The first week I arrived at York was a bit intimidating. I was dropped off in front of David Kato College and was told to pick up my student ID and room keys. Thankfully, a lot of students were incredibly helpful in guiding me, but it still felt overwhelming.
My first night in York
I focused on bringing my belongings into my room and unpacking before reaching out to my flatmates. We spent the first night together figuring out where to have dinner, bonding over our shared confusion and excitement.
The next day, I decorated my room and ventured out to find groceries without getting lost. I ended up at the Nisa on campus, which is convenient but a bit pricey. Making York feel like home took time and courage, and I’m here to make it easier for you.
After three years here, I’ve put together this guide to help you settle in as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Transport
First things first: figuring out how to get around. York is a very walkable city, but as a newcomer, it’s essential to get your bearings. I highly recommend downloading the FirstBus App. It helps you save money with student bus fares and provides real-time bus routes and stops.
The two main buses between the uni campus and city of York are the U1 and U2. If you’re travelling between campus zones, you don’t have to pay as these are considered ‘free zones’, so you simply tap on and off with a contactless card. If you’re heading into town or to other areas, the app will help you know where you are. Google Maps is also reliable for directions.
Supermarkets and stores
While the campus Nisa is convenient, for a wider selection of groceries, check out these options:
- Lidl and Morrisons – Great for big food shops and budget-friendly essentials. They are close to each other and near B&M.
- B&M – A go-to for household essentials like bedding, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies.
- Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Asda – these are other supermarkets around York offering a variety of products.
- For specific items, Amazon is a lifesaver, and the University has Amazon lockers around campus for easy parcel collection.
Laundry
Each college has its own launderette, all operated by Circuit Laundry. As soon as possible, download the Circuit Laundry App. You’ll need to top up your digital card and use Bluetooth to connect to the machines.
Things to remember:
- Washing pods/detergents are not provided, so buy them in advance
- Both washing machines and dryers are available
- Be mindful of time and collect your laundry promptly to avoid delays for others
Navigating campus and the MyUoY app
Aside from Google Maps, I’d recommend you also download the MyUoY app. It provides access to:
- Your timetable
- Library card
- Campus map (helpful for finding lecture and seminar rooms)
- Study space bookings
- University news and updates
This app is a must-have to stay organized and make campus life easier.
Societies and events
Attending Freshers’ Fair during Welcome Week is a great way to find clubs and societies that match your interests. From specific interests, like anime, to cultural societies, there’s something for everyone. Societies and sports clubs offer taster sessions, so you can try a new activity before committing to a membership.
Colleges also organise various events, such as jacket potato nights, painting sessions, and social gatherings. Follow them on social media to stay updated!
Exploring the city centre
Once you’ve settled into campus, it’s time to explore York’s charming city centre. Some must-visit places include:
- The Shambles Market – A historic street with great food stalls and local vendors.
- York Minster – As a University of York student, you get free entry, so take advantage of it!
- Brunch cafes and tea rooms – York is known for its cosy cafés, so explore and find your favourite spots.
- Museums and parks – From the York Castle Museum to the Museum Gardens, there’s always something to do.
Don’t be afraid to be a tourist in your first few weeks, take photos, try local food, and enjoy the city’s beauty!
Final thoughts
Settling into a new place takes time, but York will soon start to feel like your second home. Everyone is friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or start a conversation. Whether it’s your flatmates, course-mates, or society members, you’ll find a supportive community here.
Take it one step at a time, and enjoy the experience, before you know it, you’ll be the one giving advice to new students!
– Ancella 🌼
