Students
Your University News
Read the latest newsletter and keep up to date with what is going on at and around the University.
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Welcome to your June newsletter of the 2025-26 academic year.
In this newsletter you can:
- Check if you’re eligible for a TV License refund
- Find upcoming changes to the Graduate visa
- Learn about key updates to the My YSJ app
- Explore what’s on in York over the Summer
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This month at YSJ
Design Centre update
We're excited to have officially launched the redeveloped Design Centre, featuring new and specialist teaching spaces, improved social and study areas, and enhanced accessibility. The site has been re-designed to support student creativity and collaboration, while also improving sustainability across campus. Read more about the Design Centre redevelopment.
MyYSJ app improvements
We're working to improve the MyYSJ app and have added a new Security service tile for quick access to our 24/7 campus Security team. Whether you need urgent assistance, first aid support, help reporting an incident or advice outside normal university hours, information about how to access support is only a few taps away. If you're experiencing issues logging in to the app, please raise a case via the Student Hub. For general feedback on how we can improve your MyYSJ app experience, please contact studentnews@yorksj.ac.uk.
Thank you for sharing your feedback
A huge thank you to everyone who took part in this year's National Student Survey (NSS) and York Experience Survey (YES). Your feedback helps us to understand what's working well and where we can improve student experience. Congratulations to the winners of our prize draws: Jamie Aldridge, Grace Oldfield, Abi Greaves, Scarlett Belt, Maxx Cottingham, Madi Barber, Jennifer Ruddock, Elliott Beer, Naomi Ujiagbe, Sandesh Chhetri, Ruby Collins and Honey Azaridoran.
YSJ Students’ Union Awards 2026
Big thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s YSJ Students’ Union Awards. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the students, staff and teams who go above and beyond to make a positive impact across the YSJ community.
Moving out of your accommodation soon?
Help us make it a smooth (and sustainable) exit by disposing of unwanted items responsibly. This year we're teaming up with the British Heart Foundation, Recycle York and Verto Recycling, making it easy to donate, reuse and recycle clothes, books, kitchen items and small electricals. Keep an eye out for move-out posters around your accommodation site for information on sorting your waste, donation points and what to do with electrical items.
You might be eligible for a TV License refund
If you're moving out of halls or rented accommodation for the summer and returning to a home with a valid TV Licence, you may be eligible for a refund on your student TV Licence. To apply, you'll need at least one full month remaining on your licence and evidence that it's no longer needed at your student address. Find out if you're eligible and apply online.
Temporary campus entrance closure
On Tuesday 16 June, the entrance behind Cordukes will be closed while essential tree maintenance takes place. Please use the Brook Street or Clarence Street entrances, or the Maintenance Yard if you are accessing campus during the day. Signage and barriers will be in place while the area is closed.
Visa reminders and updates
Upcoming changes to the Graduate visa
The UK government has announced changes to the Graduate visa route. From 1 January 2027, sponsored international students who submit a Graduate visa application, after successfully completing an eligible course, will be able to stay in the UK for 18 months, reduced from the current two-year period. Find full details about eligibility, application timelines and visa conditions on the GOV.UK website.
Working during your studies
If you are studying in the UK on a Student visa, it’s important to understand the rules around working during term time and vacation periods. Sponsored students can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university vacations. For non-sponsored students, different restrictions might apply. Make sure you understand your visa conditions, as breaking them could affect your immigration status. Head to the Student Hub for guidance about working in the UK as a sponsored student or non-sponsored student.
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Wellbeing support
Stay safe around water this summer
As the weather gets warmer, many of us will be spending more time near rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast. If you're heading outdoors, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the RNLI's water safety advice, including what to do in an emergency and how to stay safe around open water. Whether you're swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking or simply spending time in the water, a little preparation can make a big difference.
Know the signs of meningitis
It’s important that everyone is aware of the early symptoms of meningitis, including fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea and muscle pain. Symptoms can appear in any order, and someone with meningitis can become seriously unwell very quickly. Look out for your friends and housemates, trust your instincts, and call NHS 111 if you are concerned. Remember to register with a GP. Search ‘health services’ on the Student Hub for guidance on how to do this.
