Starting college is a big and exciting step and we’re here to help you make the most of it.
This page is your go-to hub for everything you need to get started, from enrolment and timetables to student life, travel, and support services. You’ll also find tips on what to expect on your first day and how to settle in smoothly.
Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll be updating this page regularly between now and September, so be sure to check back often for the latest information. If you have any specific questions that we haven’t covered below, please just ask us. You can email info@yorkcollege.ac.uk.
Financial support through the bursary fund
If your household income is below £35,000, you may be eligible for financial support through our Bursary Fund. This support can help with costs such as transport, childcare, meals, equipment, and educational trips.
To learn more about the College Bursary Fund and how to apply, please visit the Bursary page on our website.
How do I get to College?
For details on travel options to and from College, including the nearest College bus pick-up points, please visit our Travel & Transport page.
You’ll also find information on travelling by train, bicycle, or motorbike, as well as directions to the College and general parking guidance.
If you are planning on using the College bus, you do not need to purchase your tickets until you've had your enrolment appointment. You will need to complete the College bus application form. You will find this form on the Travel & Transport page.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Travel & Transport Team at Transport@yorkcollege.ac.uk
When do I enrol onto my course?
We’ll contact you in early August with full details on how and when to enrol.
- Degree & Higher-level Courses – Wednesday 20th August
- Foundation Diploma in Art & Design – Wednesday 20th August
- Apprenticeships & Access to HE (Higher Education) – Thursday 21st August
- New Students for Vocational, T Level, and A Level Courses – will enrol between Friday 22nd August and Friday 29th August (excluding weekends and the Bank Holiday)
If you're a current student progressing to the next year, we’ll be in touch in early August to let you know whether you need to attend enrolment.
College ID and Lanyards
At your enrolment appointment, you’ll have your photo taken for your College ID. All students, staff, and visitors are required to wear visible ID at all times to ensure the safety and security of everyone on campus.
It is your responsibility to wear your ID while in College. Anyone not wearing ID may be challenged by staff — this is purely for safety reasons.
If you forget your ID, you must collect a temporary one-day ID badge from the Welcome Desk (Reception).
What will my timetable look like?
Your timetable will depend on the course you’re studying, as each programme has a different schedule:
- A Level students are typically in College 4 days per week
- T Level and Vocational students usually attend 3 to 4 days per week
- Apprentices attend College either one day per week or one full week each month
You'll receive your specific timetable 48 hours prior to the start of your course.
How do I find out if I have a place at College?
After you apply, your application will be reviewed and you’ll either:
- Receive an offer via email, or
- Be invited to a Guidance Discussion with a Tutor for further advice and support.
If you're offered a place following your Guidance Discussion, you’ll receive an offer letter by email.
In late July to early August, we’ll send you an invitation to attend enrolment.
If you're concerned that you haven’t received an offer, please contact us at info@yorkcollege.ac.uk.
Course start dates
Most courses (excluding Apprenticeships) will begin from 2nd September.
You’ll receive your timetable via email 48 hours before your course starts.
Haven’t received an email?
If you haven’t received an email from York College:
- Check your junk/spam folder in case it was filtered out.
- If you still can’t find it, please email info@yorkcollege.ac.uk with the following details:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- The course you applied for
- Your Student Reference Number (if you have it)
Stay up to date – download the York College & University Centre App
We’ll be sending you important information through the York College & University Centre app, as well as by email and letter. Please check your inbox regularly and make sure you've used a personal email address (not your school one).
If your contact details have changed since you submitted your application, contact our Admissions Team at info@yorkcollege.ac.uk to update them.
Downloading the App
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll email you instructions on how to download the app and access your account.
The app gives you a personalised dashboard where you can easily find everything you need, including:
- Application status
- Notifications – important updates from York College or messages specific to your application
- Your Experience – information about student support and life at York College
- Bursary details and applications
- Travel & transport information
After you enrol, the App will also give you access to:
- Your timetable
- Absence logging
- Exam timetables (released closer to exam dates)
- The online shop
Follow us on social media
Don’t forget to follow our social media channels for regular updates, news, and reminders throughout the year!
What if I don’t get the GCSE grades I need or I’ve changed my mind about my course?
Don’t worry — if your results aren’t what you expected or you've changed your mind about your course, we’re here to help.
Please still attend your scheduled enrolment appointment. You’ll meet with a Course Tutor who will review your grades and discuss your options with you.
If you haven’t met the entry requirements for your chosen course, we’ll do our best to offer you a suitable alternative that aligns with your interests and goals.
Some A Level, T Level, and Vocational courses include summer work, to help you prepare for your studies and get a head start. Completing any assigned work will help you develop key skills and become familiar with important topics before starting College.
