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Things to know this week - 30 October 2023: Support if things go wrong

Posted on 30 October 2023

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

UoY community update

Giving Day
On 1 and 2 November, Giving Day will be back for the fifth year at York to raise funds for less advantaged students and mental health causes. There are lots of ways to get involved. Find out more about Giving Day.

IT updates - you may need to take action
IT Services are renewing the network certificate tomorrow (31 October). This certificate validates that the network you are connecting to is provided by the University. You may need to reconnect your device to the network. There is also a new provider for the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS). You should now use the VDS with the Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD).

Free electrical safety tests
Charging your phone or laptop in the Library? Using electrical items in kitchens on campus? If you’re likely to use your electrical items in public spaces on campus then get them safety tested free of charge with our student PAT testing sessions over the next two weeks.

James College bus route changes
The nearest bus stop servicing James College is now Newton Way.

1. Support if things go wrong on a night out

The vast majority of students enjoy York's nightlife safely - it can be part of a great student experience - but sometimes, through no fault of your own, things can happen and it is important to get help and support if they do. Stay informed with our advice and resources to help you be aware of your personal safety and be vigilant - always keep a close eye on your drink, look out for your friends and never accept drinks from strangers. Read Drinkaware’s advice on how to help a friend who you think has been spiked. 

If you suspect your drink has been spiked or you feel unwell for any reason, seek help immediately. Bar staff or the emergency services can help or, if you’re on campus, contact Campus Safety via the SafeZone app. We can also help you with expert support after any incident. Let us know - anonymously if you wish - using our Report + Support tool.

2. Come to the Global Opportunities Fair

Explore international opportunities at the Global Opportunities Fair on 8 November. You can find out how to apply to study, work and volunteer abroad. Speak to Global Opportunities staff and meet York students who have been abroad and discover more about independent travel opportunities from representatives of international volunteering organisations.

3. Find time for skills in Consolidation Week

Would you like to do something different during Consolidation Week? Sign up now for one of our Consolidation Week skills events either online or on-campus. Whether it’s writing retreats, finding sources, maths for job interviews, archives, or introductions to Digital Creativity labs - it's all available, so book now. Remember that the Library is open 8am until midnight. 

4. What is a PhD? First steps towards doctoral study

Are you interested in doing a PhD? Come speak with current PhD students and ask any questions you may have about doctoral study, including funding and the application process. You’re welcome to drop in and out of the session but please book your place at the Postgraduate Cafe on 31 October (tomorrow) so we can provide enough tea, coffee and cake!

5. Get involved with the first ever YUSU Community Conference

Taking place on Friday 9 February, YUSU’s first ever YUSU Community Conference will be a celebration of academic and creative work that YOU - our students - are doing, featuring discussions with guest speakers and workshops to develop your skills. We’d love you to be at the forefront of this - you could talk about your dissertation proposal or independent research project - so contribute your idea by completing the YUSU Community Conference expression of interest form. Questions? Email engagement@yusu.org.

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.