Welcome Week

Saturday 19 September
From 6.00pm, Students' Union

Grab your housemates and head to the Students’ Union for Saturday karaoke in Archie's! Enjoy £1 pints of beer, cider, and soft drinks, then take the mic for anything from Mr Brightside to Taylor Swift. A fun, relaxed night to socialise and sing. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Sunday 20 September
From 3.00pm, Students' Union

Welcome to your new home away from home! Chat with new people, grab a bite, and enjoy our BBQ. Expect outdoor games, live music, an ice cream van, great food and drinks, and a lively campus atmosphere. The perfect introduction before lectures begin. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Monday 21 September
9.00am to 11.00am
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Meet, Greet and Eat daily drop-in, in a relaxed space to help you settle into university life. Explore support services, connect with current students, ask questions, and pick up tasty treats while you mingle. No booking needed, just pop along and say hello.

Monday 21 September
10.00am to 3.00pm, Students' Union

The plant sale is a relaxed, welcoming event for new students to brighten up their rooms while settling into campus life. Choose from affordable plants to add greenery and create a calmer, homely space. Whether experienced or new to plants, it’s a fun way to browse, chat and meet others.

Monday 21 September
10.00am to 5.00pm, Creative Centre

The Students’ Union poster sale is a fun, affordable way to personalise your new space and make it feel like home. Browse prints, artwork, photographs and designs for every taste, and explore with friends while meeting other students. A great way to start conversations and settle into campus life.

Monday 21 September
11.00am to 1.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Future You team to learn about York St John opportunities for now and experience for life. Our Future You programme covers everything you need to develop your future aspirations and ideas. More information on workshops and activities to follow.

Monday 21 September
10.00am to 11.30am or 3.00pm to 4.30pm
The Lounge, Students' Union

Release your inner artist during a laid-back pottery painting session in the Students' Union. Get creative while listening to chilled tunes and sipping hot chocolate or bubble tea. Everything you need is included in your ticket. Join morning or afternoon workshops in The Lounge. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Monday 21 September
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Come along to our board games and crafting café, a relaxed way to meet new people and feel at home on York Campus. Play board games, get creative with crafts, and chat with new and current students. Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while you settle in.

Monday 21 September
3.00pm to 4.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our time management workshop, designed to help you feel confident, capable and settled into both your studies and university life. Learn how to make the most of your time so you can make the most of life at York St John. Tea, coffee and a sweet treat included.

Book your place

Monday 21 September
4.00pm to 4.45pm
Location TBC

Join our amazing Digital Training team who will give you a summary of most of the software and systems that are used day to day at the University, to help you feel ready to start your studies off as effectively as possible. 

Book your place

Monday 21 September
4.00pm to 6.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Dungeons and Dragons session, a welcoming, creative space for storytelling, teamwork and imagination. Open to beginners and experienced players, it explores how role-playing games can support wellbeing, confidence and connection. Meet new students, share an adventure, and enjoy pizza and soft drinks.

Book your place

Monday 21 September
From 6.00pm, Students' Union

Ready for a night of fun, music and big prizes? Party to classic 2010s tunes, sip themed cocktails and shout BINGO at the Students’ Union’s 2010s Musical Bingo. Fancy dress optional but encouraged. Free for all students - arrive early for pizza or sharing plates. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Tuesday 22 September
9.00am to 11.00am
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Meet, Greet and Eat daily drop-in, in a relaxed space to help you settle into university life. Explore support services, connect with current students, ask questions, and pick up tasty treats while you mingle. No booking needed, just pop along and say hello.

Tuesday 22 September
10.00am to 3.00pm
Outside Students' Union

Today is all about helping you feel confident, supported and safe as you settle into university life. Meet teams supporting your wellbeing, learn about staying safe on campus and in the local area, and find out where to get help. No pressure, just friendly faces and practical advice.

Tuesday 22 September
10.00am to 5.00pm, Creative Centre

The Students’ Union poster sale is a fun, affordable way to personalise your new space and make it feel like home. Browse prints, artwork, photographs and designs for every style. A great chance to explore with friends, meet other students and start conversations while settling into campus life.

Tuesday 22 September
11.00am to 1.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Future You team to learn about York St John opportunities for now and experience for life. Our Future You programme covers everything you need to develop your future aspirations and ideas. More information on workshops and activities to follow.

Tuesday 22 September
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Come along to our board games and crafting café, a relaxed way to meet new people and feel at home on York Campus. Play board games, get creative with crafts, and chat with new and current students. Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while you settle in.

Tuesday 22 September
3.00pm to 4.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our AI and your Studies workshop to help you understand from the outset how AI can and cannot support your academic journey. Tea, coffee and a sweet treat are included. A friendly, practical session to get you started.

Book your place

Tuesday 22 September
4.00pm to 4.45pm
Location TBC

Join our amazing Digital Training team who will give you a summary of most of the software and systems that are used day to day at the University, to help you feel ready to start your studies off as effectively as possible. 

