Welcome to your student news summary of key things happening this week. During our second week of exams, remember our 7 tips for study and exam success for help with revising more effectively and feeling less anxious about your studies.

We recognise that global conflict can affect our students in many different ways and we have lots of people ready to help. See our support for those affected by global crises.

A quick reminder that if you pay your own tuition fees or accommodation costs, a payment instalment is due at the end of this month. The easiest way to pay is via the ‘My Finance’ section in e:vision. If you have set up a direct debit, this will be automatically taken around the due date.

Remember: We will never contact you and ask for your card details over the phone for payments. See our 7 tips for spotting a scam.

See our updated Study Skills Hub for all the ways we can help you develop your academic, communication and digital skills. This week’s workshops include ‘From merit to distinction’, which takes place tomorrow (20 January). Explore what you need to do to take your work to the next level and produce academic work worthy of a Distinction.

This time of year can be difficult. Winter depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), affects lots of people - so you’re not alone if you’re feeling down at the moment. Read our 5 tips for beating winter depression and don’t forget you can join TalkCampus for free for a 24/7 community of support in 26 languages.

Looking to unwind without making a big commitment? The York SU Social Sport programme enables you to take part in a range of activities, no matter what level you play at. Take part in weekly turn-up-and-play sessions on your own or with friends, no matter your ability. Some sessions charge a small fee, but most are free. 

Finding it hard to focus and plagued by distractions? Join The Distractibles Meetup on Wednesdays, 12.30pm to 1.30pm in the Library. We are a support group of staff and students with small group chat and accessibility ideas to try. Whether you're neurodivergent or just easily distracted, our peer-support group might be just the thing for you.

Semester 2 is just around the corner and there’s lots to look forward to in Welcome Back Week! Whether it’s beginners yoga or dog therapy to ease you into the new semester or a big night out at Roman Raid, there’s something for everyone. The Welcome Back Fair on Thursday 5 February is an ideal opportunity to meet new people and try new things and our study and digital skills workshops will set you up for new challenges ahead. We’ll also help you plan your summer! See Welcome Back Week 2026: what to expect for the full range of activities.

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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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www.york.ac.uk

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