Preparing for university
How are you feeling about going to uni? Excited? A bit nervous? If so, don't worry. The run-up to starting university can be a mixed bag of emotions for many people. But we'd like to reassure you that we're here to support you and make your journey to York as smooth as possible.
To help you prepare, we asked our students to share their tips for things to do over the summer, advice about settling in and making friends, and some of their favourite student-friendly recipes.
Don't forget to check out our new student webpages for all the information you need to know before you arrive.
Things to do over the summer
Sociology student Charlotte shares useful tips about how to pack for university sustainably.
Politics student, James shares his top tips for preparing for uni over the summer, including things to bring with you and how to chat with your flatmates before you arrive.
Medical student Sanjalee talks about learning to cook, preparing to pack, and reminds international students about their passport and visa.
Getting ready to study
Biology student Zoe talks about her experience of adapting to independent study at university and gives some study tips.
Explore what higher education is all about with our free Next steps to university online course. Get top tips for making the most of your university life, learn about academic referencing, budgeting and more.
Student recipes
For many students, going to university is their first taste of independent living. If you're starting uni with little or no cooking experience, we've got you covered. We asked some of our current students what they love to cook (and eat) at uni:
Plus, Anaïs shares three easy recipes to share with your friends - the pancakes look delicious! And Daisy, who has different food allergies, shows you what she cooks during a typical week at uni:
Why not practice some of the recipes at home over the summer?
Settling in and making friends
During your first few weeks, current 2nd and 3rd Year students will help you move in, get you settled into your college, and show you around. You'll also meet student mentors who will provide peer support throughout your first year. They are trained to listen and encourage; offering practical advice and a friendly ear.
Politics & International Relations student, Deborah answers some questions about settling in. Watch now for her tips on homesickness and how to prepare before you arrive:
Plus, we asked some of our students for their top tips for making friends at uni - before you get here and when you arrive:
Eboni's guide to York
Chemistry student, Eboni shares 6 places that she thinks every Black student should know about in York:
Freshers' Week
The legendary Freshers' Week. But what's it really like, and what can you expect?
Hear from Patrick (YUSU President 2020-22) and Matt (YUSU Academic Officer 2020-22) about what happens during Freshers' Week, and if you need to drink to enjoy it:
English student Mi Chelle writes about her Freshers' Week as a non-drinking international student. In her video, Psychology student Hannah describes her Freshers' Week experience and reassures you that it's perfectly normal to feel nervous.
Medical student Sanjalee debunks some common Freshers' Week myths and misconceptions. Such as "you have to drink and party all week" and "you need to meet all your uni friends during Freshers".
Freshers' Fair
During Freshers’ Week our Students’ Union (YUSU) put on many events for first-year students. One of these events is Freshers’ Fair where you’ll find stalls for many societies and sports clubs. It's a great opportunity to sign up and get involved in our campus community activities.
