University of York

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Ask a current 3rd year York student anything!

Hey guys, it's been a while since I posted here.

A lot of current students answered my questions when I was deciding to come to York so I thought that I'd do the same (Just trying to avoid work). As a 3rd year I pretty much know people on most courses and from most colleges here at York. Specifically I am studying Economics and a member of Langwith college so I can go more in depth on those particular areas.

Feel free to ask about anything to do with the Univeristy/City and i'll do my best to get back to you.

(edited 9 years ago)

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Reply 1

jld

Hey, thanks for starting this thread up! My course will be situated at Hes East so I'm considering choosing Langwith, but as Hes East is fairly isolated from the main campus, I was just wondering what the general atmosphere of the college is like? Especially in terms of socialising and going out etc.

University of York

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Reply 2

Benny100

Original post by jld

Each year i've become more convinced that Langwith is one of the better choices for a more social college. Last year Langwith changed to about 50/50 undergraduates/postgraduates which has made what seems to be a 'tight' year group. As in, everyone knows each other and even as a third year I know who around half of the first years are and they've integrated into the rest of the college really well. It's one of the few colleges where you'll recognise nearly every one from your college if you see them out and yes, most people in Langwith go out a lot from my experience.

With the glasshouse (College bar) in the middle of the college as well, it creates a focal point for people in Langwith to meet which really contributes to the atmosphere.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 3

melloxgal

Hey! I've applied for law and I think it's on the Heslington East campus. I really loved York when I went on the open day last summer but I live quite far away. If I get an offer from York I would probably firm it, but I've just been wondering; seeing as York is a campus university is there a sense of community? I'm quite anxious about the move for university and it would be really useful to get a current student's perspective on the atmosphere of the university itself.
Also, if you have any comments on York city in general, that would be really helpful.
Thanks!
:smile:

Reply 4

Benny100

Original post by melloxgal

Hey! The law department here is really good and quite unique in how they teach, I have a few friends who all comment on how much they like the course! Yeah it's on Heslington East.

There is a definite sense of community. A lot of people identify themselves by the college they lived in or the group of people that they lived around. Others more identify themselves by there sports team or society. What it boils down to is that everyone is active in some sort of community and generally socialize within that particular community while maintaining their 'College colours.' The thing about York being a campus university is that you don't feel isolated and everywhere you go you are generally surrounded by other students. Which is nice as going into the city allows you to escape from the atmosphere and enjoy the city more.

I'm guessing you've been into the city before however even in my third year it retains it's charm, there is a lot of parts of the city that you don't notice on your first 5 times looking around it and that I still don't really know. The city centre itself isn't too big which makes it all accessible compared to some larger cities. There is a lot of food choice in York and that's something I need to explore more personally before I leave. As for going out the city has way too many bars (In a good way), you'll be introduced to the common student ones when you arrive but every street has some sort of interesting bar/pub if your out with friends. There isn't that many clubs however they're all decent and York really shines for the variety of different club nights on offer with all sorts of atmospheres and genres of music on offer. Also there is Willow.

Sorry if this is a little muddled, had along day :smile:

Reply 5

aetcode

How far away are the two campuses from each other? Are they entirely separate or are they pretty much adjacent? Any other information about the campuses/campus life would be appreciated :smile:

(Wish I could think of a better question for you haha!)

Reply 6

Benny100

Original post by aetcode

How far away are the two campuses from each other? Are they entirely separate or are they pretty much adjacent? Any other information about the campuses/campus life would be appreciated :smile:

(Wish I could think of a better question for you haha!)

The campuses are really close, it usually took me just over 10 minutes to walk between them and it's 5 minutes on the bus with buses coming every 7 minutes. However if you're going from Hes East to say a lecture in Wentworth then add another 5-10 minutes onto that.

Hmm, generally Hes East is much more relaxed during the day as it doesn't have half the uni walking through it all day as there isn't that many departments. Hes West also has the library, old sports centre, Yusu (York university students union) building, a couple of shops and 4 bars on it. Hes East on the otherhand had the Ron Cooke Hub (Good to work in) and just the one bar. The new York sports village is around 5 minutes away from Hes East. That's just the basics of each campus really obviously there is a lot more. If you have a more specific question just ask :smile:

Reply 7

Gothai P

Hi this is probably a really silly question but I can't find it on the York website.So I know that if you get 36 week accommodation you have to clear out your things for Easter, but that's only for Easter right like after Easter we can come back?
I know it's silly I'm just getting really confused with this accommodation stuff.
Thank you :biggrin:

Reply 8

username1054063

Hi!

I've applied to law and will most likely firm it, however, seeing as I'm coming from Canada, I haven't had a chance to visit the campus.

I'm trying to decide between Constantine (as it has the newest rooms), Langwith, Goodricke and James. Which would you recommend? I'll be entering with my sister who also applied for law and although we're not party people, we would like a college thats quite social...but self-catered and decent rooms (which is why I'm leaning towards Constantine). Also, this is an odd question, lol do any of the ensuites have bathtubs, if so which ones?

Do you know if I'd be able to request to live in the same flat as my sister? We would prefer to live together.

Lastly, would you recommend living on West or East if I'm studying law? I've heard the East campus is very isolated from the rest of the uni.

Reply 9

lizziehumphreys

Are the different courses taught at one specific campus or do you change between the two?

I'm applying for English and it would be great to know where most of the lectures and stuff are held.

