Are you a student in York? We’ve got the ultimate guide for you.
If you’re arriving to York for the first time this September for university – first of all, congratulations!
Whether it’s University of York or York St. John University you are studying in one of the best cities in England.
We’ve put together a guide to hopefully make the transition a little less daunting. Keep reading to discover where to eat, places to visit, where to shop, where to find live music – and much more.
Also check out our previous guide to 20 things I wish I’d known before starting as a student in York for even more useful tips.
Kuda
Kuda is a staple of nightlife in York, set in a magnificent 185-year-old Grade II listing building over three floors. Combining the best clubbing experience with sophisticated bars and VIP lounge, there is no better place to unwind with a delicious after work cocktail or prepare for an incredible night out with friends.
An amphitheatre of atmosphere, state of the art LED lighting technology, beautiful surroundings and ultra-high-quality sound system make for the best night out York has to offer. Kuda is boutique, chic, and contemporary. Kuda really does is the ultimate clubbing experience all under one roof, offering the ultimate VIP clubbing experience plus showcasing the biggest DJ talent and production in York’s only multi-room nightclub!
This Freshers, Kuda York is hosting three weeks of partying to kick off your student life right! From 18 September we have a jam-packed party calendar, welcoming students from both universities. Whether you study at York St John or University of York, if you’re a student in York this is the place to be!
We love societies. We love teams. We love clubs. Whether a new member or returning for another year we want you to get in touch and come down! We want to get to know you and your group!
- 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD
- 01904 647947
- More info
York Sport
Harder. Better. Fresher. Stronger.
The first thing you need to know is that we have not one, but two gyms on campus! York Sport Village and York Sport Centre are on different sides of the University campus, and offer slightly different facilities.
York Sport Village membership includes access to our facilities on Heslington East Campus, including our 120-station gym, 25m swimming pool, over 75 fitness classes per week, and health suite (spa pool and sauna). Members can also take advantage of our livestream and on-demand classes and train from the comfort of home.
York Sport Centre membership includes access to our recently refurbished gym on Heslington West Campus, which includes a dedicated strength & conditioning suite. Members can also benefit from free off-peak access to our state-of-the-art athletics track, from 09:00-16:30 on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Join York Sport today using promotional code YSFRESH to save up to £75 on annual student membership.
Hurry! Offer ends 2nd October!
Terms & conditions apply.
- York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, York, YO10 5FG
- 01904 325751
- More info
Heavenly Desserts
Since 2008, Heavenly Desserts have provided the very finest in delectable sweet treats. We continue to be an innovator and trendsetter in the world of luxury desserts, ensuring that we always offer our customers an exciting experience that tastes of innovation and l’art de vivre.
Attention-to-detail, creativity and innovation continues to be the soul of Heavenly Desserts and combined with our dedication to achieving perfection, we promise to provide all of our customers with an unrivalled dining experience.
Our customers are able to relax, enjoy the diverse range of desserts and discover our latest seasonal creations. Whether you are keen to try a new taste sensation or want to repeat your experience tasting one of our classic treats, we promise to deliver the same superior dining experience in all of our outlets.
Our creative process begins with the original design concept and then proceeds to incorporate a distinctive design that is finally crafted to perfection. Using a high level of skill and workmanship, combined with the finest ingredients, our creations are brought to life with great care and attention to detail. We create desserts where each experience is crowned by a distinctive look and fine craftsmanship; our approach to serving delicious desserts is as sumptuous as haute-couture.
Get a taste of heaven and choose from waffles, crepes, cookie dough, croffles, cheesecake and more – all while surrounded by beautiful decor.
Hungry yet?
- 19-21 Blake Street, York, YO1 8QJ
- 01904 349581
- More info
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York Marriott Hotel
Celebrate in style at York Marriott Hotel.
From Graduation Balls to Society Dinners and Charity Events, allow us to provide the perfect backdrop to your next student celebration.
