What is a typical week like?
In my first year, I typically had between 10 and 15 contact hours, spread evenly across the week. These consisted of lectures, tutorials, field trips and seminars. I always had time for myself to catch up on lectures, work at my part time job and to spend time with my friends.
In second year, the hours and workload stepped up a bit and I thought it best to quit my part time job and spend a bit more time on my studies. However, many people continue with their part-time job whilst in second and even third year, it just requires a bit of time management.
Will I make friends?
YES you will! It can be so nerve wracking, turning up to a lecture on your first day not knowing anyone at all, but as soon as you talk to people you will be at ease. You could ask them where they’re from, what college they were in, talk to them about an event that’s happening on campus soon. Everyone is in the same boat and wants to make friends, so as long as you remember that, you will be fine! All you will need is a little bit of courage to put yourself out there.
Will I like the course?
In short, yes. The course will be what you make it. There are plenty of opportunities to tailor it to your choices, especially in second and third year where you will get the choice of modules. In first year, the modules are generally centred around getting everyone up to the same level of knowledge. These lectures are really helpful to either teach you new skills or brush up on old ones.
Will it be difficult?
If you apply yourself, you won’t find it difficult. In the first year, for the Environmental Science route, there was some maths and some chemistry, but don’t let this put you off. The maths sessions started off basic and the lecturer made it very easy to learn the content we needed. It was the same for the Chemistry. Lecturers are always there to email if you need it, and they’re always happy to help. If you show interest in improving your own learning, they will help you. However, it’s good to bear in mind that if you don’t attend a few sessions in a row then lecturers aren’t going to be chasing you up – it’s not like school, you will be responsible for your own learning. It’s a skill you will quickly pick up!
Where should I live?
At the University of York, a collegiate system is used. This is similar to Oxford and Cambridge, or Hogwarts! At York there are nine colleges:
- Alcuin College
- Constantine College
- Derwent College
- Goodricke College
- Halifax College
- James College
- Langwith College
- Vanbrugh College
- Wentworth Graduate College
Each one has it’s own ‘personality’ and their own stereotypes. Click on the links to find out more information about each one individually. They each have different standards of accommodation, a different location on campus and some house subject departments. However, you don’t have to stay in the college most associated with your degree, you are free to choose any college (except Wentworth, unless you are a postgraduate student). In fact, for Environment, the lectures and seminars are located all over campus, so it wouldn’t necessarily benefit you if you lived next door to the (brand new) Environment Building.
Will I enjoy the city?
I will let you make your own decision on this by leaving this video here for you…. It’s a no brainer!
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