Student life
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/student-life/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/international/
York is a place to grow, explore, and embrace the moments that will shape your university experience. You'll make friends for life, discover new passions and learn invaluable skills that will set you up for a bright future. Discover why you'll love York.
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Quick facts
Over 20,000 students from more than 140 countries
Over 200 student-run societies to join
More than 65 sports clubs for athletes from beginners to pros
11 colleges providing your home from home
1 green, campus-based university
All set in a beautiful city, often named the best place to live in Britain
Through the Students’ Union, we provide a high number of student societies, sports clubs, networks and volunteering projects, allowing you to not just meet friends, but also to develop your skills beyond the classroom. York is quite unusual in that instead of having all our Students’ Union services under one roof, our venues are spread out across the beautiful campus. This just means that with more for you to explore, you will most definitely find your space at York!
University of York Students' Union President, 2022/23
Campus and city living
Our safe and welcoming campus environment combined with our student-friendly city provide everything you need to make the most of your university experience.
Our campus is set within 500 acres of award-winning parkland, with lakes, wetlands and landscaped gardens. It is home to an abundance of water birds, including ducks, geese, swans and herons. You’ll also notice other wildlife on campus, including hares, water voles, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and, on rare occasions, otters!
Accommodation
Live at the heart of the action on campus. Choose from a range of room types for varying budgets.
College life
You’ll become a member of a small, distinct community - your home from home, whether you live on or off campus.
The city of York
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
Food and drink on campus
Our campus is packed with interesting places to eat and drink, plus two supermarkets and a student-run shop.
Sustainability on campus
To achieve the extraordinary at university, you’ll need access to an exceptional and sustainable campus and its facilities.
- We're a Green Flag campus: since 2013, we’ve held the benchmark national standard for publicly accessible parks and green spaces in the UK.
- We've saved over 1 million disposable cups from landfill through our YORCUP cup-lending scheme.
- The Environmental Sustainability Academy at York provides students with the opportunity to learn about, research and work on sustainability issues.
- Our annual Sustainability Week spotlights sustainability research and the practical steps that we can take for the future.
- Our campus is extremely cycle-friendly, and we fully support our students and employees to get around by bike.
One thing I love about York is the fact that it's a campus uni, meaning that everything is so close together! Especially in the summer, it's so pretty, it literally feels like you're walking through a park when you're walking to your lectures.
George, BA Business of the Creative Industries. Watch George's vlog about his favourite places on campus.
A community where you belong
At York, you’re joining a vibrant community that makes things happen. We’re proud to be named Community University of the Year 2026 by The Mail University Guide. It's a celebration of our annual York Festival of Ideas.
From our 200+ student societies to our city-wide partnerships, there’s a place for you to make your mark and find your people.
Discover our award-winning community
Try something new
Make the most of your university experience. Trying new activities is a great way to meet people, have fun and develop your skills.
Student societies
York has over 250 student-led societies. Get involved, meet new people, or even consider starting up your own society!
Sport and fitness
Choose from over 75 sports clubs, play for your college team, or stay active in our fitness centre.
Culture and entertainment
Whether you want to play, watch, listen or perform, there are lots of ways to enjoy culture on campus.
Study abroad
Broaden your horizons with a global experience at one of our partner universities.
Careers and employability
From day one as a student to long after graduation, we've got everything you need to accelerate your career.
Learn a language
Prepare for an international placement, enhance your CV, or simply learn for fun.
My biggest top tip would probably be to try as hard as you can to give things a chance. Whether trying a new sport or activity, or continuing with an old hobby, it’s through getting involved alongside everything else that you’ll truly feel at home
Morgan, BA Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Read Morgan's blog post.
Well-connected
Located in the North of England, York is easy to get to from anywhere in the world.
With great rail links and international airports nearby, you'll never be far from exploring other major UK cities or catching up with friends at other universities.
Getting around campus and the city
It's easy to get around our campus and we're close to the action in the city centre. Everything is within walking or cycling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
Student voices
Who better to tell you about York life than our students. Look out for the student perspective throughout these pages, or hear directly from our students:
Blog post
Studying ‘the York Way’: My journey from Mumbai to York
Posted by Rajas on 17 February 2026
Dear prospective Business and Management students, I’m Rajas, a second-year Business and Management student originally from Mumbai, now calling York home. What I love…
Blog post
A cycle friendly city and campus
Posted by Sally on 22 January 2026
Since campus is only a short way away from the city centre, cycling is the perfect way to get around and York is definitely…
Blog post
Joining University after a Gap Year
Posted by Rosie on 22 January 2026
Hi! My name is Rosie (she/her), and I am a second-year undergraduate studying English at the University of York! I was a bit anxious…
Blog post
Why York: the best of both worlds for campus and city life
Posted by Valerie on 22 January 2026
By a Second-Year Business and Management Student When I began searching for universities, I sought more than just a degree. As a prospective Business…
Chat to our students
Discuss life at York with those who know best.
Your support network
Our dedicated network of support services will help you to get the best from your time at York. Help is there if you need it, whether you’re studying online or on campus.
University of York Students' Union
Our students' union pioneers positive change. York SU has over 400 representatives who campaign to level up your time at York.
Support, wellbeing and health
University life can be challenging, but we're here to support you every step of the way.
Get a head-start to a brighter future
Whatever you plan to do after you graduate, we can help you to stand out form the crowd. We offer a wealth of opportunities and advice which will support your career ambitions.
- Tap into our global employer and recruiter networks
- Take advantage of our graduate mentoring scheme
- Reap the benefits of our award-winning personal development, training and placement schemes.
Explore careers and employability
Earn money and build your skills by becoming a Student Ambassador.
Cost of living
Knowing you have your finances under control means you can relax and enjoy your studies. To help you plan your budget before you get here, take a look at our living cost guides.
Shared interests
York has over 300 student societies and sports groups, bringing people together over shared activities and interests.
These are open to everyone: James and Margaux share some of their favourites.
Regularly featured among the UK’s safest cities
Community University of the Year
The Mail University Guide 2026
More than 20 awards for gender equality
Athena Swan Charter
Stamping out harassment and misconduct