Commuting students guide to YSJ
If you’re a student commuting to York St John University, you might be wondering how to make your day as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether it’s finding the best spots to study, grabbing affordable food, or making sure you get a good parking space, here are some tips to help you out! I myself do not commute but don’t worry – I’ve made sure to check with multiple commuting students and ask for their top tips to help create the best guide!
Best spots on campus to hang out & study:
One of the best things about York St John is that there are plenty of great spots to chill, study, or catch up with friends. As a commuter, you’ll likely have quite a bit of free time in breaks, so need somewhere to work and relax! Here are a few of my favourites:
The Library (Fountains) – If you need a quiet space to focus, this is the place to be. There are comfy sofas and chairs downstairs, plus a silent study area upstairs if you need to concentrate. The downstairs area is more relaxed, so you can chat with friends while you work. There are plenty of computers to use, printers if you need them, and support staff will always be there during the day to help out if you need it – they often lay out colouring or puzzles too if you need a brain break!
The Student Union – Downstairs now called Archies – is a great place to grab affordable food, enjoy a good drink, and work in a chill atmosphere. Perfect for a casual study session or just hanging out between classes. The menu has just been updated and I can’t wait to try all the new bits! Plus you can even earn loyalty points by tapping your student card that you can spend on food, drinks and merch! Upstairs is the Lounge with a great range of hot drinks and fun seasonal drinks, now including bubble tea which I can’t wait to try! Prices start at literally £1 so you can’t go wrong!
Holgate Study Booths – Holgate has plenty of good study spots, but what makes it extra special are the booths! These bookable booths are amazing for group study sessions or if you just want a more enclosed space to work in peace, they all have plug sockets and are great at blocking out noise!
The Canteen – Super budget-friendly food options make this a great place to study and eat without breaking the bank. They have breakfast and dinner options with super cheap drinks and a range of seats which make it a great spot to eat and work at the same time!
The Creative Centre – The big stairs with seats and plug sockets are perfect for when you need a change of scenery but still want to get some work done. From my experience they are less busy as they are not as widely known, but are a great place for people to watch, work and talk with friends!
Bring Your Own Food (But Also Treat Yourself!):
While York St John has some affordable food options, bringing your own meals can save you a lot of money, especially if you’re on campus for long hours. That said, I highly recommend treating yourself to the pizza, chips, and drink meal deal at least once a week. I have to force myself to have it only once a week because it’s so good.
The library also has a microwave upstairs if you prefer to bring food you can warm up – but sandwiches are always a good option to bring, YSJ always has tempting sweet treats that might catch your eye afterwards anyways.
If you need a little pick-me-up, grab a coffee from Fountains Café or the canteen for just £2. It’s a small expense that makes a big difference during a long day. And if you’ve brought your own lunch, girl math says it’s practically free!
Parking Tips:
If you’re driving to campus, arrive early! Parking fills up quickly, especially at The Grange, which is the closest spot for commuters. If you get there late, you might have to park at Limes Court, which means a longer walk and potentially being late for class. Save yourself the stress and aim to get to campus with plenty of time to spare. Even as someone who doesn’t commute, I did live in the Grange and have witnessed plenty of people arrive a tad late and pay the price of having nowhere to park, don’t let that be you!
Plan for Long Breaks
One downside of commuting is that you can’t just pop home for a nap like non-commuters can. Instead of sitting around bored, take advantage of this and use your long breaks wisely:
- Get ahead on assignments or reading.
- Grab food and catch up with friends.
- Find a cozy spot on campus to relax and recharge.
- Book a study booth if you need to focus on work.
Even as a non commuter I try and stay at uni during my breaks to make sure I stay ahead – make yourself an action plan and stick to it! I have a never ending to do list but it helps me manage all my work so much better!
Commuting to York St John doesn’t have to be a hassle – with a bit of planning, you can make the most of your time on campus. Find your favorite study spots, balance bringing your own food with treating yourself, and always be early for parking!
To find out more information about commuting to YSJ, check our website which contains advice for local and commuting students.
To learn more about how to get around in York once you’re here, read our blog on transport links, cycle routes and walking trails.
