Out with the old and in with the new

After months of online teaching and learning, staring at a screen and missing out on the full Uni experience, we’re finally at the stage where we can embrace campus life again.

For some it might be an unfamiliar environment and may even be a bit overwhelming. For others the temptation to throw themselves into everything on offer straight away might be too much to resist. There may also be some concerns about being among others – whether that’s for Covid-related reasons or about lacking confidence in meeting new people.

These reactions are all natural – we’re all going to be readjusting to the ‘new normal’ – even University staff (who have been working from home for some or all of the last year). Here’s a few things to help reassure you if you’re feeling either a little apprehensive or excited about the new academic year.

I’m uncertain about the safety of being on campus

Everyone’s safety is taken very seriously by the University. Protect, respect and be kind are the key messages of the University’s approach in ensuring the campus is safe for all its users. 

I’m not very confident about meeting new people – what can I do to help?

First of all, don’t worry – you won’t be the only one to feel like this. Secondly, York staff and students are a friendly bunch – community is at the heart of everything that goes on here. You’ll find people are welcoming and encouraging – they want you to succeed.

You might join a student society to help you meet new people who have similar interests to you – it’ll give you something in common to help break the ice. Introduce yourself to your fellow students on your course. Again, you have your study subject in common, making it easier to find topics of conversation.

There are so many extra-curricular opportunities on offer – what should I do first?

Pace yourself – you don’t have to do everything straight away! There are so many things you can do – join student societies; get some part-time work; do some volunteering; socialise with friends; (while not forgetting your studies!) that it can be difficult to know what to do and when.

A good starting point is Your Career Journey, which highlights some of the opportunities available and suggests times of the year to do them. 

I don’t know anything about careers and what I should be doing.

That’s not a problem. No one is expecting you to be a careers expert – that’s our job! You don’t even need to necessarily know what you want to do after University. 

All we ask is that you take an active approach to your own career journey. Careers is not something we can ‘do to you’, but we can provide you with ways to find out what’s right for you and plan your next steps.

Help!

Don’t forget, whatever you need support with – careers-related or something else at Uni – there are people that can help. There are no ‘stupid questions’, so, if you’re unsure of something, just ask! 

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• Careers drop-in is available Monday to Friday from 11am to 1pm in the Careers and Placements building. No appointment necessary.
• Use Handshake to browse jobs and volunteering opportunities and to book careers advice appointments