Freshers’ Week, accommodation life and settling in!
Freshers’ Week can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Moving away from home, living with new people, not knowing whether to wash your light and darks separately (after almost 3 years I still have no clue) or living off the one meal you know how to cook. My advice is to remember that everyone around you is in the exact same situation, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your flatmates or coursemates. I’m sure they’ll all appreciate the opportunity to make new friends! Just keep in mind that everybody settles in at a different pace. So take your time, be yourself and ask for help when you need it.
There will also be STYCS, who are second- or third-year students checking in on you throughout the week, guiding you through freshers’ events such as on-campus mixers (I love you David Kato brunch) or club nights in the city centre. There are always non-alcohol activities so please don’t feel like you are missing out on any socializing if you don’t want to go clubbing. It’s okay to miss out on some nights if you aren’t up to it – your health is the most important.
Lectures, reading and exam week!
After Freshers’ Week, the studying begins! You will be able to access your timetable on the UoY app or through the website e:Vision (and pray for less than three 9am starts). As I study Sociology. I can’t speak for all courses in this bit but what I can say is university-wide: the first couple of weeks are all about introducing you to key concepts of the course and getting a feel for what your next 3 or 4 years will entail. So don’t feel stressed or pressured to “catch up” to a university-level of studying before you enroll.
You will be able to see your lecture slides, seminar tasks and weekly reading on the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) website, which is a lifesaver as it provides you with all the links to the books you’ll need to read online or at the library. It isn’t mandatory to attend all your lectures and seminars, but please try go to as many as you can. I find being present instead of catching up online helps me understand so much more; asking questions in person and spending time with my course mates (aka asking which slide we’re on). For some courses it may be essays only, like mine, or it may be a mix of essays and exams, in person or online.
Your academic supervisor, lectures and seminar leaders will all be more than happy to help with any questions you have regarding your essays or referencing. So please don’t hesitate to use the support in front of you as it’s helped me improve my writing so much! Also, Yorsearch, the Uni’s own online library for academic books, articles and published dissertations from other students, is one of my most used websites when writing my essays and I can’t recommend it enough!
Extracurricular opportunities and social life at York
Life isn’t just about studying! There are over 200 societies available to join at York, and university and college sports teams to join. These are available to join year-round, so don’t feel pressure to start right away! I joined a college netball team at the start of my second year and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Getting exercise, competing in matches with other colleges and working together with my team has given me new friendships and new skills that I am so grateful for. There are also weekly socials, end of term meals, and balls that are lovely to celebrate your accomplishments as a team and to unwind from studying!
In Sociology, there are so many opportunities, placement years and internships available. For example, becoming a Sociology Student Ambassador! This department makes sure that all students are not only looked after, but have opportunities for work and career-building apprenticeships/internships that can be carried out throughout your course.
On-campus support
Never be afraid to reach out for help. Whether it be to your academic supervisor, sessions at the Writing Centre to help better your essays, 24/7 on-campus security, or the Open Door team to support you with mental health or exam stress. The University has many different options available to look after you when facing difficult times.
Conclusion
I hope this was useful in answering any questions you have surrounding university life, and hopefully got you excited about what’s waiting for you in September! Remember to embrace change, ask for help when you need it and, most importantly, make the most of your time at York. It is truly an amazing place both to study and to live!
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