You can stop panicking – here’s an ultimate guide to University of York accommodation 2025

It’s that time of year again where freshers are preparing to come to the University of York in September. Whether you chose York as your firm or if you’ve picked it through clearing, one big thing to note is that the university has a collegiate system, which means that the college you are in is a community as well as your first year accommodation. 

The University of York also has two campuses: Campus West and Campus East. Campus West is home to Alcuin, Derwent, Halifax, James, Vanbrugh and Wentworth (which is specifically for postgraduates). Whereas on Campus East you will find all the other colleges: Anne Lister, Constantine, David Kato, Goodricke and Langwith. But don’t worry if you have contact hours on the campus where you aren’t living, there is a free bus between the two campuses and it is a 20 minute walk – so the commute is perfectly manageable. The bus service also allows you to travel into York City Centre with ease from either campus.

Here is everything you need to know about each of the undergraduate colleges, from the stereotypes to the location, and much more. The ultimate guide to University of York accommodation 2025.

Campus West Colleges

Alcuin College

Alcuin has often had the reputation of being the quiet college, probably because it is close to the library. It’s close to the heart of Campus West and Alcuin students also have the benefit of being close to the Library Café and the Kitchen at Alcuin.

Derwent College

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Derwent College is one of York’s oldest colleges, and it is a focal point on Campus West. It is also home to The Courtyard, D Bar, as well as Derwent’s dining hall – whether you are looking for a morning coffee in Courtyard before a seminar, or some student bar faves, Derwent is in the prime location. However these bars are also open to all students (as are all of the student bars and cafes on campus). Just beware of the angry geese on the way to your lectures…

Halifax College

Halifax is York’s largest college. It sits on the edge of Heslington Village, making the location ideal for Uni of York students. Whilst it’s not right in the heart of Campus West, the walk isn’t far and you have the bonus of being a bit further away from the chaos of campus. 

Vanbrugh College

Vanbrugh College is located in the very centre of Campus West, beside Central Hall, and offers a range of accommodation. The college also includes Fairfax House, which is a town house on the edge of campus. This college may also be a popular choice with music students, as it has its own music practice rooms and is home to weekly live music nights in V-bar. Vanbrugh’s location is also ideal as it is right next to Greg’s place, so students have easy access to the shops in Market Square, the library and the bus stop.

Students living in Student Castle and the university’s brand new accommodation, Fusion Students, will be a part of Vanbrugh College too, even though their accommodation is in the city centre. This means they have access to Vanbrugh’s social spaces, college events and support.

James College

James College is not as central on Campus West, but it is close to the York Students’ Union and Sports Centre buildings. The college also has a particularly sporty reputation, particularly because of its location on campus. 

Campus East Colleges

Anne Lister College

Anne Lister is one of the uni’s newest colleges and they are the first of York’s colleges to be named after a woman. The location is ideal on Campus East, as students aren’t too far from the bus stop and shops and there are plenty of social spaces, communal areas and study spaces surrounding the flats.

Constantine College

Constantine College features three accommodation options: A shared bathroom, ensuite, and a large ensuite. It is known as the fanciest accommodation on Campus East with sofas and TVs for students. The only drawback is that it is the furthest away from Campus West, being the closest to York Sport Village. 

David Kato College

David Kato is one of the uni’s newest colleges (along with Anne Lister). It is another popular choice with students, being in an ideal location on Campus East. David Kato students have access to The Hub which has sofas, a pool table, table tennis and games, which is a great space for meeting new people. 

Goodricke College

Goodricke is another popular option with students on Campus East. Everyone in the college is self-catered, with a weekly college meal. The flats are known to be big too, and the location is great, as it is near Campus East’s shops and bus stop. 

Langwith College

On Campus East, we also have Langwith College. Langwith is arranged into both flats and the college is centred around the Students’ Union bar The Glasshouse. Karaoke at Glasshouse each week is a highlight. Langwith are also the closest college to the bus stop on Campus East – which makes the travel into town for a night out super easy!