Accessibility statement

Step Ahead

 

Step Ahead

Step Ahead

Step Ahead

 

 

The University's Step Ahead Induction supports new undergraduate students, from groups currently under-represented in Higher Education, with their transition to university life. We hope Step Ahead helps students to have the best possible start to university life at York. 

This year, new undergraduates who are eligible for Step Ahead have the option of attending Step Ahead in person or online.  

Step Ahead is completely free of charge to attend and will give you the opportunity to: 

  • become more familiar with the University
  • meet other new students prior to the start of term
  • interact with current students who will offer an insight into student life at York
  • benefit from advice on a wide range of topics from staff in key University departments

In total 267 students attended the online Step Ahead programmes we offered in 2021. Of the 216 Step Ahead attendees who completed an evaluation form:

  • 98% of students told us they had an increased awareness of the different support and opportunities available at the University through attending Step Ahead
  • 78% of students felt confident or really confident about starting university after attending Step Ahead
"I thought it was really well organised and answered every question I was too afraid to ask about starting university."
 
Carima, The York Management School

What is it?

What is it?

Step Ahead is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the University and other students before you officially start your course a few weeks later.  

At Step Ahead key members of staff will deliver 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

You will also have the opportunity to attend question panels with current students in order to find out what it's really like to study at the University of York. 

At both the in person and online induction events there will be plenty of opportunities to interact with other students. 

In person Step Ahead

Students attending the in person Step Ahead Induction on 7 to 8 September will be offered free accommodation (or subsidised accommodation if you live less than 30 miles away) in one of our colleges on campus and will also receive a free dinner on the Wednesday and breakfast on the Thursday morning. 

All in person Step Ahead attendees will also receive lunch on both the Wednesday and Thursday.  

A campus tour will be included in the programme for this in person induction. 

"I thought Step Ahead was a great way to get a taster of life at the University of York, and it covered everything (including things I didn't realise I wanted to know!)."
 
Amy, Hull York Medical School (HYMS)

When is it?

When is it?

This year, new undergraduates who are eligible for Step Ahead have the option of attending Step Ahead in person or online.  

The in-person Step Ahead Induction

This will be held at the University of York campus on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 September 2022. Overnight accommodation will be offered free of charge to all students who live more than 30 miles away from the University campus. Subject to room availability students who live 30 miles or closer can also opt to stay overnight for a reduced fee. 

The online Step Ahead Induction

This is taking place between 12pm to 2.30pm on the following dates (you must attend all three dates):

  • Thursday 15 September 2022
  • Tuesday 20 September 2022
  • Thursday 22 September 2022
"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

Who can attend?

Who can attend?

In 2022 the Step Ahead Induction is aimed at Home students about to start undergraduate courses at the University of York, who meet at least one of the criteria listed below: 

  • 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 both the in person and online Step Ahead Induction programmes and so you are encouraged to register as soon as you have a confirmed place at the University of York (see next tab). 

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 (this will be available from Monday 1 August 2022) 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. 

"Nicola, Rose and the whole Step Ahead community have been so fantastic. I am so grateful for this opportunity which is so helpful for students like myself, settling into University life while living at home with caring responsibilities. It has personally made me feel so included and part of a community in the University. THANK YOU."
 
Allyson, Health Sciences

How do I register?

How do I register? 

Registration for Step Ahead opens on Monday 1 August 2022. 

You can only register for Step Ahead once your place at the University of York has been confirmed and you have completed the university's online enrolment task. 

If you would like to complete the Step Ahead Expression of Interest form now, we will send you more details about Step Ahead, including information on how to register, in the week commencing 1 August. Alternatively, if you revisit this webpage in the first week of August there will be a link to the registration form on here. 

"Step Ahead was a really useful experience! The student helpers were all really useful and kind, and the social events were a great way to start meeting new people so were just as helpful as the advice sessions."
 
Lauryn, Natural Sciences