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Local and commuting students

Your local Russell Group University with a guaranteed offer or interview*, closer to home.

Tailored support. Potential of a guaranteed offer or interview. York provides everything you need to find your future as a commuter student.

With a world-class university on your doorstep, why move away? Here at York we have hundreds of students who commute to campus and thrive within a university experience that works for them. 

You don't have to go far, to go far.

*Eligibility criteria apply, see details below.

Commuting has let me keep a foot in both worlds, saving money at home while getting the full academic experience at York. I wasn’t uprooting my entire life to a new place. For some people that works, but it just wasn’t for me.
Georgie. Read Georgie's blog post.

A potential guaranteed offer or interview for local students

You may be eligible for a guaranteed offer or interview, if you meet all of the following criteria: 

  • You are taking, or have already taken, qualifications that would enable you to meet your course entry requirements, including any English language and GCSE requirements and any essential subject requirements. For many courses, we accept a wide range of qualifications that are considered equivalent to A-levels, including BTECs, Access to HE Diplomas, T Levels, and a variety of international and other recognised qualifications.
  • You live within Yorkshire, the Humber or Tees Valley regions and are eligible for Home fee status. 

Your eligibility is based on your postcode and will be assessed automatically at the point of application, using information provided on your UCAS application form. If you are unsure whether your postcode is eligible, you can check via our postcode checker.

Check your postcode 

Please note that this applies to all undergraduate courses at the University of York. Courses at Hull York Medical School are not included in this scheme.

Oversubscribed courses

Where a course is oversubscribed we may be unable to make you an offer, or invite you to attend an interview, because:

  • You have applied after the UCAS deadline and your chosen course is full/closed
  • You do not meet the expected predicted grades/selection criteria for your course

In this event we will, where possible, make you an offer for an alternative course.

Being a local or commuting student means you can:

  • Stay connected to your community, part-time job, or family commitments.
  • Better manage budgets and living costs
  • Be part of a college and enjoy our vibrant student life at York.
  • Access support and facilities specifically tailored to make your commuter experience easy and enjoyable.
  • Enjoy use of our on-site parking, lockers, food and drink venues and gyms in between or after lectures - giving you a practical balance of studying and university life while on campus.

With exceptional public transport, supportive university staff, and money-saving tips like railcards, it’s more than possible to make this unique balance work for you, blending the best of both worlds.

Lucas Broadbent, Undergraduate Commuter Student. Read Lucas' story.

What's it really like to commute?

At York, we support our commuting students to make your life easy.

Travel is straightforward

With regular buses, trains, cycle routes and on-campus parking, it’s simple to get to York from across the region, including North and East Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Tees Valley. 

Full details on travelling to York 

"The drive from my hometown to York takes about 30 minutes [...] I’ve got a solid routine now that works for me. Plus, with a good playlist or podcast, the commute often feels like a nice break in the day." 

- Georgie, Undergraduate Biology Student. Read Georgie's experience as a commuter student.

A commuter-friendly campus

Between lectures, seminars or events, there’s always a place for you and your belongings on campus.

You'll have access to on-campus lockers, kitchens, and places to chill. You don’t need to carry everything around or feel like you need to pack loads every day.

Storing your belongings and travelling light

  • Lockers are available for your belongings such as books, sports kit or a change of clothes.
  • The University has a laptop loan service so you can leave yours at home on days you want a lighter bag.

Study spaces

  • Wherever you are on campus, you’ll find study spaces to suit you. From the library and bookable pods to quiet study spaces and open-access hubs, it’s easy to work or relax and between your teaching schedule.
  • We have designated cafés , alongside silent zones and wellbeing and sensory retreat rooms. 

facilities on campus 

Eating and Drinking

  • You can find student kitchens in the Library, your college and some departments if you fancy making a brew or heating up lunch.
  • Food outlets like Greggs, Nisa (mini supermarket), college dining halls and our on-campus venues are great for keeping you fuelled throughout the day.

 

Overnight accommodation

Want to go to a late night social or avoid an early start? 

If you travel 20 miles or more to the University of York’s main campus, you can book reduced-rate overnight accommodation on campus. Through this initiative you can stay up to 15 nights in one academic year in a single ensuite room in Franklin House for £30 per night.

Other reasonably priced accommodation is also available close to the University of York campus, including the Travelodge on Hull Road

Learn more about our overnight accommodation 

A shared student experience

We have a vibrant community of local and commuting students, meaning you’re not on your own. There’s even opportunity at the Students’ Union to join social groups and events specifically for those who enjoy their commuter student lifestyle.

Student Communities events

Commuting and local students are eligible to be part of our Student Communities programme. Part of this programme gives you access to additional support as well as a calendar of social events for students with a similar university experience to you.

Pre-arrival familiarisation

Local and commuting students are welcome to attend the 1-day Step Ahead event, which takes place a few weeks before teaching begins. Step Ahead is a chance to get familiar with campus, meet people who’ll be travelling in too, and feel settled from day one.

Our Step Ahead event 

Student Buddies

You can request a Student Buddy who will share their university tips, answer questions you didn’t even know you had, and make sure you’ve got someone in your corner.

 

Find your people

At York, commuting doesn’t mean compromising. Wherever you live, you belong. Some students choose to commute and wonder what that means for making friends or joining in with university life.

Every student - whether you live on or off campus - is welcomed into one of our colleges, giving you an instant community complete with events, wellbeing support, and dedicated social spaces.

Find out about colleges 

Societies and Sport

With over 250 societies and a huge variety of sports clubs, there are countless opportunities to get stuck in. Because our groups are student-run, their activities are designed with student timetables in mind - so whether you’re on campus for the day or just a few hours, you’ll find ways to join in, have fun, and build lasting friendships.

Ready to find your place?

Apply now 

Find your course