YSJ Life

Student life at York St John University

AccommodationStudent Life

Arrivals Weekend  

YSJ Staff

It is almost time to move in! Here at York St John, our Arrivals Weekend helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere for new students as they embark on their university journey. It is a great opportunity to meet our team, collect key materials regarding information about campus and accommodation contacts and activities, and of course, move into your student accommodation. Arrivals Weekend is a pivotal event that aids students in settling into their new surroundings. This weekend offers a chance for students to move into their accommodation, connect with peers, and familiarize themselves with the campus. The university provides comprehensive guidance on what to expect, including check-in details and available support, ensuring a smooth and confident start to university life. 

Within this blog you will find key guidance such as a last minute moving in checklist, links to our webpages which will provide more comprehensive information regarding Arrivals Weekend and Welcome Week at the university, and signposting to resources at the university regarding safety.  

Moving into your accommodation  

Coming to Uni is a big step. New location, new living situation. New people. It can all be overwhelming as well as exciting and fun. Its ok to have these feelings as its only natural taking a big step to something new – leaving your comfort zone. To help alleviate some of these worries, we have pulled together some tips and tricks to help you with homesickness, to make sure you are getting the most of your university experience. 

1. Personalize Your Space 

  • Decorate with Familiar Items: Bring photos or other mementos from home to make your room feel more comfortable and familiar. 
  • Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Add some warm lighting, cozy blankets, and maybe a few plants to create a soothing environment. 

2. Establish a Routine 

  • Stick to a Schedule: Having a daily routine can help create a sense of normalcy and stability. 
  • Include Regular Calls Home: Set aside time to call or video chat with family and friends, but try not to rely too heavily on this to avoid feeling disconnected from your new surroundings. 

3. Get to Know Your Roommates 

  • Be Open and Friendly: Introduce yourself to your roommates or neighbors early on. They’re likely feeling the same way, and forming connections can help ease feelings of homesickness. 
  • Plan Group Activities: Suggest group outings, movie nights, or cooking meals together to bond and create a sense of community. 

4. Explore Your New Surroundings 

  • Familiarize Yourself with Campus: Spend time walking around campus and your new town or city. Knowing where things are can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more at home. 
  • Find Comfort Spots: Locate places where you can relax, such as a cozy café, library corner, or park. 

5. Stay Active and Involved 

  • Join Clubs or Societies: Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a great way to meet new people and distract yourself from homesickness. 
  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels, helping you feel better overall. 

6. Manage Expectations 

  • Be Patient with Yourself: It’s normal to feel homesick, and adjusting to a new environment takes time. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’re struggling initially. 
  • Set Realistic Goals: Focus on small, achievable goals like attending a class, joining a social event, or cooking a meal. 

7. Stay Connected but Balanced 

  • Keep in Touch with Home: Regular communication with loved ones can provide comfort, but also give yourself space to grow independently. 
  • Limit Social Media Use: Constantly checking in on what’s happening back home might exacerbate homesickness. Try to limit social media and focus on your new environment. 

8. Practice Self-Care 

  • Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition: Maintaining good health can have a positive impact on your mood and energy levels. 
  • Develop Coping Strategies: Practice mindfulness, journal your thoughts, or engage in a hobby that relaxes you. 

9. Seek Support 

  • Talk to Someone: If homesickness feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor, advisor, or trusted person.  
  • Remember You’re Not Alone: Homesickness is a common experience for many students, and it’s okay to ask for help. 

10. Give It Time 

  • Be Patient with the Process: Adjustment to a new environment takes time. Gradually, you’ll start feeling more comfortable, make friends, and create new routines that make your university feel like home. 

Bonus Tip: Plan Visits Home (and Visits From Home) 

  • Arrange Visits: If possible, plan when you’ll go home or when family and friends can visit. Having these to look forward to can help manage homesickness. 

Remember, it’s perfectly okay to miss home, but embracing this new chapter with an open mind will help you make the most of your university experience! 

