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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International student support at York: My experience
Posted by Beliz on 2 December 2022 Hi everyone! I’m Beliz, a Masters student in Psychology in Education from Turkey. As an international student, the days building up to moving day…
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My Arrival in Germany – The Do’s and Don’t’s of Crying
Posted by Will on 11 November 2022 Hey everyone, I’m Will. A fourth year Physics student on an MPhys programme, and I’m just over a month into my additional year abroad…
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How I found the ‘right’ placement for me – hopefully, you can too!
Posted by Kaylyn on 7 November 2022 I am a MSci Natural Sciences student who specialises in Physics (I did the Chemistry, Maths, and Physics (CMP) pathway for those interested). I…
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From UK to HK – My year away in Hong Kong
Posted by Victoria on 28 October 2022 Hiya! I’m Victoria and I study Business and Management (BA) at the Uni of York… though at the moment I’m on a year away…
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From York to New York – my experiences so far as a British student in NYC
Posted by Niamh on 28 October 2022 Hiya! I’m Niamh, I study History of Art, and I’m on currently on a year abroad studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in…
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Study Abroad: Arriving in Denver
Posted by Alice on 28 October 2022 Hiya, I’m Alice! In September, I flew to Denver, Colorado to begin my Study Abroad year at the University of Denver. Studying abroad is…
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.