Student support over the winter break
Whether you’re leaving York or staying on campus, student support continues over the winter break.
Emergency support on campus
Campus Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - if it's urgent, call 01904 32 3333 or download the SafeZone app for a quick response to any security or safety issue on campus
On campus
- If you’re staying in campus accommodation over the vacation, see changes to cleaning and reception services, plus information about fault reporting.
- Retail and catering outlet opening times change during the vacation - visit Eat at York opening times to see what is open and when.
- See the MyUoY app or student events for college events and other activities taking place over the vacation - college events are open to all students during the vacation, regardless of which college you belong to.
Winter building closures
This year, we are piloting a winter building closure programme over the three week vacation to help reduce our carbon footprint. This will not affect most buildings that students use - communal student areas such as colleges, the Library, study spaces and sports centres will remain open. The main buildings with limited access from Friday 15 December 2023 until Saturday 6 January 2024 include:
- Spring Lane Building
- Ron Cooke Hub
- Central Hall
- Careers Building
- Roger Kirk Centre (from Thursday 21 December 2023)
Limited access from Saturday 23 December 2023 and reopening Tuesday 2 January 2024:
- Berrick Saul Building
- King's Manor
- Church Lane Building
Check with your department for any department building closures.
Wellbeing support
We know that this can be a difficult time of year for many people and our usual sources of help and support are still available over the break, including Campus Safety and your college team.
The Open Door team will operate on vacation opening hours of 9am-5pm from Monday 18 December 2023 until Monday 8 January 2024. Services will be closed between 2pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and 9am Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Download TalkCampus now to get 24/7 wellbeing support over the Christmas break. It's a global network of students from all around the world so whenever you need support, someone is always there.
Academic support
- See key Library dates for the Christmas vacation, including when to return your books and opening hours over Christmas
- Keep up with your reading list via the Library’s e-resources and check out our online skills guides
- Contact the Library any time via the Library chat service
- Academic Skills Community workshops and one-to-one study and coaching appointments continue over the break. Appointments are available until Thursday 21 December 2023 inclusive and start again on Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Keeping connected
Stay connected with the Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS). Find out more about working off-campus.
IT Support will close from 4pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and will reopen at 9am on Tuesday 2 January 2024, though we will respond to emergencies. See more about IT Services over the Christmas vacation period.