Hello reader! I am currently a Social Work student at the University of York and I have just finished my first year (it really has gone by so quickly).
As you may have guessed from what I am studying, I want to become a Social Worker in the near future. Being a Social Worker would fulfill my goals of becoming a part of change that empowers others to reach their full potential in life. I am excited that I’ll be here for another three years as I’m on the Integrated Masters programme (Msocw). I wanted to share three things with you to look forward to about studying Social Work at York.
1. Meeting new people
Yes I know, this can be very scary at first. It definitely was for me when I arrived at uni. Moving to university is a big step for a lot of people to do. One of the things that I was thinking about was meeting people for the first time. Including meeting those on my course. However, I have since made so many friends and become quite close with most of the Social Work students, as typically there aren’t very many of us. We now all speak quite often and have study sessions on campus. With lots of coffee to keep us going. It has been great to hear and share experiences. I cannot wait to see them all in second year for our next coffee meet up.
For me, it has also been quite easy to make friends outside of my course. This is due to the course layout so far allowing me to have time to socialise. I never really have been much of a ‘party’ person. At York, I feel like you don’t have to go out to drink to have fun. There are a variety of ways to meet others outside of your degree. The University has events throughout the academic year that you can participate in and find like-minded people with similar hobbies/interests, e.g. societies, casual work opportunities, volunteering etc. With that being said, meeting new people at university can be difficult. It is important to know that it’s okay if you don’t make friends with people on/outside your course straight away.
2. The City of York
As I am originally from Manchester (which is a very large city), York is a small, beautiful city and I love living here. There are so many places to go and visit with something for everyone; the list is endless. From the over 365 pubs/bars, the many cafes and of course the historical sites, you will never be short of things to do. And even better, it’s only a short bus journey from campus! I love how even though there is so much to do on campus, I can visit the city really easily.
There’s always something new that I find when exploring York. I like finding little independent cafes and bars that I can go to with my friends. One of the best parts of York, in my opinion, is The Shambles. Walking down this street, you feel like you are travelling back in time. The cobbled street is full of unique shops including popular ghost merchant and harry potter shops as well as the market and street food stalls.
3) Campus
Finally, the University of York campus has loads of amazing qualities. Inside my department building (Church Lane Building), The School for Business and Society, there are plenty of spaces to study and chill. I particularly like The Link Cafe and often grab a coffee from there. I’m currently living in Alcuin College, on Campus West, which is about five minutes away from my department. Around my accommodation, there are also more on-campus cafes and the University library. Since second term, I started going to the library more and was able to have study sessions with my friends. In here, there are a range of spaces to use; from studious buzz to silent.
It’s also quite lovely to have a stroll through campus. We have two lakes on Campus West and Campus East with a lot of ducks and wildlife that greet you along the way. I find it a good to have a walk around campus in between my studies. It is relaxing and just an overall nice environment to take a break in.
To be honest, I could say more than three things to look forward to but that would ruin the title of this blog. I cannot wait for what the next three years might have in store for me. I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and that it has given you a bit more of an insight into what it is like to study Social Work at York. Goodbye for now! 🙂
Read more student stories about studying Social Work at York.
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