York University - Student View

York is a beautiful place to study with quite a laid back and easy atmosphere. Vast selection of pubs, both quaint and modern, combine with a growing number of coffee shops to create a very ambient and easy city in which to spend your university life. It's also very central with good rail links to most major cities.

Campus is based around a large artificial lake and consists of eight colleges; these have varying standards of accommodation and facilities and each with a distinct identity. Most provide basic self-catering facilities but also have food outlets. Each college has a JCR committee responsible for the college's social, sports and welfare activities.

Many final year students move back into colleges and live with first years. This all makes it easy to integrate into college life. Most second years find private accommodation quite cheaply.

Good participation in SU; offers a diverse range of events and services. RAG and student community action are extremely successful. Some 100 student societies with the country's oldest independent radio station, own TV station, political, religious, musical and subject-based societies and two student newspapers.

Athletic Union has around 50 clubs ranging from the traditional football, tennis and rugby to potholing, skateboarding and paint-balling, which compete at college, regional and national levels.

Highly rated for both academic standards and teaching; students expected to work hard. Modularisation has increased flexibility in many degree courses (you can often study modules outside your subject area). Departments vary in assessment methods; some are exam based, others continually assessed. There are many opportunities to learn extra languages, computer skills, to study abroad or take a year in industry.

The York Award scheme encourages students to take part in developing transferable skills and personal development. Nightlife in town is limited to four clubs; all do good student nights with a variety of music styles (although cheese reigns supreme).

Campus offers more variety with a number of music-orientated societies and union events. Pubs in town provide better drinking than the campus. Sports facilities on campus are limited although developing.