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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 12 August 2026 10am - 4pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Open to: Everyone

Relaxation Day

Wednesday 12 August 2026 10am - 4pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Open to: Everyone

Join us for a day of relaxing activities to help you de-stress!

The following events are available throughout the day:

  • Nature Walk at 10am - meet outside the Rob Cooke Hub
  • Yoga sessions at 11:30 and 13:00 - in James Hall*
  • Drumming to de-stress at 13:00 and 15:00 - in The Warren *
  • Mindfulness session at 13:30 - in Church Lane CL/A/028 *
  • Crochet and knitting at 14:30 - in David Kato Studio

All events are free to attend.

  • Booking is needed for these events, please book your free tickets via Eventbrite:

Yoga: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/relaxation-day-yoga-sessions-tickets-1995155484763?aff=oddtdtcreator

Drumming: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/relaxation-day-drumming-to-de-stress-tickets-1995156928080?aff=oddtdtcreator

Mindfulness: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/relaxation-day-mindfulness-session-tickets-1995158517835?aff=oddtdtcreator

Event

Wednesday 12 August 2026 11.30am - 12.30pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: J/HALL James Hall (James College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Relaxation Day - Yoga Workshop

Wednesday 12 August 2026 11.30am - 12.30pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: J/HALL James Hall (James College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Join us on Relaxation Day by giving yoga a go! We will be joined by Davina Moher a qualified yoga instructor in James Hall!

Join us for a rejuvenating Relaxation Day featuring calming Yoga Sessions inside James Hall. This in-person event is designed to help you unwind and restore your inner balance.

There are two sessions available to choose from, either 11:30 or 13:00, both sessions last an hour. Book your preferred slot using the Eventbrite link by clicking on the 'go to event' button below.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to relax and refresh your mind and body in a welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there!

Go to event

Event

Wednesday 12 August 2026 1pm - 1.45pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: PVV/003 The Warren (Vanbrugh College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Relaxation Day - Drumming to De-stress

Wednesday 12 August 2026 1pm - 1.45pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: PVV/003 The Warren (Vanbrugh College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Join us on Relaxation Day by taking your stress out by drumming! You don't have to be a musician, just need some good rhythm!

Join us at The Warren on 12th August at 1pm or 3pm for a unique relaxation experience. The session will last 45 minutes.

Discover the soothing power of drumming as a way to de-stress and unwind. Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just curious, this event promises a fun and calming way to recharge your mind.

Don't miss your chance to drum your stress away in person!

Book your preferred slot using the Eventbrite link by clicking on the 'go to event' button below.

Go to event

Event

Wednesday 12 August 2026 1.30pm - 2pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: CL/A/028 Seminar Room (Church Lane Building, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Relaxation Day - Mindfulness Session

Wednesday 12 August 2026 1.30pm - 2pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: CL/A/028 Seminar Room (Church Lane Building, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Join us on Relaxation Day by doing the ultimate relaxation technique - Mindfulness with University Staff - Tara Bagchi

Join us for a rejuvenating Relaxation Day featuring this calming Mindfulness session. This in-person event is designed to help you unwind and restore your inner balance.

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to relax and refresh your mind and body in a welcoming atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you there!

Book this session using the Eventbrite link by clicking on the 'go to event' button below.

Go to event

Event

Friday 14 August 2026 8am - 5pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Open to: Everyone

Summer Trip to Scarborough

Friday 14 August 2026 8am - 5pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Open to: Everyone

Postgraduates and International Students! Enjoy beaches and sea views as we explore Yorkshire’s most iconic resort! Visit the castle, browse shops, or simply relax on the beach with fish and chips. A fun, relaxed day to explore, and enjoy the coast.

Tickets £8 at the online store

We depart from the Student Centre on Newton Way at 8am and return to campus by 5pm. A staff member will check your details before boarding and provide a reminder of the time for the return. IMPORTANT: Please ensure you arrive on time for both departures. The coach will leave promptly and cannot wait for late arrivals. Should you miss the return coach, you will be responsible for arranging and funding your own transport back to York. No refunds will be issued.

Go to event

Event

Tuesday 18 August 2026 3pm - 4pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: J/HALL James Hall (James College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Step into Salsa

Tuesday 18 August 2026 3pm - 4pm

Organiser: Student Hub
Location: J/HALL James Hall (James College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Always wanted to try salsa dancing? Join us for Step Into Salsa, a beginner-friendly class designed for complete newcomers. Come along to learn some fun moves, meet new people, and enjoy a relaxed, energetic atmosphere. No experience or partner needed!

Event

Wednesday 19 August 2026 1pm - 3pm

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

Postgraduate Crafternoon: Tea & Plant Pot Painting!

Wednesday 19 August 2026 1pm - 3pm

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

Join the Postgraduate Communities team for an afternoon of painting plant pots, cuppas, and cake!

This event is open to all York postgraduates! Take a well-earned break from your studies and pop along for a relaxed painting event in the Wentworth College Hub. We’ll provide the paint, brushes and mini plant pots... all you need to bring is yourself and a bit of imagination. This event is free!

Date | 19th August 2026 Time | 1300 - 1500 Location | Wentworth College Hub

Event

Friday 28 August 2026 2pm - 4pm

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

York Research Exchange

Friday 28 August 2026 2pm - 4pm

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

Join us for the York Research Exchange, a welcoming space for postgraduate researchers to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other! In our monthly meet ups, we'll explore how research is experienced across disciplines and share the realities of postgraduate life at York.

This informal, social gathering is built around open discussion and peer-led insights and is designed to be an opportunity to spark ideas, build confidence, and grow our vibrant postgraduate community, via conversation, shared perspectives, and coffee and cake!

Where: Wentworth College Hub When: 2–4pm, the final friday every month

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