Image of York Minster
City of YorkStudent LifeStudy

Life as a student in York

Megan

Moving to a new city can be exciting but it can also be daunting. You are most likely moving somewhere far away from home where you don’t know many people, so I thought I would draw up some key information about my time in York and at York St John as a recent graduate to help you submerge yourself into life as a student in the historic town of York.

Shopping

Whether you’re a shopaholic, a bargainer or have a love for rummaging through the charity shops, then York has a lot to offer.

  • McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, available by bus or car, the outlet is only a short drive away. You can catch the number 7 bus outside the dungeons, which takes around 30 minutes. Some top picks include Next Outlet, Nike, and Champion plus over 120 more.
  • Monks Cross Shopping Park is also available by bus, car or a 2.2-mile walk from the centre. It offers shops such as JD, Primark, New Look and many more.
  • Foss Island Retail Park, mostly supermarkets Foss Island has Morrisons, Iceland, Lidl, and Waitrose, as well as Home Bargains, B&M and Greggs.
  • The City Centre, offers many High-street shops including H&M, Zara, Flannels, Boots, Superdrug, M&S and multiple others. As well as Oxfam, Mind, British Heart Foundation and vintage shops to also help you shop sustainably.
  • Independent shops, York is full of quirky and unique one-of-a-kind shops from The Cat Gallery to The York Ghost Merchants.

Nightlife 

York is known for its copious number of cocktail bars and eateries. Some notable mentions include Stone Roses Bar for a cheap drink and good music, Manhatta for some cocktails on draught (so no waiting around) and many places do two for one cocktails which helps with the cost. Here is a rundown of the clubs that York has to offer:

  • Popworld (student night Mondays)
  • Manahatta (student night Wednesdays)
  • Club Salvation (student night Fridays)
  • Flares (weekly events)
  • Ziggy’s Bar

Food 

Whatever you are feeling York has a lot to offer, it is a foodie’s dream. So, if you’re looking for a quiet bite to eat or want a sit-down meal there is something for everyone. Here I’ve listed below some great options for all occasions.

Food on the go 

  • Shambles market, world famous the market’s eateries offer mostly takeaway service with a few shared tables, so if you’re feeling Thai or burgers and a quick bite then head on down.
  • Middle Feast, home to the best shawarma, it will definitely keep your belly full for a while and stretch out that student budget.
  • The York Roast Co, found at two locations across the city they offer a great Yorkshire pudding wrap filled with all the trimmings.

Breakfast 

  • Brew and Brownie are known for their amazing brunches and tasty pancakes; you will usually find a queue outside no matter what time you go, so it is a must.
  • Nice To See You, just a small stroll away from campus they offer sit in and takeaway breakfast or just a nice warm atmosphere to get started on some work with a coffee.
  • Robinson’s, a short walk across the river they are known for their pancake stacks and eggs Benedict.

Restaurants

  • Ipfu Sushi, offering authentic Japanese sushi, they also offer a range of hot and cold food as well.
  • Caesars Italian, housing amazing Italian food from lasagne to pizza, Caesars has it all.
  • Cosy Club, full of quirky and vintage decorations, it is perfect for all occasions, either brunch or dinner as well as Teatime Tipple of 2-4-1 cocktails.

Cafes 

  • Cat Whiskers Café, if you are missing your family pet then head over to see this café where you will be greeted by felines and coffee.
  • Coffee Culture, on Goodramgate Coffee Culture sits in a historic original building with a small winding staircase to get to your seats. If it’s a nice day, then you can enjoy a light bite outside.
  • La Bottega, a small family run Italian coffee shop serving afternoon tea, brunch and deli items.

Budget Friendly 

  • Too good to go, is a great app to help reduce food waste but it is a great way to grab something tasty for breakfast lunch or dinner. Each day a choice of places create bags of food which they haven’t sold. In theory these items would have ended up in the bin, so with you purchasing for around £3 it stops food waste (the value of the bag is usually much more).
  • UNiDAYS, will be your best friend at university as it gives special discounts to students online and in-store. This is a great way to grab a meal on a budget, some of these places include: YO! with 20% off food and drink, Byron with 30% off (Sunday to Wednesday) and Bella Italia with 30% food (Sunday to Thursday). Some of these deals switch out so be sure to add your favourite brands on the app to get notified when new deals start.

Events 

There are many standout events which run yearly all over York which are great to get involved in, from food festivals to ice trails. Here is a selection of the amazing events and festivals which run yearly:

  • Restaurant week, which is usually twice yearly, runs throughout a week in March and October each year, offering discounted menus for several places across York.
  • Food & Drink Festival, often in September or early October, the festival brings multiple stalls in the centre of York, ranging from sweet treats to bread.
  • St Nicholas Christmas Fair, runs from mid-November till 23rd December, it transforms York into one of the most festive cities in the UK.  The market thrives on supporting York traders in supplying a space for them to sell their products ranging from Chili Jam to Gin.
  • York Residents Festival, a whole weekend of discounted visits to some of the local attractions from Clifford’s tower to the dungeons.
  • York Festival of Ideas, a festival of free events which strive to educate, entertain and inspire others.

Culture

  • York Museum Gardens houses archaeological and geological finds from across Europe, as well unique exhibitions which change each year. Tickets cost £8 or are free to York Residents.
  • Aesthetica Film Festival, is an annual week-long festival that showcases short films from all over the world, as well as masterclasses, panels and workshops to get involved in.

History  

York is home to a very historic past, with Vikings and medieval history there is plenty to sink your teeth into.

  • The City Walls, stretching over 2.1 miles around the city, this is a free activity that will certainly, get your heart pumping.
  • JORVIK Viking Centre, tells the story of Viking past where an archaeological excavation led to the discovery of York’s hidden history.
  • York’s Chocolate Story, explore York’s history of chocolate and learn how to make it or just pop on in for a sweet treat.

Megan

Hi, my name is Megan, and I am a recent graduate from York St John University. During my time at university, I learned a trick or two about life as a student, so I thought I’d share my experiences to help you get the most of yours.