The essential guide for incoming York freshers: Here’s what you need to know

Freshers’ Week is just around the corner (that came around quick), and I can imagine that the reality of uni is finally sinking in. In just a couple of weeks you’ll be settling in to a new life in York… think loud college chants on crowded buses, intense lore about campus ducks, and most definitely a dodgy sleep schedule.

This guide is absolutely essential for your survival here in York. Hopefully it will answer some key questions that you have about uni life: where to do your food shop, how to get into town, and what even is a college? If you don’t know, get to know x

Campus

The age-old battle, East campus vs. West campus. If you’re not sure of the difference, try and take this all in. Basically most of the teaching departments are on West, as well as James, Alcuin, Derwent, Vanbrugh, and Halifax college, and key places like Central Hall and the library. Campus East is more modern and home to Constantine, Langwith, David Kato, Anne Lister, and Goodricke college, as well as a few departments like Law and Computer Science. There’s also the Piazza building (where you’ll have your weekly college meal) and the Ron Cooke Hub, which are both good for a coffee and a study sesh.

It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk between the campuses so don’t worry if your college is on East and department is on West, or vice versa, as you’ll have plenty of time to get where you need to be.

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There’s also a lot of cafes and bars dotted around campus. East is home to the Ron Cooke Cafe, Piazza Restaurant and Glasshouse, with a Greggs and Starbucks for good measure. West has the Alcuin Kitchen, Courtyard, D-Bar, V-Bar and the Lounge, so you’re spoiled for choice. V-Bar is home to the popular Jazz Night every Monday, while Glasshouse hosts karaoke on Friday nights (a first year staple for any East dweller), and the drinks are cheaper than in town so it’s definitely a good shout for pres.

The colleges

By now you’ll have been allocated a room in one of the uni’s 10 colleges (11 if you count Wentworth, but that’s for postgrads). Your college might not seem like a big deal now but come Freshers’ Week you’ll feel an unexplainable sense of loyalty to wherever you end up. This will be paired with outrage when you hear anyone say something negative about your college. Fuming. Every college has their own stereotype that you’ll come to learn, but it’s all just a bit of fun really. However, I would get used to it – it lasts the whole three years. Each college runs their own events, be it free brunches or fancy formals, and you do feel a sense of community which will definitely help with any homesickness.

Study spaces

The uni has three libraries on West Campus: Morrell, Fairhurst and Burton. Funnily enough, they are all practically in the same building. Morrell is quiet and good for solo study, but does get busy during assessment period (luckily you’re able to book seats through the MyUOY app, which is an absolute lifesaver by the way). Fairhurst is great if, like me, you are unable to do anything in silence, and also a good shout for group work. Burton is terrifying and completely silent, so if that sounds like your cup of tea I’m both terrified and in awe. There’s also a library in the Piazza building on East if you want a change, though it does get busy.

Other good study spots are any of the campus cafes (especially the Alcuin Kitchen), the Spring Lane Building and the Piazza main restaurant area during the day.

Shops

When it comes to big food shops, PLEASE don’t shop at the campus Nisa if you value having money in your bank account (though it’s good for a meal deal or if you need to top up on essentials). I’d recommend getting one of the uni buses to Landsdowne Terrace, as it’s only a short walk to Lidl from there, or Morrisons if you want to splash out a bit. There’s also an Aldi in Fulford if you can brave the walk from campus! I’d definitely recommend getting an Uber back if you can, especially if you go with your flatmates and split it between you.

Buses

One of the most useful things you can do before uni starts is download the First Bus app, because you will spend half your student life on the bus. You can buy a bundle of 10 tickets for £14, which will save a lot of hassle trying to buy returns every time you get on the bus. The main buses you’ll be getting in first year are the U1 and U2, which follow the same route through campus, stop a few streets apart in town, and both end up at the train station. The U3 goes through Fulford to the centre, and the U4 will take you to the Designer Outlet at weekends. Travel through campus is free so don’t use a bus ticket, just tap on and tap off so you don’t get charged.

Societies

York has a lot of societies, which provides a lot of choice but can also be quite overwhelming. Joining a society is a great way to make new friends and put yourself out there. I’d definitely recommend researching what there is on offer so you find a few you’d like to check out (making it easier for you at Freshers’ Fair). Most societies will hold taster events during Freshers’ Week so you can figure out which ones you’d like to commit to, and get to know others in the same position. Freshers’ Fair is on Saturday 21st September, so you’ll get to look around all the societies and ask any questions if you’re unsure about joining.

Nightlife

Despite having a bit of a rubbish reputation, I’ve always found that York nightlife is actually really good if you’re with the right people. You’ll very quickly become familiar with Stone Roses, Lowther, and Dusk, the most popular student bars (take advantage of the Dusk 2-4-1 deal while you can).

Everyone will have their own fave club of choice; if you like cheesy pop it’s Flares, if you like classic club tunes it’s Salvos, or if you’re into indie music it’s Ziggy’s. There’s also exclusive UOY-only nights during the week (Tuesday Indie at Ziggy’s, Wednesday Salvos, Thursday Flares, and Sunday Revs) and there’ll be various theme nights throughout the year. And of course, I can’t leave out Popworld’s infamous spinning dance floor!

If you’re worried about safety getting home from the club, the UN1 goes fairly regularly from Rougier Street (next to Salvos and Flares) and will take you back to campus. However, I’d definitely recommend getting to know the city as a tourist, not just as a clubber, so you know where you’re going if you’re out late at night.

City centre

York is an amazing city to live in as a student, though it is a bit on the spenny side. There are hundreds of cafes, bookshops and pubs for you to live out your main character aesthetic uni life, so do go and be an annoying tourist and take advantage! The classic student spots are places like Spark, Rise, and the Shambles Market, but it’s up to you to find your favourite places in the city (and inevitably make all your friends come with you). York is such a lovely city with so many hidden gems – I’m now incredibly jealous and wish I could relive first year.

So there you have it, your essential Freshers’ guide to the Uni of York. If you still want more info, we have loads of other articles for you to read, from life hacks to the essential things to bring, and your college Instagram page will have loads of advice too. My personal top tip is: after Freshers’ Week, please ditch the lanyard. Locking yourself out is a rite of passage anyway, and keeping the lanyard on for an extended period of time will ensure you get mocked and cringe when you look back at pictures (I speak from experience).

But overall, don’t worry too much about starting uni – everything will work itself out, and you have three years to savour everything that York has to offer. Good luck and see you in September!

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