Your timetable for semester 2 will be released on Wednesday (10 December).

Accommodation applications for returning undergraduates (2026/27) are now open. Room availability is limited, and will be allocated based on priority groups - find out more and apply by 3pm on Friday (12 December).

As many get into the festive spirit before the winter break, a reminder that alcohol cannot be taken onto the buses in York. As a community of respect, please remain respectful towards drivers and others who use public transport. Reports of misconduct are investigated under Regulation 7.

On Friday 2 January, the Learn VLE will get an updated look and feel. Expect full-width site pages, a new home button and better use of screen space. Check out the new-look VLE before assessments start to avoid any surprises.

Come to the carol service at St Paul’s Church, Heslington on Thursday (11 December) to get into the festive feeling with music and readings from staff and students.

Whether you’re leaving York or staying on campus, student support continues over the winter break. We have lots of information on the website about:

Did you know that our annual utility bill amounts to a staggering £13 million! If you are heading off for the winter break, please complete our switch-off checklists to help us meet our energy and cost-saving targets.

Operating hours will be reduced for some on-campus services during the vacation, and if you are travelling in and around the city, First Bus will be operating a limited timetable on University of York services from Sunday 14 December until Sunday 4 January 2026. The University Library will be closed between 25-26 December and on 1 January, but will otherwise remain open to support your studies.

Looking for things to do over the break? Why not…

Have a little one staying with you? Explore Visit York’s dedicated family friendly events listing for day-out inspiration, including where and when to meet the elusive Santa Claus…

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, work on a complementary theme in a different department, or choose a language option. Find out about studying beyond your department. Applications open on Wednesday (10 December) and close on Friday 16 January 2026

If you get a new device over the festive break, or you need IT support and advice, take a look at the IT checklist in the MyUoY app to help you get ready for 2026. 

Log on to Handshake, our careers platform, for jobs and opportunities:

See all updates for students on our website:

Things to know this week is produced and distributed by the University's Internal Communications Team. Please email any feedback to 
student-communications@york.ac.uk.

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