Campus West Trail

Find your feet on Campus West: meet key student support teams and get familiar with Campus East.

Campus West brings together central student support, main library spaces, and important campus services. This route takes you around the campus lake to connect the spaces you need to know: the Student Union, the Library, and the different support teams available to help you. It also points out designated Quiet Spaces across West so you always know where to find a calm spot. Don't forget to pick up your free hot drink or snack from The Kitchen @ Alcuin at the end of the trail. 

On this trail, you'll find:

• Central student support services like the Wellbeing Team, Disability Services, the Careers Team, and many more.

• Main study and teaching spaces, including the Library and Spring Lane Building.

• Designated Quiet Spaces across campus to step away from the noise.

• A free £3 voucher for a hot drink or snack at The Kitchen @ Alcuin. 

A. Greg's Place (Find Your Feet Stall and the Fire Safety Team)

Your trail around Campus West begins at Greg's Place. During the semester, Greg's Place is a fantastic community space where you can study, meet friends, and grab something to eat. 

Pick up your map and take some supplies (chocolate and sweets) for the journey!

B. Market Square (Campus Safety, the Sustainability Clinic, and Campus West Reception)

Your first stop is the Market Square: chat with our Campus Safety Team, take part in crafting with the Sustainability Clinic and continue onwards towards the Campus West Reception. 

Campus Safety - The Campus Safety team are based in the Campus Safety Hub on the upper level of Market Square - just along from the Information Centre - it's open 24/7, 365 days a year. You'll also see the team out and about round campus; you can recognise them by their black and purple uniforms. The team support everyone who lives, studies or works at the University. and are your first response for any security or safety issues. 

Sustainability Clinic - The University provides a variety of sustainability-focused projects and initiatives for students to engage in, including sustainability events, green societies and groups, volunteer opportunities, the York Interdisciplinary Modules (YIMs) and practical learning on sustainable practices. Visit us in the Sustainability Clinic to chat about all things sustainability, discover ways to get involved, and take part in some casual craft activities.

Campus West Reception - Reception Services assist students, staff and visitors by providing advice, directions and information on all University services as well as support with residential mail, keys and fault reporting. 

Follow the footpath out of the Market Square, and continue until the Sally Baldwin Buildings are on your left.

C. Sally Baldwin Buildings (Disability Services, Student Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Student Advice and Communities)

The next stop on your trail is the Sally Baldwin Buildings where you can meet our different support teams:

Disability Services - Whether you need academic adjustments, specialist equipment, or just someone to talk through your options with, Disability Services is here to help you thrive at York. We can help you set up a personalised Student Support Plan, guide you through applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), or answer any quick questions. 

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing - Our team comprises a team of friendly, approachable wellbeing officers who are based within academic departments and college, and can help you navigate all aspects of student life.  We also have a team of mental health practitioners - our Open Door Team - that you can access that can provide free, confidential on-campus support if you experience mental health difficulties.  We all work together to support your time with us at York, so please get in touch if you need us - we're here to help!

Student Advice and Communities - Whether you're looking for practical advice, support through a tough spot, or ways to connect with your campus community, the Student Advice and Communities Team is here for you. Based in the Student Hub, we offer confidential guidance on everything from housing and finances to academic issues, alongside events for under-represented student groups.

After you've spoken to our wonderful support teams, follow the path downhill towards Scullion's Lake where you can cross over Vanbrugh Bridge towards the Student Union.

D. University of York Students' Union (York SU Advice and Support and York SU - Give it a Go)

York SU Advice and Support - York SU Advice & Support provides free, independent and confidential support and guidance to students on a range of issues at your students' union. In particular, we support students with navigating University policies and procedures, and also with academic and wellbeing issues.

York SU - Give it a Go - Whether you want to discover a new passion, pick up an old hobby, or meet new friends without any commitment, Give It A Go lets you try out clubs and societies for free! Designed specifically to help you explore student life, our sessions include everything from taster sports and creative workshops to relaxed social meetups.

Once you've chatted with the Student Union teams, follow the lake round until you get to Central Hall Bridge. Cross over and follow the path to the right until you get to the Spring Lane Building.

E. Spring Lane Building (Link and Learn, Chaplaincy, Estates Operation and Maintenance, the Postal Service, and Check-In)

Enter the Spring Lane Building and head towards the Atrium, where you will meet some of our fantastic support teams:

Link and Learn - Created as a collaborative partnership across York, this initiative connects disabled and neurodivergent students with a wide range of dedicated social events, skill sessions, and support networks. It’s a supportive, welcoming space to explore what’s available on campus, connect with peers, and make the most of your time at university. 

