Things to know this week - 9 November 2020

Posted on 9 November 2020

The weekly news summary for taught postgraduate students from the University of York.

Coronavirus: update summary

The nation is in lockdown but there is still lots you can do! Find out how to make the most of lockdown life for ideas on how to keep boredom at bay while adhering to the lockdown rules.

Did you know some people are exempt from wearing face coverings? You might see someone on campus wearing a Sunflower lanyard or carrying a face covering exemption card. If you are exempt, lanyards and exemption cards are available from Vanbrugh College reception or the Security Centre.

Pulse survey results from last week with 1427 participants show:

• When asked ‘How are you?’ - 68% of respondents replied they were okay to very happy.
• 44% of respondents indicated they did not need any support.
• Those needing support primarily look to their academic supervisor, the University web pages, Open Door, or their college team. If you are unsure of where to go for support, our help and support pages are an excellent place to start.

1. Five steps to wellbeing: Connect

Earlier this term, we outlined Five steps to wellbeing and this seems especially important now we are in lockdown. For the rest of term, we’ll focus on some of these steps to help you keep positive during what could be a challenging time. This week, find out how you can stay connected and who you can turn to should you need some extra help.

2. Ten tips for saving money

Talk Money Week is a national event looking at personal finance and raising awareness of financial advice services. See our updated ten tips for saving money to see if you are a money saving expert and check out the week’s events, including the Student Hub’s Virtual Stall where you can take part in quizzes with a chance of winning prizes. Read our money saving tips and drop in to our online events.

3. Meet, ask, learn: Academic Skills Community groups

We all need a little help now and then - especially during this pandemic. So take up the opportunity to regularly meet people who can help you set and reach academic development goals by joining the Academic Skills Community groups. Whether you want to reflect on skills you would like to develop or find out about useful resources, the community groups are a fantastic way to meet new people and enhance your academic progress.

4. Remember to check your University email and calendar regularly

You need to make sure you check your University email account and calendar regularly so that you don’t miss out on important information. This is where messages and meeting invitations will be sent. Learn how to toggle between your University and personal email and connect your University timetable to your Google Calendar so that you can see everything in one place. Find out more about your email and calendar. #UoYTips

Find more student news on the website

Things to know this week is produced and distributed by the University's Internal Communications Team. Please email any feedback to university-internal-comms@york.ac.uk.