Moving checklist  

Use this checklist to tick off all of your go-to items for university. You might not need some of these items and you might decide to buy them when you get to York but we thought this would help with your last-minute check: 

  • First Aid Kit: plasters, antiseptic cream, thermometer, bandages etc 
  • Medicines 
  • Bathroom towels 
  • Shampoo and conditioner 
  • Handwash (kitchen and bathroom) 
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush 
  • Toilet roll 
  • Toilet and shower cleaner 
  • Sanitary products 
  • Cleaning essentials: antibacterial surface spray, washing up liquid and gloves, cleaning cloths and bleach 
  • Tea towels 
  • Plates and bowls 
  • Cutlery 
  • Containers to store food in fridge/freezer 
  • Tinfoil and clingfilm/food wraps 
  • Kitchen accessories: chopping board, whisk, spatulas, serving spoons 
  • Kitchen roll 
  • Scissors 
  • Cooking pans: frying pans and saucepans 
  • Oven dishes 
  • Baking tray 
  • Drinking glasses and mugs 
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Laundry essentials: washing detergent and fabric conditioner 
  • Washing basket to store your clothes in and carry to the laundry room 
  • Stationery: calendar, diary, pens and pencils, notebook, revision tools 
  • Coat hangers 
  • Clothes: remember to bring clothes for different weather! 
  • A weekend bag that you can use to travel with rather than a large suitcase 
  • Homely items: cushions, throws, photos, bedroom accessories 
  • Games to play with your housemates: UNO, a deck of cards, jigsaws, Monopoly, etc 

Keep up to date with university wide events  

Take a look at some key webpages where you can find out more about what is to come during Arrivals Weekend and Welcome Week.  

Your New Home – https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/welcome-guide/your-new-home/ 

Welcome Guide – https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/welcome-guide/your-new-home/ 

Remember to have access to your YSJ student email address , as this is where all major communications from our team will be sent. This includes any information regarding Arrivals Weekend, but also all future correspondences about your student accommodation. We recommend having the Microsoft Outlook app downloaded on your mobile phone for easy access. 

Policies and Documents  

Make sure you are up to date with accommodation based information and documentation on our Policies and Documents page. This includes: our official Student Handbook, Cleaning Guide, Accommodation Terms and Conditions and other important policies. 

https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/policies-and-documents/accommodation

Safety in accommodation  

Security on Campus 

York St John University prides itself on having a safe and secure campus where students and staff can enjoy living, learning and working in a community environment. Our security service is provided by Gough and Kelly, a dedicated 24-hour security team that are present on main campus 365 days a year. We also have a comprehensive CCTV network on all our sites which are continuously monitored. 

The Security Lodge is based on main campus in the Maclagan Block opposite Holgate. 

To contact the Security Team: 

  • Call 01904 876444 or call/text 07885201182. Security will attend the disturbance as soon as possible, and report back to the relevant team. 
  • Emergencies: Please visit the Security Lodge or ring 01904 876444 
  • Non-emergencies: Email security@yorksj.ac.uk or ring 01904 876444 

Personal Safety 

Whether you are new to York, or are familiar with the city, it is important to stay safe! While you are having fun exploring the city, make sure you consider the following tips: 

  • Take your mobile phone out with you at all times and keep it charged. Carry a portable charger just in case. 
  • Hide cash and valuable items—keep them in a zipped up pocket or a secure bag. 
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash with you. 
  • Stay alert – be aware of your surroundings when out and about. 
  • Carry a personal alarm. 
  • In an emergency dial 999 from any phone and ask for the Police; call 101 if it is not an emergency but you require Police assistance. 

Accommodation Security 

All of our accommodation is located in the centre of York, 2.5 miles or less from campus. We take the safety of York St John University students very seriously so all of our accommodation has access to 24/7 security. It is also your responsibility to keep your property locked and make sure your belongings are out of sight. Consider the following: 

  • Keep windows, doors and all gates locked, even if you are home. 
  • Keep valuables out of sight of windows, especially in ground floor rooms. 
  • Get to know your neighbours so that you can look out for each other. 
  • If you have a burglar alarm, remember to set it. 
  • Take your valuables home during vacation periods. 
  • Mark your property with an ultraviolet pen so that it is identifiable. 
  • Ensure your belongings with Endsleigh, for more information, visit our website. 

Support Services in the city  

  • Street Rangers – The York Street Rangers are a community-based initiative aimed at improving safety and support in York’s city center, particularly during the evenings and late at night. 
  • York Mind: www.yorkmind.org.uk – Provides mental health support services, including counseling, support groups, and resources for people in York and the surrounding areas. 
  • IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) is an organization providing support to individuals affected by domestic abuse across Yorkshire, including York. IDAS is dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals who are experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence. They aim to help survivors rebuild their lives and achieve safety and well-being. 
  • York LGBT Forum: www.yorklgbtforum.org.uk – Offers support and events for the LGBTQ+ community in York, working to promote inclusion and equality. 

