of chaplains and religious/faith groups organise social events and services.

Find out more about faith and religion at the University.

Manage your money

Plan in advance how you will manage your money. If you do find yourself worrying about money once you're at York, our finance pages outline the people you can talk to and possible assistance funding available.

Beware of scams

Unfortunately, there are people who make a living by tricking others out of money. Students are often targeted but you can learn to recognise scams and protect yourself against them. Read our advice for all students Scammers - they’re after your money to find out what to be aware of.

Are your vaccinations up to date?

We recommend that you are up to date with measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and meningococcal MenACWY vaccines. Arrange these with your local doctor or a York GP once you've registered with a local surgery. See NHS advice on Getting medical care as a student.

International students

If you are applying for a Student Visa, you will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application process, which provides entitlement to use the National Health Service. Students applying from certain countries are also required to be screened for TB (tuberculosis) before applying for the Student Visa. See healthcare for international students.

Check our guide for international students for help with everything you need to know and do in order to get to York.

New international students: Welcome to York Guide