Before I begin to highlight all the numerous college activities available, I thought I would briefly introduce what colleges are here at the University of York, in case you don’t know. There are 11 colleges across 2 campuses and you remain part of that college throughout your degree. Essentially, this is where most students live in their first year. And then for the rest of your degree, they host activities and if you like sports, you can play for your college team. I spent my first year in Alcuin College and currently, as a second-year undergraduate, I live in Anne Lister College. There are many activities put on by colleges every week so if you have some free time there will usually be something to go to. So what activities are available at Anne Lister college?
College Brunch
If you’re feeling peckish or aren’t in the mood to cook, every week there is a free brunch in the hub available to all Anne Lister residents. Here they serve hot food like scrambled egg, beans, bacon and the favourite of most, hashbrowns.
If that’s not your thing, there is also fruit and a wide selection of pastries e.g. waffles, croissants, cinnamon rolls and toast with spreads. Additionally, there is a range of juices, tea and coffee and porridge so there is always something for everyone, and it’s a great chance to meet new people as well! Plus, who would say no to free food?
Craft Club
If you’re looking for something to do during the day, there is a weekly craft club in the hub. I have been a few times and it’s really relaxing. Some examples of the crafts are bracelet making, mug painting, origami and crochet.
As well as a great way to destress, these events are also a good way to meet people. Recently I went to mug painting, where I was provided with a mug, acrylic paint and brushes and spent about 2 hours painting and talking to the other people who attended the event.
Taco in a Bag
Also very popular is the taco in a bag event where you are given a bag of Doritos, crush it up and then add your choice of toppings to it. There are hot beef and vegetarian options available as well as salsa, sour cream, lettuce and cheese. Although this sounds like an odd concept it’s actually really tasty and I get it every week.
Alternatively, if adding all the toppings isn’t for you, you can always just pick up a bag of Doritos. Either way, this event is great for a busy student who can quickly pop in and grab a quick meal.
Cost of Living Ambassador (COLA) drop-ins
Every week our colleges’ Cost of Living Ambassador (COLA), along with David Kato’s COLA, holds weekly drop-in sessions in the hub. They provide information and highlight money-saving resources, along with top tips and platforms to help with affording life at university.
They are also available at the weekly brunches for a chat and can help point towards specialist support depending on the situation.
Refreshers’ Events
Occasionally, the college hosts big events such as Freshers’ or Refreshers’ Week, which come at a small fee. For those who don’t know what Refreshers’ Week is, usually in the second week back in January to celebrate the start of a new term and a new year, colleges run a week of activities.
This year, there were many events ranging from a football tournament to karaoke night at the Glasshouse (an on-campus bar), to a pizza party. There were also two club nights: 90s themed at Revolution and the other, dress as your degree themed at Salvation. Plus there were many more events that I haven’t even mentioned.
College activities help provide a sense of community here at Anne Lister college, and new activities are being run all the time. So, hopefully, this post has interested and excited you about the college activities on offer at the University of York.
Read more student stories about colleges at York.
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