These services offer crucial support and resources, contributing to a supportive and caring community in York. 

Harassment and Hate Crime 

Harassment is any type of unwanted behaviour that you find offensive, intimidating or humiliating. It can happen online or in person and might consist of words, gestures, jokes, images or physical abuse. It can – but does not have to be – related to other types of discrimination such as age, disability, gender, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. 

Everyone in the York St John community is expected to: 

  • Act with courtesy and respect in all situations – with peers, colleagues and the local community. 
  • Contribute to building a friendly community that is free from harassment and discrimination and where everyone feels safe and respected. 
  • Actively engage in University life and challenge exclusion and prejudice in all forms. 
  • Take responsibility from resolving problems, seek support when needed and treat others with dignity and respect. 

If you feel you are being bullied or harassed you can get help from our wellbeing team or access support outside the university. You can make an anonymous report to the university using Report and Support. 

Online Safety 

We all use the Internet every day and make purchases online. However, it is important to keep yourself and your data safe to prevent online fraud. Consider the following: 

  • Avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots when making online payments or accessing emails. Use a secure internet connection instead. 
  • Be careful when online shopping or banking. Always make sure the website you are using is genuine and secure. 
  • When making a payment, look for the padlock symbol next to the “https” link, this confirms your data is encrypted when set. 
  • Using a secure payment site, such as PayPal, will give you greater protection. Keep your receipts and check your bank statement to make sure all payment are correct. 
  • Be aware of how you share your data online and how your data is used by companies. 
  • Watch out for suspicious emails that will try to deceive you by disguising as a legitimate organisation. Never click on a link from a suspicious email. 
  • A phishing email usually has a different email address to the company it is claiming to be and does not address you by name. If in doubt, call the company by using their legitimate phone number that can be found online and ask if the email is genuine. 

Mobile Phone Safety 

We live our lives on our mobile phones. Whether that is to contact people, do our online banking, or to find out when the local shop closes. It can be frustrating to lose your phone or have it stolen. Here are some tips on phone security: 

  • Keep your phone hidden and do not leave it unattended in a bag, pocket, or left in a public space. 
  • Make sure your phone is locked with a passcode or use face or finger print recognition to make it harder for thieves to use your phone. 
  • Report any loss to your service provider, who can bar phones across all networks, making the phone useless. 

Vehicle Safety 

Parking on campus and around university accommodation is extremely limited and we advise that you do not bring your car to university. Our campus is in the heart of the city and all of our accommodation is in walking distance of the university. Most accommodations are a short walk to the city centre but York does have an excellent public transport system you can use. If you feel that bringing your vehicle with you is your only option, please bear the following in mind: 

  • Park your vehicle in a well-lit area overlooked by houses and ideally a CCTV camera. 
  • Remove all valuables including laptops, sat navs and documents containing personal information. 
  • Use a mechanical immobiliser, such as a steering lock to protect your vehicle. 

Bicycle Security 

An alternative mode of transportation is cycling. We promote a safe campus but bikes can be often targeted by thieves because they are left poorly secured or not secured at all. Take the correct measures to increase the chance of your bike being returned to you if it is stolen: 

  • Use a D-lock and make sure the frame and a wheel is secured. 
  • Lock your bike in a busy, well-lit place, in view of people or CCTV cameras. 
  • Take easily removable bike parts like lights, seats and wheels with you to prevent them from being stolen. 
  • Photograph your bike and record its details at www.bikeregister.com 

Safety tips for nights out 

Although York has been voted one of the safest cities in the North of England, it is still important to stay safe and remain vigilant when out and about. Whether you are out during the day or during the night, look after yourself and others around you. 

