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Things to know this week - 5 February 2024: Refreshers Week

Posted on 5 February 2024

Welcome to your undergraduate student news summary of key things happening this Refreshers Week!

UoY community update

Light Up The Night tonight
We’re marking Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week with our annual Light Up The Night walk this evening (5 February) and a session to demystify our Report + Support tool. Find out more about support if you - or someone you know - has experienced sexual violence or harassment.

Race Equality Matters
It’s Race Equality Week and we’re encouraging everyone to take part in the Race Equality Matters 5-Day Challenge. Take part in a different challenge each day with videos, articles or activities to help you reflect and take actions that will lead to change.

Marking LGBTQ+ History Month
Every February, LGBTQ+ History Month aims to increase the visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and raise awareness of the community's history, lives and experiences. Find out about LGBTQ+ History Month events, activities and networks.

1. Refresher on: academic opportunities

On many programmes at York, you have the opportunity to step outside your degree by taking a module in a different department - we call these ‘elective modules’. You could work in a multi-disciplinary team to tackle sustainability challenges, choose a language option, or explore a subject offered from 17 different departments. Find out about studying beyond your department. You can also take a language course in addition to your programme. Come to a forthcoming Languages For All information talk to find out more.

2. Refresher on: academic skills support

BRAND NEW this semester is a skills guide to help you understand your assignment feedback. You may receive comments on your essay structure, arguments, or tone. What does my feedback mean? explores the types of feedback you might get, what it means and what you can do to act and improve on it. Don't miss the How to use feedback to improve your mark workshop on Friday (9 February), too. The Academic Skills Community offers a range of academic skills workshops. See what’s coming up on critical thinking, academic writing, getting started on your dissertation and more!

3. Refresher on: wellbeing support

This week and every week there are a range of people ready to listen and support you on any aspect of life. Whether it’s support for more practical matters or support for your wellbeing, we can help. From the Student Hub to college support contacts, departmental student wellbeing officers to our Sexual Violence Liaison Officers or the Open Door team - please, reach out. Disability drop-in sessions continue throughout Semester 2.

4. Refresher on: support for your future

There’s lots to get stuck into in Semester 2 for your personal and professional development: 

5. Fancy winning £1000? We’ve got 10 lots up for grabs!

Following unprecedented popularity last year, we’re excited to announce the return of our Brighter Futures Grants programme for Semester 2! Developed in partnership with Santander Universities exclusively for York students, there are 10 Brighter Futures Grants available, each with a value of £1000. Apply before 29 March for your chance to win £1000 with the Brighter Futures Grants.

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.