Welcome Back Week 2026: what to expect
Posted on Friday 9 January 2026
Welcome Back Week is a week of activities that take place after exams and before the start of Semester 2. It’s a chance for our community to come together, socialise, learn new things and enjoy everything the campus has to offer before teaching starts. It’s also a chance to welcome new students joining us in January.
Below is a list of some of the things you can get involved in, either within your college or across the University. You could take part in social events and college activities, or focus on your personal development - keep an eye on this space for more!
Students' Union events
York SU has got your Welcome Back Week sorted.
Fancy a big night out? Join the Roman Raid (Tues 3 Feb)
Looking to meet new people and try new things? Come along to the Welcome Back Fair (Thurs 5 Feb)
Ready to relax and recharge? Explore the range of Wellness Week events taking place across campus, including Beginners Yoga (Tues 3 Feb), Dog Therapy (Weds 4 Feb), a Pottery session (Thurs 5 Feb) and more!
Want to stay on campus to celebrate? Join York SU and Derwent College for their 'Back 2 School' club night (Thurs 5 Feb), enjoy a song and dance at Glitter (Sat 7 Feb) and finish your celebrations with night of DJ sets at After Hours (Mon 9 Feb).
York SU Welcome Back Week events
College events
Last year featured film nights, crafts events and sports activities as well as board games and quiz nights. Check with your college what your student committee has organised for Welcome Back Week.
Get organised
Wed 4 Feb: Academic Writing: What It Is and How to Do It
An online session covering a range of different academic texts you may encounter during your studies, basics of academic writing styles to look out for and how to use them in your own work.Fri 6 Feb: Academic integrity
An introduction to the principles of academic integrity and why they matter in higher education. Explore common challenges such as plagiarism, collusion (inappropriate collaboration), and poor source use, while learning practical strategies to maintain honesty and accountability in your work.Mon 9 Feb: Time management
An online session focusing on tips and tools for organising yourself to enable you to make the best use of your time.
Go global this year
Come along to our Summer Opportunities Information session on Wednesday 21 January to find out how to apply for opportunities to study, work and volunteer abroad during the summer vacation. Speak to Global Opportunities staff and discover more about our partner opportunities, as well as independent travel. Applications for Summer Exchanges close at 1pm on Friday 13 February 2026.
Or go global in York..?
A new semester is a great time to start learning a new language or maybe brushing up on your skills if you have studied a language before. How about a short language course to familiarise yourself with Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Ukrainian?
Look to the future
University life is about much more than just your degree and you can use Welcome Back Week to think about your achievements so far. Find out more about York Award - a reflective award that captures your personal and professional development within and outside your programme of study in a way that appeals to employers and future study providers.
Thinking about postgraduate study?
Our Postgraduate Online Open Day on Tuesday 10 February is one of the easiest ways to see what postgraduate study at York is all about. Join online to speak to staff and chat to current postgraduate students.
And don't forget: there’s 10% discount on postgraduate courses for eligible York students!
Wellbeing support - this week and every week…
And a reminder that there are lots of people here and ready to listen all year round. If you ever have a question or are finding things difficult, it is important to know that you do not have to struggle alone - we can help you find support.
From advisers in the Student Hub to student wellbeing officers or the Open Door team - please, reach out.