So, what is campus life really like? By now you might have heard some horror stories; you know, the good, the bad and maybe even the ugly. As a first year student, I am here to tell you my experience and how I have found it living on the University’s campus.
Location, Location, Location
Living on campus is so easy and convenient and everything really is on your doorstep. If you choose to live on Campus East like me, buses run every 10 minutes to Campus West. So you still have the opportunity to press snooze for those 9ams.
Not only is campus super convenient, it is also so beautiful. York is known for its picturesque views and many many (many) ducks and geese. This is really refreshing throughout the year – it is a great place to go on a walk during revision breaks or just to wander round to see the aesthetics of the campus.
Colleges
York has a collegiate system – this means that depending on which accommodation you choose you will be placed in a college.
The university is split into two main campuses – East and West. On Campus West, there are James, Vanbrugh, Derwent, Alcuin and Halifax colleges. On Campus East, there are Constantine, Goodricke and Langwith colleges. Although you will be in this college for the whole of your university time, I would advise that you choose your accommodation type and location over your college.
Your college is a great support network of familiar faces on the committee and it is the place to go with any issues from personal well-being to college sporting questions. Colleges also run social events such as bar crawls, weekly baking and film viewings. Your college events are a great place to meet people you live by and also try out new activities.
Bars and food
Across campus, there are many cafes and bars including a fully vegetarian and vegan cafe in Wentworth! These are great places to hang out between lectures or meet up with friends in the evening. This is amazing as it means you’re only a stone’s throw away from a relaxed, social atmosphere.
These cafes and bars also hold events such as live lounges, pub quizzes and of course, karaoke if you’re brave enough!
Shopping
The shopping on campus is great to top up your food supplies, run errands or even to just go on a little stroll.
Market Square is located in the heart of Campus West. They have everything from a printing shop to a hairdresser. There is also a Santander bank, Nisa supermarket and the UOY merch shop. This is perfect for those situations when you have cereal and no milk – we’ve all got halfway through making breakfast before realising!
I chose to live on Campus East which is great for me as there’s a Greggs – which I find myself going to far too often! It is also where the University’s GP practice (Unity Health) is, another Nisa supermarket, a tanning salon and a couple of takeaways.
I have loved living on campus during my first year at York and I have loved it so much that I have decided to stay living on campus next year! I hope this has given you an insight into what living campus is really like and I wish you all the best for when your time to be in my first year shoes comes along…
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