Book your place

Tuesday 22 September
4.00pm to 6.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join us for Pizza, Pals and Peers Night during Welcome Week! Enjoy free pizza and soft drinks in a relaxed, friendly space to meet new people and make friends. Connect with Peer Mentors (Student Ambassadors) for advice, support and insider tips as you start uni. Afterwards, head straight to the Students' Union for an evening of fun.

Book your place

Tuesday 22 September
From 6.00pm
Students' Union

Join us for Archie's Big Quiz at the Students' Union, the first of the year with fab prizes up for grabs. A relaxed, fun way to meet other students and kick off uni life. No pressure to drink, with soft drinks and mocktails available. Free entry - arrive early for food. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Wednesday 23 September
9.00am to 11.00am
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Meet, Greet and Eat daily drop-in, in a relaxed space to help you settle into university life. Explore support services, connect with current students, ask questions, and pick up tasty treats while you mingle. No booking needed, just pop along and say hello.

Wednesday 23 September
9.00am to 3.00pm
Creative Centre, Holgate Dining Room and Temple Hall

Explore everything university life has to offer outside the lecture theatre at the Freshers Fair. Discover societies, sports clubs, support services, student groups and local organisations. Try something new, grab freebies, ask questions, and see what interests you. No sign-ups needed.

Wednesday 23 September
11.00am to 3.00pm
Chapel

The Quiet Café is a calm, welcoming space for students who prefer a quieter setting away from the Freshers’ Fair. Held in the Multi-Faith Chapel, it offers a relaxed, non-judgemental environment to chat, make friends, or simply unwind. Open to all beliefs or none.

Wednesday 23 September
1.00pm to 2.00pm
Location TBC

Join our International Study and Language Development team (ISLD) as they kick off their series of regular sessions with a discussion all about starting university, helping you to understand best practice in your studies and adapting to new ways of working.

Wednesday 23 September
From 6.00pm
Archie's, Students' Union

Every Wednesday at the Students' Union, enjoy £2.50 draught pints all day at Archie's, including during Welcome Week. Meet new friends, sports teams and societies, play beer pong or try karaoke. Soft drinks, mocktails and zero alcohol options available. Then head to Manahatta ready for the night. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Wednesday 23 September
From 10.00pm
Manhatta

FRAT is back with a huge Freshers Week launch party at Manahatta. YSJ's official Wednesday night brings student-only energy with top DJs playing party anthems, RnB and pop singalongs. Get there early to avoid queues. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Thursday 24 September
9.00am to 11.00am
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Meet, Greet and Eat daily drop-in, in a relaxed space to help you settle into university life. Explore support services, connect with current students, ask questions, and pick up tasty treats while you mingle. No booking needed, just pop along and say hello.

Thursday 24 September
11.00am to 1.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Future You team to learn about York St John opportunities for now and experience for life. Our Future You programme covers everything you need to develop your future aspirations and ideas. More information on workshops and activities to follow.

Thursday 24 September
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Come along to our board games and crafting café, a relaxed way to meet new people and feel at home on York Campus. Play board games, get creative with crafts, and chat with new and current students. Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while you settle in.

Thursday 24 September
10.00am to 5.00pm
Creative Centre

The vintage and retro clothes sale is a great chance to refresh your wardrobe with unique, pre-loved fashion. Browse affordable statement pieces and everyday essentials for every style. A fun, social way to express individuality, shop sustainably and meet others.

Thursday 24 September
1.00pm to 2.00pm
Location TBC

Join our International Study and Language Development team (ISLD) with another Welcome Week session, ahead of their main series of regular sessions, with a discussion on academic integrity, helping you to start your studies with an understanding and commitment to core values.

Thursday 24 September
10.00am to 11.30am or 3.00pm to 4.30pm
The Lounge, Students' Union

Learn how to make your own boho keychain in our beginner-friendly macramé workshop. Meet new people in a fun, relaxed session as you’re guided step-by-step to create your own piece to take home. Join morning or afternoon workshops in The Lounge. Visit ysjsu.com for more info. 

Thursday 24 September
3.00pm to 4.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our session to learn more about the Great British way of life and help yourself to feel more settled in your home away from home. This short fun session led by staff and students will help you feel welcome and settled ready to start your studies with confidence. Tea, coffee and a sweet treat included!

Book your place

Thursday 24 September
4.00pm to 4.45pm
Location TBC

Join our amazing Digital Training team who will give you a summary of most of the software and systems that are used day to day at the University, to help you feel ready to start your studies off as effectively as possible. 

Book your place

Thursday 24 September
4.00pm to 6.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join us for Pizza, Pals and Peers Night during Welcome Week! Enjoy free pizza and soft drinks in a relaxed, friendly space to meet new people and make friends. Connect with Peer Mentors (Student Ambassadors) for advice, support and insider tips as you start uni. Afterwards, head straight to the Students' Union for an evening of fun.

