Navigate College Like a Spartan
Get involved at York College of Pennsylvania (YCP) and find your way around with our campus life handbook. Our guide provides resources to obtain your student identification (ID) card, explore recreational activities, and learn about the shuttle service before your first day.
With our easy-to-follow college handbook, you’ll find out how to make the most of your life on campus, whether you choose to join a sport or create your own club. Enjoy your college experience using our handy guide and checklist.
Preparing for Campus Life
Make your transition stress-free and read about the day-to-day logistics of campus living, including transportation and campus safety. We encourage you to handle these tasks in advance and become familiar with our resources.
Student ID and Flex Card
All full-time and part-time students must obtain an identification card, which has multiple functions:
- Identification verification
- Access card
- Library card
- Campus printing
- Admission to student activities
- Admission to athletic events
- Meal plan access
Get Your Student ID Card, Submit Your ID Photo
YCP Flex Card Program
Your YCP ID also serves as the YCP Flex Card, which provides debit card functionality for the York College community. Use the card for purchases and services on campus, including dining halls, copiers, printers, and the Spartan Store.
The Business Office can help you load and manage funds using cash or a personal check. You or your family can also add money to your Flex Card online at any time.
Questions about your Flex Card?
Business Office
Miller Administration Building
Room 8 (Lower Level)
Phone: 717.815.1470
businessoffice@ycp.edu
Campus Shuttle Services
Our campus shuttle is a free and easy way for you to get around York College of Pennsylvania’s Main Campus, West Campus, and North Campus. Best of all, you can use the live shuttle tracker to locate it, so you always know when it’s close. Taking the shuttle is also a convenient way to travel if you park farther away from class.
TIP: While the shuttle service follows a schedule, we recommend allowing yourself extra time if you’re heading to class in case of any unforeseen delays.
Parking Permits
All commuter and resident students who park a vehicle on campus need a parking permit. Parking lots are all marked for specific parking designations.
Beginning July 1, you may pre-register your vehicle and purchase your permit online using the “My Parking” tab on the MyYCP dashboard.
Commuter Students
- Commuter permits will be mailed to the home address that is on file with the College.
- If your home address is outside the local area but you reside off campus, please provide your address before or during the permit ordering process.
- Any permits purchased after August 19 will not be mailed. Students must pick up permits at the Campus Safety Office.
Resident Students
- Resident permits will be placed in on-campus mailboxes until August 19. If purchased after August 19, students must pick up permits at the Campus Safety Office.
Your permit will come with a parking map and instructions for YCP’s Traffic Regulations and Permit information can be found online. We recommend you review this material before arriving on campus.
Campus Safety
The Department of Campus Safety is committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for the York College community. It manages campus parking, YCP ID cards, crime prevention, fire safety, and all emergency services. The office is located in the Manor Northeast Lobby.
TIP: Program the Campus Safety phone number into your phone: 717.815.1314. Calling this number will connect you to Campus Safety’s 24/7 dispatch center. Trained personnel will make sure you receive the appropriate assistance.
Spartan Shield App
Download the free Spartan Shield app from the App Store or Google Play Store to stay connected with Campus Safety 24/7. Your family can do it, too! With the app, you can:
- Report information
- Request assistance
- Receive alerts
- Request an escort
- Share your location
You can also check York College’s Annual Safety and Fire Report on the app.
Download Spartan Shield on App Store
Download Spartan Shield on Google Play
Clery Act
Consistent with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, York College provides information regarding campus security policies and relevant statistics at ycp.edu/clery-act.
Questions about Campus Safety?
Campus Safety
Manor Northeast Lobby
717.815.1314
campussafety@ycp.edu
The Department of Campus Safety has more information about the Emergency Alert System, security reports, services and programs, campus maps, and additional ways we make York College safe for everyone.
Learn About Activities and Recreation
Our campus life handbook would not be complete without covering recreational activities to help you enjoy your life to the fullest here at York. Rather than hunkering down in your residence hall or parents’ house, we recommend you do the opposite. Stop by the ever-popular bingo nights or hypnotist shows and make your way to the involvement fair. Invite a new friend to explore dining options or climb the rock wall. Don’t forget that college life is more than just academics.
Clubs and Organizations
There are over 80 clubs and organizations on campus, which means you have plenty of ways to get involved when you become a Spartan. To make it easy and accessible, the Student Activities Office hosts the Involvement Fair during your first week on campus.
Follow Our Social Media
Get a head start by checking out the social media pages of these popular campus organizations and offices.
Alumni Office
- IG @ycpalumni
- Facebook @ycpalumni
Campus Activities Board (C.A.B.)
- IG @ycp_cab
- Facebook @ycpcampusactivitiesboard
Campus Recreation
Greek Life
Hillel
- IG @ycphillel
InterVarsity
L.A.M.B.D.A.
