Student life
At York, we want you to have an unrivalled experience – 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.
Every day at York is different. One day you'll be at a society event, the next cheering on a sports team and then relaxing with friends in the common room in the evening. Alongside that, you can fit in a degree and lots of opportunities to explore the incredible city we live in. Life at York is a brilliant, challenging learning in and outside the course, but it's also so much more than that. It's about the experiences you gain and the people you meet while you're here.
Millie Beach, YUSU President 2016/17
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 Duck of the Day (facebook.com) 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.
Online campus tour
Discover the highlights of our inspiring campus and the impressive city of York from your screen.
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.
Student media
Write, produce, direct or broadcast with our award-winning student media.
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 delve straight into our student blogs.
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A balancing act: extracurricular activities at university
Posted by Eloise on 23 February 2020 When I left school, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I left behind a series of extracurricular activities I had dedicated my life to. I finished high…
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A postgraduate can have fun too!
Posted by Selin on 22 February 2020 After having a gap year and experiencing the media sector, I was very excited to get back to my studies as a postgraduate. I…
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Can I keep fit during my degree?
Posted by Anika on 21 February 2020 We all know that for most people, keeping fit at University is not always at the top of your list. However, there are so…
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How being part of Vanbrugh College helped me to grow
Posted by Nesta on 20 February 2020 If I asked you to describe home, what would you say? Cosy? Warm? Loving? If you ask me, I would say comfortable. Joining a…
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Fetish Society vs Comedy Society – or maybe just stick to dance?
Posted by Marta on 20 February 2020 When you start uni, there are a lot of changes; especially as an international student. New responsibilities, new people, new environment and new opportunities…
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Balancing PhD study and family life: what’s PG study really like?
Posted by Laura on 20 February 2020 As a part-time PhD student in the Department of Education, I often get asked how I manage to find the time to fit everything…
Got a question about studying or living in York?
Get a headstart to a brighter future
Whatever you plan to do after your 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.
To earn extra cash, you could become a Student Ambassador and work at events such as Open Days.
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.