Hey there, I’m Letam, a computer science student at the University of York. I just wanted to share the wonderful aspects of studying in York and give you a glimpse of what to expect when you join us.
In my blog, I’ll talk about the things I love about studying computer science at York, as well as the various opportunities available not only within the Department but also across the University.
I hope to get you even more enthusiastic about your degree. York is an amazing place that will be your home for the next few years. Consider this a head start on your York computer science journey!
Variety of the course and course structure
One of the things I love about studying computer science in York is the diverse and well-structured degree program. In the first semester, we were introduced to programming basics, had a maths module to build computational thinking skills, and studied Human Computer Interaction (HCI), which involved user research and data analysis. We even created an interactive prototype app as a group, which was a fantastic experience.
What I found especially valuable was that the skills I developed in the HCI module immediately applied to job applications and internships. The degree offers a good mix of topics, including UX and UI design, hardware systems and devices, and exposure to two industry programming languages in the first year.
This balance and diversity help build a strong foundation while allowing us to explore various career paths. Moreover, York provides the option to specialize in a specific field, which is very appealing. In the final year, we can specialize in Artificial Intelligence or Cyber Security.
Campus and wildlife
The University has two campuses. I particularly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. You can reach the city centre within a 30-minute walk from Campus West or by using a bus. As students, we have access to free buses to and from the campuses. One unique feature of York is the presence of wildlife on both campuses. We have a variety of animals that call York home, creating a sense of connection and providing an environment that fosters learning. This is something I find amazing about York. For animal lovers, York is a great place to be! The Computer Science building is located at the center of the Campus East. There is a section called The Pod in the Computer Science building where students can study, relax, take breaks, or even play ping pong with friends. It’s like a chill space for Computer Science students.
Opportunities
The University offers various ways for students to get involved and empowered. At York, every student is assigned to a college, which provides opportunities to engage with more people, take on leadership roles, and participate in sports at a less competitive level.
Moreover, in your second year, you can become a student volunteer, providing help and assistance to incoming first-year students. The University encourages you to be your best self. For example, in our HCI course, we had a reflective session that involved utilizing the York Strength development session. This session includes group exercises that help you reflect on personal strengths and possible weaknesses to improve. What makes it special is that there’s a trained observer who gives feedback and helps you become aware of things you might not have noticed about yourself.
Additionally, the University offers a creativity lab that provides access to workshops, 3D printers, a podcast studio, VR equipment, and creative editing software such as Adobe Creative. There’s also access to game engines like Unity for students to express their creativity to the fullest. You can explore your creativity at the many societies available at the University.
Societies
Societies are an integral part of the university experience. There are numerous societies in York to choose from, including computer-related societies like HackSoc, CyberSoc, and Game Development Society. I have enjoyed being a member of CyberSoc. Whether you are seeking community or want to step outside your comfort zone, there is a society for you. Currently, I am a member of Drama Soc, and participating in plays and being part of the audience is a lot of fun for me.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year and I am even more excited for what my second year will bring!
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