Things to know this week - 22 May 2023: Does being outdoors help your wellbeing?

Posted on 22 May 2023

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

UoY community update

Submit your assignments on time
It is really important that during this ongoing period of industrial action you continue to submit all of your assignments on time, regardless of anything you may have heard about markers’ participation in the boycott. Your work will be marked and we are doing everything we can to ensure that your progress or graduation will not be delayed.

Student Support Fund: Travel costs
Additional funding was made available to the Student Support Fund this year due to the pressures of the increased cost of living. As a result, we are able to consider applications to cover travel costs this year. If you are in financial difficulty and need help with your essential living costs due to increases in travel expenditure, check if you’re eligible. Apply to the Student Support Fund by Friday 2 June.

Posters on campus
A reminder to students who wish to put up posters around campus that:

• Posters can only be displayed in certain areas
• You must request permission to display a poster from the Facilities Helpdesk or Departmental or College Administrator responsible for the area
• Posters should be fixed using temporary adhesives
• Posters must clearly identify the name of the organisation or person that is responsible for placing the poster 

There is a charge for removing posters that don’t comply with the signs policy.

1. Does being outdoors help your wellbeing?

Our top tips for study and exam success include things like taking breaks, keeping active and relaxing. At this crucial assessment time, there’s an opportunity that could help you unwind AND aid the York Environmental Sustainability Institute’s CraftWell research project! The team invites you to take part in bead making or pottery making workshops to help them investigate whether activities from the past could help our wellbeing today. Find out how you can get involved in the Craftwell project.

2. Want to gain an international outlook here in York?

The Global Programmes team organises intercultural exchange projects and they have two opportunities to work with students from Hong Kong next month where you can develop intercultural skills. Join us to meet and work with international students and learn about the knowledge, values, attitude, and skills needed to be interculturally competent. Sign up for the intercultural exchange.

3. Last chance to sign up for The Great York Walk

We’re holding The Great York Walk on Saturday 3 June to raise money for Mentally Fit York, the University’s fund to improve mental health and wellbeing. This 25 mile guided charity walk (shorter distance routes are also available) is a great way to explore York and be part of the community of staff, students, alumni and friends who get involved. Find out more about reduced cost student tickets and sign up for the Great York Walk before Wednesday 24 May.

4. Join Amish Tripathi in conversation

Amish Tripathi is a best-selling author whose books have sold 6.5 million copies and been translated into 20 languages. His Shiva Trilogy is the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. Join us on Wednesday (24 May) as Amish discusses what inspired him to write, the challenges he has faced, his interest in mythology and the place of India in today's world. Book your free place at ‘Amish Tripathi in conversation’.

5. Challenging financial times for the sector - York’s response

We know that our students are feeling the effects of inflation pushing up the cost of living. The University of York, as an organisation, is going through something similar but our ability to provide an exceptional student experience is one of the most important things we must maintain. Read how we have identified areas that must not be critically compromised as we look to tackle current financial challenges.

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.