Student life
York - a fantastic student
city. Thousands of
people every year can’t be
wrong!
York is an amazing place to visit - so just think
what it must be like to live here. A stroll through the bustling
city centre will convince you that Yorkshire’s historic capital is
a fascinating place with a lot going on.
York has an incredible cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Centuries of history are presented with a new millennium twist.
Medieval halls and churches are alongside contemporary shopping and
entertainment developments.
York St John University nestles at the foot of the
impressive city walls, with York Minster rising majestically in the
background.
The climb to the top of the Central Tower gives you
a bird’s eye view of this compact city’s layout, with its narrow,
cobbled streets, open squares and green spaces. It’s hard not to
find history fascinating when it lives and breathes around you.
The city’s Viking heritage comes to life every year
in a rowdy, fun-packed festival with hoards of Vikings taking
occupation of the streets; you can also step aboard a time car in
the world-famous Jorvik Viking Centre to travel back to 948AD.
The condemned cell, where the infamous highwayman,
Dick Turpin, spent his last night in 1739, lies within the walls of
York Castle Museum. The National Railway Museum is not just for
train spotters and you can even catch the Plague at the York
Dungeon!
The arts feature strongly in York’s cultural life.
The York Mystery Plays continue a tradition of community
performances dating back to the 14th century. Contemporary drama,
and much more besides, is on offer at the Theatre Royal and the
Grand Opera House. Film buffs will appreciate City Screen - an arts
cinema housed in a refurbished printing works.
Music, in all its guises, finds an audience in
venues across the city, and York boasts 365 pubs - one for every
day of the year!
Traditional hospitality is available on every
street and you have a range of styles to choose from. Real ale
lovers are in for a treat, as are those who like to frequent café
bars. Something for every taste and pocket, as special rates and
student discounts abound.
The same can be said for the city’s restaurants and
eateries. Just choose to suit your mood and your price range.
York’s clubs, including the award-winning Gallery, will soon take
care of any energy you may have left.
You may, however, prefer the exercise offered by a
serious spot of retail therapy. Everything from large department
stores to tiny specialist shops is available within easy walking
distance of the campus.
A browse in the shops on Stonegate, for example,
can take in ethnic sculptures, perfumed candles, stained glass and
designer ball gowns. The outdoor Newgate Market, right at the
centre of the city, offers a more traditional shopping experience.
And the bookshops cater for all your academic needs.
York is also a fantastic starting point from which
you can explore more of what Yorkshire has to offer.
The Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors are both
National Parks, accessible by public transport, where you will find
incredible scenery and bracing, fresh air.
The seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby also
make the perfect destination for a day out (and do great fish and
chips). If you fancy a trip further afield, London is only two
hours away by train.
By joining us, you will become a member of the
lively, vibrant, citywide community of over 20,000 students. You
will realise that one of the best things about York is that it
appreciates its students.