  • When going out, let your friends or housemates know where you are going and when you are likely to return. 
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or highly valuable possessions on your persons. 
  • Avoid walking alone. Go out as a group or call a taxi. 
  • Avoid taking short-cuts and keep to busy, well-lit streets. 
  • If you feel that you are being followed, keep to busy, well-lit areas; go into a busy space such as a bar or restaurant and call a taxi to drive you home safely. 
  • Don’t accept lifts or share taxis with people you don’t know. 
  • If you do not have money for a taxi, call Streamline Taxis and offer the driver your student card. You can then go to the taxi office, collect your card and pay your fare. 
  • If threatened when walking home, attract attention by screaming, shouting or using a personal alarm. 
  • If someone attempts to rob you, let them have your possessions without a struggle. Your belongings can be replaced and are not as important as your safety. 
  • If you lose your bank card, or it is stolen, contact your bank so your card can be blocked. This will stop someone else from using it. 

River Safety 

Rivers can be dangerous so it is important to stay safe when near York’s rivers on a night out. Here are some tips to stay safe when on a night out: 

  • Avoid walking near the river – especially when it is dark. 
  • Look after your friends and stay in groups. 
  • Know your alcohol limits. Watch what you are drinking and avoid being near the river whilst drunk. 
  • Never go into the river. The currents of the River Ouse and River Foss are strong. If you drop something into the water, let it go. 

Alcohol Safety 

Whilst studying in York, please drink safely and sensibly. Although it can be a fun way to socialise with friends, know your limits and prioritise the safety of others around you and yourself. 

  • Avoid binge drinking. 
  • Plan your night. Know where you are going and arrange safe transport home for the end of the night. 
  • Inform your housemates where you are going. 
  • Keep key contacts in your phone in case of an emergency. 
  • Be aware of your surroundings and keep your possessions, such as your phone and money, hidden. 

Drugs 

We advise you to stay away from drugs. You can never be sure of the strength and purity of any illegal drug. Here are the best ways to stay safe: 

  • The best way to stay safe is to avoid drugs completely. 
  • If you do take drugs, drink non-alcoholic drinks and remain calm. 
  • Do not mix more than one substance, including alcohol, as this can be dangerous. 
  • If you take drugs, tell your friends what you have taken in case of any difficulties. 
  • Make sure you look after your friends and that they look after you. 

If you are dealing with alcohol or drug issues, our welfare team are here to help. 

Useful numbers 

Campus Security – 01904 876444  

University Switchboard – 01904 624624  

Street Angels York – Tel: 07533933063 – Email: streetangelsyork@gmail.com  

Street Rangers – Tel: 07809 900794  

York Nightline – Tel: 01904 323735 – Email: listening@york.nightline.ac.uk  

Streamline Taxis – Tel: 01904 656565 

In an emergency, contact 999. 

In a non-emergency, contact 101 for police and 111 for NHS. 

Further information: North Yorkshire Police Student Safety – https://northyorkshire.police.uk/staying-safe/personal-safety/student-safety/ 

Bike Storage 

There is bike storage at every accommodation site so you’re very welcome to bring your bicycle to university. Please note that the University Managed Houses will vary but once you’ve been offered accommodation, you may email us to check if the house has suitable storage. 

If you do bring a bike, you must use the allocated cycle storage and not store it inside your accommodation. We recommend bringing a quality bike lock to keep it secure and you should check if it would be covered under your insurance. However, our sites are very safe, and we do have a 24-hour Security Team. 

Cycling is a very efficient and eco-friendly way of travelling across the city. If you’d like to ride your bike to lectures, then you’re welcome to. The university has over 300 bike racks located across the campus offering both open and closed facilities. 

Signing up for the doctors – NHS 

It is important to make sure you sign up to a local GP NHS while you are living In York. While you may have your home GP it’s important to get registered in York as you’ll be spending most of your time here during your studies. This way if you ever get ill, hurt or injured you will be able to be seen while at York rather than having to travel back home. 

You can register with the Student Health Centre prior to your arrival at university. You can register by going to the health centre (Quad East, Lord Mayors Walk) and picking up a registration pack, or you can also pre-register online. 

Please don’t wait until you are unwell to register – the Health Centre need time to get your details from your existing GP and you will not be able to book an appointment if you are not registered. 

If you choose to register with them you will still be able to visit your normal doctor at your home address but you may have to be registered as a temporary resident.  Visit the Student Health Centre website to find out more. 

Contacting the Student Health Centre 

You can call the health centre on the following numbers:  

Campus surgery (Quad East, Lord Mayors Walk): 01904 439101 

Monkgate surgery: 01904 439100 
  

For urgent advice and treatment when the surgery is closed, phone 111 or, in the event of an emergency, 999.