Things to know this week

UoY community update

Meningitis: know the symptoms

It’s important we remain alert to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses:

  • Check your vaccinations are up to date - contact your doctor if you’re unsure
  • Know the symptoms of infectious illnesses 
  • Act quickly if symptoms appear by phoning 999
A graphic from Meningitis Now, featuring cartoon faces describing signs and symptoms for Meningitis and Septicaemia. Text reads: 'Symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. 1. Fever, cold hands and feet. 2. Vomiting. 3. Drowsy, difficult to wake. 4. Confusion and irratibility. 5. Severe muscle pain. 6. Pale, blotchy skin, spots / rash. 7. Severe headache. 8. Stiff neck. 9. Dislike bright lights. 10. Convulsions / seizures.'

Remember, if you feel unwell make sure you let someone know and, if a friend is unwell, check on them regularly.

Take a Break

Drop our dedicated Take a Break space in LFA/144 between 2-4pm every weekday to grab some refreshments, take a break from your studies and refuel your focus. Taking even just 5-10 minutes away from your desk can help to refresh your mind and protect you from burnout.

If things go wrong: exceptional circumstances

Sometimes, things happen that can seriously impair your performance in an assessment, or prevent you undertaking the assessment at the scheduled time. If things go wrong, you have options available to you - find out more about exceptional circumstances affecting assessment.

1. Study tip: Sweet dreams are made of this

As your deadlines get closer and closer, it may feel tempting to cut down on sleep to allow you to work for longer. However, research shows there are strong links between sleep, creativity and memory - try to aim for between seven to nine hours of sleep to give your brain a proper rest and allow you to learn more effectively. 

Struggling to fall (or stay) asleep? We’ve gathered a list of our top tips to help you get a good night’s rest, as well as other research backed advice for study success. 

2. Explore years of hard work and research… in less than three minutes

Ever wondered where a Masters by Research or PhD could take you? Explore a range of possibilities at this year’s Three Minute Thesis competition on Friday 5 June. In a challenge against the clock, 10 talented postgraduate researchers will compete to convey the core questions - and impact - of their work in bite-sized, accessible talks. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award - register for your free Three Minute Thesis ticket.

3. Study tip: Time and place

When, and where, do you work best? Are you a morning person, or feel more productive in the afternoon? Do you prefer the buzz of a busy coffee shop, or complete silence in Burton Library to focus? Whatever your preference, there are a range of different study spaces on campus - including our dedicated Family Study Room, Sensory Rooms, and Study Double spaces for body doubling. 

Don’t forget: the Library is open 24/7 during the common assessment period to support your studies. 

4. Have your say on First Bus updates

Share your feedback on proposed changes to the University bus service scheduled for September. As the University begins its annual discussions with First Bus regarding bus route improvements, several changes are under consideration. Your input is vital to ensure our conversations with First Bus reflect the needs of our community and that we represent everyone’s interests.  

5. Share your thoughts on York

York SU wants to know how you’ve found your year (or first year of your masters if you are a part-time student) at York. Complete the Lasting Impressions survey and be in with the chance of winning one of ten £50 supermarket vouchers. 

Postgraduate Communities

Join the Postgraduate Communities team for their next Postgraduate Student Social on Monday 18 May at 6pm. The theme will be a nostalgic school disco, so come along to enjoy a relaxed evening of games, food and drinks, and a chance to catch up with friends!

Offers, competitions and opportunities

  • Closing soon: Win tickets to the 2026 Formula 1 Grand Prix with Santander Open Academy
  • Sign up for our new Nisa newsletter to receive exclusive offers from our on-campus stores directly to your inbox
  • Enjoy a range of accessible talks in a relaxed pub atmosphere as Pint of Science returns (18-20 May)
  • Become an English language teacher with CertTESOL - apply by 20 May
  • Graduating this summer? Apply to be a Student Orator by 2 June

Jobs and opportunities

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

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Find out more student news

See all updates for students on our website:

Student news

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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