Summer as a student in York
Hi again, it’s Halyna – Forensic Psychology student, and I want to share what summer in York looks like for me—and maybe give you some ideas too!
What I’m doing for work
First, I’m lucky because I live in York, so I don’t need to travel far to enjoy this beautiful city. Over the summer, I’m working just two days a week at The Grand Hotel, where I’ve been employed for 18 months now. Before that, I worked at the Marriott Hotel. I actually found one of these jobs at a Jobs Fair and the others on Indeed—so if you’re looking for work in York, those are great places to start.
Lucky me—I also got a fun job as a blogger for York St John University (as you might have guessed!). It’s a great way to combine creativity with student life.
Where I like to go
When I’m not working, I love visiting places around York. Some of my favorites so far are Castle Howard, Whitby, Scarborough, and Hull (I love the aquarium there). These are perfect for day trips and give you a nice mix of nature, history, and sea air. But honestly? Sometimes best choice is just to explore York itself. I’m a big fan of discovering new coffee shops and cute cafés. I take pictures and write little reviews—it’s become one of my big hobbies!
And if you’re into history and mystery (who isn’t?), you should definitely check out All Saints’ Church on North Street. It’s a Grade I listed building with that perfect mix of old stories and peaceful vibes.
If you’re more into art, there’s the York Art Gallery with some really inspiring exhibitions. Or why not dive into the magical world of Van Gogh with a 360° digital art experience. It’s one of those fully engaging experiences that really sticks with you. And for something completely absorbing, The Castle Museum is a must-visit. Trust me, you can spend the whole day there—it’s huge! Plus, in summer, they have some outdoor displays.
Social life in York is lovely. I like to catch up with friends from time to time—one day we went to the Climbing Room, which is actually quite big in York! It’s so much physical effort but also such competitive fun. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, have a laugh, and burn some energy.
Preparing for the new academic year
As for preparing for the next academic year—I like to combine business with pleasure. Because I study Psychology and am genuinely fascinated by how the brain works, I’ve been doing a brain-themed colouring book that was actually recommended during our Biological Bases of Behaviour module. You can totally call me a nerd (go on, I don’t mind!), but I love it. I think it’s important to keep a little bit of study routine even during the break—it makes it less stressful when September rolls around. But hey, everyone’s different! Maybe for you, switching off completely is the way to go, and that’s fine too.
Final sunny thoughts
Another thing I love about spending summer in York is how it lets me slow down and enjoy simple – chargeless things. I’ve learned to manage my money better (because seriously—there is a lot of temptations), and I’ve found a nice balance between social time and quiet time.
One last thing: If you’re wondering whether to stay in York over the summer, I’d say absolutely yes. It gives you a chance to explore, work, meet new people, and honestly just enjoy the city without the usual academic pressure. Plus, you never know what opportunities might pop up!
That’s the way I spend my Summer as a student in York. Hope it helps you plan yours!
If you’d like to learn more about what you can do as a student in York here’s Amy-Louise sharing what her favourite things to do in York are
