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Disability support

Early Start programme

Learn more about our programme for students who benefit from an earlier and quieter start to university life.

The 2025 Early Start programme will run from 16 September 2025 to 19 September 2025 for students beginning their studies on the York campus.

The programme runs for a few days the week before Welcome Week so you can familiarise and orientate yourself on campus. You can also move into your accommodation at a quieter time.

The Early Start programme is designed to be student focused and friendly. It aims to give you the best possible start at university. It is particularly directed at undergraduate students who have not experienced university before, whose disability, neurodivergence or mental health means that they would benefit from an earlier and quieter start with more support from the university.

There are 2  pathways to choose from. Pathway 1 includes activities and early move in, and Pathway 2 is early move in only. You can still attend Early Start Pathway 1 if you are not staying in university accommodation.

You will have the opportunity to: 

The 2025 Early Start programme will run from 16 September 2025 to 19 September 2025 for students beginning their studies on the York campus.

  • Meet other staff and students
  • Get your key questions answered
  • Attend workshops including study skills and IT sessions
  • Settle into York St John during a quieter time of year
  • Enjoy craft workshops and fun events

You can view last year's Pathway 1 timetable as an example of the type of activities included:

Early Start Pathway 1 Example Timetable (PDF, 0.1 MB)

How to join

Places on the Early Start programme are limited. If you would like to be considered for Early Start 2025 you must register with our team  and have chosen your pathway by 22 August 2025. It is important that you complete both stages (registration and pathway choice) otherwise your application will not be received.

Register with the Disability Support and Inclusion team

Once registered you will receive confirmation that you have signed up to the pathway. We usually start confirming places from May onwards.

You will be able to view the timetable of events once your place is confirmed and you will be able to book your workshops and activities from Monday 1 September at 8.00am.

You will be able to collect the keys to your accommodation from 9.00am on Tuesday 16 September.

If you would like to be considered for the programme, please register with our team and note your interest in the programme as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please email us at disabilityadvice@yorksj.ac.uk or speak to our team at a Decision Day, Open Day or Visit Day. 

I have autism so moving to university was really hard for me. I had never been away from home for more than 2 weeks and I already struggled with change. The reason I chose York St John University was because of the support that it offers. The Early Start Programme was the best few days because it meant that I could get accustomed to being at university without the stress of everyone being there and I met my best friend.
 Megan, Primary Education