Noticeboard - March 2023

• Latest University News
• Housing Hub drop-in sessions - are taking place 2-4pm every Thursday in the Baroness Hale Legal Clinic on the Upper Level of Market Square.  Please go along to discuss general issues with private sector accommodation.  No appointment is necessary.

• Student Connect - Student Connect has been launched to help students to make new friends and expand their uni networks. Student Connect matches you with other students from your course or college so that you can make new connections. Any questions? Contact student-connect@york.ac.uk.

• Are you applying for a Railcard? For students who are eligible to apply for a railcard, we are now able to electronically stamp and sign PDF railcard forms if you apply for a railcard online (as an alternative to using the paper railcard form). Please email your completed form to student-hub@york.ac.uk. 

• Rent guarantor services for students - Many private landlords and estate agents require tenants to provide a rent guarantor who will be required to pay rent should the tenant fail to do so. To help students without a UK guarantor, we have partnered with YourGuarantor who will act as a rent guarantor for students living in the private sector. In addition, we operate an in-house Rent Guarantee Scheme open to UK students who are care leavers, are estranged from their parents, or have other exceptional circumstances. Further details on both these schemes are available on the Rent Guarantee Scheme webpages. 

• PGR Students - Connecting with others - Together with your academic departments, York Graduate Research School and the GSA, we are working on  ways to help you connect with each other through events, eg Thrive and Survive in your PhD, and initiatives, eg Writing Groups, and by forming online learning communities, eg Academic Skills Community Groups. 
   
• YorWorld Community - is an informal, virtual space where students can come together to chat, engage in activities and receive support from the International Student Support Team. Take part in our online chat; register your interest using the form below and we will send you a link to each zoom session. YorWorld Community Expression of Interest form 

• *Nursing or Midwifery Student?* - Applications to the NHS Learning Support Fund are now open for new and continuing students. You could be eligible for £5,000+ as part of a non-repayable grant! Find out more on NHSBSA's web-pages. 

Returning from a Leave of Absence

Sometimes students returning from Leave of Absence or placement worry that they might not know anyone on their course. All students may experience times when they struggle to make connections with others and get involved in activities and groups, whether that’s because they don’t know anyone who shares their interests and passions, or because they face barriers such as social anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, or lack of confidence. If you would like help to get to know others on your course or in your college, please complete this short form, and someone from your College or your Department will make contact with you.

Request support for connecting with others

Use this form to let us know if you would like help to get to know others in your college or on your course (or both!).  There are all sorts of reasons why people may struggle to get to know others, for example they may:

• Be returning from a Leave of Absence or a Placement
• Be the only person in their flat who has a particular hobby, interest or passion (for example, a sport)
• Have social anxiety, depression, or lack of motivation, that makes it hard to get involved in social activities
• Might not know what kinds of things are available (such as groups, societies, events etc.)
• Might not know anyone who wants to take part in a particular activity (for example, going to the gym, yoga, or an event)

For all of these, there are things we can do to help you link up with others and overcome any barriers you may face. If you complete this form it will be reviewed and someone will contact you from the most relevant part of the University, for example, someone from your department or your college.