Moving to York
Sophie, a Graduate Ambassador from York St John University, talks about her decision to move away to study at university.
It is strange to think that initially, when I was looking at universities, I was adamant I wanted to live at home and commute daily to university.
I hadn’t considered York St John before because it would have been over a 2-hour commute one way. However, having heard of good things from a family friend who had chosen York St John and I had heard about the city, my dad and I went on a recce to York and YSJU to look around and we stepped onto campus and my mind changed immediately, I wanted to come here and to live in York and move away from home.
Moving away from home at 18 at the time I was nervous if I am being very honest! I am from a small village in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire and growing up in a rural community with lots of greenery was a million miles away from the bustling streets of York. Moving to a city, not knowing anyone or the surroundings was a daunting, but exciting prospect. Now looking back, for me, it was the best decision I ever made. I have made so many fond memories of moving away and embarking upon my university experience and adulthood. From flat shopping trips to the supermarkets, late nights watching movies together, going to Halloscream was and still is an annual thrilling trip with my flatmates, midnight trips to McDonalds, cooking together and exploring student life as a fresher! I have made so many memories living and studying in York and I loved my time as a student in the city. The most important aspect for me was my independence which I suddenly found moving away from home because I was solely responsible for myself and I had to learn how to use a washing machine (it was easier than I thought!).
Any advice I can give someone thinking or debating whether to move away from home is go for it! Try it and give it a go, push yourself out of your comfort zone! I have now finished university after 4 years of studying and now I am a working girl living in the city!
Best wishes, Sophie