Support, wellbeing and health

Our Open Door Team is a team of mental health professionals and student wellbeing officers, providing support to students who are experiencing psychological or mental health difficulties.

Open Door is a completely free self-referral service available to all our students. They can work in tandem with the NHS, your GP or other services if you're receiving therapeutic or medical help for a long-term condition.

All University of York students have access to free online mental health and wellbeing support with TalkCampus. 

You will have access to a 24/7 online global community, allowing you to talk with other students from around the world about the ups and downs of student life or if you’re struggling and worried about your mental health.

On TalkCampus, you are totally anonymous to other members in the community, and your personal information is kept secure while you are on the site.

If you’re considering going to university, you might be thinking, “how will I afford it all?”, and you’re not alone. 

• Discover more information on undergraduate tuition fees and funding and living costs.
• Find out more on postgraduate tuition fees and funding and living costs.

To earn money, meet new people and learn valuable skills you could consider working while studying, for example taking a part-time job or an internship.

If you find yourself in financial difficulty during your studies, our friendly Student Support and Advice Team are available to provide information and guidance. Our specialist trained advisers can help you manage a budget, give debt advice and assist with any housing concerns. Support is available for all students no matter the circumstances. Help is free and confidential.

From the moment you arrive at York, you'll be encouraged to take the first steps in your career journey. We offer a range of opportunities that will expand your experience and skill set. Take advantage of our links with employers and alumni, consider studying abroad, or grow your idea for a start-up business.

The Academic Skills Community provides workshops, appointments and online resources to help develop academic skills.

From one-to-one sessions with our tutors at the Writing and Language Skills Centre, to help with understanding maths and statistics at the Maths Skills Centre.

There's also the opportunity to improve your digital skills, learn how to follow good academic practice, or consider taking interdisciplinary modules outside your department.

Your Faculty Librarians can help you to locate resources, develop your referencing skills and talk to you about tools and techniques for working effectively to make the most of what the Library offers. Find their contact details on your Library Subject Guide.

Students have expressed having a variety of needs when it comes to spaces that support their wellbeing during times of stress or sensory overload. These include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Sensory retreat rooms
• Sensory-friendly study spaces
• Quiet study spaces (not private)
• Wellbeing rooms
• Individual private workstations (e.g. Zoom pods)
• Quiet sensory outdoor spaces

Follow this link to a webpage dedicated to promoting the quiet spaces we have on campus.

You can access a number of dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection on campus. Our two Christian chaplains are available to people of all faiths and none, and can provide information on places for worship both on and off campus.

A number of student societies are dedicated to celebrating and exploring world faiths. These include the Jewish Society, the Christian Union and the Islamic Society, to name a few. All students are welcome to join.

There is also a student-led Buddhism and Meditation Society helping you to explore mindfulness in an open and calming space.

Before you arrive at university, there is dedicated support available through a range of pre-entry programmes run by our access and outreach team.

Eligible students might include students facing barriers to accessing higher education, including care-leavers, mature students and students living in areas with low levels of progression to university.

Our Campus Safety team support everyone who lives, studies or works at the University, with a 24-hour presence co-ordinated through the Campus Safety Hub at Market Square on Campus West. The team are your first response for any security or safety issues – all members of the team are trained in first aid and mental-health first aid.

Learn about Campus Safety

Our International Student Support Team provide specialist support and advice on everything from getting your visa to adjusting to life in the UK. They also provide opportunities for you to meet other students from all over the world.

Cultural student societies such as the African Caribbean Society, Chinese Society, Polish Society, and Saudi Students Society are another great way to meet other people from your country. These groups are open to all students no matter where you're from. You can learn about different cultures and traditions, receive informal language training and try out all kinds of world cuisines!

We're committed to providing the best possible support for disabled students.

We can arrange academic support and adjustments if you have a disability or long-term health condition. Complete the Disability Services team Registration Form and a practitioner will be in touch to complete a Student Support Plan. They can also help with applications for Disabled Students Allowances and provide further information and guidance.

And it’s not just academic support - we also offer a range of activities and services to help you get the most out of University life. Whether it’s help settling in, social activities, clubs and societies, questions about student finance, or looking for part-time work, there’s support available - see the Disabled Students webpage for more information. 

If you're over 21 when you start your course, you're classed as a mature student. Adapting to university life can be challenging for any student, perhaps more so if you've been out of education for a few years, or if you have to juggle studying alongside other commitments.

You may have different support needs if you’re a mature student. We also offer various academic, wellbeing and careers support for mature students during your time at York.

Read our guide for undergraduate mature students

Juggling university with parenting responsibilities can be challenging, but we are here to support students with children during this time.

Facilities on campus

There are baby changing facilities available on campus, which can be found on the campus map by searching for baby changing. If you would like a dedicated quiet place to breastfeed or to express milk, just search the map for breastfeeding.

There is a family study room in the Library where you can work alongside your children. It’s an ideal space for short study sessions when you need to keep your children with you and occupied.

