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.

The targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2026 are now accepting applications for a variety of categories. This is your chance to showcase your talent and be noticed by the UK’s top graduate employers. Application deadline: Monday 26 January

Come along to our summer opportunities information session on Wednesday (21 January) to find out how to apply for opportunities to study, work and volunteer abroad during the summer vacation. Meet representatives from Seoul National University and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, as well as staff and students who will share their experience of summer opportunities. Applications for summer exchanges close on Friday 13 February.

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.

Interested in getting some real-world work experience to complement your degree? Current 2nd year students (or 3rd year Integrated Masters students) have until Tuesday 10 February to register your interest in a placement next academic year. The Placement Year provides the opportunity to experience a particular job sector or working environment before returning to complete your final year studies. See Placement Year/Year in Industry for eligibility criteria and placement one-to-one appointments are available daily to answer any questions.

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.

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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