With versatile event spaces, delicious dining options and added extras that will bring the WOW factor, we have everything you need for a night to remember. Our friendly team of expert event planners are on hand to help you meticulously plan your celebration from start to finish and share their ideas for the little things that will make a big impression. A drinks reception in our beautiful gardens, DJs, dancefloors, Prosecco walls, gin bars, selfie stations, balloon installations… the opportunities are endless!
When you simply don’t want the party to end, enjoy discounted bedroom rates and stay in the night in the comfort of our hotel.
At York Marriott Hotel, we don’t just host events, we make memories.
- Tadcaster Road, York YO24 1QQ
- 01904 701000
- More info
City Screen
Three screen cinema playing mainstream, world, Independent and classic film; art exhibitions, live venue plus Café-Bar with outdoor terrace overlooking the river with great views and exceptional menu.
Student Membership £20 includes 2 free tickets, no booking fees, 25% off food & drink, £3 off film tickets and more…
- 13-17 Coney St, York YO1 9QL
- 0207 326 2649
- More info
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Attractions
York is home to some amazing attractions and shows off what the city has to offer. With so many places to visit with friends and family, you’ll never be without something to do.
- York Minster – what would coming to York be without a visit to the iconic York Minster? The beautiful building is definitely worth a visit, especially as York students can get in for free. Students at York St John University even get to graduate there!
- National Railway Museum – If you’re wondering what to do in York on a rainy day, the National Railway Museum is the perfect answer. With free entry (donations encouraged) you can lose a couple of hours in here and would be a fun place to visit with your new flatmates.
- York Castle Museum – This museum is a great place to discover some unique history about York, and the recreated Victorian street is a definite highlight.
- City Walls – Of course York is famous for being a walled city, and the city walls are definitely worth an explore. It’s also a great way to see a lot of the city and can be useful shortcuts when getting about town.
- York Dungeon – If you fancy a scare, visit York Dungeon if you dare! This attraction is a lot of fun and could be a great bonding trip for you and your new friends. Flatmates who scream together stay together, right?
Festivals
Throughout the year York has some fantastic festivals – from music to history to art and literature to film, there’s something for everyone.
- Jorvik Viking Festival – One of York’s most unique festivals, and celebrates the city’s Viking history. Seeing hundreds of people dressed as Vikings march through the city is certainly an experience you don’t want to miss.
- York Pride – A celebration of love and joy, the annual event is a fantastically fun event that both York St John and University of York get involved in.
- York Comic Con – For those who love anything and everything geeky! With special guests, photo opportunities and traders, this event is a must-visit if you love all things nerdy.
- York Ice Trail – This annual event (normally February or March) transforms the city centre into a winter wonderland as beautiful ice sculptures decorate the streets. Grab a few friends and see if you can find them all!
- York Christmas Festival – If York knows how to do anything right, it’s Christmas. The Christmas markets are an absolute must to explore, and there are so many festive events happening in the city around this season.
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Nightlife
If there’s one thing that York isn’t short of, it’s places to spend a night out. There’s enough pubs to visit a different one every day of the year!
- Sora Sky Bar – if you’re looking for a drink with a view, look no further. With stunning views of the Minster and sophisticated cocktails, this is a great choice for those more fancy nights out.
- Impossible Wonderbar and Tea Rooms – Impossible bar is home to some brilliantly bonkers cocktails! They also have regular fun events on such as drag brunch, speed dating, and spiritual evenings.
- Evil Eye – this is the place to try if you like cocktails! There’s so many unique creations to choose from and a great atmosphere, and there’s also an extensive mocktail menu for those who don’t drink.
- The Golden Fleece – known as York’s ‘most haunted pub’, why not visit this friendly and welcoming pub and find out if the rumour is true…
- The Habit – this is a fab place to hang out with friends after a difficult day of uni work, with great drinks, great food and great music.
Live music
York has a thriving music scene with some fantastic independent venues. Why not plan a trip to a gig to see a local band with your new friends and flatmates?
- The Crescent – an independent music venue in the heart of the community, and is the place to see some of the best bands on tour.
- The Fulford Arms – another fabulous independent music venue with great live music and real ale.
- Victoria Vaults – a grassroots music venue next to the city walls that hosts great local live music and regular open mic events.
