These are officially the best places to chill at York during exam season

Everyone knows that the month of May means one thing: stress. Exams and deadlines are looming over students everywhere, and because of this it feels like there's hardly any time to relax. While this may seem like the case, it isn't. Uni of York has some pretty awesome places to chill, and we've compiled them to help with your exam stress.

Heslington Hall

Is there anything that screams "University of York" more than hanging with friends by Heslington Hall? Probably not. The area between Heslington Hall and Derwent gives off major university Prospectus vibes, and is by far the prettiest place to relax on campus. It's large enough to pass around a football, it has grills for barbecuing, and there are hardly any trees so that (in nice weather) you can soak up the sun. There is really an endless list of activities that can be done here. It's the ultimate chill spot.

These people know what's up

The Quiet Place

Located directly in front of Heslington Hall is The Quiet Place. Though there isn't as extensive a list of activities that can be done here, it's a perfect location for relaxation. Whether you're anxious over deadlines, need a break between exams, or just looking for a secluded spot to chill, The Quiet Place is perfect for forgetting about stress.

Serious ~zen~ vibes at The Quiet Place

Greg's Place

With it's (somewhat new) addition of grass, benches, and the giant television screen, Greg's Place has become the best central location on campus for hanging out. On sunny days it's perfect for chilling with friends, and its proximity to both V-Bar and Market Square means food and drink are always nearby. If you go when it's somewhat empty, you may even get the opportunity to chill on that bench… you know the one.

Not a bad place to do work in the sun, either

The Kitchen at Alcuin

Though Alcuin notoriously has little going on, The Kitchen is one thing this college should definitely be proud of. Couches to sit on, books and board-games to borrow, and giant windows looking onto University Rd, The Kitchen is, without a doubt, one of the best cafes on campus. It's an awesome place to get coffee, revise in comfort, and/or catch up with friends.

coffee, coffee, and more coffee (but also comfy couches!)

Outside the Library Cafe/ Fairhurst

Ok, I know what you're thinking. You're soooooo over the library and you never want to step foot in that stressful, overcrowded place again. But hear me out, the tables outside the library cafe, along with the grassy area next to it, is a pretty awesome place to chill. On nice days, the sun seems to always hit the little lawn in front of Fairhurst. And where else is better to take a lunch break (or a procrastination break) from your work than right outside the soul-crushing library? (everyone stuck inside will be jealous)

Here we see students in their natural habitat, procrastinating

The Courtyard, YUSU Bar

The Courtyard is by far the best place to chill after exams, no doubt about it. It has an extensive food and drinks menu, indoor and outdoor bars, a pool table, a ping-pong table, and two floors of seating along with its outdoor terrace. What more could you need? The outdoor area is constantly packed with day drinkers, and rightfully so— there is no better place to destress after an exam and share a pitcher with friends.

Summer term = spending every day at the outdoor terrace of Courtyard