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.

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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.

"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.

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!

"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.

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.

"While lost on campus, I came across Active Arts by wandering into the cafe next door (being lost requires a muffin) and I learned 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.