What happens at Step Ahead?
2-day Step Ahead events
- Tuesday 1 September to Wednesday 2 September 2026
- Thursday 3 September to Friday 4 September 2026
Check out this year's 2-day programme for an idea of what to expect:
Food
If you attend a 2-day event you will be offered lunch on Day 1, pizza in the evening of Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2.
There will be a variety of options for lunch including sandwiches, chicken goujons wedges and salad. For those staying overnight, there will be a choice of a cooked or continental breakfast.
We are able to cater for most dietary needs providing you tell us about these when you register for Step Ahead. If you would prefer to bring your own food you are welcome to do so. The Nisa store in Market Square (see opening times) is also only a 10 minute walk from the Step Ahead venue if you would like to purchase additional snacks during the event .
Accommodation
You will have your own ensuite room in an accommodation block a few minutes walk of the day time Step Ahead venue. There will be a mix of male and female Step Ahead students sharing the flat/ corridor with you.
Bedding and a towel will be provided so you don’t need to bring these with you.
Evening activities
From 6pm you will be invited to meet in the restaurant for pizza. After tea you have the choice between staying at the day time Step Ahead venue to do crafts and play board games or visiting one of the Student Union bars on campus for drinks and a game of bingo! Last year many of our students opted to do both... starting off with a few games and then heading to the bar later on in the evening.
Our Step Ahead Student Helpers will make sure you are aware of the options as well as being on hand to help you find your way. Of course, if you would prefer to return to your room or have a walk around campus after tea, you are very welcome to do so.
Time in York on Day 2
Step Ahead finishes at 11.30am on Day 2. You then have the option to spend a few hours exploring York with other Step Ahead students and some of our Student Helpers. Our Student Helpers will accompany you, either on the bus or on foot, it’s your choice! Once in York you will head first to SPARK where you can choose to purchase lunch from a wider range of vendors. After lunch our Student Helpers will show you some of their favourite places in the city. Our Student Helpers will stay with you until 3pm but you are free to head off earlier if you have a train to catch.
As you will not return to the University of York campus you will need to take your overnight bag with you into York and so please ensure you bring an overnight bag that you can comfortably carry!
This is all entirely optional. If you would prefer to head home when the structured part of Step Ahead finishes at 11.30am that is absolutely fine. We will ask whether you would like to join the trip into York when you complete the Step Ahead registration form but this is only to give us an idea of numbers - it’s fine to change your mind when you get here!
1-day Step Ahead events
- Wednesday 16 September
- Thursday 17 September
Check out this year's programme for an idea of what to expect:
Food
If you attend one of our 1-day events you will be taken to one of the cafes on campus for your lunch. We will contribute towards the cost of this. The food options available will depend on which cafe your group visits but will most likely include some or all of the following - sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes and sausage rolls. All dietary requirements are catered for on campus. You are welcome to bring your own lunch with you if you’d prefer to do this and will be able to eat this in the cafe with the rest of your group. The Nisa store in Market Square (see opening times) is also only a 10 minute walk from the Step Ahead venue if you would like to purchase additional snacks during the event .