Studying Linguistics at York
Something I’m often asked when talking about my degree is – what is linguistics? I describe it as the science of language. It covers a broad spectrum, including phonetics (the biology of how sounds are produced in our mouth), syntax (underlying grammatical constructions) and sociolinguistics (essentially, human geography with language!).
I had more option module choices in my second and third-year. In first-year, all of the modules on my course are core. I’ve explored my specific interests in-depth. My favourite module has got to be English Place-Names Across Time and Space – it’s fascinating how innocuous things like place-names can tell you so much about that settlement’s history.
Why did I choose York? A great many reasons! It’s amongst the best for linguistics in the UK, and the diverse course appealed to me. I also love the city and a visit to the beautiful campus sealed the deal!
Academic representation
Away from my degree, I am heavily involved in many other aspects of student life, not least in academic representation. I am the Department Rep for Language and Linguistics, a position I have held for two years. Essentially, my role is to be the student voice, offering my insights and opinions during meetings, and raising any department-related problems (so they can be addressed as quickly as possible). Additionally, I meet bi-weekly with other department reps and the Academic Officer, where any updates or issues from across the wider University are raised and discussed.
Being an academic rep is a great way to develop employablility skills, including leadership, teamwork and time management, whilst boosting your CV. It’s also a nice way to see “behind the scenes”, work with departmental staff, and make a positive difference to your course. (To give an idea of the differences student reps can make, some of the changes I’ve seen implemented during my time as a rep have included the launch of a Department newsletter, clearer assessment marking criteria, and improvements to the Department’s study spaces). I’ve also met some of my best friends at University through repping!
Simon (left) with some of the other Academic Reps at 2024’s Summer Ball
College Leadership
I’m also a student leader within my college (Alcuin) and had the privilege of being its College President in 2024. This is easily one of the highlights from my time at York.
The college system is something that sets York apart from other universities. Colleges are not just where students live, they are communities in their own right, each with their own character. Every college has a student committee (known as a CSAC), who organise and host a range of events throughout the year, from craft events to club nights. They also plan and run Welcome Week (or Freshers Week) each September. This was the absolute pinnacle of my Presidentship and this short blog cannot do justice to the amount of fun I had doing this (from taking 200 Freshers on a guided city tour, to running a pub quiz and roller discoing, we had everything covered!).
CSAC members are elected annually and there are a huge range of positions available, from larger roles (like president or treasurer) to others which represent specific communities (such as BAME, LGBTQIA+ or international students). Being on your College’s CSAC is another great way to develop your skills and boost your CV whilst also making a positive difference to the community.
On top of my other roles, I have also masqueraded as Owlcuin – Alcuin College’s lovable mascot!
Why Get Involved?
Being a student leader doesn’t just boost your CV and help develop your skills. It enables you to make a positive, and noticeable, difference. You have a vested interest in your course and your college. By making things happen in either domain, you are improving things for yourself as well!
That said, student leadership may not be for you, and that’s also OK! There are many other ways to be involved in University life. Not least, any of the 270+ student societies on offer. So, whatever your interest, there will be a like-minded group of people waiting for you!
University offers a fantastic array of opportunities to get involved and develop your skills and interests. If I can offer one piece of advice, it’s to make the most of these! Taking on these additional roles has been challenging and rewarding in equal measure, but has taught a lot about myself. Overall, it’s really enhanced my university experience.
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