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Staying in York over the summer?

News

Posted on Friday 29 May 2026

Everything you need to know while studying, researching or working in York this summer.
Students having fun in York

Summer events 

Staying in York over the summer vacation? 

From quizzes to exciting day trips, there are plenty of social events taking place to help you meet other students, have fun and make the most of your summer in York!

Student summer events highlights

Event

Wednesday 3 June 2026 7pm - 9pm

Organiser: Postgraduate Student Communities
Location: The Courtyard, café and bar (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Postgraduates

Postgraduate Pub Quiz!

Wednesday 3 June 2026 7pm - 9pm

Organiser: Postgraduate Student Communities
Location: The Courtyard, café and bar (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Postgraduates

Put your knowledge to the test with fellow postgrads! Compete for prizes, chat with new people, and enjoy a chilled evening of trivia across a range of topics.

The quiz will start at 7pm and will last around 90 minutes - entry is free, and no sign-up is required! The event is BYOB. We will have plenty of soft drinks, but you're welcome to bring beers and wines if you want to get into the spirit!

This is a social, relaxed event - you’re welcome to come with friends or join a team on the night. It’s a great chance to unwind, have fun, and connect with other postgraduates.

Where: THE COURTYARD When: 7pm on Wednesday 3rd June

Free entry – all welcome!

Event

Friday 5 June 2026 1pm - 3pm

Organiser: Postgraduate Student Communities
Open to: Postgraduates

Stroll the University of York Solar System!

Friday 5 June 2026 1pm - 3pm

Organiser: Postgraduate Student Communities
Open to: Postgraduates

Rescheduled due to bad weather! Postgraduates, get your walking boots on and join the Postgraduate Communities team as we explore the University of York’s Model Solar System!

Did you know that The University has it's very own Solar System Model, featuring the Sun, the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto?

On the afternoon of Friday 5th , tag along with our resident astronomer, Thom, for a relaxing guided tour of the Solar System as we gently amble the two-mile route from Campus West to Campus East, taking in some of the many sights of campus along the way.

We’ll meet at the York SU building at 1pm before setting off together!

Event

Friday 5 June 2026 1pm - 3pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Open to: Everyone

Stroll the University of York Solar System!

Friday 5 June 2026 1pm - 3pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Open to: Everyone

Stroll the University of York Solar System!

Rescheduled due to bad weather! Postgraduates, get your walking boots on and join the Postgraduate Communities team as we explore the University of York’s Model Solar System!

Did you know that The University has it's very own Solar System Model, featuring the Sun, the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto?

On the afternoon of Monday 1st June, tag along with our resident astronomer, Thom, for a relaxing guided tour of the Solar System as we gently amble the two-mile route from Campus West to Campus East, taking in some of the many sights of campus along the way.

We’ll meet at the York SU building at 1pm before setting off together!

Go to event

Event

Thursday 11 June 2026 2pm - 4pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: E/BOWL Vanbrugh Bowl (Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Games on the Green

Thursday 11 June 2026 2pm - 4pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: E/BOWL Vanbrugh Bowl (Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Come along and enjoy the nostalgic fun of childhood games! We will be starting off with the ultimate game of Freeze tag and bringing other competitive classics like Tug-of-War, three-legged race, and sack race.

Event

Wednesday 17 June 2026 1pm - 3pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: B/R/016 Wentworth Graduate College Hub (Biology Building, Campus West)
Open to: Postgraduates

Postgraduate Afternoon Crafts

Wednesday 17 June 2026 1pm - 3pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: B/R/016 Wentworth Graduate College Hub (Biology Building, Campus West)
Open to: Postgraduates

Join your fellow postgraduate students for a relaxed afternoon of crafting, chatting and unwinding. Come along to meet other postgraduate students, take a break from your studies, and get creative! No experience needed and all materials are provided.

