You can talk to a range of specialist advisers at the Student Hub in the centre of campus. They can provide advice and information to help you manage your wellbeing as well as guidance and information on practical matters such as:

• Private sector housing in York
• Employment rights and consumer issues
• Money matters
• Childcare
• Visas and immigration advice
• Taking a break from your studies/ leaving the University

Your college provides a focus for social and community life and also help with day-to-day matters. During your first week as an undergraduate student you'll be guided by some of our second and third year students (known as STYCs), helping you settle in and transition to university.

Your college team are there throughout the year, offering support and guidance. They can help with issues relating to college life, accommodation and activities.

A member of your teaching department will act as your supervisor throughout your course. They'll advise you on your academic progress and can help with your personal development, or signpost you to other services within the University. You'll meet up regularly through the academic year, so they will be familiar with your academic work and personal interests.

Before you get here

Knowing you have your finances under control means you can relax and enjoy your studies.

Tuition fees and funding:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Postgraduate fees and funding

Living costs:

• Undergraduate living costs
• Postgraduate living costs

During your studies

To earn extra cash and learn valuable skills you could consider working while studying such as taking a part-time job or an internship.

If you find yourself in financial difficulty during your studies, advisers at the Student Hub can provide advice and support. You may also be able to apply for a hardship fund.

We're committed to providing the best possible support for students with a disability or Specific Learning Difficulty. Our experienced specialist advisers can offer advice and guidance for students with a range of disabilities including:

• Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties
• Asperger syndrome
• Visual and hearing impairments
• Mental health difficulties
• Mobility impairments
• Long term health conditions.

Contact us for advice on reasonable adjustments to teaching, assessments, and exams. We can also provide study skills support and referral to other support services within the University.

• Disability Service team

The health centre closest to campus, Unity Health, offers GP appointments, a repeat prescription service and walk-in clinics.

You can register for the practice online. If you take any medication, have a long term health condition or disability you should contact them before you arrive, so they can help you make a smooth transition. 

Our Open Door Team professionals provide support to students experiencing psychological or mental health difficulties. 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.

Our York Graduate Research School supports a community of over 2,000 research students. They'll help to ensure you receive the highest quality supervision and training and that you're set up to succeed and make an impact.

From the moment you arrive at York, you'll be encouraged to prepare for your future career through a range of opportunities that will expand your study. Take advantage of our links with employers and alumni, learn a new language, study abroad, or grow your idea for a fledgling business.

Our two Christian chaplains are available to people of all faiths and none. Alongside our chaplaincy we have a range of contacts from other world faiths. You can also access a number of dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection on campus.

• Christian chaplains
• Faith contacts
• Prayer facilities

There are also a number of student societies dedicated to celebrating and exploring world faiths, such as the Jewish Society, the Christian Union and the Society, just to name a few. All students are welcome to join from devout believer to just curious. There is also a student-led Meditation Society.

Cultural student societies such as the African Caribbean Society, Chinese Society, Polish Society, and Saudi Students Society are a 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 different world cuisines!

Search student societies

If you're not entering university straight from school or college you may have different needs. Saying that, there is no such thing as a typical mature student at York. They come from a variety of backgrounds and bring skills gained from work, family and other life experiences and are often some of our most well-equipped students.

UCAS defines a mature student as any student who is over the age of 21 when they start their studies.

Read our guide for mature students

Someone to talk to

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. Our support network is here for you should you need it, whether you want to talk about study matters or any personal difficulties you may be having.

Study support

We also offer specialist workshops to improve your writing, maths, communication and IT skills.

Getting involved

All new undergraduate mature students are invited to attend an Induction Day before term starts as well as other events during Welcome Week and throughout the academic year. The Mature Students' Association (MSA), a student led group for students over the age of 21, also organises social events.

Join the University's Mature Students Chat Group.

Our Family Network and support services are here for you should you need them. We can also help you find accommodation and provide advice on childcare and schools in York.

Family Network

Our Family Network helps students with children and their spouses to meet, socialise, share information and advice, and have fun. You can join other university families for events and trips and come along to our weekly under fives session.

Contact the Family Network on Facebook

Childcare

The Ofsted registered York Campus Nursery and pre-school provides places for 30 children per session aged two to five years and nine children in the baby unit. As the on-campus nursery is small, most students opt for other childcare options:

• Childcare in York (yor-ok.org.uk)
• Help paying for childcare (gov.uk)

Schools

Where your child can go to school is based on where you live. So you could research schools first and then accommodation, or the other way around.

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

You could also ask the Family Network (facebook.com) for advice on local schools.

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:

• Undergraduate fees and funding
• Postgraduate fees and funding

You may also be eligible for:

• Child Tax Credit (gov.uk)
• Claim Child Benefit (gov.uk)
• Adult Dependants' Grant (gov.uk)

As well as accessing all the general support that's on offer, we can provide you with additional support to help you adapt to studying in a foreign country.

• Support for international students
• Our international community

You'll have access to a dedicated contact both before you get here and during your studies at York. Our dedicated contact can:

• 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 covering the cost of your travel to the University
• Offer emotional and practical support throughout your studies and direct you to other appropriate University services.

Dedicated contact for care Leavers and estranged students 
Joanna Paluch-Edwards
student-independent@york.ac.uk 
+44 (0)1904 324334

Applying to York

You will need to follow the same application process as any prospective student. However, we can provide additional support if you wish. You may be interested in submitting an application to the York Access Scheme 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.

• How to apply
• York Access Scheme

Accommodation

You can stay in university accommodation during the holidays (Christmas, Easter and summer vacation) if you wish.

Funding and financial support

Care leavers

In addition to the usual funding options you may also be entitled to our Care Leaver Bursary. You're also eligible for the same funding options as any prospective student.

• Care Leaver and Foyer Bursary
• Tuition fees and funding

Estranged students

In addition to the usual funding options you may also be entitled to the York Bursary. You can find out more about applying to student finance through the StandAlone student finance guide. You're also eligible for the same funding options as any prospective student.

• Tuition fees and funding

Study support

We offer specialist workshops to improve your writing, maths, communication and IT skills.

Useful links

Care leavers

• Propel (useful information about moving into higher education from care)
• National Network for Care Leavers
• Support for care leavers

Estranged students

• Stand Alone
• Turn2us Grant Search
• Student Finance England Independent Students Fact Sheet

Someone to talk to

Juggling caring responsibilities with 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.

Applying to York

You will need to follow the same application process as any prospective student. However, we can provide additional support if you wish. You may be interested in submitting an application to the York Access Scheme 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.

• How to apply
• York Access Scheme

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).