Nestled amidst the rolling hills of North Yorkshire, the city of York is a beacon of academic excellence and cultural richness.
With its picturesque landscapes, rich mediaeval history, and renowned educational institutions, every year, York beckons students from all around the world.
From its friendly locals to its vibrant nightlife, there are many reasons why studying in York is an excellent choice.
Here, we’ll explore six reasons why studying in York is such a good idea.
1. There are two excellent universities in York
Both The University of York and York St John University are renowned for their academic rigour and excellence across various fields of study.
Whether you’re interested in the arts, sciences, engineering, business, or any other discipline, York’s two universities offer a diverse range of programs to cater to your academic interests and career aspirations, thanks to their cutting-edge research facilities and innovative teaching methods.
From undergraduate to postgraduate level, there are numerous options available to suit every student’s needs. So, if your heart is set on studying in beautiful historic York, there’s bound to be a course that appeals to you.
2. York’s nightlife scene is second to none
From historic pubs oozing with character to trendy cocktail bars, buzzing nightclubs, and everything in between, York has plenty of watering holes where you can sip, savour, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this picturesque city.
Why not head down one of York’s infamous cobbled streets to try…
- The House of Trembling Madness to drink amongst Roman history.
- The Evil Eye Lounge for an Instagrammable York institution.
- Impossible York for boujee cocktails in a stunning setting.
- Sora Sky Bar for memorable rooftop views.
3. Study Amongst Roman & Viking History
York is renowned for its ancient architecture, making it a standout destination in Europe.
Among its treasures is the awe-inspiring York Minster; standing at 72 metres, it is the largest mediaeval cathedral in Northern Europe. The site has housed a church since 627 AD, with the existing structure dating back to the 13th century.
Another gem of York is the ‘Shambles,’ hailed as one of Europe’s oldest shopping streets. Since the 13th century, it has been a haven for independent retailers.
With its narrow, cobbled lanes, quaint wooden shop fronts, and overhanging buildings, strolling through it feels like a journey back in time.
Interestingly, this charming street is believed to have inspired Diagon Alley in JK Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series!
4. Excellent Transport Links across the UK
York has excellent transport links, mainly through its robust rail network. This high-speed network connects York to other destinations across the country, enabling you to visit friends at neighbouring universities easily!
Vibrant Northern cities such as Manchester and Newcastle can be reached in just one hour by train, while London is a mere two hours away via direct train.
Additionally, York is conveniently located only two and a half hours from Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and just 40 minutes from the city of Leeds and the Yorkshire coastal towns of Scarborough, Bridlington and Whitby!
York’s proximity to the stunning Yorkshire countryside is also a definite advantage. It serves as a gateway to the picturesque landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, offering easy access to outdoor excursions amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
5. Friendly Locals
You can’t beat the Yorkshire Spirit!
York is renowned for its warm and welcoming community. Locals readily embrace students and newcomers, making it easier for students to adjust to their new surroundings and forge meaningful connections.
Yorkshire is known for its rich dialect and unique expressions and has a range of sayings that reflect its culture and heritage.
Get ahead of the Yorkshire lingo before you study in York with these classic sayings…
“Ey up” – A friendly greeting similar to “hello” or “hi there.”
“Now then” – Another greeting or an expression used to get someone’s attention.
“Aye” – Yes.
“By ‘eck!” – An exclamation of surprise or disbelief.
“Owt” – Anything.
“Nowt” – Nothing.
“Reet” – Right or correct.
“Tha’ knows” – You know.
“Chuffed to bits” – Extremely pleased or proud.
“Brew” – A cup of tea.
“Bob’s your uncle” – There you go, it’s done.
6. Affordability
Despite its reputation as a desirable destination, York remains relatively affordable to study, work and live in compared to other UK university cities.
From accommodation to daily expenses, students can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal development without financial strain.
Studying in York offers a unique blend of friendly locals, affordability, academic excellence, cultural richness, and career opportunities, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a fulfilling and prosperous university experience.
If York has captured your attention, you may also be interested in this article on our sustainability project in York.
Vita Student York
Did you know that living at Vita Student York offers an all-inclusive service, allowing you to focus on your studies and maximise your overall student experience?
Lawrence Street is Vita Student York’s first Student Village, spanning 6 acres of campus living amid picturesque landscapes.
Situated in the heart of UK heritage and culture, our residence is a mere 10-minute stroll from the city’s universities, nightlife and key attractions.
Choosing our luxury accommodation means enjoying complimentary breakfast, utility bills included, an on-site gym, free-to-use bikes, fortnightly housekeeping, world-famous events, and many more amenities, all of which are included when you move in.
If this sounds good to you, why not…
Apply for Student Accommodation in York TODAY.
