Your University News

Don't forget

Student Finance applications for 2026/27 are now open

If you’re an undergraduate student, you’ll need to reapply each year through your online student finance account. Log in via your relevant funding body (England, Wales or Northern Ireland) to get started and make sure your funding is in place for next year. 

Working in the UK after your studies

Student visa holders can work full-time once they’ve completed their course up until their visa expires. You may be able to stay in the UK longer through the Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa routes. There is no need to contact the Visa and Compliance team, as they will automatically notify UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if you’re eligible for the Graduate visa, and email you before your student visa expires to confirm this. Read the guidance on Working in the UK before agreeing to or making any changes to your working arrangements.  

Study support

Make the most of your feedback

Now that you’re working on your assignments for Semester 2, remember that your feedback from previous assignments is an important source for your development. Use the Study Development team’s Making the most of your feedback worksheet to collate, reflect on, and make a plan from your feedback. 

24/7 Library Access during the assessment period

To support you during the busy assessment period, all floors of the Fountains Library will be open 24/7 from Monday 6 April to Friday 19 June. Please remember to bring your student ID for overnight access and be considerate of others using the space. 

Organise your semester

It’s the final stretch of the year. Join the Study Development team’s Weekly Planning Hub to build a clear plan for your weeks ahead. You’ll pick up simple, practical ways to set goals, stay on track, and keep your motivation up as the semester wraps up. 

ISLD Study Skills Workshops (online)

International students, boost your confidence and academic skills with free ISLD workshops running this week. Open to all students, sessions cover presentation skills and managing nerves, as well as critical reading and evaluation. Each workshop runs twice, so you can join at a time that suits you using the meeting link (on the ISLD moodle page). 

YSJ App Portal is now live

On all University Windows PCs and laptops, replacing AppsAnywhere. Most software is already installed and ready to use via the Start Menu. You can also install additional approved software using the YSJ App Portal on the desktop. Find out how to use the App Portal and access your software on the Student Hub. 

Opportunities

SU Chairs of School applications are open

Represent students and make a real impact at YSJ. Become a Chair of School with the Students’ Union. You’ll work with students, staff, and the SU team to improve the learning experience, raise issues, and lead positive change within your School. You’ll also join the Student Leadership Group, helping shape campaigns and initiatives across the University. There are 11 paid positions available (£12.48 to £14.62 per hour). Apply by 12.00pm on Monday 20 April, with interviews taking place in May and the role starting in September. 

Seeking Student Voice: Research Focus Groups

Are you a UK home student from an Asian, Black, Mixed or other background? Share your experiences and help shape positive change at YSJ. Attend a focus group to explore topics like teaching and learning, wellbeing, campus culture, and equality and inclusion. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, take place online or in-person, are confidential, and you’ll receive a £10 voucher for taking part. Register your interest to get involved. 

Library Bookmark Design Competition

Get creative and see your design in print. The YSJ Library team is inviting you to take part in its first Bookmark Design Competition, with winning designs produced as official library bookmarks. Submit your design by 12.00 pm on Thursday 30 April. Finalists will be decided by a public vote in the library. Find out more and enter via the Library blog, or pick up details at the library desk. 

Graduating this year? 

Each year we celebrate your outstanding achievements through our graduation prizes. This year we’ve introduced the new Cindy Benton Prize – for outstanding community engagement, including volunteering, supporting local organisations, or developing initiatives with community groups as part of your studies. Find more information about our Graduation prizes and how to nominate yourself by Monday 3 August.  

Class of 2026 yearbook

Final year students, don’t miss your chance to be part of the official Class of 2026 Yearbook. If you haven’t already, check your inbox for your invite from the Alumni team and complete your profile. It’s your chance to reflect on your time at YSJ, share a message with your peers, and upload your favourite photos. It’s free to take part, but only students who complete a profile will be included, so make sure you don’t miss out. Can’t find your invite link? Complete your Class of 2026 yearbook profile. 

Free Wills service

York St John Law Clinic is offering a free Wills service this May, open to students, staff, and their family and friends. To take part, email the Law clinic with “Wills Project” in the subject line. You’ll receive a short questionnaire to complete by Wednesday 29 April, and your Will will be prepared by the end of May. All work is carried out by students and supervised by qualified solicitors. 

Ask Our Alum

Thinking about where your degree could take you? Connect with YSJ graduates working as authors, actors, musicians, CEOs, support workers, engineers and more. Ask them about their career journeys, what their day-to-day looks like, and what you can be doing now to get there. Pick your Alum, submit your questions, and our brilliant Alumni team will do the rest. Browse our Ask our Alum profiles. 

What's on

Spring Craft Fair (Monday 20 April)

Support student small businesses at the SU’s Spring Crafts Fair. Browse handmade jewellery, stationery, artwork, and more. Open 10.00am to 3.00pm at the Creative Centre. If you’re student maker interested in selling your crafts at the fair, contact su@yorksj.ac.uk. 

National Scholarships Week (20 to 26 April)

Sign up or log in to Blackbullion this April to help YSJ climb the leaderboard and unlock two £400 student scholarship funds. As part of National Scholarships Week, Blackbullion will be sharing useful advice about funding for tuition, living costs and more, with millions of pounds in opportunities shared each year. Kick things off with an intro webinar on Monday 20 April, 12.00 to 12.30pm, for tips on finding and applying for scholarships. 

York Shakespeare festival (21 April to 1 May)

YSJ is hosting a range of events as part of the York International Shakespeare Festival with performances, talks and exhibitions happening on campus. From new takes on Hamlet to international productions and creative workshops, it’s a great chance to experience something new and get involved. Check out what’s on and come along. 

Student AI Forum: To AI or not to AI? (Wednesday 22 April) 

Curious about how AI is shaping your learning? Join this open Student AI Forum to explore questions around teaching, learning and generative AI. There’s no set agenda, just a space to share ideas, ask questions and hear different perspectives. Drop in on at 2.00pm to 4.00pm, in SK037. No booking required. 

SU Annual Student Members Meeting (Tuesday 28 April)

Have your say on student life at YSJ. Join the Students’ Union’s Annual Student Members Meeting to hear what’s been happening this year, what’s coming next, and share your views on topics like student safety, stress and burnout. It’s free to attend and there’s free pizza and a drink included.  Taking place from 5.00pm to 7.00pm at the SU Lounge or join online.