Postgraduate moving out soon?
Posted on Friday 22 August 2025
On or off campus?
Moving out of campus accommodation
- Not sure when you need to move out? Double-check your contract end date in the accommodation portal
- Clean your room and your communal areas
- Recycle or donate your unwanted items
- Sign out your keys at your college reception
Moving out of private sector housing
If you’re in private accommodation, we have information on ending your tenancy and moving out, including:
- Advice on your deposit
- How to prepare for inventory checks
- A final checklist to help you on your last day
Waste disposal
It’s good to start thinking about waste disposal as early as possible to avoid being caught out at the end of your contract period or when you are ready to leave.
On campus
Put any general waste in securely tied black bin bags in the bins or nearby red skip (Halifax Ainsty/Wood Court car park, Alcuin Launderette, rear of all Wentworth blocks). Never leave waste beside bins, if bins are full please use the red skips.
Electrical items
To avoid risk of fire, never place any electrical items in the bins or skips. Special ‘electrical waste’ containers will be available from Thursday 28 August at Alcuin College launderette, Wentworth D Block, Halifax Hickleton Court. Electrical items can also be donated to the British Heart Foundation in the banks at each college.
Other waste items
Batteries should be taken to collection boxes at receptions. For unusual items check the A-Z Recycling Guide.
Leave sharp utensils/knives in the kitchen drawer – do not place them in any bins or skips.
Off campus
If you're moving out of off-campus accommodation, make sure you’re aware of how to correctly dispose of any waste, bulky or unwanted items. Check the dates for your collections and other useful waste information on the council’s end of term clear out web page.
Recycling
Before disposing of something in your general waste bin, consider if someone else might be able to make use of it.
Donate for next year's students
Items for reuse (including larger items) can be donated to the Recycle Project for the benefit of next year’s incoming students. Containers are available at bin stores from Saturday 30 August to Monday 1 September 2025:
- Alcuin College launderette
- Wentworth D Block
- Halifax Hickleton Court
Recycle on or off campus
During the year, you may have seen (or kindly used!) some of our big red donation banks on campus - these allow you to donate unwanted items to the British Heart Foundation, and directly support life-changing research. Accepted items include:
- all types of clothes, shoes, accessories (like belts, hats or bags)
- books
- small electrical items (like clocks, fans)
- cookery equipment and crockery
- toys and games
- and more!
There are big red donation banks at every college (near external bin stores) and also donation boxes at nine laundry rooms. Locate your nearest on campus BHF donation bank.
Look out for British Heart Foundation red donation banks off campus at:
- the corner of Kent Street and Barbican Road
- the junction of Walmgate and Navigation Road
- the corner of Fourth Avenue and Melrosegate
- the corner of Thief Lane and University Road
- Fulford Road near Aldi
"But will my recycling really make a difference?"
Last year, York students diverted 46.10 tonnes of items from landfill by donating to the British Heart Foundation (BHF)! Can you help us achieve this again this year?
Food donation
Donate unopened, non-perishable food (tins, packets etc) to All Should Eat via their donation points – stay updated via @uoy_allshouldeat on Instagram.
Post and subscriptions
Remember to change your address on your online shopping accounts and consider redirecting your mail at royalmail.com/redirection. It's also a good time to review your current subscriptions. Ensure these are cancelled or your address is updated.