I’ve come to move in, but what do I do?

Firstly, welcome to YSJ! You’re about to begin the best years of your life. And to kick it all off, you move away from home and into (potentially) your first flat. So, what should you do? Well, on the day make sure you head to campus to collect your keys from Holgate. Once you have your keys and information you’ll be able to head to your accommodation site and get those full car boots unpacked. Over at the sites there will be a number of staff, volunteers and your Residential Student Advisor (RSA) ready to help unpack and settle you in, don’t be afraid to ask for help, it’s what we are there for.

I’m all settled, what’s next?

A big part of moving in is meeting new people. Why not knock on some doors and see who’s around. It’s a guarantee that you’ll all be as nervous as each other, but overcoming that first ‘hello’ is always the biggest step, once you’ve done that, you are on for a winner. In the evening the helpers from the Students’ Union will be back to bring you down to campus for your first experience of the social side of student life. You can find the full schedule of events on this site.

Something isn’t right with my accommodation, what shall I do?

Never fear, the university have a dedicated team for accommodation, you can contact them via e-mail or telephone at: Tel: 01904 876650 accommodation@yorksj.ac.uk Additionally, each site has its own dedicated Porters team and RSAs so don’t hesitate to ask a question.

I need to enrol on my course, what shall I do?

You’ll have an e-mail from Student Records for your online enrolment, make sure this is completed. It’s needed for two big reasons. 1) to make sure you are registered on your programme, 2) to make sure you can receive payments from Student Finance. If you are on a course which requires a DBS and you haven’t received any confirmation, speak to Student Records or enquire at the main reception in Holgate. Once you’re enrolled you’ll receive your student ID, and you’re all set. You will be able to access Moodle, be signed in for lectures and access everything we have to offer at the Students’ Union all year round. The final stage of enrolment will be done at the main reception, and is scheduled on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th September. Pop it in your diary. Please note: You must keep your Student ID with you when attending lectures/seminars/workshops to make sure you are signed in.

Q: Can I still buy a Fresher’s Pass and take part in Fresher’s Week, even if I’m not a Fresher?

A: Yes of course! All YSJ students are welcome to participate in any and all activities the SU provides.

Q: When does Freshers’ Week officially start?

A: Our welcome events start officially on Saturday 15th September – so once you’ve moved in, head down to the SU on campus to start making friends!

Q: What do I do if I’ve bought an unofficial ticket?

A: Every year we come across events on social media that claim to be official but are not related to YSJSU. The best way to avoid getting the wrong ticket is to follow our official channels on social media for updates and to only buy through our website here, or visit our Information Point. Opening times can be found here. All of our passes will have our logo on with our event details however if you have already bought an unofficial ticket, we suggest contacting the company direct. You can check out the Guardian’s article here.

Q: When do Freshers’ Passes go on sale?

A: They are on sale now – click the link to buy yours! They sell out fast so be sure to get yours whilst stock lasts.

Q: I don’t like nightclubs, is there anything else that I can attend?

A: Yes of course! We have plenty of events that suit everybody’s interests from Petting Zoos to Comicon to an International Food and Drink evening. You can check out our full event timetable on the site above!

I’ve not got a student bank account, any advice?

Banks will be waiting to lure you into their student accounts offering you attractive bonuses for joining their bank. Before you allow yourself to be lured into using a certain bank because of the student railcard they offer, or the attractive cash back promise, look into the small print. This may seem boring and tedious but you will save yourself being caught out later on. Here are some practical hints and tips: Look for a student account. These often offer free overdrafts and a bonus for signing up. Don’t be fickle, one bank might offer a more attractive bonus, but their scheme may not be as suitable for your needs. Look for an interest free overdraft, and think about the amount you may need. Will you be working to support yourself? Will your parents be supporting you? Look at the graduate schemes they run. If you have an overdraft, some banks start charging interest as soon as you’ve graduated, whereas others allow you a larger interest free overdraft for a couple of years, to give you time to get onto your feet, and pay it back without interest. Avoid credit cards; you don’t need that kind of additional debt. When opening the account, don’t immediately increase your overdraft to the maximum amount. Think about how you can be a good steward with money, And remember that the overdraft is not your money! Everything you spend from a loan or overdraft will need to be paid back. Think about making yourself accountable to someone in the area of finances. It’s worth taking note that for any financial worries, including budgets and bill payments, there is the Student Funding Team on hand to help and answer any queries. Just contact them at fundingadvice@Yorksj.ac.uk

I need to transfer from my local Doctor’s Surgery, where do I go?

While you’re on campus you will also be able to access registration to the onsite medical centre, this will be located in the Holgate dining hall which will be signposted on the day. The onsite centre is a part of the York Medical Group, this means that you can use any of the assigned surgeries, so don’t be disheartened if you can’t get an appointment on site.

I’m not sure where my lectures are, can you help?

Navigating around campus can be tough to start with, asking questions like ‘what does DG stand for?’ But campus is layered with floor stickers to highlight where each building is. There is also a campus map, and the guidebook app will be a useful tool when finding out where you need to be.

I’m a night owl and will work best in the evening, can I use the library?

The Library is open 24/7, but remember we all need rest, and we don’t advise holding an all-nighter. But if you do, remember to be well rested and hydrated to keep up a positive and successful attitude.

Q: How do I get home safely on a night time?

A: We advise all students to make sure they are safe on a night time. We run our Plan Safe, Drink Safe, Home Safe campaign throughout Freshers week to make sure you get the right tips to stay safe. You can check out our wellbeing page here for more advice! We have also teamed up with Streamline Taxis who run their Get Home Safe service – if you haven’t got your card or have ran out of cash, all you need to do is book a taxi with Streamline on 01904 656565 and have your YSJ Student card ready. The driver will hand this to head office and you can collect it and pay your bill the next day.

Q: I’m feeling homesick, is there someone I can talk to?

A: There are so many places you can go to talk or get advice on homesickness, anxiety or just difficult making friends. We have our wellbeing page here for you look at, our President of Wellbeing and Diversity Olivia Bowers who can be reached here. Alternatively you can seek various avenues through the university itself – click the link here to see what would best suit you!

Q: What is TOTUM?

A: TOTUM is the relaunch of NUS Extra, to include not just a card, but also a fully integrated app to give students an enhance experience and unrivalled value and a better lifestyle! If you are a first year at YSJ, you will be sent through a code from our University Accommodation tea where you can claim your free TOTUM card which lasts the year – valued at £12. Cards can also be purchased directly from our Information Point open weekday from 09.00-16.00.

Q: My NUS Extra card is still valid – will it work without the new branding?

A: Yes it will – any cards will work exactly the same until the expiration date has been reached. You do not need to purchase a new card until yours has run out (unless of course you like to new pink branding!)