Student life
We want you to have an unrivalled experience at York– you just have to take part in what's on offer. You'll make friends for life, discover new passions and learn invaluable skills that will set you up for a bright future. Discover why you'll love York.
Although we live in unprecedented times, what hasn’t changed is the commitment of your Students’ Union and the wider community in York to maximise your enjoyment here. You'll have the chance to meet so many new people and to get involved with a huge range of societies, sports teams and cultural events both on campus and in our beautiful, historic city. Whether you join us from Yorkshire or the other side of the world, YUSU represents your voice on campus and organises the best events you'll have ever seen.
Patrick O'Donnell, YUSU President 2021/22
Campus and city living
Our safe and inclusive campus environment and our student-friendly city provide everything you need to make the most of your university experience.
Top tip: take a look at Long Boi on Instagram to get a taste of the wildlife on campus!
Accommodation
Be right at the heart of the action. Choose from a range of room types on or very near to campus.
College life
You’ll become a member of a small, distinct community - your home from home whether you live on or off campus.
The city of York
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
Food and drink on campus
Our campus is packed with places to eat and drink, plus there are two supermarkets and a shop.
Try something new
Make the most of your university experience. Trying new activities is a great way to meet people, have fun and develop your skills.
Student societies
York has over 200 student societies, all organised by and for students, or you can always start your own.
Sport and fitness
Choose from over 65 sports clubs, play for your college team, or sign up with the fitness centre.
Culture and entertainment
Watch, listen or perform. Audition for the Jazz Orchestra, sing with the Rock Gospel Choir - there's lots to choose from.
Study abroad
Broaden your horizons at one of our partner universities worldwide.
Volunteering
Give something back and boost your skill set through volunteering.
Learn a language
Prepare for an international placement, enhance your CV, or simply learn for fun.
Well-connected
Located in the North of England, York is easy to get to from anywhere in the world. With great rail links and airports nearby, you'll never be far from exploring other major UK cities or catching up with friends at other universities.
Getting around campus and the city
It's easy to get around our campus and we're close to the action in the city centre. Everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Your support network
Our support network is here to help you get the best from your time at York.
Student voices
Who better to tell you about York life than our students. Look out for the student perspective throughout these pages, or hear directly from our students:
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My top tips for healthy eating as a student
Posted by Iza on 28 March 2023 Coming to uni is a big – and slightly stressful – step. One of the worries I had was having to cook every day…
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Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes while at uni
Posted by Amelia on 10 March 2023 Hi, I’m Amelia! A first year French and German student and this article is about my diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and the support…
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York’s extracurricular Music community
Posted by Holly on 27 February 2023 Hello! My name is Holly, and I’m a 3rd-Year student at Vanbrugh College, reading for a BA in Music at the University of York…
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My experience as a Social and Political Sciences student
Posted by Christa on 27 February 2023 Hi, my name’s Christa, and I study Social and Political Sciences (SPS) here at York. SPS covers learning across three core departments at the…
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Interactive Media showcase 2022
Posted by Pak-Yin on 27 February 2023 I’m Pak-Yin, and I study the Interactive Media BSc at the University of York. I was a part of the Interactive Media showcase 2022…
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My experience as a Laidlaw Scholar in the Department of Chemistry at York
Posted by Alicia on 27 February 2023 Why do a departmental internship?Why the Laidlaw Scholarship? As a chemist, you will need many skills that stretch further from theoretical knowledge and expertise…
Got a question about studying or living in York?
Get a headstart to a brighter future
Whatever you plan to do after you graduate, we can help you stand out from the crowd. We offer a wealth of opportunities and advice which will support your career ambitions.
- Tap into our global employer and recruiter networks
- Take advantage of our graduate mentoring scheme
- Reap the benefits of our award-winning personal development, training and placement schemes.
You can meet top employers at our recruitment fairs held regularly on campus.
Student Ambassadors working at an Open Day
Cost of living
Knowing you have your finances under control means you can relax and enjoy your studies. To help you plan your budget before you get here, take a look at our living cost guides. During your studies you can also earn extra cash by taking an internship or a part-time job.
To earn extra cash, you could become a Student Ambassador and work at events such as Open Days.