“Literature is a luxury; fiction is a necessity.”― G.K. Chesterton
York St John University – Campus
York St John University was founded in 1841 and is located in the heart of York. The university has a small, yet striking campus, with views of both the city walls and the grand York Minster. York St John University truly is the embodiment of York, as it blends together the old and the new. The most beautiful of which is the Quad – an archaic square in the centre of the university. The Quad is a stunning area in every season of the year. During the winter, the square becomes a gothic environment which, in the summer, transforms into a bright and lively setting. It is the perfect place to read a book or simply escape from the bustle of university life. The old chapel is also a notable feature of York St John University. The chapel has now been converted into a lecture theatre, yet still contains its iconic stained glass windows.
The more recent addition to York St John University is the De Grey Court, which was designed by leading architect Charles Thomson. The building forges together a range of artistic styles and a pair of Georgian style listed buildings. De Grey Court holds a 150-seat lecture theatre and several teaching spaces, making it the ideal learning environment.
The Fountains also represents the modern half of the university, with a state of the art lecture theatre. The Fountains also holds a Costa Coffee and the library/ Information Learning Services. The Costa Coffee has student priced/ discounted drinks and offers the perfect place to meet with friends or simply have a quiet coffee. Across the hall is the library. The ground floor is open 24/7 and is a great place to hold group discussions or meet with study groups. This floor also houses the Service Desk, where you can ask questions and gain assistance. The first floor is a lively study environment, perfect for casual studying or research. This floor also contains a group study room, specifically designed for study groups. The second floor is a silent area, ideal for distraction free, independent work. The library is equipped with free-to-use computers and contains a vast collection of books, eBooks and academic journal articles. Here you will also find printers and photo copiers. The Fountains building also has a skybridge, connecting both the Fountains and De Grey Court together.
The Holgate building houses the Student Advice Team, who provide support to students in areas such as: money, disability, careers, health and international student information. The York St John university reception and student services reception desk is also available from Holgate. The building also offers an alternative studying room, as it is equipped with computers, printers and study pods. The newly refurbished dining room is connected to Holgate and provides hot and cold food and drinks throughout the day. Freshly baked Pizza can also be bought here.
The newly built Students Union is a particular highlight for the students at York St John University. The ground floor contains of a modern student bar equipped with comfy seating and multiple T.V screens. The bar serves a variety of drinks, ranging from beer to soft drinks. The area is a cool, enjoyable environment, perfect for meeting up with friends and class mates. The shop is also housed on the ground floor and sells items such as: snacks, stationary and clothing. The First floor holds a café, which serves Starbucks coffee and food, and the student union offices.
York St John University is a small campus that forges together both the old and the new. By being a small university, we have established a strong sense of community. By being just outside the city walls, York St John University is in a prime location. Here at York St John University we have a wonderful campus, equipped with all a student needs.
By Joseph Wright
York St John University Students’ Union
The newly refurbished Students’ Union can be found in the heart of the campus. Equipped with two bars, a shop and a Starbucks, it caters to many different students across York St John.
The Information Point
The information point is the first place to go if you have a problem. Located in the SU, it is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday. If you have a problem, such as losing something at an SU event, or you need to pick up an NUS discount card, or have to book a meeting with a member of SU staff or a Sabbatical Officer, head to the service desk for help.
Adjacent to the service desk is the SU shop that stocks everything you will need for your university studies, as well as YSJ branded souvenirs and goods.
The Bar
On the ground floor of the Students’ Union is a bar. It serves a variety of beverages and food from midday until late. The bar also has a six TVs dotted around the room which show sports, TV shows and much more.
The Coffee Lounge
Above the bar, you will find the Coffee Lounge which contains a Starbucks and a selection of cold food. The Coffee Lounge also doubles up as a second bar in the evenings.
More information about the Students’ Union can be found here: https://ysjsu.com/index.php/home
Societies
At York St John, you can sign up to many different societies, which have been divided into four sections: Course Based, Performance, Culture & Faith and Hobbies & Interests. Alongside any of these societies, you can also keep fit by joining a sports team, which cater to both casual and competitive sportsmen.
You can find out more information here: https://www.ysjsu.com/activities/Societies
Events
The Students’ Union holds a variety of events weekly, including £1 pint, YSJSU Unplugged and a pub quiz. It also holds lots of different events, such as Archie’s Day, The Ultimate Frisbee Event and the YSJ Summer Carnival.
More information on these events can be found at: https://www.ysjsu.com/Events
By Phoebe Gurd