The two main reasons I chose the University of York are the academic reputation and the college system. As a member of the Russell Group, the University has a great reputation for academia and I thought it was a place where I could push myself academically. However, the reason I chose York over other Russell Group universities was because they seemed to (and do) care about you as a person.
I have been incredibly supported throughout what has been a difficult first year with the current pandemic. When I met the staff from my department on a post-offer visit day, they really confirmed my choice was York. They are incredibly hard-working staff who are there for any help you need. I did not get this feeling from other universities which is why York stood out for me.
Aside from academia, the University of York has a range of societies and a great college system. As a keen sportsman the college system that York has, where colleges play each other in a range of sports, was a significant feature of the University. Whilst being able to push myself in my rugby with the University team, I am also able to get to know more people through college rugby and hockey. They are relaxed and incredibly welcoming, no matter your level of ability. The college system has meant I have met more people and had more sport through my first term of University, and this has really helped me mentally.
Why does York stand out?
York as a city is full of history. Every street has a story, and the buildings are picturesque. The rivers flowing through York makes it a great place to walk and explore. It is a vibrant city with so much to offer in its history, scenery and architecture. York is almost the perfect size. It is not too big that you cannot explore it all, but it is not too small that there is nothing going on. There is always something to do in the centre of York.
Why is York great for History and Politics?
The University of York is great to study History because it has important historical archives, which for me was a key factor in determining my choice of University. Located on campus, The Borthwick Institute for Archives are a phenomenal resource available to students and allow for excellent research. The Department of History at York is driven by its research and the lecturers are so open about what they are researching. For me, this was crucial and made York the best choice for me as a history student.
The Department of Politics at the University is also an excellent department with caring lecturers who are passionate about their research. They are a department who constantly ask how they can help us, as students, and what they can do better. Everyone in the department works hard to provide the best possible education for every student. For me as a joint honours student, both departments are very supportive and communicate well.
What are my favourite places to visit?
One of my favourite places in York is a café called Micklegate Social. It is a fantastic place in town that is great during the day to have a quiet coffee and get some work done but it is also a really nice place to go after a day of lectures and seminars.
In town, there is another fantastic café called the FortyFive Vinyl Café, also on Micklegate. As the name suggests, it has a vinyl theme to it. This café is a nice place to catch up with friends for coffee with great music in the background.
The Gillygate is another great place to go. It is on Gillygate in town and is easy to get to. It has a nice, busy atmosphere, and serves traditional pub food – it is one of my favourite pubs in York.
These are just some of my favourite places to go and are well worth a visit if you choose to come to York.
For me, the choice was simple. The University of York is in a great city, has a great campus and has great staff. It is one of the most supportive universities and I would strongly encourage you to choose York.
Read more student stories about choosing York
Leave a Reply