Book your place

Thursday 24 September
From 6.00pm
Meet at Archie's, Students' Union

This is not one to miss if you want to explore York's bar and club scene. Join our biggest Welcome Week bar crawl with over 1000 students visiting 8 venues across the city, ending in a huge wrap-up party. Your T-shirt is your ticket - collect it during Freshers Week and wear it on the night. Get yours at ysjsu.com.

Friday 25 September
9.00am to 11.00am
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Meet, Greet and Eat daily drop-in, in a relaxed space to help you settle into university life. Explore support services, connect with current students, ask questions, and pick up tasty treats while you mingle. No booking needed, just pop along and say hello.

Friday 25 September
11.00am to 1.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our Future You team to learn about York St John opportunities for now and experience for life. Our Future You programme covers everything you need to develop your future aspirations and ideas. More information on workshops and activities to follow.

Friday 25 September
9.30am to 12.00pm
The Lounge, Students' Union

The Students' Union is hosting the official Macmillan Coffee Morning to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. Enjoy a quiet, relaxed space after a busy week with coffee, cake and traybakes and meet our Therapy Dog, Jaffa! Donations welcome via cash or QR code.

Friday 25 September
From 11.00am
The Lounge, Students' Union

Alongside the Students' Union Coffee Morning, meet Roshan, President of Postgraduate Experience. Chat, ask questions, and connect with other postgraduate students over coffee. Learn how Roshan represents your voice and supports student life at York St John. Drop in, relax, and build connections.

Friday 25 September
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Come along to our board games and crafting café, a relaxed way to meet new people and feel at home on York Campus. Play board games, get creative with crafts, and chat with new and current students. Enjoy free tea, coffee and biscuits while you settle in.

Friday 25 September
3.00pm to 4.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Being kind to yourself in your studies can make all the difference to your success and mental wellbeing. Join our Study Kindness workshop to learn how to look after yourself in your new academic journey from the start. Tea, coffee and a sweet treat included.

Book your place

Friday 25 September
3.00pm to 4.00pm
Future You Careers Centre, Holgate 013

Join our session to learn more about the Great British way of life and help yourself to feel more settled in your home away from home. This short fun session led by staff and students will help you feel welcome and settled ready to start your studies with confidence. Tea, coffee and a sweet treat included!

Book your place

Friday 25 September
3.00pm or 4.45pm
The Lounge, Students' Union

If you love plants and have a creative flair, join us in The Lounge to build your own terrarium. Learn the history and science behind these self-sustaining ecosystems, then create your own mini world to take home. All materials provided by York Terrariums. Visit ysjsu.com for more info.

Every day, 10.00am and 2.00pm
Meet outside Holgate

Join a daily campus tour and discover your new university environment with friendly student guides. Explore key buildings, study and social spaces, student support services, and gain useful insights into student life. Ask questions, meet others, and settle in with confidence.

Every day, 11.00am
Meet outside Holgate

Join our daily York city tour and explore your new home beyond campus. Discover historic landmarks, student-friendly cafés, shops, and cultural highlights while meeting fellow students and learning your way around the city. Wednesday's accessible route excludes the city walls.

Every day, 11.00am
Meet at Fountains Library main desk

Join a daily library tour and discover how to make the most of this key study space from day one. Explore study areas, borrowing services, and learning resources, while picking up tips on finding books, accessing online materials, and getting support.

Every day
Pick up a sheet from the Student Hub

Join our campus treasure hunt before October 31st and explore your new university in a fun, interactive way. Solve clues, discover key locations, and learn about student life independently or with friends. Be one of the first 200 to complete the hunt to receive a welcome gift and (along with all others who complete it) be entered into a prize draw to win £50 shopping vouchers.

Open all day, every day
Behind Temple Hall

Discover the Secret Garden and Selfie Zone behind Temple Hall, a hidden campus retreat perfect for capturing memories from your first days at university. With a beautiful backdrop for photos, it’s an ideal place to relax, meet friends, and create lasting reminders of the start of your university journey.

Open all day, every day
Courtyard past Temple Hall

Visit the Campus Sports Zone in The Courtyard past Temple Hall and enjoy a fun, social space to stay active and unwind. Try ping pong, pickleball, badminton, American cornhole, and garden games while meeting new people, taking a break, and settling into campus life.

Outside Students' Union

Relax in our Social Garden, located on the central grass area next to the Students' Union and Creative Centre. Enjoy garden games, mini golf, deck chairs, free popcorn, and the strong man machine in a welcoming outdoor space. Meet new friends, unwind, and experience campus life from day one.

9.30am to 4.30pm
Around the corner from the Chapel

Visit our Quiet Space for a calm break from Welcome Week activities. Open to all students with no booking required, it’s a place to rest, reflect, pray, talk quietly, or simply recharge. Please be considerate of others.

Yellow tent outside Holgate

The York St John Chaplaincy offers a welcoming space for reflection, conversation, support, prayer, meditation, and community. Open to everyone, whatever your faith, background, or beliefs, it provides a safe and inclusive environment. The chapel is also open to those with no faith who would like somewhere quiet to spend time. Meet the chaplaincy team during the week at the big yellow tent outside Holgate.