Reply 10

guorun

Sorry to hi-jack a thread, but I thought I'd answer a couple of the questions currently open - I'm a 4th year chemistry student currently at York.

Gothai - Yes! You can move back in at the end of the Easter break with all your stuff, you're accommodation is essentially for term-time on 36 week lets, with a bit of wiggle-room at either end of the year.

Laura - I'm currently living in Constantine College, my housemates lived in Langwith and Goodricke last year and I've lived in (what is now) Derwent on Hes West, which are the really old rooms. I'm in one of the house-based flats in Constantine, with 12 people living in it (not the deluxe rooms, we lack a TV in the kitchen and aren't en-suite - I don't believe any of the en-suites have bathtubs, but I'm not 100% sure). I'd say it's pretty nice, the rooms are fairly standard, there's good storage (though the entire room is probably smaller than my 1st year room), nice desk space and lots of light. There's also a large central building called The Forum, used for socialising. Langwith and Goodricke are also fairly new (Langwith's only two years old [I think]) and are quite nice too. Langwith has The Glasshouse, which is the YUSU bar on Heslington East, though obviously anyone is welcome. Goodricke is probably closest to the Law School, but nowhere on the same campus is far (and even between campuses, it's only 10 minutes or so). As for Hes East being isolated, it's definitely quieter, but it's much improved than it was when I began, the university is bringing more things over to try to make it more even. I know law students who have spent three years and barely been onto Hes West, however. There's plenty going on within the colleges and although a lot of societies are based on Hes West, it's not far enough IMO to change your mind over.

Lizziehumphreys - Generally, yes. Most courses are based on one campus or another, many having their own departmental teaching rooms too. The English department is based in Derwent, there are lecture rooms within the buildings, though English lectures do tend to be spread around - so they vary from Wentworth, Vanburgh, Alcuin, Physics, James and Chemistry, but they're all based on that campus. Generally, a lecture course will be within a single room throughout all of it's lectures, or the room timetables will be similar from week to week, so it's easy to get used to and again - none of the buildings are very far from each other. Across campus is only 5-10 minutes and you won't have back to back lectures with massive distances between them.

Hope that helps!

Reply 11

booagoo

Hi Benny , I wonder if you know the places where Physics and Mathematics lectures will be held and would it be too dark if I walk from Physics Department to the East campus after dinner? I'm from overseas and has never been to York. I hope you can give me some advice on which accommodation to choose. Thanks.

Original post by Benny100

Reply 12

University of York

Official Rep

Original post by booagoo

Hi there,

There is a free shuttle bus service that runs between the university campuses during term time and the route includes the area of campus where the Physics and Maths departments are based and also Heslington East campus. More information and a map can be found here: http://www.yorkbus.co.uk/times.jsp?routeID=254&iP_show=routes

I hope this helps,

Helen

Reply 13

ChoccyPhilly

Original post by Benny100

Hey, what's the standard of sport like and more importantly, what's the roses like?

Reply 14

University of York

Official Rep

Original post by ChoccyPhilly

Hey, what's the standard of sport like and more importantly, what's the roses like?

Hi there,

There's a lot of sport going on in York, at college level and university level, you can find out more details about different clubs and facilities on our website.

The Roses tournament is a fantastic annual event, the atmosphere on campus is great and so many people get involved, students and staff. You can watch review videos of this year's tournament on the Roses Live website (scroll down to the TV Catchup section).

I hope this helps,

Helen

Reply 15

booagoo

Thanks Helen.
I also want to know which accommodation has en-suite with walk-in shower so that water won't wet everywhere. Thank you.

Original post by University of York

Reply 16

University of York

Official Rep

Original post by booagoo

Thanks Helen.
I also want to know which accommodation has en-suite with walk-in shower so that water won't wet everywhere. Thank you.

Hi there,

I believe that both Langwith and Constantine have slightly raised showers with sliding doors. Facilities can vary in some of our of Heslington East accommodation but in Derwent College all of the ensuite catered rooms in Derwent and most of the Premium Ensuite in James College have shower cubicles rather than wetrooms.

I hope that's a help!

Thanks,
Alice

Reply 17

Atkins

Just a few questions:
- Bars and restaurants are not open on weekends? It is easy to eat out?
- There are dryers? and can we wash small amounts of clothes?
- Where can we store our stuff when we left the room on (short) holidays?
- Is there a place to play music? (rehersal room free, easy to book)?
Thanks!

Reply 18

lucyx

How central is the campus? Is it easy walking distance from the city centre? (don't like the idea of relying on buses/trains all the time!) Thanks :smile:

Reply 19

University of York

Official Rep

Original post by Atkins

Hi there,

In answer to your questions:

- Some of our on-campus catering is open at the weekend, but you can also easily get in to the city centre where there is a huge selection of places to eat out - you will be spoilt for choice!

- There are laundrettes in all of our on-campus colleges which have washing and drying facilities for students to use.

- The storage of your property depends on the length of your rent. If you have a 40 or 51 week lease then you will continue to rent your room even when you're not there so you can leave your belongings in your room. If you have a 36 week lease then you will need to vacate your room over the Easter break, however the university can recommend storage facilities for you to use.

- We do have practice/rehearsal rooms on campus that are available for all students to use. You simply need to become a member of the student-run Music Society and then you can use the rooms in Derwent College.

I hope this helps and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Helen