York Through a Student’s Eyes

Within my time in York, I have come to see and experience all the wonders it has as a city. It has the most beautiful architecture and history within it, as well as lots of natural green spaces. But something that really stands out to me about York as a student is just how safe it is and how safe I feel there.

Like all cities, you should still be cautious when walking around late at night. But York is the first city where I haven’t felt unsafe walking around on my own as a female in the evening/late at night.

About York

York is an incredible city to be a student in if you are seeking that aesthetic ‘Pinterest-like’ student experience. It has beautiful scenic study spots and parks within the city, as well as endless independently owned cafes to work in or meet with friends. As well as the famous locations in York, there are also so many hidden treasures within the city, and finding these is what makes living here as a student so exciting.

Coming from a tiny village in Northumberland, I wasn’t expecting York to feel like home for me as it was so different to where I lived back home. However, the friendliness and comfort of York, as well as the amazing people I met there, quickly helped me settle in and eventually call it home. It is the small things when moving to university that make it feel special.

Things to do in York

For me, this included everyday things such as making meals with flatmates and going to the pub after lectures with my course friends. I also took day trips to Scarborough on the coast liner bus, road trips with friends and staying up all night chatting with friends and flatmates.

The River

A place within York that really sticks out to me as one of my highlights of York is just how beautiful sitting by the river is. The river running through York has incredibly beautiful walkways along it. It is such a beautiful walk, and seating all along the river.

The river also has the city cruise, and in the warmer months, a canal boat that sells ice cream! I am lucky enough that where my house in York is located, you are able to walk down the river to get to it from town.

Therefore, walking down the river to and back from university has become a regular walk for me, which makes walking to and back from university so special. York truly is an incredible university city, especially with York St John being in the city centre, and being able to see the most beautiful parts of York every day.

Find out more about York St John and the Student life in the City of York