AccommodationStudent Life

Student life in York  

YSJ Staff

Being a student in York is a truly unique experience, characterized by its perfect blend of historic charm and vibrant modern life. The city’s medieval architecture and picturesque streets create an inspiring backdrop for both study and leisure.  York’s rich history and vibrant cultural scene, including museums, theaters, and festivals, provide a stimulating environment for students. The city’s blend of ancient and modern attractions offers something for everyone.  

York offers a welcoming local community, with friendly residents and a strong sense of camaraderie among students. York is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the UK. According to the Complete University Guide’s 2024 Crime Rate Table, York has one of the lowest student-relevant crime rates in the country. 

 The compact size of the city makes it easy to navigate, whether you’re cycling along scenic paths, walking the ancient city walls, or enjoying the serene parks like Rowntree Park. York is known for its friendly and inclusive community, with numerous opportunities for students to get involved in local events and activities. The array of independent cafes, shops, and markets, along with a lively arts and music scene, ensures there’s always something to explore. York’s rich history combined with its dynamic student life makes it an ideal place to live and study. 

Plans before moving in 

We know that your summer is probably already jam-packed with fun activities, work, volunteering and social events; but before you make the big move to university, we have some suggestions for ‘what to do before you arrive’ that might make that transition a little bit easier: 

  • Plan a day trip to York with your friends or family, so you can familiarise yourself with the city and discover the best spots in the city. This is also a great opportunity to take note of important places which will play a key role in the weekly functionality of your student life, such as transports links, supermarkets and health care providers. Find out what the best city routes are, for example, the quickest route from the train station to the university. 
  • There will be lots of groups on Facebook set up that are course or society specific where you can get to know people who might have similar interests. Meeting people through social media may help you to settle in quicker. Our official Facebook groups will be made live in August, and advertised on our Instagram and Facebook pages.  
  • Make time to see all of your friends over summer because it will be harder to make these arrangements once your university life begins. Organise a meal, a group facetime, a game of football, a movie night etc. because before you know it, September will be here! 
  • Have a look at the Students’ Union website to see what upcoming events there’s going to be and what sports/societies we run. It’s common for the sports and societies to host their first social event or meet up in the first couple of weeks so it’s wise to get an idea of what you’d like to try – https://ysjsu.com/events 

Local events, venues and activities  

Student life in York is full of lots of activities and places to go, such as shows held in local venues or events put on across the year. This is a wonderful aspect of living in York, however we appreciate that this may sometimes be overwhelming if you are unsure about where or what to look at first. No worries! Our team has curated a list of our top picks which should give you a good understanding of what is available to take part in or visit during your time as a student in York.  

Historical and Cultural Sites 

  • York Minster: Explore one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. 
  • The Shambles: Walk through this iconic medieval street, known for its charming shops and historic buildings. 
  • York Castle Museum: Learn about the history of York and see the famous Victorian street, Kirkgate. 
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Experience the Viking history of York through immersive exhibits and reconstructions. 
  • York City Walls: Walk along the well-preserved medieval walls that encircle the city. 

Outdoor Activities 

  • Rowntree Park: Relax, study, or play sports in this large public park with beautiful gardens and a lake. 
  • Museum Gardens: Enjoy the botanical gardens and the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. 
  • Cycle the Solar System Route: A unique bike path that represents the solar system at a scale of 575,872,239 to 1. 

Annual Events and Festivals 

  • York Festival of Ideas: A diverse program of talks, performances, and workshops on various topics, usually held in June. 
  • York Food and Drink Festival: Celebrates local and international cuisine with street food, tastings, and demonstrations, typically in September. 
  • York Literature Festival: Features author talks, readings, and workshops, usually in March. 
  • Aesthetica Short Film Festival: Showcases independent films from around the world, held annually in November. 
  • York Residents’ Festival: A weekend of free or discounted entry to many local attractions for York residents, usually in January. 
  • Jorvik Viking Festival: A week-long celebration of York’s Viking heritage with reenactments, lectures, and family-friendly activities, held in February. 
  • Yorkshire Fringe Festival: A summer festival featuring a range of comedy, theater, and live performances. 

Music and Nightlife Venues 

  • The Crescent Community Venue: A popular spot for live music and club nights. 
  • The Fulford Arms: Hosts live music, comedy nights, and community events. 
  • The Stone Roses Bar: A music bar with a focus on indie and alternative tunes. 
  • The Basement: Located under City Screen Picturehouse, offering comedy nights, live music, and open mic events. 
  • The Habit: A cozy bar with live music and open mic nights. 
  • The Victoria Vaults: Known for its lively atmosphere and regular live music events. 
  • Student Union: Join clubs, societies, and attend events organized by the York St John Students’ Union.  
  • Nightclubs and Bars: Experience the vibrant nightlife at popular student spots like Club Salvation, The Stone Roses Bar, and The Habit. New venues like The Crescent Community Venue for live music are also great alternatives. 
  • Comedy Nights: Enjoy stand-up comedy at The Basement or The Hilt. 

Once you are an official student, if you do not have money for a taxi you are able to call Streamline Taxis and have the option to pay the next day. To do this, all you need to do is give them your student card, and collect it from the taxi ofce the next day after settling payment. Call Streamline Taxis here: 01904 656565.  

Theatres and Performance Venues 

  • York Theatre Royal: Offers a variety of plays, musicals, and performances throughout the year. 
  • Grand Opera House: Hosts touring West End productions, concerts, and comedy shows. 
  • Joseph Rowntree Theatre: A community-run theatre with a mix of amateur and professional productions. 
  • York Barbican: A large venue for concerts, comedy shows, and other performances. 

