# Online induction

**Source**: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/new/undergraduate/getting-ready/induction/
**Parent**: https://www.york.ac.uk/students/new/undergraduate/getting-ready/

There are some things you need to know and do before you begin your studies with us.

> Welcome to the University of York! You're joining a special community where you can pursue your academic interests and develop as an individual.
>
> We will support you in developing your vision for your future. Through diverse experiences both inside and outside the classroom, we're here to support you as you start your journey to go out and make a difference in the world.
>
> Congratulations on your success and we look forward to welcoming you soon!

Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President

## 1. Complete the 'Next steps to university' online course

Not sure what higher education is all about? You're not alone.

This short online course breaks down everything from arriving and settling in to academic referencing and budgeting. Learn tips for making the most of university life – and challenge some myths along the way!

Use your University username and password to sign up for free - see [Things to do first](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/new/undergraduate/things-to-do/) if you haven't already done this.

[Next steps to university](https://www.york.ac.uk/study/moocs/next-steps-university/)

## 2. Find out how to use the VLE

Our [VLE (Virtual Learning Environment)](https://vle.york.ac.uk/) is the online home of your learning. It contains course materials, links to online seminars and lectures, interactive tools for discussion and collaboration, and places to submit assignments. Get to know the basics by watching this video.

<https://youtu.be/RSKpv_26yaI>

Use your University username and password to sign in to the VLE - see [Things to do first](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/new/postgraduate/things-to-do/) for details.

[York VLE](https://vle.york.ac.uk/)

## 3. Join your college Google Classroom

Your college is here to help you settle into university life and you're a college member even if you're not living on campus. 

You'll be invited to join your college Google Classroom at the start of September - keep an eye on your [UoY email inbox](https://mail.google.com/) for your invitation.

Here you can find out key welcome and college induction information, see the full list of college welcome events and, if you're living on campus, meet your housemates.

If you're living on campus, you must also complete your [accommodation pre-arrival induction](http://accommodation.york.ac.uk/). This includes a short health and safety module, plus information about booking your arrival time slot.

## 4. Meet your Students' Union

The University of York Students' Union provides events and opportunities to get involved in student life. They also provide independent, confidential advice and guidance to students on academic issues, University policies and procedures, as well as personal and wellbeing issues.

[University of York Students' Union](https://yorksu.org/)

## 5. Complete our 'Understanding consent and being an active bystander' training

To support an inclusive environment at York, we ask all students to complete our [Understanding consent and being an active bystander](https://vle.york.ac.uk/ultra/courses/_116667_1/outline) training. This module supports everyone to better understand what sexual consent is, the law around consent, how to respect people’s sexual boundaries, and how to have healthy, consensual relationships.

[Understanding consent and being an active bystander](https://vle.york.ac.uk/ultra/courses/_116667_1/outline)

You should complete the module before Welcome Week. Together, we can create a community where everybody feels respected and supported.

You will need to [log in to the VLE](https://vle.york.ac.uk/) to complete this module. Use your University username and password to sign in to the VLE - see [Things to do first](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/new/postgraduate/things-to-do/) for details.

You can also find out more about [University support if you have experienced harassment or sexual violence](https://www.york.ac.uk/about/harassment-sexual-misconduct/).

## 6. Find out how to be a success at York

Want to know the secret to a great start to your studies? Watch this video to find out why using our [Success at York Toolkit](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/support/success-at-york-toolkit/) throughout your time at university will keep you motivated and get the most out of your time at York.

<https://youtu.be/SQUkMnrnPeI>

## 7. Personal safety awareness

For many new students, coming to university is your first experience of living away from 'home'. Whilst York is one of the safest cities in the UK, it is important to think about personal safety.

We have developed a series of videos with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to help you think about assessing, managing and reducing risk and conflict. You will explore situational awareness and ways to defuse a situation, plus the importance of reporting incidents.

[Personal safety awareness course](https://www.york.ac.uk/students/health/advice/safety-awareness/first-second-year-undergraduate-course/)