More ways to access support
The Wellbeing team has expanded its Wellbeing Drop-in service, making it easier to access support in a way that works for you. As well as attending in person, you can now join the drop-in via Microsoft Teams or by phone. If you're on the York campus, register at the Student Hub Desk. For virtual or phone appointments, call the Wellbeing Team on 01904 876760 between 1.00pm and 3.30pm. More information about how to access wellbeing and welfare support at YSJ.
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Opportunities
Postgraduate students have your say
Thank you to everyone who took part in the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) which has now closed. The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is still open until Friday 12 June and is your chance to share what’s working and what could be better. It takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll be entered into a prize draw with up to £100 in vouchers available. Check your inbox for your personalised survey link and take part.
Social impact survey and prize draw
There’s still time to share your views about what social impact really means for you and where you may have seen or experienced it here at YSJ. To help us, please could you spend 10 minutes completing the York St John University Social Impact Survey for Students. The survey is anonymous unless you choose to leave your email to be entered into a prize draw for 1 of 4 × £25 vouchers, or to take part in follow-up research.
Free careers advice
If you’re in your second or final year, now’s the time to start exploring our graduate scheme. Our Graduate Success Coaches can help you understand your options, break things down, and plan what to do next. Book an appointment on Handshake to get started.
Free skills building courses
Scholarships Plus students can access 10 free skill building courses throughout June through Mindless Academy, covering topics such as data analytics, digital marketing and content writing. Each course takes less than 10 hours to complete and can be studied at your own pace. Access is available until 29 June using your university email address to log in to Mindless Academy.
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What's on
Take a break at the Quiet Café (9 June)
Need a break from studying? Drop into the YSJ Chaplaincy Quiet Café for free hot drinks, cake and a welcoming space to relax and recharge. Join us between 11.00am and 3.00pm in FT111. No booking needed – all are welcome.
School of the Arts Festival (until 19 June)
Support your fellow students by visiting this year’s School of the Arts Festival, showcasing the work of graduating students and those completing projects across the school. Running until Friday 19 June, the festival features exhibitions, performances, installations and portfolios celebrating the creativity and talent of the YSJ community.
YSJ Big Summer read (June to August)
Every year, the YSJ English Literature team host a summer read-along between June and August and everyone is invited to join in. After a record number of votes, Hex House by Amy Jane Stewart and Featherfall by Jerry Ibbotson have been announced as the joint winners of the York St John Big Summer Read 2026. Both authors are York St John MA Creative Writing graduates. Grab your copy of either book and follow along on the @WordsMatter_YSJ Instagram page to take part.
Generative AI and research (Tuesday 30 June)
Learn about good practice, ethics and the responsible use of AI tools in research. The free online session will start at 1.00pm, and will be led by Dr Summers from the University of East Anglia. Join Maintaining Research Integrity whilst Using Generative AI.
York Georgian Festival (9 August)
PhD Creative Writing student Angela Clare will present an afternoon exploring the life and legacy of Anne Lister of Shibden Hall as part of this year’s York Georgian Festival. The event includes a talk at Holy Trinity Church (Goodramgate), followed by the York premiere of ‘No Priest But Love’, a new play co-written with Helena Whitbread and produced by Penny Magpie Theatre Company. Book your place for No Priest No Love via Eventbrite.
Things to do in York this summer
Staying in York over the summer break? From festivals, exhibitions and sculpture trails to live music and food markets, there's plenty happening across the city. Whether you're looking for something free, a day out with friends or a chance to explore somewhere new, the Visit York events guide is a great place to start.
This is the last monthly newsletter for this academic year, our next update will be in September. Have a great summer break!
Contact us
Do you have something you’d like to share through this newsletter?
Email your YSJ Communications team at studentnews@yorksj.ac.uk.
Check out our YSJ web page that explains the variety of channels we use to communicate with you. This covers the monthly student newsletter, MyYSJ app, social media and writing for the YSJ Life blog.
From the YSJ Communications team
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