A letter to York freshers, from a third year: How to make the most of your time at uni

Congratulations – you’ve only gone and done it! You’ve made it into the Uni of York (Alexa, play Celebration by Kool & the Gang!)

I remember the exhilarating joy that I felt receiving my A-Level results two years ago; then I blinked, and I was suddenly in my new uni room in Anne Lister College, unpacking my belongings and then heading to the communal kitchen to meet my new flatmates. I know you probably can’t wait to move to uni already, but I can assure you that it won’t be long before you’re unlocking the door to your very own room in one of York’s amazing colleges.

I can also tell you that it won’t feel long before you’re heading into your final year at uni, bemused and wondering where all the time went. This is what I’m feeling right now, as I approach my third year of studying here at the Uni of York (Alexa, play Where’d All The Time Go? by Dr. Dog.)

Three or four years sounds like a lifetime, right? Well, everyone told me that my time at uni would absolutely fly by, and it truly has gone by in the blink of an eye. Even though three or four years sounds like a long time, I’m here to tell you that your time at uni will go by in a flash.

But don’t worry! It’s important to make the most of these precious years while they last, and live uni life to the fullest! The good news is that I have compiled a guide for you on how to live your best uni life, and reap all of the benefits of being a student while they last. You’re about to embark on the crazy rollercoaster that is uni life, and as a third year, I’m here to hopefully reassure you and calm any nerves you might have.

So crack open that celebratory bottle of bubbles and find out how to make the most of your time here at York. Cheers to the future!

Join societies, sports clubs, and student liberation networks

There are countless amazing reasons to join societies, sports clubs, and student liberation networks while at uni. Not only are you contributing something valuable to your CV by demonstrating commitment and passion to your hobbies, but you are also directly enhancing your wellbeing by carving out some “me time” in your busy student schedule.

Here at the Uni of York, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to extracurricular activities. The student union here at the Uni of York boasts over 250 societies and more than 65 sports clubs for you to choose from.

Whether you’re into cooking or crocheting, hiking or hummus appreciation, windsurfing or wine tasting, you’re bound to find a society to suit you. And if you don’t fancy joining any of the existing societies, you can even start your very own society!

Throughout my time here so far, I have been involved in many different societies and student groups, which have enhanced my wellbeing and enriched my uni experience as a whole. Since my first year, I have been a member of the Uni of York Dance Society (UYDS), and I love participating in dance performances, attending student-run dance classes, and socialising with friends I have made through dance.

As well as this, I also joined Slam Poetry Society in my second year and performed at my first ever open mic! I have also been involved in Slam Poetry Society, performing at my first ever open mic, Circulation Magazine, the vibey music zine (keep an eye out for my comment piece in the “Nostalgia” issue of Circulation in Freshers’ Week), and am an ambassador for the department of English and related literature, which means that I can get involved with open days and offer-holder days!

I have also been a student journalist here at The York Tab for two years now, and have taken advantage of incredible opportunities to write nationally for The Tab UK. I am now Features Editor here at The York Tab too, which is very exciting! Writing for us here at The York Tab is literally the best and most fun thing you can do (not biased) – no journalism experience needed!

As a queer female student, I also joined the Gender Liberation Network and LGBTQ+ Network in first year, and was appointed the role of one of the LGBTQ+ Network’s conveners in the past year. As someone who loves extracurriculars, you should definitely consider joining some societies, sports clubs, and student liberation networks as soon as you arrive here in York.

Explore the city’s tourist attractions

As you’ll have seen when visiting York for an open day, the city itself is beautiful and picturesque, steeped in rich Viking history. It’s widely renowned for its stunning architecture and enchanting cobblestone streets, getting more popular every single year.

Famous landmarks across the city include the majestic York Minster, towering high above the rest of the city, and the Shambles, the cosy, magical street that inspired Diagon Alley from J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

Some of my personal favourite spots across the city of York include the cat cafe, The Cat’s Whiskers, and York’s only LGBTQIA+ cafe, Over The Rainbow, which is located above the wonderful Portal Bookshop. As an English student, it’s also hard to resist a visit to the beautiful and intimate Minster Gate Bookshop when I’m in town.