- York Barbican – York Barbican is the largest music and arts venue in York, and has some huge names come to play there every year. Upcoming acts include Will Young, The Proclaimers, and KT Tunstall.
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Eating out
It is always hard choosing somewhere to eat in York – simply because there are so many amazing places! Whether you’re looking for a sit down meal with family, a brunch with friends, or a coffee stop while writing an essay – York has got a place for it all.
- Spark – with an ever-changing selection of street food to try this is a must-visit in York. This casual and fun way of eating makes it a great lunch stop in between lectures or for a catch up with friends.
- Shambles Market – this is another street food stop that’s a must-visit in York. With burgers, Thai food, pancakes, and much more, you will be spoilt for choice while wandering around here.
- Brew and Brownie – if you can get in here (there’s always a queue) you’re in for a treat! With delicious food and cosy atmosphere, this would be a great place for getting coffee with friends or getting some uni work done.
- Döner Summer – this place takes vegan junk food to the next level! With exciting presentation and even more exciting flavours, this place comes highly recommended for vegans and non-vegans alike.
- Pho – one of York’s newest restaurants, Pho serves up classic Vietnamese dishes. If you need a quick lunch before dashing back to uni, check out Pho.
- Bettys – a staple of York. Serving up afternoon tea, lunches and a range of sweet treats, this is simply a must-visit during your time in York.
Art, theatre, cinema, comedy
York is a fantastic cultural city and is in fact a designated UNESCO City of Media Arts. There is always something going on in the city to go watch, see or do.
- York Art Gallery – if you find yourself with a free couple of hours, why not check out York Art Gallery? With regularly changing exhibitions, there is always something to inspire you here.
- Grand Opera House – York has some fantastic theatre, and the Grand Opera House is a great mix of music, musicals, plays and comedy.
- All Gold Comedy Club – a comedy night in York that takes place on the first Thursday of every month. With the line-up changing every month, this is your chance to see some spectacular comedy in York.
- Aesthetica Short Film Festival – this annual film festival is a must for any film fan. Taking place during the month of November, the programme of events include screenings, Q&As, and more.
- Van Gogh Experience – this awe-inspiring exhibition has been in York for a few years, but don’t wait around to visit as it won’t be here forever! Prepare to be inspired and amazed.
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Parks, gardens and green spaces
Studying in York is amazing because while it’s a city, there are lots of green spaces. There are some beautiful parks and gardens in York, and they’re the perfect places to study, meet friends or simply be at one with the world.
- York Museum Gardens – overlooking the River Ouse, this is a garden that is always full of life. With owl displays, luscious flowers, and often art installations, you could easily spend an afternoon off university here.
- Goddards – a hidden gem in York as it’s slightly out of the city centre, but it’s well worth a visit. With five acres of garden rooms to explore and a stunning view of York Racecourse, this is a great escape from the stressful side of university life.
- Rowntree Park – this is a gorgeous park with the added bonus of a lovely reading cafe too!
- Treasurer’s House – tucked away behind the Minster, this little garden is a great escape from the busy city streets.
- Dean’s Park – situated right next to York Minster, this beautiful park is a lovely place to relax; even better if there’s also an ice cream in hand.
Shopping
York has a lot of quirky and unique shops, and also home to so many independent businesses.
- The Shop That Must Not Be Named – York’s very own Harry Potter shop. Situated on the Shambles – the street that inspired the Harry Potter filmmakers for Diagon Alley – it normally has a queue outside but this is an iconic York shop to visit.
- The Little Apple Bookshop – this is a lovely and friendly independent bookshop in York. As well as your assigned reading, why not do a bit of reading for fun too?
- Botanic – this little plant shop tucked down Walmgate is one of my personal favourites in York. Filled to the brim with houseplants of all sizes, why not pop in and pick up a plant to put in your new room?
- Flying Tiger – this is a delightful shop to browse in, and is great for finding little knick-knacks and trinkets to brighten up your room as well as genuinely useful things too.
- Barnitts – if you’re looking for something, trust me, Barnitts will have it. An independent department store in the centre of York that is so much bigger than you expect from the outside.