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.
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Self-guided campus tours
Our new app, Visit UoY, allows you to take a self-guided tour of campus narrated by our current students. You can either visit us in-person and explore the campus for yourself or get the campus tour experience from the comfort of your own home.
Google Play Store – get the app
Find out more about using the Visit UoY app.
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 experience of university as a contextual offer holder
Posted by Ellen on 18 May 2022 Hi there, my name is Ellen and I am a second year English Language and Linguistics student here at the University of York. I…
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What I learned from spending nothing at university
Posted by Stefan on 17 May 2022 In my final term as a student at the University of York, I resolved to spend absolutely nothing. On anything. I was inspired by…
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What’s it like being an International Student Ambassador?
Posted by Mi Chelle on 16 May 2022 International Student Ambassadors are responsible for helping at events and representing the university from an international student’s perspective. I’m currently a postgraduate student, but…
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Is studying at a UK university for me?
Posted by Twiggy on 15 May 2022 You get your public exam results back and wonder where to go next. For many, studying abroad has become one of the options. You‘re…
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Is studying at a UK university worth it? Reflecting on my experience
Posted by Mi Chelle on 14 May 2022 In September 2018, I set foot in the UK for the first time to start my undergraduate studies at York. Flash forward to 2022…
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Funding your studies: why you should apply for a postgraduate scholarship
Posted by Mi Chelle on 12 May 2022 So you’ve received your offer for the postgraduate course you’ve applied for, but one question remains…how will you fund your studies? A postgraduate scholarship…
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.