Get involved in our vibrant postgraduate community to make the most of your time at York.

The dedicated Graduate Students' Association (GSA), the York Graduate Research School, plus our colleges and International Student Support team all organise events to help you get involved and build social connections.

Welcome event highlights

Postgraduate welcome activities begin from Monday 11 September 2023. Attendance isn't compulsory - though we recommend you attend to help you settle in. Departments may have induction activities for taught students from Monday 18 September 2023 and for postgraduate researchers from Monday 2 October 2023.

Find welcome events via the MyUoY app, student events page or the GSA welcome pages. Here's some highlights about what to expect:

Mon 11 Sep: GSA Welcome Night
An evening to make new friends, enjoy live music and drinks.

Wed 13 Sep: GSA Information Fair
Find out information about the GSA, University Services, Sports, Clubs, and Societies at the University of York, with lots of freebies!

Wed 13 Sep: Welcome to the University of York (repeated Wed 27 Sep)
A welcome to the University from the Vice-Chancellor, Colleges and the GSA.

Fri 29 Sep: GSA Medieval Ball
A three course meal with welcome drinks included at an iconic historical location in York. Dress up in your best dress and chat and meet with new friends whilst dining and listening to a medieval band.

Wed 4 Oct: YGRS Induction event
Introducing the York Graduate Research School and all the professional support available to new postgraduate researchers.

Download the My UoY app Student eventsGSA welcome

Graduate Students' Association

The GSA is an independent student organisation representing your interests to the University, offering support, and organising trips and events for postgraduates.

York Graduate Research School

Our research school brings together administrative support with research training, funding, development opportunities and events.

See the York Graduate Research School pages for all key information, including an induction for all new postgraduate researchers. 

New postgraduate researchers

College activities

All our colleges provide support and advice but, as the only dedicated postgraduate college, all events at Wentworth are focused on postgraduate needs. Attend the weekly socials and sports clubs, as well as workshops focusing on study skills and productivity. For research students, the Work in Progress seminar series is an opportunity to network and practice communicating your work in an informal and supportive setting. Find out more about Wentworth Graduate College activities and events.

Sport

Our great sporting facilities at York give you the opportunity to get involved with sports you love and try out new ones at whatever level you want.

The GSA fully funds a number of free sports sessions for postgraduates and the University has a number of teams and societies you can join offering competitive or social sporting activities.

Student networks

Make connections with people who share your experiences and face the same challenges via our student networks:

Join in on social media

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

You can also join social media groups linked to the University and your department.

GSA

YUSU

Find your department or college in our list of all University of York social media accounts.

Our Student Hub also offers specific advice on studying at York for international students.

Get health and safety services sorted

Register to vote

Don't forget to register to vote in York - the University cannot do this for you.

City of York Council guidance for students registering to vote

Finance problems?

Your student finance payments (if you've applied) will be made by your student finance provider shortly after the start date of your course has passed provided you have completed enrolment (see item 2 of Things to do first). If you haven't received your loan, check:

  • You've completed enrolment
  • You've submitted your application and all the correct supporting evidence
  • Your bank details are correct on your application – check your online account
  • You've signed and returned your declaration form
  • You’ve allowed five working days for the funds to be paid into your bank account.

If you have checked all this, contact the Student Loans Company.

If you are a home student and the first instalment of your loan or grant is delayed, you may be eligible for assistance funding. For details of all financial advice and support offered by the University, see our finance information for current students.

If you have successfully applied for a Tuition Fee Loan, a Maintenance Loan/Grant, a Postgraduate Loan, or a Doctoral Loan, please ensure your offer letter from your student finance provider lists the correct course and the University of York as your institution.

If either of these are incorrect and it is before your course is due to start then these can be changed by accessing your student finance online account.

If your course has started then please email a scanned copy of your letter to student-records@york.ac.uk as soon as possible. We will then contact your student finance provider to update your details.

Any delay in changing your institution or the course you are taking could mean that you will not receive your loan on time.