Why I Chose York St John University

Why YSJ? 

Molly Broughton BA Counselling and Mental Health

In 2024, I attended ten different University open days across the country. Though each University offered different opportunities and experiences, when I visited YSJ, I instantly knew that I was going to do anything to make sure I could enrol.

I am now embarking on my third year here at YSJ, studying BA Counselling and Mental Health, and it is the best decision I have ever made.  

Studying Counselling was always something I knew I had to do after the turbulence of secondary school and college. With this dream also came the promise to myself that I would only come to university if I was undoubtedly certain that when I first walked through the doors of whichever university it might be. I knew that it would become my “home from home”.  

YSJ stood out like a blaring flame in the dark. As soon as I set foot on campus, I was greeted with an authentic and welcoming presence by every member of the community that I encountered. The beautiful campus is enough to make you say yes! However, visiting buildings such as the library, student union and classrooms gave me the immediate feeling that YSJ is a university that genuinely cares about its students- and I was correct!  

On my visit, I attended a welcome talk with the counselling team. Stepping into that room with my mum was nerve-wracking; I felt incapable, as if I wouldn’t be able to adapt to university life. When I walked out of the room an hour later, I felt more confident than ever.

I remember talking to my mum afterwards about the novelty of being a counselling student.

For the first time, I could see it. The lecture perfectly mapped out my journey, including module lists, assessments and support. It was apparent that YSJ cares more about the passion and dedication of students than anything else. It is a university where lifelong friends and memories are made, along with a plethora of authentic and invaluable experiences.  

Looking back on my experience from first year to the present day 

Looking back, being a student at YSJ exceeded what I could have imagined. York is such a diverse, enticing city that offers students the chance to explore history, culture, nightlife, and so much more. Right in the centre of it, geographically and sentimentally, sits York St John.

Before I began university, I had heard generically bad things about university halls, which was the opposite of my experience. My halls were exceptional and now symbolise the memories of my first year. My first lecture was filled with anxiety and feelings of “what if I don’t make friends?” or “what if I am not good enough to study counselling?”.

I now walk through the doors having met best friends for life and with the confidence that I am a persevering student who is comfortable in my environment and assured that I will not just graduate with essential knowledge of my course, but also of life.  

Find out more about York St John: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/