As I navigate my fourth year as a student at the University of York, it is striking to look back and realise that my journey at York actually began as a Year 12 on the York Experience Summer School (YESS-O). This programme, which was run online due to COVID-19, served as my introduction to the university and ultimately led me to the YorJourney module. In this blog post, I will write about my experience on YorJourney, how my experiences on Access & Outreach programmes continue to support me at university, and the overall benefits of taking part in these initiatives.
Why I Completed YorJourney
At 16, the prospect of university felt like a complex system that I, as a first-generation student, didn’t yet have the tools to understand. Having completed YESS-O, YorJourney promised a final bridge into Higher Education. I was particularly motivated by the opportunity to unlock a reduced offer for the University of York – a tangible benefit for students who successfully complete eligible widening access programmes.
Beyond the offer itself, I was seeking clarity on what university life actually entailed. YorJourney is specifically designed to support the transition from sixth form or college to university, promoting the ‘myth-busting’ of common misconceptions and providing a safe space to talk about worries. This sounded perfect to me, and I knew it would allow me to feel significantly less stressed about progressing to Higher Education than I otherwise would.
My Experience of YorJourney
YorJourney was a well-structured, three-week online collection of modules that moved from initial orientation to the more self-directed tasks of university life. One of the key components was the myth-busting sessions, where current students shared their honest experiences about freshers, academic workload, and the realities of university life. This was invaluable for addressing the burning questions I had at the time, like “What can I expect to experience in university accommodation?”, and “What is the workload like compared to my previous experiences of GCSEs and post-16 study?”
The wellbeing strand was equally important, focusing on how to look after your mental health while balancing studies, socialising, and completing essential household tasks. We also took part in the Next Steps MOOC, a free online course designed to guide us through practicalities like living independently and budgeting.
For me, the most impactful parts were the academic components. The Academic Skills strand gave me a first look at university-style study through academic seminars and small-group discussions with peers and tutors. This led directly into the Academic Assignment – set by a university academic. Being matched with a postgraduate tutor in a not-too-distant field for support on research, structure, and referencing mirrored exactly how my time is now spent as a student – balancing lectures and seminars against self-directed study and practical sessions.
The Highlight
The single most rewarding aspect of my experience was undoubtedly the completion of my 1500-word academic essay. As part of the Academic Assignment module, this project provided a huge ‘click’ in my brain, allowing me to see myself as a York student for the first time. Having the support of a postgraduate tutor and seeing my research take a proper, real shape gave me a profound sense of belonging that remained throughout my undergraduate degree and into my current MA studies. YorJourney’s academic assignment might, understandably, not be for everyone, but it certainly had a profound impact on me.
Lasting Impact: Supporting My Studies and Future
The research, conversational, and time management skills that I built during those early workshops and modules are still in my toolkit for managing my MA studies. They will also likely hold significant value in my future.
Beyond the immediate academic benefits, the confidence and resourcefulness I gained through YorJourney have been essential to enjoying university life. It taught me how to navigate the university system and prioritize my wellbeing before I even stepped foot on campus as an official student. That sense of belonging is perhaps the most lasting gift of the programme.
Conclusion: The Benefits for Students
Ultimately, YorJourney and the wider collection of Access & Outreach programmes are about demystifying university and building a network of support. Whether it’s through the practical advice or the academic rigour of the final assignment, these programmes provide students with the tools to thrive in a new environment. If you are a Year 12 student considering university, I cannot recommend these programmes enough. They don’t just help you get into university; they help you belong there. Taking that next step with YorJourney was arguably one of the best decisions I have ever made for my academic future.
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