Things to know this week - 22 January 2021

Posted on 22 January 2021

It's the Vice-Chancellor takeover week. Today: Things to know about supporting your mental health, wellbeing and finances.

https://youtu.be/k5fIDgp8dcU

1. If you’re struggling, help is available

This is a tough time - emotionally, physically and financially. Help is available - see our Health and wellbeing pages for advice, online workshops and support services.

2. From money worries to health concerns, ask our student advisers

Get in touch with the Student Hub if you need help with financial issues, problems with private accommodation, health concerns, immigration advice or academic progress issues. They can also refer you to other specialist services if necessary.

Money problems? The current round of the Emergency Student Support Fund is open until noon on Tuesday 26 January.

3. Your college is there to help you build friendships

We know that many of you feel a strong connection with your college, and they’re a source of support (whether you’re on or off campus) that come into their own in times of adversity. If you’re self-isolating, college staff will check in with you, and college tutors are always there for any day to day issues you may encounter - or if you just need someone to talk to.

In addition, our colleges are running two schemes to help build and maintain friendships even while we’re not all physically together. If you’re a first year undergraduate, sign up for a Student buddy. If you’re living alone in York - no matter what year you’re in - use Student Connect to find someone with shared interests who could join your bubble.

4. You can access peer-to-peer support locally or globally

Our students’ unions, YUSU and GSA, also do a great job of helping you find support. Your Course Reps may be able to help too - especially if you have academic concerns. Or, if you prefer the relative anonymity of an online community, use Togetherall a 24/7 safe space with access to support from trained professionals.

5. Let us help you look after your wellbeing while you self-isolate

We need to know if you’re self-isolating. Once you fill in the form, we’ll start making arrangements to support you. We’ll make sure that you have things to do, with activity packs and digital vouchers for retailers including Google Play, Spotify, Just Eat and Sky Store, that someone gets in touch with you (normally your college team), and that we help you to stay healthy, with food packs, help with shopping and prescription collection.

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.