All in all, it’s definitely worth exploring the tourist attractions of York, as well as the nightlife (more on that very soon!) You’ll soon learn that it’s pretty great living somewhere that hundreds of people come to visit from all over the world.

Top tip: Students gain free entry to the Minster! Make sure that you have your student ID card to hand to enter the number one tourist spot for free of charge. Perks of being a student x

Make the most of York’s vibrant nightlife

Contrary to what social media might say, the city of York hosts a welcoming and diverse nightlife of cosy pubs, lively bars, bougie lounges, and vibrant nightclubs offering weekly student nights in collaboration with the university.

Take it from me as a third year: There’s nothing quite as therapeutic as dancing the night away under disco lights to celebrate finishing a particularly long and gruelling essay.

Popular student clubs frequented by York students include Salvation (lovingly referred to as Salvos by students), Flares (filled with throwback tunes), and Ziggy’s (it’s underground, don’t ask). Before heading off to these clubs, students tend to pre-drink at massively popular venues such as ‘Stone Roses’ bar, ‘The Lowther’ pub, and the vibey bar Dusk.

Of course, if clubbing or drinking alcohol isn’t your thing – don’t feel like you have to go out! The great thing about York is that there’s so much other stuff to do! And don’t let anyone tell you that it’s weird to go out clubbing without drinking alcohol. I’m a teetotal student and I still have so much fun on nights out with my friends!

If you are able to, get a part-time job or volunteer for a charity

If you can, it’s a good idea to consider getting yourself a part-time job, or volunteering for a charity that supports a cause close to your heart. Not only will this look fantastic on your CV, but securing employment or supporting a charity contributes to your personal development, social life, and overall positive wellbeing.

With a part-time job, you’ll end up with more money in your pocket to spend on aesthetic bookshop or cafe trips, some cute new decor for your uni room, or fun nights out with friends! I am an ambassador for a national charity for LGBTQ+ young people. Through the charity, I have taken advantage of opportunities to give school talks and write articles for national media outlets across the UK.

A work-life balance is crucial

A work-life balance is essential at any point in life, but it’s especially important while you’re at uni. Balancing studies with your leisure time ensures a reduced risk of burnout, and helps to maintain positive mental wellbeing.

Think of your uni life like baking a cake: You need a certain amount of each ingredient listed on the recipe to bake the perfect cake. Divide your time up proportionally while at uni, and ensure that you reach that sensible balance of academics and fun.

Prioritise your physical and mental health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter how heavy your uni workload might be, prioritising your physical and mental health is of paramount importance. Take care of your body by exercising regularly or participating in a sport that you love, and look after your mental wellbeing by scheduling some me time into your timetable for some much-needed relaxation and winding-down from your studies.

Access support provided by the Careers and Placements Team

Like I said earlier, your time at uni will absolutely fly by. So, it’s never too early to begin considering your options for what you would like to do after you’ve donned your graduation gown and mortarboard here at the Uni of York.

The Careers and Placements Team at York help you figure out post-uni plans and pathways. It’s a big, wide world out there (to say the least) but the friendly and experienced careers team here on your doorstep at uni are always on hand to help you make sense of it all.

Savour every second as a York student

Remember what I said at the beginning of this article? Make the most of every second.

Savour everything about being a York student. Embrace your studies, get involved in societies and clubs, party like there’s no tomorrow (if that’s your thing), and laugh until you cry. Uni and student life is a wild roller coaster of emotions and experiences, and it might just be one of the best times of your life. Even when your flatmate has flooded the kitchen, you’ll look back and smile – so don’t get too angry!

Hopefully my guide to living your best uni life here in York has offered you a few useful starting points for thinking about how you’d like to map out your plans, hopes, and dreams over the next three or four years.

However, it’s so important to remember that contrary to what your family, friends and TikTok may tell you, there isn’t one single “right” way to do uni. How your approach and experience these years is entirely up to you. But from a third year at York, I hope that this guide has offered some helpful advice and guidance to get you started on deciding how you would best like to spend your time at uni.

We can’t wait to meet you in September!

Related articles recommended by this author:

•Inside Uni of York’s colleges: We asked for your honest opinions on first year accom

•We asked Uni of York students for their best advice for incoming freshers

•The 14 things no one tells you to prepare for when becoming a York student