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Getting ready: preparing to study

Your department is looking forward to welcoming you!

You will get your timetable on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

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

Studying for a degree may be very different to what you have been used to. We've put together a list of common questions you may have as you make the transition to university.

Are there special rules for studying in university?

There are precise rules for how you should study and present your work. To help you understand these, you should complete the Academic Integrity Tutorial on the Yorkshare VLE early in your first semester.

See the study skills hub for all the support available to further develop your academic skills when you're here.

Is there work I can do over the summer?

Take a look at our Skills Guides for videos, interactive tutorials and workbooks to develop your digital and information searching skills.

See information below about pre-arrival study and department 'Preparing to study' sites.

Do I have a reading list?

Some departments will issue a reading list but don't rush to buy any books - check our Library YorSearch to see what's there or sometimes relevant chapters are loaded onto the Yorkshare VLE. Some returning students will sell their books on so you can buy a cheaper copy when you get here.

When do I get my timetable?

Your timetable will be released on Wednesday 10 September 2025.

Will I have a supervisor?

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.

Study resources

The University Library is a key resource. Your University card gives you access to the Library and associated study spaces almost every day of the year. Check out the Library quickstart guide and have a look at the skills guides for videos, interactive tutorials and links to specific help in developing your digital and information searching skills.

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.

Pre-arrival study

Many departments provide pre-arrival information to prepare you for starting your degree. It's important that you do preparatory work so that you can make the best possible start to your studies.

If your department's information is located in the Yorkshare VLE or in a password protected section of the University website then you will need to have upgraded your IT account and enrolled before you can access it. See Things to do first for details on how to do this.