Childcare

The Ofsted-registered York Campus Nursery and pre-school is a safe, happy place that nurtures and encourages your child's individuality and potential. The nursery has places for children aged 3 months to 5 years. It offers a discounted rate for students.

You may also wish to explore other childcare options in York (yor-ok.org.uk).

Schools

Where your child can go to school is based on where you live. As such, you may wish to research schools before finding accommodation to have the best chance of getting a place at your preferred school.

• Information about schools in York (york.gov.uk)
• York school catchment areas (york.gov.uk)

Accommodation

We have properties on and off campus to house families and we work with the York Housing Association (YHA) to provide even more family accommodation. We prioritise certain students according to our allocation policy, so you should also look into private sector accommodation.

• University accommodation for families
• Private-rented accommodation

Funding and financial support

You're eligible for the same funding options as any prospective student.

You may also be eligible for:

• Claim Child Benefit (gov.uk)

Student Buddy

Our Student Buddy Scheme will pair you up with a current student who can share their own experiences with you.

• Sign up for a student buddy 

Our Student Hub support students in a number of ways:

• The York Graduate Research School also offers postgraduate research scholarships for students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background
• The ethnic minority scholarships at The Scholarship Hub highlight new funding opportunities through their searchable database.
• Our Black Access programme aims to support the progression of Black students from their first year of sixth form or college into university through tailored events and activities.
• You may be interested in submitting an Additional Information Form which aims to improve access to the University for applicants who have faced challenging circumstances.

As a student with care experience or an estranged student, you'll have access to dedicated support at the pre-entry stage and throughout your studies. They will be able to:

• Help with any questions you may have about our courses and what it's like to study at York
• Act as a link between you and your local authority
• Facilitate a visit to the University for you, including free return travel, accommodation and food for you and a guest
• Offer practical support throughout your studies and direct you to other appropriate University services.

The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) has awarded the University a Quality Mark, highlighting its commitment to supporting students with care experience and estranged students, with all areas rated as either 'exceptional' or 'enhanced' practice. (NNECL 2025) 

Find out more about the support available for prospective care experienced and estranged students, including application, financial and accommodation support.

The University welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and other individuals who are seeking sanctuary currently living in the UK. We recognise that you may face different challenges, including overcoming financial, emotional and cultural hurdles.

You'll have access to dedicated support, so that you can receive advice on any aspect of your student experience including financial support, housing queries and academic progression.

Funding and financial support

You may be eligible for various funding options such as:

• York Refugee Bursary
• Student Finance support for refugees and asylum seekers
• University of Sanctuary

Not all students want or need to relocate for university. These students are called local and commuting students. There are many reasons why you may choose to live at home while you are studying. These can include:

• Already living locally to the University of York, so there is no need to spend money on university accommodation.
• Preferring to live close by to friends and family back home.
• Being disabled or having wellbeing needs that are best catered for at home.
• Having a part-time job where you currently live, or financial constraints that would make it difficult to move into university accommodation.
• Caring for a family member alongside your studies.
• Being a parent or having dependents at home.
• Having cultural or religious commitments that underpin your decision to commute.

Whatever your reasons for commuting, the University of York will support you in making your time in higher education as enriching and enjoyable as possible.

Support options and guaranteed offer (or interview)

We’re proud to offer dedicated support for local students who live at home and commute to study with us. 

If you live in Yorkshire, the Humber or the Tees Valley and meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for our local and commuter student offer, which guarantees you an offer (or an interview, where required).

You’ll also have access to tailored pre-arrival events, advice and practical support to help you make the most of university life.

Learn more about our local and commuting offer

Handling your caring responsibilities alongside studying can be challenging. If you need someone to talk to there is support on offer at York. We also have close links with York Carers Centre, offering free support to unpaid carers.

Applying to York

You will need to follow the same application process as any prospective student. You may be interested in submitting an Additional Information Form which aims to improve access to the University for applicants who have faced challenging circumstances.

If you have any questions about the application process our Admissions team will be happy to help.

Funding and benefits

You're eligible for the same funding options as any prospective student.

You're unlikely to be eligible for the carers' allowance (as you'll probably be studying more than 21 hours per week). However, the person who you're caring for is likely to be eligible for benefits, so it's a good idea to ensure they're claiming what they're entitled to. Find out more about carers and disability benefits (gov.uk).

We're committed to creating an environment that is safe, inclusive and welcoming for all. This includes supporting people who wish to make or who have made changes to their affirmed gender.

Find out more about our support for trans and non-binary community, including information about name changes, inclusive facilities, guidance regarding harassment and hate crime, and inclusive language and terminology.

If you need help or support relating to your course or personal matters, you can seek independent and confidential advice and information through York Students' Union Advice and Support.

The health centre closest to campus is Unity Health. It offers GP appointments and a repeat prescription service. You can register online or in person.

If you take any medication or have a long-term health condition, we recommend that you contact them before you arrive so that they can help you to make a smooth transition.

Our Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) provide confidential support to students who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. Our SVLOs can work with you one-to-one to talk you through your options in relation to the support you may like to receive, either from within the University or from external partner organisations.

York Mind is a local provider of services supporting people who are recovering from mental ill-health.