York

Studying in York provides you with the opportunity to receive an excellent education while experiencing a uniquely beautiful and historic city. You will come away from your time in York with broadened horizons and excellent prospects for future employment.

University of York

A member of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities, the University of York maintains very high standards and attracts many respected academics. Established in 1963, it now has more than 30 departments that cover a broad range of subjects and in addition to teaching, works with institutions around the world, developing technologies and making discoveries to address many important global challenges.

York St John University

York St John University was originally established as the York Diocesan College in 1841 and achieved university status in 2006. By 2019, it had approximately 7,000 students enrolled across 100-degree courses at the undergraduate level, including biochemistry, biomedical science, occupational therapy, business management, music production, theatre, and many more.

Getting to know York requires understanding some of its incredibly rich heritage. Whether you attend cultural performances or visit historical monuments, you will find that there’s more to York than meets the eye.
We’ve already mentioned the city walls and York Minster, which are great places to start, but some other highlights include:

York Castle museum

Step into the past in this museum which stands on the site of York Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1068. The museum covers large parts of English history in a way that is sure to delight, letting you experience the past via sight, touch, taste, smell, and sound.

Fairfax House

This 18th-century townhouse once belonged to the Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax and was built according to the architectural design of the Georgian age. It was largely neglected following the death of its owner, briefly serving as a dance hall. During the 1980s, it was refurbished and is now open to the public, offering a glimpse of the homes and lifestyle of the Yorkshire nobility of old.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Recent years have seen a growing interest in the Vikings in shows like the appropriately named Vikings and The Last Kingdom. Now visitors can see the preserved remains of objects and structures from the Viking City of Jorvik. Get a glimpse of life circa 975AD, with the language, sounds, and smells of an authentic Viking settlement.

York nightlife

Of course, York is more than its history. York offers you exciting nights out, whether you enjoy hitting the cocktail bars and lounges, or live music and DJs. Kuda is a popular spot split into 3 rooms: the Tiki-themed bar, the Mambo lounge, and the dance floor. Maybe you would prefer a champagne weekend with DJ and meals at the Biltmore Bar & Grill.
Whatever you are looking for on your nights out, you will find it and more in York.

York has a vibrant food scene that offers everything from exotic street food to fine dining. Some highlights include:

Partisan

This independent, family-run Partisan is a quirky spot offering a cake shop, cafe, gallery, and restaurant. Partisan sources many herbs and vegetables from the owner’s farm on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds.

The Block

Students and pizza seem to go together, which makes The Block a natural choice when studying in York. Affordable and delicious, the Roman-style rectangular pizza slices at The Block are sure to become a regular part of your week.

Of course, York is more than its history. York offers you exciting nights out, whether you enjoy hitting the cocktail bars and lounges, or live music and DJs.

kuda

Kuda is a popular spot split into 3 rooms: the Tiki-themed bar, the Mambo lounge, and the dance floor. Maybe you would prefer a champagne weekend with DJ and meals at the Biltmore Bar & Grill.

Whatever you are looking for on your nights out, you will find it and more in York.

In many cases, if not most, students will have considerable budget restraints, but that doesn’t mean there are no attractions or activities available to them. Here are some things to do in York that are either free or at least inexpensive enough for students:

Walk Along the York City Walls

Taking a stroll along the city walls not only provides you with some fresh air and exercise, but it also gives you some insights into history via the informative plaques you will find along the way. These well-preserved Roman walls have been in place around the city centre for roughly 700 years. A full walk might take about 2 hours, depending on your walking speed.

The Shambles

Another great stroll can be had along the Shambles, a narrow, cobbled street in the heart of the city. Wander along and do some window shopping while listening to the street musicians and taking in the atmosphere. This is said to be the best-preserved medieval street in Europe, lined with “wattle and daub” buildings that now house cafes, restaurants, and charming boutiques.

The Shambles Market

If you are in the area anyway, you should take a little extra time to explore the daily market behind the Shambles. Here you’ll find a huge range of goods including local produce, delicious baked goods, clothes, books, flowers, and many unique items. If you’re hungry, you can sample some international snacks in the street food area complete with seating and wi-fi.

Free Guided Walking Tours

Learn about your new home with free walking tours courtesy of the Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York. Tours depart daily from Exhibition Square, working their way through the city and finishing in the Shambles. There is some variance to the route, though you can typically expect to pass by the King’s Manor, York Minster, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. St William’s College, and the haunted Treasurer’s house. The guides are knowledgeable and entertaining, making this a great outing, particularly for those new to the city.

York Early Music Festival

This is a weeklong festival taking place in early June. Each year it focuses on a different composer and theme. There are choral and chamber concerts and even symphonic performances in some of the most popular music venues.

York Minster

Ok, so this one isn’t free if you want to go in, but you can and should enjoy the stunning architecture of one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. Although the last stone was laid in the 1400s, the cathedral has been a beacon of Christendom since the 7th century.