Our campus is full of hidden gems and treasures, and I love to admire them when I take a break from my studies. Just walking through all the nature surrounding the University makes me feel chilled out straight away. The campus lakes are an excellent place to relax your mind.
The lake
The lake on Campus West is probably my favourite outdoor place. It boasts a large waterfall feature in its centre, which illuminates with bright changing colours at night. A series of bridges help you to manoeuvre around the lake. They all give different scenic views and vantage points of the University landscape.
Even when I go on solo walks, I’m never truly alone. The lively campus birds are always somewhere close causing mischief and telling you through their animated squawks who really runs the campus! I once made a short film with my friends about the birds on campus called, ‘Beaks’. It was set mostly around the lake; but it became clear very quickly that the birds are quite camera shy.
Campus East accommodation
My second favourite place at the University has to be the college accommodation buildings on Campus East. They consist of Constantine, Goodricke and Langwith. I know what you’re thinking; why would accommodation be so exciting? But I have to tell you about the vibe of the place.
The Campus was only opened in 2009 and the buildings have this very cool, futuristic aesthetic due to its simplistic yet unconventional architecture. When I walk around the campus I feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie; but maybe that’s because I study Film and Television Production. My imagination is easily triggered! Greens, browns and greys make up the main colour palette on Campus East. Even though the buildings are very modern, you still feel very close to nature, which is what I really appreciate. You’re also likely to see cute, white rabbits hopping around the terrain. Every so often you’ll even see a fox if you’re lucky.
Heslington Hall
Finally, my third favourite place on campus has to be Heslington Hall. This is a Grade II* listed Manor House built in 1568 on Campus West. I once joked to my parents that my student accommodation was situated in the Manor House. Of course, they didn’t believe me, as this building just screams ‘fancy’ and reminds me very much of Downton Abbey!
Heslington Hall is a distinctive building, built from reddish-brown bricks. I love this place for its grandeur and the way it provides a bold backdrop for the University. The lawn at the back of the hall is the perfect place for a summer picnic. My friends and I like to take a guitar and have singalongs like bohemians.
If you’re lucky enough to study at the University of York, you’ll never be bored with what the campus has to offer. I will really miss the wonderful buildings and outdoor spaces when I graduate. In a sense, it’s like a big bubble, and I intend to enjoy every moment living under that bubble!
You can read more student blogs about campus life here.
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