Positives and negatives in York colleges

I'm a second year and lived in James College. There are two campuses, East and West. Unless you're studying with a department based on Heslington East, avoid accommodation here (Goodricke and Langwith) - while I hear it's nicer, it's generally much quieter (and less interesting) and you will have a commute to your lectures which you may as well avoid in you first year. The same can be said for Alcuin college, which is a bit out of the way on Heslington West. Those three all have a reputation for being pretty boring, but I've not had first had experience. Halifax is again a bit out of the way, and I think it can be fairly basic, but from what I've seen and heard it's pretty social - went to a fun house party here.

I really liked James College and had an amazing year there. I ended up in N Block, which unlike the rest of the blocks was built in the 1960s and has a reputation for looking like a prison block. I really enjoyed my time there regardless, but for the most part James is much nicer than that. It's generally modern and comfortable, but won't be as upscale as Goodricke, Langwith or Alcuin. I've never been to a block there but I get the feeling Vanbrugh has a similar appeal, but with a greater proportion of older accommodation. Derwent is in a fine location but has a reputation for slightly bare-bones living. You'll also likely see online (I know I did) that it puts on socials and stuff - I never really heard any hype for this and didn't feel like I was missing out on that, but you'd have to ask someone who went there.

It really depends on what you prioritise. If you want high quality living space over anything else then go for Hes East or Alcuin, but you could miss out on a more social atmosphere. Otherwise I'd recommend James from personal experience, but then a lot of people would say that about their own college. It also depends on whether you want to go catered - I did and I'm glad I did, but it's again personal preference. Anyhow, assuming you're thinking of, or are already coming here, I hope you have a great time! I don't know anyone who didn't.

If you're social choose Vanbrugh, Derwent or James.

If you value accomodation quality over atmosphere and socialising choose Langwith, Goodrick or Alcuin.

I was initially disappointed by being in Vanbrugh because Langwith, Goodrick and Alcuin looked so nice......But that was on an open day where no students were around. Even in term they're very very quiet and dead most of the time. I didn't realise quite how little time I would be spending within my room. A nicer room isn't worth the sacrifice for a better atmosphere in my opinion.