Students
Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May
Browse our events taking place from Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May 2026.
World Day for Cultural Diversity
Monday 18 May to Friday 22 May
Students are invited to take part in a week-long programme of events celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity and the cultures, languages, faiths, and traditions that make up the York St John community.
The programme includes international food, cultural displays, language exchange, film, faith gatherings, and community activities designed to bring people together and celebrate global perspectives. Learn more about the events on offer below.
For enquiries, contact Aiso-Osa Ehigiator: a.ehigiator@yorksj.ac.uk
Monday 18 May
PGR Focus and Write: Online
Monday 18 May
1.30pm to 3.00pm, Microsoft Teams
Struggling to find time and focus for your writing? Focus and Write gives you dedicated writing time each week in a quiet, supportive environment with fellow postgraduate researchers.
This is a weekly event.
Study or volunteer abroad presentation World Day for Cultural Diversity
Monday 18 May
12.30pm to 1.30pm, Future You
To mark World Day for Cultural Diversity, students are invited to attend a presentation from our Global Opportunities Team, showcasing the exciting opportunities available at YSJ to study abroad or volunteer overseas. This session will highlight how international study and volunteering experiences can help you immerse yourself in a different culture, develop global perspectives, and build valuable personal and professional skills. Whether you are interested in short‑term placements or longer study opportunities, the presentation offers a great chance to learn how engaging with global communities can enrich your university experience while celebrating cultural diversity.
Tuesday 19 May
Morning prayer Culture and faith
Tuesday 19 May
9.00am to 9.30am, Chapel
A little prayer, a little silence and a lot of peace to start your day.
This event runs every week from Tuesday to Friday.
Soup-er Space Health and wellbeing
Tuesday 19 May
12.00pm to 1.00pm, Holgate 013
Turns out there is such a thing as a free lunch! Come for soup, cake and a chat.
This is a weekly event.
Wednesday 20 May
Morning prayer Culture and faith
Wednesday 20 May
9.00am to 9.30am, Chapel
A little prayer, a little silence and a lot of peace to start your day.
This event runs every week from Tuesday to Friday.
Wild Wednesdays Health and wellbeing
Wednesday 20 May
12.00pm to 2.00pm, outside Students' Union
Take part in fun, hands-on eco activities and learn how to live more sustainably while connecting with nature.
This is a weekly event.
International Academic Discussion Group Learning, opportunities and growth
Wednesday 20 May
1.00pm to 2.00pm, Cordukes 005
Join fellow international students for engaging academic discussions, tips, and peer support.
This is a weekly event.
Mindful Wednesdays Health and wellbeing
Wednesday 20 May
1.15pm to 1.45pm, Dharmic Prayer Room (Chapel)
Come to the Chapel for half an hour of relaxation, planting yourself in the moment and gathering your energy for the rest of the day. Open to all.
This is a weekly event.
ISLD Language Mixer World Day for Cultural Diversity
Wednesday 20 May
1.00pm to 2.00pm, Holgate 139
As part of World Day for Cultural Diversity, students are invited to come and have fun learning a few words and phrases in another language and maybe teaching other students how to say hello and order a coffee in your own language. This is a welcoming space to connect with international students and share global perspectives, offering a great opportunity to build new frienships, broaden your understanding, and celebrate the diversity of voices within the York St John community.
Thursday 21 May
Morning prayer Culture and faith
Thursday 21 May
9.00am to 9.30am, Chapel
A little prayer, a little silence and a lot of peace to start your day.
This event runs every week from Tuesday to Friday.
Film screening World Day for Cultural Diversity
Thursday 21 May
9.00am to 12.00pm, Fountains Learning Centre 002
Film will play on loop
Students are invited to a special film screening showcasing the work of a YSJ student filmmaker, exploring aspects of Nigerian culture as part of World Day for Cultural Diversity. The screening offers a unique opportunity to engage with storytelling through a student lens, celebrating cultural heritage, creativity, and global perspectives. Open to all, this event encourages reflection, discussion, and appreciation of the rich diversity within our university community.
English Conversation Group Learning, opportunities and growth
Thursday 21 May
12.00pm, Chapel Kitchen
Opportunity for international students to improve your English and learn more about British culture.
This is a weekly event.
Knitterati Health and wellbeing
Thursday 21 May
12.00pm to 2.00pm, Chapel Kitchen
Drop in with your knitting or crochet, your lunch, your chat, or just yourself. Needles and yarn are available for those who want to learn or borrow, as well as hot drinks and cake.
This is a weekly event.
Photo session World Day for Cultural Diversity
Thursday 21 May
12.00pm to 3.00pm, Students' Union Atrium
As part of our celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity, we invite you to come to the Students' Union dressed in your national attire for a photo session.
PGR Focus and Write: On campus
Thursday 21 May
1.30pm to 3.00pm, Future You Careers Centre (Holgate 013)
Struggling to find time and focus for your writing? Focus and Write gives you dedicated writing time each week in a quiet, supportive environment with fellow postgraduate researchers.
This is a weekly event.
Exploring Christianity – What is Christianity? Culture and faith
Thursday 21 May
2.00pm to 3.00pm, Chapel Kitchen
A short introduction to Jesus and the Bible. All are welcome.
This is a weekly event.
Discussion on AI, Power and Digital Decolonisation World Day for Cultural Diversity
Thursday 21 May
3.10pm to 4.00pm, Fountains Learning Centre 002
On World Day for Cultural Diversity we will explore AI and digital decolonisation in this engaging session.
Mindful Breathing (online) Health and wellbeing
Thursday 21 May
7.30pm to 9.00pm, online
A guided Buddhist meditation practice run by Peter Harvey (Buddhist Faith Advisor). Contact chaplaincy@yorksj.ac.uk for more information.
This is a weekly event.
The Nigerian Students Society cultural performance World Day for Cultural Diversity
Thursday 21 May
4.00pm to 5.00pm, Fountains Learning Centre 002
Students are invited to attend an exciting cultural performance by The Nigerian Students Society as part of our celebration of World Day for Cultural Diversity.
Friday 22 May
Morning prayer Culture and faith
Friday 22 May
9.00am to 9.30am, Chapel
A little prayer, a little silence and a lot of peace to start your day.
This event runs every week from Tuesday to Friday.
Eucharist Culture and faith
Friday 22 May
12.30pm to 1.00pm, Chapel
A celebration of Holy Communion to feed to soul, while still leaving time to feed your body. Everyone welcome.
This is a weekly event.
Jummah Prayer Culture and faith
Friday 22 May
Lunchtime, Al Fihri Prayer Room, Quad North 008
Khutbah and Salat to refresh the soul. Open to all members of the York St John community.
For more details, contact our Muslim Faith Advisor, Rasha at r.ibrahim1@yorksj.ac.uk.
This is a weekly event.
Home from Home event World Day for Cultural Diversity
Friday 22 May
4.00pm to 6.00pm, Dharmic Prayer Room, Chapel
Students are warmly invited to a Home from Home evening hosted by the university’s Hindu and Sikh Faith Advisors. This relaxed and welcoming event offers a chance to connect with others, enjoy conversation, and experience a sense of community and belonging away from home. Open to all students, regardless of faith, the evening provides a supportive space to learn, share, and unwind in a friendly, inclusive environment. And, the most wonderful part is that you get to enjoy delicious home cooked Indian food, a real treat!