Chaplaincy - Whether you follow a particular faith, are exploring your spirituality, or have no religious beliefs at all, the Chaplaincy is a welcoming space open to everyone. We're here for all students across campus, offering a quiet place for reflection, friendly conversation over a hot drink, or simply a listening ear whenever you need someone to talk to. Stop by to explore our faith facilities, join our relaxed community events, or just drop in to say hello - wherever you're from and whatever you believe, you are always welcome. 

Estates Operation and Maintenance - Something broken in your flat? Heating acting up? Meet the Estates and Maintenance team! Come by our stall to grab key contact numbers, find out how to report repairs in seconds, and learn simple tips to keep your accommodation and shared spaces in top shape. Drop in to meet the friendly faces behind the scenes and make sure you know who to call if you ever need a hand. 

Postal Service - Don't let your deliveries get lost! Scan the QR code for instant access to the University Postal Service guide. Find your correct accommodation address, check parcel pickup hours, and save key contact details so receiving your mail on campus is completely stress-free. 

Head out of Spring Lane Building and follow the road to your right. When you get to the roundabout, turn left and head along Innovation Way, and then turn left to reach the Innovation Centre. 

F. NatWest Accelerator

Thinking about starting a business, freelancing or launching a side hustle while you study? The University of York NatWest Accelerator is a free entrepreneurship hub based in the Innovation Centre on York Science Park, here to help you turn your ideas into reality. Whether you already have a business idea or you're simply curious about entrepreneurship, we offer free co-working, regular workshops and events, expert mentoring, networking opportunities and access to a thriving community of over 300 entrepreneurs, business owners and fellow students. Whatever stage you're at, we're here to help you build your confidence, develop your ideas and take the next step.

Turn right out of the Innovation Centre and head through Alcuin College towards the Harry Fairhurst Building. Please be aware that the Library is currently undergoing refurbishment, so you will need to enter via a temporary entrance. 

G. Harry Fairhurst Building (Library, Archives, and Learning Services, The Distractibles, Careers and Volunteering, IT Support, York Cares Work Wardrobe, Global Opportunities, and the Community Engaged Learning Team)

Library, Archives, and Learning Services - The main library buildings are the Morrell, Burton and Fairhurst, all together on Campus West - and everyone is welcome. Take a self-guided tour of the library to discover our Silent, Quiet and Studious Buzz Zones. We’ve got bookable and non-bookable group and individual spaces plus spaces we’ve co-created with students such as the Sensory Rooms, Family Study Room and Living Room. 

The Distractibles - A support group of staff and students who have shared experiences of struggling with different aspects of University life. The group is here to support anyone who finds it hard to focus and is plagued by distractions. Whether you’re neurodiverse or just easily distracted, our peer-support group might be just the thing for you.

Careers and Volunteering - We're here to help students with developing their skills, gaining work experience, exploring possible career ideas, and making applications. We support students of any subject, whether they already have career ideas or don't know what they want to do. It's never too early to start - even for first years. 

IT Support - Need help setting up your University account, multi-factor authentication, or devices? Scan the QR code for instant access to all IT Support channels! Get step-by-step tech guides, check online helpdesk hours, and bookmark our new location in the Fairhurst Building so you're covered from day one. 

York Cares Work Wardrobe - York Cares offers free business-wear to help students prepare for interviews and the workplace. Students can select up to three items completely free of charge. For any additional items, we kindly ask for a small donation. We are based on the top floor of the Harry Fairhurst Building. 

Global Opportunities - Come along to our Global Opportunities stall to find out how to apply for opportunities to study, work and volunteer abroad. Speak to Global Opportunities staff and meet York students who have been abroad. Discover more about independent travel opportunities from representatives of international volunteering organisations.

Community Engaged Learning Team - There are lots of opportunities to get involved and make a difference within the local community (external to the University). Volunteering has lots of other benefits too such as making friends, building your network and giving back to the local community.  The Community Engaged Learning Team are here to create opportunities and provide support.

Head back towards the JB Morrell Library and follow the path around until you reach The Kitchen @ Alcuin. 

H. The Kitchen at Alcuin

Finish your trail by speaking to the York SU Events team and pick up a free £3 voucher to pick up a hot drink, snack, or a discounted lunch!