Cultural and Social Venues 

  • City Screen Picturehouse: An independent cinema with a café bar, offering mainstream, indie, and foreign films. 
  • York Art Gallery: Hosts exhibitions of contemporary and historical art, along with student-friendly events and workshops. 
  • National Centre for Early Music (NCEM): Offers concerts and workshops, particularly focusing on classical and early music. 
  • Spark: A community space with street food, pop-up shops, and events like open mic nights and workshops. 

Cultural Festivals and Events 

  • York Festival of Ideas: Attend talks, performances, and workshops on a wide range of topics. 
  • York Food and Drink Festival: Sample local and international cuisines during this annual festival. 
  • York Literature Festival: Participate in events celebrating literature and the arts. 

Shopping and Markets 

  • York Designer Outlet: Shop for discounted designer brands just a short bus ride from the city center. 
  • York Market: Visit the daily market in the city center for fresh produce, street food, and unique finds. 

Practical and Day-to-Day Activities 

  • York Explore Library and Archive: Provides study spaces, resources, and occasional cultural events and workshops. 
  • Fountains Library: Library and Learning Services provide students, staff and external visitors with a range of library and print services on our York and London campuses to support your learning, teaching and research. 
  • Cafes and Coffee Shops: Study or relax in popular student hangouts like Brew & Brownie, Gatehouse Coffee, or Spring Espresso. 

Sports and Outdoor Activities 

  • Haxby Road Sports Park and YSJActive: Offers a gym and various sports facilities.  
  • York Racecourse: Hosts horse racing events and other large-scale events, such as music concerts. 
  • Rowntree Park: A great place for outdoor sports, picnics, and community events. 
  • Cycle the Solar System Route: A fun cycling route representing the solar system, ideal for a day out with friends. 

Unique Experiences 

  • Ghost Walks: Take part in one of York’s famous ghost tours to learn about the city’s spooky history. 
  • York Dungeon: Explore this interactive experience that brings York’s dark history to life. 

These events, venues and activities offer a wide variety of activities to cater to different interests, ensuring students in York have plenty of options to explore and enjoy throughout the year. We would recommend following local venues and businesses on social media to keep an eye on upcoming events or pop-ups across the city throughout the year.  

Top websites and people to follow 

Here are our top websites which we would recommend to have in your favorites so that you are able to keep up to date with local news, events and places to visit: 

  • York St John University: www.yorksj.ac.uk – Official site for York St John University, with information for students, staff, and visitors. 
  • YSJ Events Team: www.yorksj.ac.uk/events – The York St John University Events Team page, providing information on university events, conferences, and activities. 
  • Visit York: https://visityork.org/ – The official tourism website for York, offering comprehensive information on attractions, events, accommodation, and dining. 
  • Indie York: www.indieyork.co.uk – A guide to York’s independent shops, cafes, bars, and other businesses, promoting the city’s vibrant local economy. 
  • York Mix: www.yorkmix.com – A local news and lifestyle website providing updates on events, culture, and community news in York. 
  • York Press: www.yorkpress.co.uk – The main news website for York, offering breaking news, sports, and local information. 
  • York Museums Trust: www.yorkmuseumstrust.org.uk – Information about York’s major museums, including York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery, and the Yorkshire Museum. 
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk – Details about the Jorvik Viking Centre, one of York’s most popular attractions, along with information on related events and exhibitions. 
  • York City Council: www.york.gov.uk – Official website for the City of York Council, providing information on local services, community initiatives, and news. 

Best places to eat and drink in York (Accommodation Team edition) 

As well as visiting the top spots in York activity-wise, dining within the city, from snacks whilst walking the city walls to sitting down for a cosy pub meal, are just as immersive and a great way to get a feel for your new home as a student. To make it extra easy for you, our team have put together a list of their top dining and beverage sites in the city which are great to visit. Who doesn’t love brunch? 

Breakfast / Brunch 

  • Partisan:  https://www.partisanuk.com/ 
  • Bruks:  https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186346-d3648259-Reviews-Bruks_Coffee_Shop-York_North_Yorkshire_England.html 
  • Robinsons Cafe: https://robinsonsyork.co.uk/ 
  • Osbournes:  https://osbornesat68.wordpress.com/ 
  • Drift-In: https://www.drift-incafe.co.uk/  

Lunch  

  • Catering at YSJ: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/campus-and-facilities/food-and-drink/ 
  • Shambles Market: https://visityork.org/business-directory/category/street-food/shambles-food-court 
  • Middle Feast: https://middlefeast-york.co.uk/ 

Dinner  

  • Rustique: https://www.rustiquerestaurants.co.uk/ 
  • Ippuku Tea House: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186346-d13290096-Reviews-Ippuku_Tea_House-York_North_Yorkshire_England.html 
  • YUZU: https://www.yuzustreetfood.com/ 
  • Marzano: https://www.marzanoitalian.co.uk/ 
  • Doe Eyed: https://www.dougheyed.uk/ 
  • Cresci Pizzeria: https://www.crescipizzeria.com/ 
  • Mommy Thai: https://www.mommythai.co.uk/ 

Coffee shops / Bakeries  

  • Heppni Bakeri  
  • Flori Bakery  
  • 200 Degrees  
  • Coffee Culture  
  • Rae and Webb  
  • North South  

Late night  

  • House of Trembling Madness 
  • Evil Eye  
  • Dusk  
  • Viking Beer Hall  
  • Valhalla  
  • Pivni  

Accounts to watch out for on social media  

Keep up to date with news and content published by key teams in the YSJ university community before you arrive to get you ready for your new student life! 

YSJ  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkstjohn/?hl=en 

X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/YorkStJohnref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yorkstjohn 

YSJ Accommodation 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysjaccommodation/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/york.accommodation 

YSJSU  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ysjsu/?hl=en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YSJStudentsUnion