Culture and entertainment

Whether you want to play, watch, listen or perform, there are lots of ways to enjoy culture on campus.

Through one of our Students' Union supported societies, you could spark a lifelong passion or have a once in a lifetime experience. This could include performing in an opera, getting cast in one of our drama productions or taking a comedy sketch to the Edinburgh Fringe.

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On Wednesday evenings, I often go to the weekly concert. Music students get free tickets, and performances include everything from piano trios, to student ensembles, to a cappella groups. My personal favourite this term was a concert given by The Swingles!

Sarah, BA Music. Read Sarah's blog post.

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.
The Courtyard and The Glasshouse host our campus club nights. 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 shameless cheesy pop night. The Courtyard also hosts regular fun karaoke nights.

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

Since becoming a member of the comedy society, I’ve been blessed with lots of opportunities. I performed in many shows inside and outside the university. Most recently, I performed in the Edinburgh Fringe for a month as a member of our sketch troupe, The Dead Ducks!

Eloise, BSc Psychology. Read Eloise's blog post.

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

Perform medieval re-enactments with the Re-Enactment Society, with a current focus on the Viking and Saxon eras.
If dancing is your thing, there is a wide variety to choose from such the Dance Society and the Swing Dance Society. You could also explore some Gaana dance moves with the Tamil & Mallu Society.
If you'd prefer to be a spectator you could join the Theatre-Goers Society to see plays, cinema screenings and musicals across the city and beyond.

Fun fact: Comedian Harry Enfield is a York graduate!

I am not an especially well-travelled person. So, being afforded the opportunity to visit the 2022 Venice Biennale on a subsidised History of Art field trip was an incredible opportunity.

James, BA History of Art. Read James'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, 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 with the likes of weekly art workshops and open mic nights.
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 Soc.

Fun fact: The sculpture behind James College is made from bits of the last steam locomotive built in York.

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 each semester. 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.