Things to do

On Monday 29 March the latest step of the Government’s roadmap to ease restrictions in England came into effect. Find out more about the current restrictions.

Just because we're living with restrictions right now, it doesn't mean you have to be bored! All it requires is a little re-orientation in the way we go about things. Here are some ideas for things you can do to stay engaged and keep entertained.

Step into spring

Restrictions have eased and the weather is warming up. Get into the mood for spring with these ideas:

  • Explore York with a countryside walk

  • Meet friends (up to six people from different households) for a picnic

  • Take up a sport. If you're not already involved, now is an excellent time to look into College or YUSU sports. Outdoor, formally organised sport is allowed, so you can meet friends within the regulations, try something new and get some exercise.

  • View lambing and baby lambs on a Yorkshire farm with Lamb Watch

  • Take part in a world-wide Easter egg hunt - hide a real or virtual egg

  • Try some Easter baking - will you choose traditional hot cross buns or simnel cake, or a less-traditional Easter egg cheesecake?

  • Spring clean! If you're feeling bored of the same four walls, cleaning your room or house, and rearranging the furniture, can freshen up the space. Give it a declutter while you're at it.

Do together

Get together virtually with friends from home, course mates or college buddies - here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Catch up on your cultural backlog

Now's a great time to catch up on that backlog of things you've been meaning to watch, read, listen to or do.

There are a lot of places where you can soak up some culture online, whether it's getting stuck into that series people keep telling you to see, watching the footie with your friends, diving into some highbrow film viewing (or a popular blockbuster!) or just having a laugh with your household.

Watch

Listen

  • Tune into University Radio York

  • Create a playlist to listen to with friends on Spotify

  • Have a classic album listening night: join in with Tim's Twitter Listening Party

  • Find some new podcasts to listen to - BBC Sounds has a wealth of fact and fiction podcasts and music mixes

  • Enjoy some classical music with York Concerts Online

  • Jack and the team at Album Soc along with Liam Daly (Head of Music at URY) have curated four playlists for you to enjoy:

1. Friday night (weekend tunes)

2. Throwback (classic tracks from the past)

3. New music (a selection of some of the newest artists around)

4. Chill out (relax and unwind)

Learn something new

Why not put that extra time indoors to productive use and try out learning a new language or skill?

Learn a language

Try a new skill or develop your interests

Get some fresh air

Don't stay cooped up inside all day every day! Make sure you get some time outside too.

Here's some things you can do outside:

  • Go for a walk: Stretch your legs and rediscover the great outdoors. If you're in York, read our tips on exploring our outdoor campus and the city.

  • Have a picnic: Don't forget the cocktail sausages and the scotch eggs!

  • Get some exercise: Indoor leisure and gym facilities are closed, but you can exercise in a public outdoor space. See York Sport for what's available.

  • Or just meet up for a chat and a coffee!

Get foodie

If you didn't have time beforehand to get creative in the kitchen, now's the time to feast.

  • Learn to cook: Expand your repertoire of recipes or try creating something new. You can find lots of inspiration online, including our TikTok and @caughtsnackin

  • Host a themed evening: Bring 'Come Dine With Me' to your student accommodation and have a themed meal where everyone in your household is responsible for bringing a different dish

  • Have a bake off challenge: If there's one thing the world needs more of, it's cake. Whether it's an expertly piped masterpiece or a badly executed brownie, baking with your household can be a laugh... and you get cake at the end

  • Order a takeaway: Let the cooking be done for you. Have a takeaway night, either from one of the many restaurants in town, or order from a venue on campus

Spend time with your household

If you're living with other people, you'll be spending a lot of time together - so here are some more ideas to help make the most of it.

Have an idea you want to bring to life?

Have an idea for your own activity or event? Your College Manager may be able to help. From logistical support, to spreading the word, or simply someone to bounce ideas off, get in touch to see how your college can support your ideas for making life more interesting. Contact colleges-management@york.ac.uk and a member of your college team will be in touch.

Need someone to speak to?

Whether you have a simple question you’re not quite sure about, or there's something on your mind and you’d like to talk it through, remember that there’s always help around the corner. Here are some places you can go to for help or advice: