As a soon-to-be fresher, it is almost impossible to quash the anxiety of not knowing exactly what’s ahead of you. Having conquered results day (congratulations, by the way!) you are left with one major question, what is student life actually like outside of the lecture hall? In this blog, I will draw upon my experience as a first-year student in York to answer this question. Hopefully preparing you for the exciting year ahead!
The First Week
So, you have officially moved in – you’ve collected your key, your stuff is unpacked, but what do you do now? It is perfectly normal to feel lost when the reality of university hits. Luckily for you, your first week (aka Welcome Week) is designed to ease you into campus life.
Welcome Week is packed with events that show you what student life is really all about. The annual Welcome Fair introduces you to the many opportunities that lay at your feet in the form of our student groups. Plus you get a load of freebies too! A highlight of student life for many is the societies they join, allowing them to find a supportive community of likeminded people. We have societies for pretty much anything (yes, anything.) Yet, if you don’t find a group you like, you have the chance to form your own!
The list of societies at the University of York can be found on the Students’ Union website.
Colleges
The University of York follows a collegiate system, meaning that you are assigned a college when you move in. Your college is not only where you live but is also a pre-made community that you become a part of as soon as you become a York student. Colleges are a wonderful way to meet people. Each college has their own Welcome Week timetable that consists of events designed to get people together. These events are accessible to anybody, whether they enjoy drinking and going out, or not! If you are looking to explore York’s nightlife however, not to worry, as this timetable gives you the option to attend events hosted by York’s nightclubs specifically for students.
Being part of a college also means that you are assigned STYCs and STYMSs. STYCs (‘Second/Third Year Contacts’) are around for the first week only, helping you settle in. In my experience, they also take you to/from events. STYMs (‘Second/Third Year Mentors) provide all new students with a peer supporter throughout their first year. Both the STYCs and STYMs are there to provide you with any support you may need, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions or for advice as to how to navigate your first year. It’s what they are there for!
Beyond the events, your first week is the perfect chance to discover all the support that is available to you during what can be a challenging year.
Support
We are very fortunate here in York of the large support team available for students. There are multiple support and advice teams that are there to aid with all aspects of university life. There is also a team assigned specifically for international students who may need alternative solutions to any concerns.
‘Open Door’ is a team of professionals who provide free support to students who may be having difficulties with their mental wellbeing. They have a referral form or email that you can contact (opendoor@york.ac.uk) if you need their support.
The TalkCampus app is also available. It is a 24/7 anonymous support network where you can talk to students globally, accessing some peer support. Sometimes it is much more helpful to talk to somebody else in your situation, who understands what is is like to struggle as a student in university.
Housemates
A support unit that comes free with your accommodation is your housemates. Although it can be incredibly daunting to start a conversation, it is the best thing you can do. By engaging with the people that you live with, you come to realise that almost everybody you meet at the start of university is just as nervous as you. Having a friend who understands to confide in about these feelings is insanely helpful. In my experience, all it took to begin bonding with my housemates was a simple question of “are you going to the event tonight?” which led to most of us going together. Once the first conversation is out of the way, you have done the hard part!
Starting student life can feel overwhelming, but once you get settled, that new independence feels far more exciting than scary. With all the support available, it gets much easier!
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