Things to know this week - 30 November 2020

Posted on 30 November 2020

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

Coronavirus: update summary

End of term arrangements
Good news - rapid results covid testing has been extended to Friday 11 December. Find out more and book your test.

If you’re staying in York over the winter break we're here to support you with a range of services and activities.

Pulse survey results from last week with 1242 participants show:

• When asked ‘How are you?’ - 72% of respondents replied they were okay to very happy.
• When asked about teaching preferences - 21% prefer online, 22% prefer in-person, and 57% are happy with a blended approach.
• We also asked what was important for your return to campus in January and the top responses were: mental wellbeing, connecting with coursemates, and study and exam space. We will be looking at how to support these.

1. Academic skills support over the vacation

There are chances to get together over the Christmas break. The Academic Skills Community events and activities are available for two weeks after the end of the Autumn Term and during the week before the start of the Spring Term. This includes workshops, community groups and one-to-one appointments. Find out more about skills support over the winter break.

2. Stop tidying, start writing

Do you tidy your room, check emails or constantly find ways to distract yourself from your work? Do you find yourself panicking at the last minute? Explore the causes of procrastination and look at practical ways to overcome putting things off. Read our tips to beat procrastination and book your place on a forthcoming ‘Pushing through procrastination’ workshop. #UoYWellbeing

3. Student-led postgraduate chat events

Thinking about your next step? Join one of our online chat events to find out more about postgraduate life at York. Ask your questions to our current students and hear about their experiences of living and studying in York. Book your place on the next student-led chat on Thursday 10 December 2020.

4. Learn a language

Learn a language at a relaxed pace with a Languages For All short course. A variety of languages are on offer with options for beginners through to advanced learners, including Chinese for Intercultural Understanding, Italian Conversation and Culture, Polish for Everyday Communication and German for Musicians. The eight-week online courses are discounted for students. Find out more and register for a Languages For All short course.

5. Get Christmas ready

If you have surplus food at the end of term, there are several campus food drop points in Vanbrugh Dining, Roger Kirk Centre Galleria, Derwent Dining and Piazza Restaurants. And if you’re looking for Christmas cards, check out the winning Christmas card design and runners up designs in the recent Christmas card competition. The designs make up the official University of York Christmas card pack, available to purchase at Market Square Nisa, or online via the Merchandise Store and Design and Print. All profits go to yourcafe and A Mentally Fit York.

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.