Finding My Place at York
I’m Grace, and I’m a History and French student at the University of York. I remember being in your position not too long ago – excited about my offer, a little nervous about what university would actually be like, and completely unsure what studying two subjects at once would mean in practice.
If you’re feeling the same, trust me: you’re not alone. I wanted to write this blog to give you a real sense of what life as a joint honours student looks like, what surprised me, and why I’m so grateful I chose this path.
Why I Chose History and French
For me, combining history and French was not about being unable to decide but about seeing how the two subjects could enrich each other. What I love most is how much they overlap. In one module, I was studying the French Revolution in History, and at the same time in my French classes, I was reading literature from the same period in its original language. It felt like everything connected in this amazing, layered way. Moments like that make studying both subjects feel cohesive, and it is one of the reasons I knew I had made the right choice.
York makes it easy to explore these connections. The departments encourage you to see how your subjects complement each other, and the learning experience feels tailored to your curiosity and interests.
Personal Growth Through French
One thing I did not expect when starting my degree was how much I would grow as a person. The French side of my degree has pushed me out of my comfort zone, especially in speaking classes. It was a bit intimidating at first, but everyone is in the same boat, and the tutors are incredibly supportive.
Now, I feel much more confident, not just in French but in how I communicate overall. Being challenged like this has helped me develop skills I never anticipated, from public speaking to expressing my ideas clearly and confidently.
What History Taught Me
History, on the other hand, has taught me how to think critically and dive deep into topics I am passionate about. The lecturers encourage you to explore your own ideas, which makes the learning experience far more engaging than simply memorising facts.
I have loved being able to approach historical questions from multiple perspectives and form my own interpretations. It is not just about what happened but about asking why it happened, what it meant, and what we can learn from it.
The Flexibility of University Life
Something I wish I had known before starting at York was just how flexible the university experience is. There is so much freedom to shape your degree and your time here.
Whether it is joining societies, making friends across different courses, or discovering your favourite study spots on campus (I’m a big fan of the Library Cafe and the Courtyard), you get to create an experience that works for you. I have found that the freedom to explore outside of classes is just as valuable as the learning inside them.
My Advice to Future Students
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: do not be afraid to take risks. Speak up in class, try something new, or explore ideas you are curious about. That is what university is all about! Some of the most rewarding experiences happen when you step out of your comfort zone, whether it is presenting in a seminar, joining a society you have never considered, or simply striking up a conversation with someone new.
Being open to challenges has made my time at York more fulfilling than I could have imagined. It is exciting, inspiring, and full of opportunities to grow both academically and personally.
Final Thoughts
Studying History and French at York has been a truly rewarding journey. From the way my subjects overlap to the personal growth I have experienced, it is a degree that challenges, supports, and inspires you.
If you are about to start your own journey here, I hope this gives you a glimpse of what is ahead. University is a place to learn, explore, and discover who you are, and at York, the possibilities really are endless.
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