*This event is exclusive to postgraduate students

Event

Thursday 18 June 2026 12pm - 2pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: E/BOWL Vanbrugh Bowl (Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

International Picnic Day: Summer Chill Out in the University Grounds

Thursday 18 June 2026 12pm - 2pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: E/BOWL Vanbrugh Bowl (Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Take a break, soak up the sun, and enjoy time with friends - or make some new ones! Bring your favorite snacks and something comfy to sit on, and relax for a couple hours in the beautiful university grounds. Sunshine, good company, and tasty treats - what more could you ask for?

Event

Monday 22 June 2026 6pm - 9pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: B/R/016 Wentworth Graduate College Hub (Biology Building, Campus West)
Open to: Postgraduates

Postgraduate Post-Exam Party

Monday 22 June 2026 6pm - 9pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: B/R/016 Wentworth Graduate College Hub (Biology Building, Campus West)
Open to: Postgraduates

Come along and celebrate your achievements with your fellow postgraduate students! Whether you have just finished your exams or assessments, written 100 words of your thesis, or simply want to recognise your achievements this semester, this party is for you. Catch-up with peers over snacks, music, and relaxed vibes!

*Exclusive to Postgraduate students

Event

Friday 26 June 2026 10am - 1pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: Campus East
Open to: Everyone

Animal Petting

Friday 26 June 2026 10am - 1pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: Campus East
Open to: Everyone

Come along and de-stress with some incredibly cute, furry companions! This event is all about relaxing, taking a breather, and enjoying some animal therapy.

Taking place on the lawn between Anne Lister and David Kato College

All campus events

Emergency support on campus
Campus Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - if it's urgent, call +44 (0)1904 32 3333 or download the SafeZone app for a quick response to any security or safety issue on campus. If it's non-urgent, you can speak to Campus Safety by phoning +44 (0)1904 32 4444.

Library and IT support

From Friday 5 June, the University Library main entrance is closed while the Library entrance and foyer are being refurbished. An alternative route will be in place to help you access the Library during this time. 

From Sunday 7 June, the University Library returns to usual opening hours, opening 8am until midnight. 

The IT support drop-in sessions continue to run throughout the summer: 

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 10am to 12noon and 2pm to 4pm 
  • Tuesday: 10am to 12noon

Catering and shops

Retail and catering outlet opening times may be impacted by upcoming on-campus events such as Open Days, graduation and public bank holidays. Visit the Eat, Shop, and Drink opening times page to see what’s open and when.

Campus catering opening times

Campus disruptions 

  • Essential lift upgrade and replacement works means some lifts may be out of action for a while over the summer. 
  • Campus South and Campus Central car parks are affected by Open Day car park closures around the weekend of 20-21 June.

Campus disruption notices

Reporting faults

The Facilities Helpdesk is open as usual, 7.45am to 4.45pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). Emergency faults can be reported at any time. 

Report faults to the Facilities Helpdesk

Launderettes

All campus launderettes are open as usual over the summer. If your college’s launderette is closed for any reason, you can go to your nearest reception at the Information Centre or Ron Cooke Hub and ask for a key to access another launderette.

Stay cool, save energy this summer
If you’re using campus spaces over the summer, we’re encouraging everyone to use energy responsibly during warmer weather as part of our Energy Saving Campaign. Try simple options like opening windows to keep cool, before switching on AC cooling. If AC cooling is needed, close windows first, set it to cool to no lower than 24°C, and switch it off when you leave.

Even tiny steps can help us all to make a big difference for our planet. 

Buses and travel 

First Bus run a reduced summer service for University bus routes. Stay up-to-date and check your travel using the First Bus web pages.

Bicycle parking spaces and cycle pumps are available across campus. Check out the cycling facilities map to see all the locations of bike storage, water fountains and showers/dressing rooms on campus. 

Your wellbeing

Help and support is available throughout the summer for any student on campus experiencing personal or academic challenges. Student and College Wellbeing Officers offer a friendly, non-judgmental space to talk through concerns and help you access support. 

TalkCampus is available 24/7 no matter where you are, and can provide a safe, anonymous space to talk and get the support you need.

Download the TalkCampus app