- IG @ycplambda
Spartan Store
Student Culture and Belonging
- IG @ycp_scb
Student Senate
Theatre
- IG @ycp.theatre
York College Athletics
- IG @ycpspartans
- Facebook @ycpathletics
York College Orientation
- IG @ycporientation
- Facebook @ycporientation
Spartan Recreation and Fitness
Campus recreation at York is for everyone. More than 30% of students participate in club sports or intramurals, and we offer countless fitness programs and open recreation activities. Choose one of our intramural sports, including basketball, flag football, soccer, and more. For a higher level of competition without the demands of a varsity team, you can join one of our club sports or even start one of your own.
Club and Intramural Sports
- Baseball
- Cheerleading
- Club Softball
- Dance Excel
- Dance Team
- Equestrian
- Ice Hockey
- Indoor Climbing
- Rugby (M/W)
- Soccer (M/W)
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball (M/W)
We have representatives from athletics and club sports at most major admissions events, including Accepted Student Days and New Spartan Days. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in advance!
Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center
Open 107 hours a week, the Grumbacher Sport and Fitness Center is a popular spot to break a sweat, and it’s the largest on-campus employer for students. Here are some highlights about our fitness center:
- Three-court field house
- 7,600 square feet
- 32-foot climbing wall (No experience necessary!)
- 10+ weekly group exercise classes led by professional instructors
- Natatorium with a 12-lane pool
- Multipurpose rooms programmed with physical education and drop-in group exercise classes
- Elevated indoor walking and jogging track
TIP: Participating in group exercise classes is an easy way to make friends. Check out which classes are available.
NCAA Division III Sports
York College of PA has more than 500 students competing in 24 NCAA Division III sports in the Middle Atlantic Conference. Each year, we typically have teams ranked in the Top 25 for Division III. Visit our athletic facilities page to learn more, and feel free to check out the gym to see the championship and NCAA Tournament recognition our teams have earned.
Want a chance at joining the Spartans as a student-athlete? All teams offer walk-on tryouts. Contact the coach for your sport to learn more.
Varsity Athletics
Baseball (M)
Basketball (M/W)
Cross Country (M/W)
Field Hockey (W)
Golf (M/W)
Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field (M/W)
Lacrosse (M/W)
Soccer (M/W)
Softball (W)
Swimming (M/W)
Tennis (M/W)
Volleyball (W)
Wrestling (M/W)
Campus Life Checklist
Submit your ID photo
Upload a recent passport-style photo online for your ID card to make sure you have identification during your first week.
Pre-register your car
Once you have your MyYCP credentials, go to the blue “My Parking” icon and apply online for your car registration.
Download the YCP’s Modern Campus Involve App
Get a better sense of college campus life by exploring shows, events, clubs, and announcements on the Modern Campus Involve App before the semester begins. Download Modern Campus Involve, then select York College of Pennsylvania when prompted and log in with your credentials.
Decide If You Want to Join a Team
If you want to play an NCAA sport, you’ll need to contact the coach for that sport. For club sports or intramural teams, you can sign up when you arrive on campus!
Program the Campus Safety Phone Number
Reach trained personnel at the 24/7 dispatch center.
Our Best Tips for Enjoying Campus Life Outside the Classroom
Don’t have a clue what to join? Right before classes start in the fall, there’s a big fair on the main campus lawn with reps from just about every club. Sign up, ask questions, and make new friends. Putting yourself out there will set you up for success!
Assume you are already invited. It’s easy to think, “I don’t really know anyone going to this,” and skip out on an event or program. But once you start classes, you will have a built-in network of new faces. The start of the semester is the perfect time to experiment and try new things.
The student-run Campus Activities Board plans exciting events every Friday and Saturday night, as well as throughout the week. Activities range from bingo (a campus tradition!) to trivia, comedians, and arcade nights. The highlight of the school year is the Spring Concert. In the past, YCP has hosted nationally touring acts like Steve Aoki, Panic! At The Disco, Sam Hunt, Yung Gravy, and Flo Rida.
Create your own club and connect with like-minded people. Some students started a gardening club and now work with York College administration on plans for sustainable gardens around campus. You never know what starting your own organization could turn into. Send an email to studentsenate@ycp.edu for more information.
Sometimes, it takes a little longer to adjust to college life. Try not to compare your progress to your peers’. Reach out to your Resident Assistant, your academic advisor, a faculty member, or any staff member at York. Let us know you’re having a tough time adjusting, and we can find you the support you need.
The Modern Campus Involve App is your go-to source for information and events. Access the orientation schedule, explore clubs and organizations, and stay up to date on upcoming campus events! The app is available through the App Store and Google Play.
More College Handbook Resources
Our enrollment handbook provides additional links and resources to help you navigate such a big life transition. Every section covers key topics you may want to know as a first-year student.
- Academics: Access resources and tips for your chosen profession.
- All About Money: Learn about financial tips and payment plans to make your college experience more affordable.
- Living and Commuting: Navigate campus living and make York your home.
Explore Campus Life at York College
The official campus life handbook at York College of Pennsylvania allows you to figure out your day-to-day before classes even start, from securing your student ID to discovering where you belong on campus. Unlock your full potential and learn more about student life as a Spartan.