Accessibility statement

Step Ahead Induction

Step Ahead is an optional, free of charge induction programme to support new undergraduate students from under-represented groups transition to university life.

The induction will be in person and you will have the opportunity to:

  • become more familiar with the University
  • meet other new students before the start of term
  • talk with current students who can tell you what student life at York is really like
  • get advice on a wide range of topics from staff in key University departments

"I thought it was really well organised and answered every question I was too afraid to ask about starting university." - Carima, School for Business and Society

Who can attend Step Ahead?

You should be a home student (or Refugee/Asylum Seeker) about to start an undergraduate course at the University, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Attendee criteria

You should be a home student (or Refugee/Asylum seeker) about to start an undergraduate course at the University, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • I will be 21 or over when I start my University course
  • I have a disability or long-term health condition
  • I have children
  • I am from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller community

There are limited places on the Step Ahead Induction programme and so you are encouraged to register as soon as you have a confirmed place at the University of York. 

If you do not meet any of the eligibility criteria above, but feel you would benefit from attending Step Ahead, please complete the registration form and if there are still places available at the end of August we will let you know. 

If you have any questions about our eligibility criteria, please email us at stepahead@york.ac.uk for more information. 

What happens at Step Ahead?

As well as meeting other new and current students before you start studying, you'll attend interactive workshops on a range of topics, including: 

  • academic study at the University
  • looking after yourself
  • managing your money and surviving on a budget
  • getting involved in university life through the Students' Union and college activities
  • enhancing your employability

Lunches will be provided as well as a tour of the campus.

When does Step Ahead take place?

Step Ahead is likely to take place during the week commencing 4th September 2023.

Free overnight accommodation on campus is available if you live more than 30 miles away from campus

If we have rooms available and you live 30 miles or closer to campus you can opt to stay overnight for a reduced fee

There are lots of ways to get to campus:

Register for Step Ahead

Registration is expected to open on Monday 7th August 2023. You can register for Step Ahead once your place at the University has been confirmed and you have completed the University's online enrolment task.

There are limited places for Step Ahead so remember to register as soon as you have a confirmed place and have enrolled.

"Thank you so much for everything! Step Ahead really helped me to gain confidence and feel like I was not the first struggling with anxieties about coming to uni. And I made some great friends!" - Leah, English and Related Literature

300 students attended the online Step Ahead programmes we offered in 2022. 237 attendees gave us feedback:

  • 99% of students told us they had an increased awareness of the different support and opportunities available at the University through attending Step Ahead
  • 76% of students felt more confident about starting university after attending Step Ahead
  • 94% would recommend Step Ahead to other new students