Things to know this week

UoY community update

 

Winter hibernation: some campus spaces take a break

To reduce costs and lower our carbon footprint, some buildings on campus will be closed over the winter break from Saturday 13 December 2025 to Monday 5 January 2026. Facilities, catering outlets, the Library and many other areas will remain open for those staying in York.

Movember update - thank you York!

As Movember draws to a close, we want to thank all members of our UoY community for coming together and raising over £40,000 for men’s mental and physical health causes. Each and every pound raised helps save lives - with a special thanks to our committed Kato and Lister football team for raising nearly £9,500 through their efforts! 

1. Looking ahead to exams

With winter break on the horizon, it can feel very tempting to put off thoughts about the next Common Assessment Period until the new year. Gift yourself a calmer start to 2026 by thinking ahead - plan your study timetable, register for a place at one of our online revision workshops, browse available past papers and bookmark some of our key pages for easy reference: 

  • How assessments and exams work at York: what to bring, where to go and how online exams work
  • Tips for coping with exam stress
  • Finding somewhere to study
  • What to do if things go wrong: exceptional circumstances affecting assessment

Taking an exam that requires calculators? Visit the Library to familiarise yourself with the calculators provided by the Exam Office. 

2. Does it feel like a long time until your next loan instalment?

With gift giving a hot topic of conversation, it’s understandable to feel increased money stress at this time of year - but you aren’t alone. Stop by the Student Hub every Tuesday 11am - 12pm for their money advice open hour - whether you have a set question in mind, or just want a friendly ear to talk through stresses, the team is here to help. See our five steps to managing your money for help with budgeting, saving and sources of funding.

3. Feeling festive on campus

Celebrate the festive season right on your doorstep with a range of events across campus. From bauble painting, to digital crafting, to a Christmas Market in Courtyard (5 December) there are plenty of ways to spread festive cheer - including supporting York SU, AllShouldEat and Shelter Support to donate gifts through our York Giving Trees.

4. Applications now open for York Award

In your final year? Apply now for the York Award, a formal award of the University that recognises your personal and professional development and demonstrates to employers that you have taken a proactive approach to life at university.

5. New year, new opportunities 

Feeling inspired to help? Explore a range of team-based Community Projects launching in Semester 2 - allowing you to gain valuable skills and experience while contributing to our wider York community. From developing digital accessibility to fostering belonging in schools, there’s a volunteering project for everyone. Find out more and apply before 18 February 2026. 

Offers, competitions and opportunities

  • Tell Cibyl about your career aspirations for the chance to win £1000
  • What is the ideal home temperature range? Complete our Energy Week competition for the chance to win a £10 or £20 voucher
  • Pre-order the limited edition Festive Bake Box (£8) from Eat, Shop and Drink by 3 December for a set of sweet treats to share with friends and family
  • Shop, save, sustain scheme: Enjoy a range of meal offers from campus outlets (including up to 50% off!) that taste good and do good for charitable causes

Jobs and opportunities

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

Handshake

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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