Please check the full details and find out if your course has summer work by visiting the page linked below.
You will be informed during enrolment if you need to purchase any kit or uniform for your course. We recommend not purchasing any kit or uniform prior to enrolment.
Financial Support for Kit and Equipment
The College Bursary Fund can help with the cost of kit, equipment, travel, and free meal credits (for students under 19).
If your household income is below £35,000 (before deductions), you are likely eligible for bursary support.
You can apply now via our bursary page, where you’ll also find Frequently Asked Questions and an Income Evidence Guide to assist you.
What’s it like to study at York College? Will I settle in?
Starting somewhere new can feel a bit overwhelming — but remember, everyone is in the same boat. It won’t take long to meet people, especially through your classes and tutorials, where you’ll connect with others who share your interests.
To help you settle in, all new students take part in an induction at the start of their course. This is designed to:
- Welcome you to College
- Provide key information about your course, support services, and life at York College
- Help you make the most of your time here
Support doesn’t stop after enrolment, it begins from your very first contact with us and continues throughout your course and beyond.
What should I bring on my first day at College?
Bring a pen and paper to take notes, and some money for transport or food if needed.
If your course requires any specific equipment or materials, you will have been informed about this during enrolment.
Is there WiFi at College that I can use?
Yes, all students will have access to the College Wi-Fi.
During enrolment, you’ll receive all the information you need about our IT facilities, including how to:
- Access your timetable
- Log in to your College email account
- Use other online resources
We also offer a free power supply safety test for your devices.
If I get extra help or support at school, will I still get support at College?
Absolutely. If you have a learning difficulty and/or disability and indicated on your application that you would like support at College, our Learning Support Team will get in touch with you to discuss your needs and how we can help.
If you’ve already applied but didn’t mention this, don’t worry, just contact the Admissions Team at info@yorkcollege.ac.uk to update your application.
You can also self-refer for support once you start your course if you find you need help later on.
If I do have problems, where do I go?
If you have questions or issues with your course or anything else at College, your Progress Coach is there to help — think of them like your form tutor at school. You’ll be introduced to them when you start College. You can also speak to any of your subject tutors.
Additionally, we have a dedicated team of advisers who offer confidential advice and support on a wide range of topics, including:
- Travel
- Careers
- Welfare and benefits
- Financial assistance
- Emotional and practical support
- Health
- and much more.
Whatever you need help with, just ask, we’re here for you.
Can I still apply to York College?
Yes, you can – it is not too late. Please apply direct via our 'Apply' page.
Want to familiarise yourself with the campus? Take a virtual tour from the comfort of your own home and explore all our facilities.
You can also view detailed campus maps to help you find your way when you arrive.
Dates for your diary, our 2025-2026 academic calendar is now live.
What is well-being?
Well-being is about how you feel and how things are going in your life. When your well-being is good, you might feel positive, healthy, comfortable, have a sense of purpose, and feel financially stable or generally okay.
If you’re feeling sad, stressed, or finding it difficult to focus on your studies, your well-being might be out of balance and it could be time to seek support or make some changes.
How do we support your well-being?
Your course tutor or Progress Coach are your first points of contact if something is troubling you or affecting your ability to learn and concentrate. They work closely with our Well-being Service and can help you access support whenever you need it.
Be sure to visit the well-being section of our website, where you’ll find plenty of advice and resources designed especially for students.
If you’re struggling, we offer daily drop-in sessions and confidential one-to-one well-being support. These services are non-judgemental and focused on listening to you and helping you find the right support.
As a new student, you’ll enjoy access to a variety of perks designed to make college life for students more affordable and fun.
One of the most popular is the TOTUM card — the official student discount card endorsed by the National Union of Students (NUS). With TOTUM, you can save on everything from fashion and food to tech and travel, including big-name brands like ASOS, Co-op, and Amazon.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Discounted public transport passes
- Free access to software like Microsoft Office 365
- Exclusive invitations to events, giveaways, and more
These perks help you save money and make the most of your student experience.
At York College, we believe it’s essential that students have a voice and are truly heard.
Our Student Union works to bring the student body and the College together, promoting well-being and satisfaction through student advocacy and positive change.
The Student Union includes:
- Student Union President
- Student Union Vice President
- Student Union Officers
- Student Union Representatives
- Student Union Members
The President, Vice President, and Officer roles are elected by the student membership, ensuring the Union is run by students, for students.
The Student Union is open to all students, and it’s important to us to have a diverse group representing all ages and courses.
Getting involved in enrichment activities is a fantastic way to make the most of your time at York College. Whether you join a club or society, compete in competitions, listen to guest speakers, or explore new hobbies, enrichment helps you develop valuable skills, boost your confidence, and make new friends.
