Things to know this week - 16 October 2023: Think you might have Covid or flu?

Posted on 16 October 2023

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

UoY community update

University of York response to recent events in Israel, Gaza and the Middle East
News of the conflict is very upsetting, particularly for our students and colleagues with connections to the area. Details of the support available to all students, as well as a reminder that we are a community of respect, are on our student news pages.

Call for nominations for honorary degrees for 2024/25
Students are invited to nominate candidates for the award of an Honorary Degree for 2024 and beyond. Find out how to nominate someone for an Honorary Degree.

Student protest guidance
We have recently updated guidance for students in relation to protests and demonstrations on campus.

1. Staying well this winter

As we approach the winter season, it is important we take care of ourselves and our community to help stop the spread of infectious illnesses. See official advice on what to do if you have - or think you may have - Covid-19, influenza (flu) or any other respiratory infection and take our five steps to staying well and avoiding spreading illness:

1. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date
2. Register with a doctor
3. Practise good hygiene - wash hands, clean surfaces
4. If you feel unwell, stay at home and avoid contact with others
5. Know the symptoms of serious illnesses such as meningitis

Questions? See our information and advice on student healthcare.

2. Feeling homesick? You’re not alone

The excitement of the start of semester may have died down and the realities of academic work may mean that you’re wanting the comforts of home right now. Don’t worry - homesickness is very common amongst students and there are ways to get through it. Read how Psychology undergraduate, Sine, dealt with homesickness on our Student Voices blog and try our seven tips to beat homesickness.

3. Get ahead with academic skills

Have a quick question about essay writing? Need some advice about referencing? Come to our academic skills drop-in at the Library entrance foyer on Wednesday (18 October) between 11.30am and 1pm. Our dedicated tutors are on hand to answer any academic questions you may have - no question is too big or too small. You can also boost your skill set with our Skills Guides for a range of resources to help you develop academic, digital and information skills.

4. Want funding for a project?

The latest round of YuFund is now open, giving up to £10,000 to fund projects run by student clubs and societies. So what would you make happen? Previous successful projects include funding for the York Drama Society to have a new floor installed in The Drama Barn, Nightsafe received funding for mental health training and first aid equipment, and the UoY Boat Club were awarded funding for new equipment. Application deadline: Friday 17 November. Find out more about YuFund and apply now.

5. Get active: could you cycle to campus?

With over 5,000 bike parking spaces available and dedicated cycle routes to, from and around campus, cycling is easy and convenient at York. We offer discounted prices on cycling equipment at the University mailroom or by emailing transport-team@york.ac.uk.  

Offers, competitions and paid opportunities

• Complete the SWANS student wellbeing survey and enter the prize draw to win up to £50 in vouchers
• A chance to win £1000 with the Santander Universities Brighter Futures Grants
• Enter the Great York Cake Off competition this week for the chance to win over £100 worth of baking goodies - you might meet a very special guest judge! - or come to the all-you-can-eat cake event on Thursday (19 October) for just £1.

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.