The A-Z of university life in York: Geese, Greggs, and getting your degree

It’s officially A-level Results Day 2025! A new chapter begins, full of chaotic nights out, meal deals that somehow count as dinners, and dodging geese on your way to a 9am.

To get you ready we’ve made the ultimate A-Z of student life, 26 things you’ll 100 per cent experience before graduation. Prepare yourself for the official alphabet of University of York life.

A is for Aldi

A student paradise – it’s cheap, cheerful, and the best thing to happen since Freddos were 10p

B is for budgeting

That mysterious concept you’ll learn the hard way after week three

C is for college rivalry

Starts with friendly banter, ends with aggressively comparing rooms like it’s College Top Trumps, and no one wants Halifax

D is for drinking games

Because nothing bonds flatmates like competitive humiliation

E is for East Campus

A magical land with Greggs, and let’s be honest, better accommodations

F is for fancy dress

From themed societies to random pub trips, prepare to question your outfit choices

G is for geese

The true rulers of campus. Cross them at your own risk

H is for homesick

Instantly replaced by the stress of remembering you have three deadlines next week

I is for Instagram spots

The Shambles, the Minster, the city walls…if you didn’t post it, did it even happen?

J is for juggling deadlines

Like spinning plates, but the plates are essays, and they’re all on fire

K is for kebabs

Post night out fuel that tastes incredible at 3am and haunts you at 8am

L is for lanyard

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Part security pass, part fashion statement, part “I’m definitely a fresher” give away

M is for meal deals

Because £3.40 for a wrap, crisps, and a can of Coke is basically fine dining

N is for nightlife

From low-key pubs to big club nights, York has options for every vibe

O is for outdoor study sessions

A wholesome idea ruined instantly by geese, wind, or someone blasting music on a Bluetooth speaker

P is for pubs

Whether you’re into craft beer, cider, or a quiet pint, there’s always one around the corner

Q is for queuing for the bus

An endurance sport made worse by sideways rain and the U1 arriving completely full

R is for Roses

The one time of year York and Lancaster battle it out in every sport imaginable. And yes, Roses are white.

S is for Shambles

The Harry Potter street that’s actually full of tourists, fudge shops, and queues that make you question your life choices

T is for tourists

Everywhere. All the time. Especially when you’re in a rush

U is for Uber

The expensive best friend you swear you’re breaking up with…but never do

V is for VK

V is for VK in the official alphabet of University of York life. Cheap, fluorescent, and suspiciously addictive

W is for Welcome Week

A blur of free pizza, club nights, and meeting people you’ll never see again

X is for Xmas Markets

Cute, festive, and the fastest way to spend £30 on a hot chocolate

Y is for York Minster

Iconic, beautiful, and always photogenic, even if your photography skills are questionable

Z is for zero regrets (mostly)

Well, apart from that one night in Salvos.