Discover YSJ Programme

Arrivals refreshments

Arrive on campus between 10.30am and 11.30am.

If you are travelling by train, our friendly student ambassadors (look out for the pink t-shirts) will greet you at the station.

You will be shown where to leave your luggage and can then come and enjoy a hot drink and pastry. You will meet the team, receive some YSJ freebies and start getting to know your fellow participants.

Welcome talk

An introduction to the summer school and to the university. Meet the staff who’ll be supporting you throughout the programme and hear about what’s in store over the next few days.

Campus tour

Take a guided walk around our beautiful city-centre campus with a current student ambassador. This is a chance to get your bearings before sessions begin.

Lunch

Refuel in our canteen, with a variety of hot and cold options to suit all preferences and dietary needs.

Student Life Challenge Sessions

In small groups, you’ll rotate through three fun, fast-paced challenges linked to various aspects of student life. From designing your own student society to planning a budget-friendly meal, these activities offer a relaxed and engaging way to find out more about university life, and each other.

Accommodation check-in

Settle into your home for the week at Baldwin House in The Grange. You'll be reunited with your luggage and have time to unpack and meet your flatmates.

Dinner at Panda Mami

Walk through the historic city of York as we head to our dinner destination. Panda Mami offers a diverse buffet with dishes from all over the world. Whether you're in the mood for something familiar or feeling adventurous, there’s something for everyone.

Team quiz

Round off the day with a fun and friendly quiz night! Work in teams to tackle a variety of rounds – there might even be a prize for the winners... We’ll also have a quiet corner with a selection of board games, puzzles and crafts if that’s more up your street. 

Walk to the Grange

Head back to accommodation with a chance to wind down after a busy day.

Lights out

Everyone to be in their bedrooms, quiet hours until 7.00am.

Walk to campus

Breakfast

Enjoy a hot or cold breakfast in our canteen to set you up for a day of activities.

Academic subject strands

Dive into your chosen subject in an immersive session led by university academics. This is your chance to experience what studying it at university is really like. There’ll be a break part-way through, and our team will be based in a central location if you need anything during this time.

Lunch

Future You: Information, Advice and Guidance Workshops

Take part in a series of focused sessions designed to support your future choices. You’ll explore practical study skills designed to support you with your assessed work and learn how to make the most of digital tools and library resources.
After a short tea and coffee break, sessions will introduce Student Finance and the UCAS application, helping you understand your options and what applying to university involves. 

Down time at the Grange

Unwind at the accommodation or relax on campus before the evening activities. A chance to catch your breath or chat with new friends.

Dinner on Campus

Enjoy a hot evening meal served through our canteen (menu to be confirmed – all dietary needs catered for).

Selfie scavenger hunt

Get into teams and explore the City of York in a fun photo challenge! Snap your group at famous landmarks to earn points. You can go independently or choose to bring along a student ambassador guide.

Bingo

Wind down with a night of light-hearted bingo – complete with prizes! There will also be a quiet area with board games, puzzles and crafts.

Walk to the Grange

Lights out

Walk to campus

Breakfast

Academic subject strands

Continue your academic strand and build on yesterday’s learning with another immersive session led by our university tutors.

Lunch

Independent study time

Spend some time exploring our library facilities where you can begin working on your academic project. You will be issued IT logins to be able to use our PCs and internet.

Down time at the Grange

Free time in York

Explore the city centre in small groups. Whether it’s sightseeing, shopping or grabbing a snack, this is your chance to enjoy York. Staff and ambassadors will always be on hand nearby and in designated locations to support and give directions, but you’ll have this time to explore independently.

Discover YSJ Fest

Celebrate your week with a relaxed festival-style evening! There’ll be face painting, lawn games, a live DJ, pizza, and even a cookie decorating station. Enjoy the atmosphere and make some memories with your new friends.

Karaoke

Get ready to sing your heart out (or just watch and cheer others on)! Whether you’re a karaoke star or prefer to chill in the quiet zone, there’s something for everyone.

Walk to the Grange

Lights out

Accommodation check-out

Make sure you're packed up and ready to go. Don’t forget to return your key before we head to campus for the final day.

Breakfast

Academic Subject Strands

The last session of your chosen subject area and a chance to reflect on everything you’ve learned.

Independent study time

Use this time to keep developing your academic project work.

Lunch

Academic work showcase

Time to present what you’ve been working on throughout the week. This might be a group presentation, poster, case study, written work or reflective piece. Your tutor will let you know what to expect. You’ll receive feedback from staff, and after successfully completing this element of the programme you will be eligible to receive a reduced UCAS tariff point offer if you apply to study any eligible course at York St John University.

Award Ceremony

A celebration of everything you’ve achieved throughout the week. There’ll be certificates, prizes, and a chance to reflect on your time with us. We’ll also tell you about our reunion event and opportunities for you to stay in touch.

Departure

Hopefully not goodbye, more a see you later! We’ll reunite you with your luggage and make sure everyone heading to the train station gets there safely.