Student life
Hear from our students about what they get up to and why they love York.
Our community
Empowering individuals and enriching lives, from our campus to across the globe.
York Festival of Ideas: where curiosity sparks community
As one of the UK's largest free festivals of its kind, the York Festival of Ideas delivers an ambitious and diverse programme each year.
It features world-class speakers, captivating performances, thought-provoking exhibitions and family-friendly activities.
The Festival is more than just a collection of events. It's a powerful reminder that when ideas are shared freely, they spark understanding, fuel local spirit and strengthen the bonds that make our community so special.
We share this belief in the power of education and ideas with many of our generous donors and supporters. It's thanks to them – and the contributions of partner organisations, businesses and charities around the world – that we can bring so many events to audiences free of charge. Together, we inform, entertain and inspire on a global stage.
Join our journey: opportunities for everyone
We ensure that ambition knows no barriers.
The University of York was founded with a strong sense of social purpose. From the beginning, our mission has been to use knowledge to improve lives and to open up opportunities for everyone, no matter their background.
Widening access to higher education is still at the heart of what we do. We believe higher education should be available to all. Through regular activities, we strive to remove barriers, ensuring every student can explore their potential paths to university.
It's our ambition to make sure there are no gaps to access, success, award and progression for any student regardless of their circumstance.
Alongside teachers and partners, we ignite curiosity in young people from all backgrounds – helping them explore their future possibilities.
Department outreach and public engagement
From local schools to national audiences, departments across the University engage with the public to share research, inspire learning and strengthen community connections.
About our campus: something for everyone
A global university, rooted in York.
We’re proud to be an international community, with students, staff and partnerships spanning the globe. At the heart of it all is our York campus.
Set in beautiful parkland, our campus is a vibrant, inclusive environment. It's a physical and cultural space designed to inspire learning, collaboration and a sense of belonging. It's somewhere people can come together to share ideas, explore new possibilities and thrive.
Make friends for life, discover new passions and learn invaluable skills, with vibrant campus spaces, societies, sports and extracurricular activities.
Societies are a great way to do what you love and try something new, to meet others and build skills. Each and every one is run by students, for students.
Every student belongs to a college, each offering their own welcoming community. Colleges help you find your feet in a smaller community, offering vibrant new experiences and support.
Top-class fitness, swimming and sports facilities for everyone. From weekly kickabouts, group classes and charity events, to being one of the venues for Roses, one of the largest inter-university sports tournament in Europe.
Explore campus in a new way with our self-guided trails, from trees and sculptures to politics, nature and even the solar system.
Explore renowned sculptures by artists like Barbara Hepworth, student-led exhibitions in our two galleries. Discover creative trails celebrating politics, people and even our feathered friend, Long Boi.
We're committed to making all aspects of university life accessible. Find out about our inclusive facilities, parking spaces and peer support groups.
Every year we raise the Pride flag on campus and join the York Pride Parade, alongside inclusive teaching and year-round support. Our campus celebrates everyone – bringing both moments of reflection and joy.
Find your people. Explore staff networks ranging from disability and wellbeing to research, hobbies and sustainability.
In the city and region: enriching our neighbourhoods
Empowering York and the wider region.
Beyond our campus, we are deeply rooted in the city of York and the wider region, actively contributing to cultural, social and economic development. We’re proud to be a good neighbour, opening our doors and sharing knowledge.
Some of the ways we share knowledge beyond campus:
We're also an influential partner in supporting and delivering the ambition of the Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCA), which oversee major projects in the region. We leverage our research strengths in support of major bids to attract funding and investment to the region. This includes championing major initiatives, including the York Central development, our BioYorkshire partnership to transform the region’s and the UK’s bioeconomy, the current AI Growth Zone bid, and the region’s digital creative ambitions.
As part of the annual Big Community Challenge, staff created a new garden at Hull Road Park by clearing hedging and planting raised beds.
Our research: a catalyst for change
We are making a difference in our communities, whether that’s reshaping our perception of York’s Roman history, collaborating with the NHS to transform treatments to aggressive blood cancers, or working with local councils to provide children from England’s poorest households with free school meals.
Here to answer the biggest questions of our time, we explore new perspectives, to learn and do things differently. We work with communities across the world to co-create research that brings benefits for generations to come.
Creating a thriving research community where diverse people, ideas and approaches can flourish.
Working with communities around the world to improve lives, gain cultural insights, track social changes and tackle inequalities.
Community partnerships and volunteering
We’re investing in young people, giving them the support they need to close attainment gaps and thrive – for their own futures and for the region’s growth.
Being a good neighbour matters to us. We take our responsibilities to the local community and environment seriously, and we welcome everyone to share in campus life.
Every year, thousands of University of York students volunteer to support a cause they care about, build their skills and discover the city of York.
Our students volunteer with local schools and nurseries, making a tangible difference to lives of young people in York.
Our staff contribute in community projects run by York Cares to address community needs, including the Big Community Challenge.
Stores on campus raise money for local charities and community projects around York, including HOPING Street Kitchen who serve hot food to the homeless.
Support for small, local businesses
We provide access to the right people, skills, work spaces and funding to help drive organisations forward. Enterprise Works is our bold initiative to foster a diverse, connected and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem that extends deeply into the community.
Globally connected: a world of impact
Global citizens, global impact.
Our community extends across continents, embodying our commitment to building a community without limits. We welcome students and staff from over 140 countries and our research tackles international challenges, contributing to a better world.
We offer transformative study opportunities, collaborate on groundbreaking research worldwide and build partnerships that tackle global challenges.
Our joint Europe Campus, based in Greece, offers research and supervision opportunities, staff exchanges and study abroad placements for students.
We're opening a new campus in India, dedicated to research, teaching and the extension of the University’s mission for public good.
Connect with us
Whether you're thinking of studying here, you live nearby, or you're a business partner, there are countless ways to connect with and contribute to the vibrant community at the University of York.
York campus
Within walking distance of York's historic city centre and home to an abundance of wildlife.
Open lectures
Thought-provoking lectures on a wide variety of topics. They're free to attend and open to all.
Staff networks
Opportunities to socialise, share your interests, connect with others and build new friendships.