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 have a once in a lifetime experience, like performing an opera or taking a comedy sketch to the Edinburgh Fringe festival.

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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.

York has a lot of music-related societies that are led by a professional conductor. There’s the University Choir, The 24, University Symphony Orchestra and more. If you like something more ambitious or experimental, there are also some student-run ensembles. Either way, you will definitely be able to get your music fix here.

Adam, Music student. Read Adam's blog post.

Students performing in West Side Story with the Central Hall Music Society.

Perform medieval re-enactments with the Re-Enactment Society
If dancing is your thing, there is a wide variety to choose from such the Dance Society and the Swing Dance Society
If you'd prefer to be a spectator you could join the Theatre-Goers Society to see plays across the city and beyond.

Fun fact: Comedian Harry Enfield is a York graduate!

The Swing Dance Society had a free ‘Give It A Go’ session on, so I plucked up the courage to go. Hendrix Hall was completely packed with other Freshers’ ‘giving it a go’, which made for a pretty sweaty lesson. Because swing dance is a social dance, you get to meet a bunch of new people straight off the bat.

Annabel, English Literature student. Read Annabel'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, termly exhibitions and trips to art galleries. They also run Wentworth Studios, a creative space for painting, printmaking and ceramics.

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 behind James College is made from bits of the last steam train in York.

When I started my postgraduate degree at York, I was amazed at the range of societies available. During my undergrad, I joined my previous university’s art society; but I didn’t go very often. This year, I wanted to make an effort and I’m so glad I did! Art Society has been a great way to develop my skills and have a chance to unwind outside of my degree.

Megan, MSc Bioarchaeology. Read Megan'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. 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 £30.