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Support for international students

We are a team of International Student Support Advisers, based in the Student Hub in Sally Baldwin D Block - we can help with any questions or issues that affect you as an international student at York. We can also help you find information and support that's available to all students.

Whether you need airport collection, visa advice, support around living in York, help to build your community and make the most of new opportunities, or information about finding work and what happens when you complete your studies, we are here for you.

Related links

International Student Support Self-Referral Form
Use this form to contact us with any student queries - we aim to respond within three working days.

Find other contact details on our Contact us page.

For new students

Start here to find out how to prepare and what to do once you get to York.

We've put together a Getting Ready Checklist, advice on what to bring, travel information and guidance for enrolment.

International Students Welcome guide

A group of students arrive on campus with luggage

Supporting you

We provide support and advice on our webpages, by email, Zoom calls, live chat and in-person (by appointment) on subjects including:

You can also find support and advice for all students, on topics including health, finance, academic progress, accommodation, and what to do if something goes wrong.

For questions relating to your course, start by contacting your department.

Contact us

  • Self-referral form - let us know what you need help with; we aim get back to you within three working days
  • Drop-in sessions - speak to a member of the team at an online drop-in session - ideal for quick informal queries

Support for your English language development

If English isn't your first language, we can support you in a range of ways.

Whether you're looking to develop your use of English in your academic work or want to practise your conversational English, we have a range of opportunities for you.

English language support

Forthcoming international student community events

Event

Diwali Celebration

Sunday 8 November 2026 5pm - 9pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: D/JCR Derwent Junior Common Room (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Diwali Celebration

Sunday 8 November 2026 5pm - 9pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: D/JCR Derwent Junior Common Room (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Come along to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights! Dress up in your favourite desi or festive outfit and join us for an evening of music, traditional sweets, and pani puri. You can also take part in crafts, create rangoli patterns, try henna, or visit our decorative pooja corner. Whether you’re celebrating Diwali or curious to learn more, everyone is welcome. It’s also a chance to come together and celebrate with others staying on campus during consolidation week.

Part of our Diwali celebrations. Free event, everyone welcome!

Sunday 8 November Derewent Common Rooms at 6pm!
Event

Paint the Night! Light painting event

Monday 9 November 2026 6pm - 7.45pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Open to: Everyone

Paint the Night! Light painting event

Monday 9 November 2026 6pm - 7.45pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Open to: Everyone

Fancy having a go at light painting? Experiment with light, colour and movement to create some brilliant photographs - bring a camera or just use your phone - no experience needed, just come along and give it a go!

Part of our Diwali celebrations. Free event, everyone welcome!

Monday 9 November Meet at Greg’s Place at 6pm!
Event

Lantern Making

Thursday 12 November 2026 5pm - 7pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: D/JCR Derwent Junior Common Room (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Lantern Making

Thursday 12 November 2026 5pm - 7pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: D/JCR Derwent Junior Common Room (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Come along to celebrate the Scandinavian and Central European tradition of bringing light into the evening with a lantern parade. Craft a lantern and join us as we take a stroll around the lake near Derwent, sharing the light of our lanterns!

Please wear layers in case of cold weather.
Event

THE HUGE PARTY

Saturday 14 November 2026 7pm - 11.30pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: Vanbrugh Arms
Open to: Everyone

THE HUGE PARTY

Saturday 14 November 2026 7pm - 11.30pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: Vanbrugh Arms
Open to: Everyone

Ready for a big night out? Join York SU and International Communities for the HUGE PARTY! Get on the dancefloor with THE BIG PARTY BAND, grab the mic for karaoke, or head to the bar to catch up with friends. A great chance to get together, enjoy some music and have a proper celebration.

Price? Free When? 7pm, Saturday 14 November Where? Vanbrugh Dining Hall // Vanbrugh Arms

Come along and join us for a night of music, dancing and good company!
Event

Flag Fest - Rep Your Flag

Thursday 19 November 2026 5pm - 7pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: D/JCR Derwent Junior Common Room (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

Flag Fest - Rep Your Flag

Thursday 19 November 2026 5pm - 7pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: D/JCR Derwent Junior Common Room (Derwent College, Campus West)
Open to: Everyone

PRIZES TO BE WON!

Come dressed as the colours of your flag and take part in the ultimate celebration of our diverse community! A festive night of competitions, quizzes, and flag decorating. Attend the social dressed in the colours of your flag (national flag/cultural/pride flags) to enter our competition! Lots of great prizes to be won for best dressed and most accurate guesses of which countries are represented!
Event

Salsa Dancing

Thursday 26 November 2026 5pm - 7pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: David Kato Hub (E Block) (Campus East)
Open to: Everyone

Salsa Dancing

Thursday 26 November 2026 5pm - 7pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Location: David Kato Hub (E Block) (Campus East)
Open to: Everyone

Join us for a fun evening of beginner-friendly salsa dancing, led by an instructor. Enjoy some great tunes and craft your own mini piñata!

Space is limited, so make sure to sign up via the form to let us know that you are coming!

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Event

Trip to Manchester Christmas Markets

Wednesday 2 December 2026 10am - 6.30pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Open to: Everyone

Trip to Manchester Christmas Markets

Wednesday 2 December 2026 10am - 6.30pm

Organiser: International Student Communities
Open to: Everyone

Postgraduate and International Students! Join us for a festive day in Manchester and explore its famous Christmas Markets.

Manchester is transformed at Christmas, with festive markets, food stalls, independent shops to explore across the city. Whether you’re after Christmas shopping, street food, festive drinks or just a festive day out, there’s something for everyone.

Tickets £12 at the online store. The ticket price coveres covers return coach travel between the University and Manchester. We depart from the Student Centre on Newton Way at 10am and return from Manchester at 6.30pm. A staff member will check your details before boarding and remind you of the time and location for the return.

Go to event

Immigration information

The Immigration Advice Service can help you with issues including BRP collection, visa queries, and lost documents.

Working in the UK

Find out what work, volunteering or other work experience is allowed, and get careers advice tailored for international students.

Spotting scams and frauds

Scammers want to steal your money - and they can be very clever. Find out how to spot them, and what to do if you think you've been scammed.

More about life and study at York

Studying as an international student
Advice on managing your studies and issues that may affect you.
Living in York
Settle into your life here with information about socialising, accommodation, healthcare, finances and more.
Student life
Learn the basics of student life in York, and discover opportunities to get involved and expand your experiences - here on campus and in the city of York.
After your studies
What to do next, whether you're staying in the UK or leaving, and how to keep in touch with the University as an alumni.

Related links

International Student Support Self-Referral Form
Use this form to contact us with any student queries - we aim to respond within three working days.

Find other contact details on our Contact us page.