In this month’s blog post, I thought I’d tell you some more about the life of a student in the city of York. If you want to read my last article on what you can expect from a Politics course at York just click here.
In your first year studying Politics at York you can expect to have around 14 hours of lectures and seminars a week. This gradually decreases in second and third year to allow more time for reading and essay work. Whilst 14 hours doesn’t seem like a lot at first glance, you’ll find you have plenty of course reading to keep you busy. There is also plenty to do in the city when you’re not studying. I thought I’d take you through a brief summary of what it’s like to live in York and some of my favourite restaurants, bars and cafés which I visit in my free time!
First year and college life
In your first year you will probably live in university halls. York has a collegiate system and each of the 9 colleges have their own accommodation, when you select where you want to live. You’ll also be choosing which college you join for your time at the university. Your college will provide support as well as organise events and activities to help you settle in. This is great because you get a real sense of community. In my third year, I still live with people from my first year flat and friends I made in Goodricke, which is my college.
Second and third year
In your second year, and into your third year you’ll probably move out of halls and into private accommodation… There is the option at York to continue living in halls if you want to! I’ve really enjoyed living in a house in the city. Although there is more responsibility, the house I live in is closer to the city centre so its much easier to go into the city for an evening out, lunch, coffee or dinner! You also have more choice over who you want to live with (even though I decided to live with people who I lived with in first year).
Eating out
As you’d expect in a city like York there are loads of places to eat out – I’ve listed a few of my own favourites below but there are still loads I’ve not tried!
El Gaucho – This authentic Argentinian steakhouse is great for a nice meal out with friends. If you like big perfectly cooked steaks in a laid back and friendly restaurant you will love it here!
Gibsons – This smokehouse and bar is a must if you like ribs! They cook their meats slowly in and outdoor smoker and the flavour is incredible! They even do ‘Man vs Food’ challenges (I haven’t tried them yet).
Revolution – Great for a cheap night out with friends – 2 for 1 cocktails and half-price food if you join or have a club and societies card! They do a bit of everything and it always tastes good.
Lucia’s – Famed as the place you take your parents when they visit – it’s near the Minster in the centre of the city and does delicious Mediterranean food.
Ambiente Tapas – A great tapas bar – they have an extensive menu and really good sangria!
Cafés
If myself and my housemates are feeling the pressure of university work we take a morning off and head into York for brunch! There are loads of independent cafés but again, I’ve listed a few of my favourites below.
Brew and Brownie – An all time favourite for me! Amazing pancakes, a huge brownie selection and also delicious sandwiches.
Fossgate Social – This is a great little café – they do good coffee and it has a really nice atmosphere.
Café Concerto – Close to the Minster, this place does great Yorkshire breakfasts and delicious french toast.
Bennetts – This is a great place to take your parents right next to the Minster, as you get a real feel for the city and can have a pot of tea and watch the world go by.
Nights out
York has a busy nightlife with good clubs, loads of pubs (it is rumoured that there are enough to visit a different one every day of the year) and some great cocktail bars!
Pubs –
Wagon and Horses – This is my local and they have a great selection of real ales and a nice atmosphere.
Courtyard – This is a YUSU bar on campus, they have great drinks deals and really good food too… Great for a drink and a bite to eat after a late lecture.
Rose and Crown – This isn’t far from my house and has outdoor seating for those very few times of the year where its warm enough to relax outside with a drink.
Cocktails
Dusk – 2 for 1 cocktails before 10pm and very inventive names – it’s a really nice place to go for a drink.
Revolution – Great for cocktails and huge choice!
Evil Eye – This quirky cocktail bar is rumoured to be a favourite of Johnny Depp, although I’ve not seen him in there…
Clubs
YUSU (York University Student Union) have great official club nights throughout the week – it’s students only so it’s always a friendly atmosphere – in first year we spent almost every Tuesday night in Kuda. We also really like going to Revolution on a Sunday, which everyone tends to dress up for.
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