Accessibility statement

What happens at Step Ahead?

In 2024 we expect to offer two two-day Step Ahead programmes (with overnight accommodation) and a one-day Step Ahead programme for students who live within commuting distance to York. This will be confirmed in Spring 2024.

As well as meeting other new and current students before you start studying, you'll attend interactive workshops on a range of topics. These are likely to include: 

  • academic study at university
  • looking after yourself
  • getting involved in university life
  • managing your money and surviving on a budget
  • enhancing your employability
  • moving through university with confidence

You will also benefit from a campus tour as well as several activities designed to help you get to know other students. 

"Gotta be honest, this is a brilliant event! I found out so much, like how to book in to move in to accommodation, manage student finance and how bursaries work with them, met so many great people, explored campus, it’s so cool!!!!!!!" (Anthony, Mathematics) 

Two-day programmes

  • Monday 2 September - Tuesday 3 September
  • Wednesday 4 September - Thursday 5 September

These programmes will include free overnight accommodation on the University of York campus. Please note, you must be 18 or older at the time of the event in order to be able to stay in this accommodation. 

We will also offer a free evening meal and social activities in the evening and breakfast the following morning.

"All of the sessions were really helpful. The leaders were engaging and approachable, the student helpers helped to ease us into the activities, and I left each one feeling I'd learned something useful." (Michelle, English and Related Literature)

One-day programme

  • Friday 6 September 

This programme is aimed at students who live within commuting distance to the university campus (30 miles or less). 

The one-day programme will include all the main elements of Step Ahead including an opportunity to get to know other new and current students. 

"The whole day was informative and reassuring, particularly as a commuting mature student. The tour really helped settle my nerves about finding my way around campus." (Nikki, Biomedical Science)

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