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Things to know this week - 2 May 2023: Acting on your feedback

Posted on 2 May 2023

Welcome to your taught postgraduate student news summary of key things happening this week.

UoY community update

In an ideal world, how would you like to be assessed? Give us your thoughts
We’re working with three other universities to explore the potential for optionality within assessment. This means the possibility of giving students choice around things like when you submit assessments or the format in which you submit an assessment. Find out more about the Optionality in Assessment Project and complete the Optionality in Assessment survey.

‘Tell us’ student survey: cost of living support
Thank you to everyone who responded to our ‘Tell us’ student survey last month on cost of living support for students. It was encouraging that the majority of respondents are aware of the support on offer but, as a result of the survey findings, we are implementing further actions:

  1. Continuing work to increase awareness of all the different types of support listed on our cost of living hub 
  2. Messaging to encourage students to get in touch with advisers in the Student Hub regardless of whether they think they are eligible for support
  3. Web page improvements to make eligibility and application processes clearer, especially around assistance funding
  4. Work to increase awareness of students’ free access to Blackbullion, the financial education platform

1. Managing exam stress

It’s normal to feel stressed in the lead up to or during an exam. Being prepared is the best way to reduce anxiety but, if you feel things are getting too much, then take action - see our advice about exam stress and download the TalkCampus app for 24/7 support, where there is a community of students who understand and are ready to listen.

Tip #7 of our top tips for study and exam success emphasises how important relaxation and down-time are. De-stress with the Creativity Lab fun digital drop-in sessions this month:

  • Thursday 4 May: Retro video games
  • Thursday 11 May: Lego Fun 
  • Thursday 18 May: Digital Art

2. Make the most of Week 8

You may not be allowing yourself to think about post-exam freedom but now is the time to sign up for activities that will develop your skills, enhance your CV and also make a change in the local community. We have a variety of one-day volunteering opportunities in Week 8 for you to get involved in - no previous experience is needed. Apply for the Post Exam Volunteering Days before Friday 12 May.

3. Get help with your business idea

Do you have a business or social enterprise idea? Apply for the Summer Accelerator and spend your summer working on launching your business with our support. If accepted, you will receive a living allowance of £2000, use of a workspace for eight weeks and access to specialist support. Find out more about the Summer Accelerator.

4. Nominate yourself for the GSA Sabbatical Officer team 2023/24

Sabbatical Officers lead your postgraduate students’ union and represent postgrads in meetings with the University. Becoming a Sabbatical Officer is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences you can have. Nominations close on Friday 12 May. Check out the GSA Elections page for more information and to nominate yourself.

5. Come to the York Festival of Ideas

Celebrate the end of exams with the York Festival of Ideas. With over 150 mostly free events, including talks, performances and panel discussions, you can explore new interests either in person or online from 2 to 15 June. Browse the York Festival of Ideas programme and book your tickets.

Offers, competitions and paid opportunities

Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for jobs and opportunities.

Student news

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.