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Student life

Going to university is about much more than your degree - you'll never have so many opportunities to meet new people, experience new things and make friends for life!

You can get involved in societies, sports, college life, volunteering and much more. With clubs from TikTok to Tolkien, you'll meet people who share your interests, no matter how niche. And if you feel something is missing, it's easy to set up a society of your own.

Our Students' Union also has networks and support groups for a range of communities, including BAME Network, Women's Network, LGBTQ Network and the International Students' Association.

Over 200 societies

all entirely organised by and for students

Over 65 sports clubs

plus lots of college sports clubs

Plenty of volunteering projects

and lots of other volunteering opportunities to get involved in

We believe that University should be more than just about your course. Through the Union, we provide the highest number of student societies, sports clubs, networks and volunteering projects per capita in the country, allowing you to make friends, and develop skills beyond the classroom.

Pierrick Roger, University of York Students' Union President 2022/24

I have fully embraced student life during my time at the University. Being president of James College Tennis, DJ to Circus and Magic Society, and shooting in the archery at Roses are but a few of the cool things I have enjoyed doing. Many of my closest friends were made on sports teams and the student-run element really gives you the freedom to shape the club.

Kabeer, Physics

FAQs: student life at York

Who better to tell you about student life at York than some of our current students? Hear them talk about everything from LGBT+ student groups to Freshers' Week (2 mins).

Video

FAQs: student life at York

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Our Students' Union

The University of York Students' Union (YUSU) is at the heart of student life at York. They organise huge events such as Freshers' Week and Summer Ball, oversee over 200 student societies and represent your interests to the University and beyond (2 mins).

Student life in pictures

Graduation is one of the best days of your university experience, celebrating your academic achievements with both your friends and family. 
At the start of each academic year our Students' Union host a Freshers' Fair where every society and sports club has a stand. Sign up to try something new or get involved in something you've done for years. 
We have over 200 societies on campus, from radio to rowing, there’s something for everyone. If there’s something else you can think of, it’s really easy to set up your own.
There are over 65 sports societies here at York. We also host the largest inter-university sports competition in Europe with Lancaster University called Roses. Some of our sports clubs have professional coaches, but there’s every level and ability for everyone to get involved in.
The library is an important part of student life. Our main library is on Campus West, but there are lots of study spaces elsewhere. There's lots of different facilities to help you with your work and workspaces to suit every work style. 
Depending on the subject you've chosen to study, your teaching at university may feature lectures, seminars, labs, practicals, workshops, tutorials, or fieldwork. Here's an example of one of the many lecture theatres on Campus.
We have a range of bars and cafes on campus to work and socialise in, from the great coffee at The Kitchen at Alcuin to our campus pub The Vanbrugh Arms.

Are you an international student?

Being an international student at York is great. You can jump into something quintessentially British (tea society anyone?), as well as feeling close to home with one of many societies bringing together students from your country.

Hear from Mi Chelle on the reasons she chose York, including societies (2 mins).

Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG33zDsAKp8 on YouTube
Ethan
If you identify as LGBTQ+, are questioning your identity or just a brilliant ally, there are so many things you can get involved with and ways you can feel represented here at York. Not only is the city of York a liberal-minded city full of thriving independent queer-friendly businesses, but there are also loads of things going on on the University campus too.
Ethan, Biology. Read Ethan's blog post.
Soul
I went into University unsure of who I was and what my place would be here. And I’ve learnt that I didn’t have to find my place, my place would find me. I’m so grateful to the University of York and the people I met here for being such a big reason I was able to accept who I was.
Soul, Law. Read Soul's blog post.

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Student life
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