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First year

Be open to possibilities and find out what motivates you.

Semester 1

Get job and event alerts

Activate your profile in Handshake once your course starts to get job and event alerts

Go to Welcome Fairs

Go along to the Welcome Fairs to join clubs and societies

Learn a language

Find out about year-long Languages for All courses - and whether you can study for free as part of your course

Attend the Global Opportunities Fair in Week 6 and apply before December to study abroad

Search Handshake for part-time jobs and semester-time internships

Check available funding

You may be eligible for a York Futures Scholarship to support your activities

Explore employer 'taster' days

Search for employer insight events in 'Opportunities' or 'Exclusive opportunities @ York' in Handshake

Semester 2

Summer abroad

Attend the Summer Opportunities Fair in Refreshers Week

University of York Students' Union elections

Represent fellow students by campaigning to become a Sabbatical Officer

Learn a language

Learn a language at a relaxed pace in an informal setting on a Languages for All short course

Look for volunteering experience

Employer events

Dip into employer events on and off campus

Attend a York Strengths Development Day

Start a CV, if you haven't already

Apply to be a college mentor (STYM)

Be a student peer supporter for new undergraduates

Review your progress

By the end of your first year you'll:

have met people and gained confidence through involvement with clubs, societies and college activities
have started to gain experience through volunteering, internships or enterprise
have completed the York Strengths Programme and developed a better understanding of your personal strength and motivations
have reviewed your CV through the online CV checker

Next steps

Middle year(s): explore different employers and sectors of work