These experiences don’t just enhance your CV and UCAS applications — they also help you stand out to future employers and universities. Most importantly, enrichment is about discovering your passions and having fun beyond the classroom.
Our ENRICH activities run daily from mid-October throughout the week, designed to fit around your timetable. You have the freedom to choose which sessions you want to attend and even lead.
Find out more and explore opportunities here.
Our Freshers’ Fair is held at the beginning of the academic year, it’s based in the Atrium and we have a number of stalls providing lots of useful and exciting information. You’ll be able to find out about College services, clubs and societies, the Students’ Union as well as student well-being, engagement, and other opportunities.
Catering at York College
York College offers a variety of catering outlets, all serving delicious food to suit every taste and dietary need, including vegetarian options. Throughout the year, special menus celebrate foods from around the world, giving you a chance to try something new.
Café 1827 Food Court
Enjoy fresh, seasonal, homemade dishes that help you make healthy choices.
Café 1827 Coffee Bar
Start your day with breakfast items like croissants, muffins, and porridge with toppings. Also available are sandwiches, homemade soups, fresh fruit, cold drinks, home-baked cakes, freshly ground coffee, and hot chocolate. We proudly serve Yorkshire Tea from the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Café 1827 Express Foods
Breakfast options include wraps, sandwiches, baguettes, and hash browns until 11am. Lunchtime brings chicken wraps, burgers, pizza, chips, mini meals, and meal deals.
Café 1827 on 2
Located in the Lounge on 2, this café offers pasta, sandwiches, toasted paninis, homemade cakes, and hot and cold drinks including freshly ground coffee.
Shop
Our shop in the atrium stocks sandwiches, hot snacks, confectionery, and drinks—perfect for when you’re on the go.
Vending Machines
Available throughout the day for drinks and snacks.
Bins are provided in all catering areas for waste and recycling.
If you prefer to bring your own food, there are plenty of spaces where you can sit and enjoy your lunch comfortably.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The EPQ offers a fantastic chance to explore a topic you’re passionate about in greater depth. It helps you develop independent learning skills that are highly valued in higher education and beyond.
Find out more about the EPQ and how it can enhance your studies here.
Sports and Esports Development Centres
We offer Development Centres in both Sports and Esports for talented students aged 16 to 19.
Our Development Centres provide the chance to combine your academic studies with high-quality coaching and training alongside our expert Development Centre teams.
More information on our Development Centres can be found here.
Progress Coach and Personal & Professional Development (PPD) Tutorials
Progress Coaches are central to the support we offer at York College. Every student is assigned to a tutor group led by a Progress Coach, who will be one of the most important people supporting you throughout your time here.
Your Progress Coach will:
- Encourage and motivate you to succeed
- Support you in setting and achieving challenging learning goals
- Work with you to identify your personal needs and create a personalised learning plan with clear targets
- Help you prepare for further education or employment
- Monitor your attendance, punctuality, and achievements
You’ll have a one-hour Personal & Professional Development (PPD) group tutorial session each week, which is compulsory. These sessions will support your personal and professional development, keep you informed about college news and events, and cover important topics like health, safety, and planning your next steps.
In addition, you’ll have one-to-one sessions throughout the year to provide extra support and help you reach your full potential.
Accessing your York College account and Wi-Fi
After enrolling, you’ll receive your student log-in details.
To use the College Wi-Fi and other digital services, you must first activate your York College account. Once you’ve reset your password, you can access your College email, log into Teams, connect to campus Wi-Fi, and much more.
If you forget your password, visit the IT Helpdesk or submit a support ticket for assistance. Remember to keep your password secure and never share it with others!
For Wi-Fi access, connect to the 'Eduroam' network on your device using the same login details as your College IT account.
York College provides a range of online systems and platforms to support your learning and make tasks like submitting coursework easier.
Please ensure you follow the College’s Behaviour Management Policy when using IT equipment and internet facilities.
If you need help, the IT Helpdesk is located on the 2nd floor in the Learning & Resource Centre.
Got more questions?
You’ve probably got lots of questions about what happens when you start, we hope this page has answered some of them. If you have any specific questions that we haven’t covered, please just ask us. You can email info@yorkcollege.ac.uk.
Our Behaviour Management Policy sets out the standards of behaviour expected from all students during their time at College. It helps create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and thrive. The Policy covers key areas such as respect for staff and fellow students, attending classes on time, using College facilities appropriately, and following health and safety rules. By following the student Behaviour Management Policy, you show commitment to your learning and help maintain a positive and supportive College community. It’s there to guide you, protect your rights, and ensure everyone is treated fairly.
