Skip to content Accessibility statement
Search york.ac.uk

Student life

Home>Study at York>Student life>Culture and entertainment

Culture and entertainment

Whether you want to play, watch, listen or perform - there are lots of ways to enjoy culture on campus. You could spark a lifelong passion or you could have a once in a lifetime experience, like performing an opera or taking a comedy sketch to Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Music

For music-lovers, there are students societies dedicated to playing and performing many genres of music.

Battle of the Bands - an annual student band competition.

If you'd prefer a less formal, non-audition ensemble, you could join one these groups:

You could also be part of the University Choir which performs every term in venues such as York Minster.

We also have regular live music and occasional club nights on campus including:

  • jazz and folk nights at Vanbrugh College. It's also a venue for music lessons and workshops
  • a varied programme of concerts from folk to classical in the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall on campus
  • The Courtyard and The Glasshouse host our campus club nights three times a term. Timewarp at The Courtyard travels back from today's chart toppers through the '00s to the classics of the '90s and '80s, while Marmite at The Glasshouse is a cheesy pop night
  • The Courtyard also hosts regular fun karaoke nights.

Fun fact: Jimmi Hendrix played a gig on campus in 1967! We've named 'Hendrix Hall' after him. If you come to an Open Day you might have a talk in there.

The Carnabys performing on campus during Freshers' Week 2015.

Josh
"There is an immense number of student-run music groups, from folk bands to jazz bands, gospel choirs to clarinet choirs – there’s even a guitar orchestra! And the brilliant thing is that if you see a space for a group that doesn’t currently exist, there’s nothing stopping you from setting it up yourself!"
Josh, Music student. Read Josh's blog post.
Students performing in West Side Story with the Central Hall Music Society.

Drama, comedy and dance

There are lots of student societies dedicated to performance. A few highlights include:

  • the Central Hall Music Society is York's musical theatre society. They put on a huge performance every year - previous shows include Anything Goes, Sister Act and Legally Blonde
  • every week the Drama Society (DramaSoc) puts on three performances of a well-known play for their weekend show, and showcases original student writings at their Monday Open Drama Nights (ODNs). They have their own black box theatre, known as the Drama Barn
  • join the Comedy Society to perform improvised comedy, sketches, stand-up and panel shows. They often take shows to Edinburgh Fringe Festival!

Student performance of Alice in Wonderland.

Fun fact: Comedian Harry Enfield is a York graduate!

Grace
"I’m part of the Swing Dance Society. I discovered it at the end of my first year and it has taken over my life. I’d like to call it a healthy obsession, but I’m afraid I would be lying. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, it’s great fun, you get to travel and visit new places, it counts as exercise (woohoo!)"
Grace, Maths student. Read Grace's blog post.

Arts

Express yourself or simply be inspired by the art on offer around campus:

  • the Norman Rea Art Gallery in Derwent College is run entirely by students. They showcase the art work of students and professional artists in exhibitions throughout the year
  • the Art Society runs life drawing classes, workshops, holds termly exhibitions and trips to art galleries
  • you can also get creative in our painting, printmaking and ceramics art studios on campus.

Dotted around campus you'll also spot various pieces of sculpture.

The Art History Society at the York City Art Gallery for their Christmas party.

  • our annual Langwith Scott Awards celebrate the art of students, staff and members of the public
  • the Creative Writing Society (also known as York Inklings) provide opportunities to write and share ideas
  • you can also share your love of poetry with Slam.

Fun fact: The sculpture out the back of James College is made from bits of the last steam train in York.

Eleni
"Whilst lost on campus, I came across Active Arts by wandering into the cafe next door (being lost requires a muffin) and I learnt that for a small fee yearly or per term you can have access to the studio. So if at 2am you fancy a little printing, painting or ceramics you can. The department also offer courses run weekly and I have been enjoying learning different printing techniques."
Eleni, Midwifery student. Read Eleni's blog post.

Cinema

York Student Cinema is a student-run cinema on campus that is open to everyone.

They usually show films around three times a week during term time and it's the cheapest cinema in York at just £4 per ticket (or £3 if you become a member!), or you could get an annual pass for £20.

Ideas and inspiration

Our campus is a hub for sharing knowledge, inspiring collaboration and enriching lives.

York Festival of Ideas

Our annual Festival of Ideas features world-class events on campus and across the city, for all ages and interests.

YorkTalks

From climate change to robotics, YorkTalks is a day of inspirational short talks about the world-leading research happening at York.

Academic societies

Expand your subject knowledge, enhance your employment prospects and take part in fun activities with fellow students.