University of York
York
University of York Accommodation
What is the best accommodation and college at York?
I like Vanburgh college the best, but I don't know if it's the best one.
I like Vanburgh college the best, but I don't know if it's the best one.
Scroll to see replies
Hi - sorry you haven't had a response to this yet. I'm just going to bump the thread in the hope that someone sees this and can help 
University of York
York
Original post by sammychu00
What is the best accommodation and college at York?
I like Vanburgh college the best, but I don't know if it's the best one.
I like Vanburgh college the best, but I don't know if it's the best one.
It really depends on what you're looking for. Objectively speaking, I would say that Constantine amd Langwith have the best rooms because they're the newest, biggest, and are most expensive. However, there are many other factors that can help make the decision.
If you're looking for cheap accommodation, consider James, Vanbrugh, Halifax, or Derwent as these offer economy rooms. If you want something close to the centre of the social campus, try Vanbrugh or Derwent. If you prefer something quiter or don't mind being a little further away, try Alcuin, Goodricke, Constantine or Langwith.
Have a look here:
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/accommodation/rooms-prices/
for a bit more of a breakdown of the individual colleges and their rooms. Each college has its own vibe and activities. Hes East colleges (Goodricke, Constantine, Langwith) are typically more quiet than those on the main campus, like Derwent or Vanbrugh.
If you have any more specific questions about any of the colleges, I'll be happy to help
Original post by greghayes
It really depends on what you're looking for. Objectively speaking, I would say that Constantine amd Langwith have the best rooms because they're the newest, biggest, and are most expensive. However, there are many other factors that can help make the decision.
If you're looking for cheap accommodation, consider James, Vanbrugh, Halifax, or Derwent as these offer economy rooms. If you want something close to the centre of the social campus, try Vanbrugh or Derwent. If you prefer something quiter or don't mind being a little further away, try Alcuin, Goodricke, Constantine or Langwith.
Have a look here:
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/accommodation/rooms-prices/
for a bit more of a breakdown of the individual colleges and their rooms. Each college has its own vibe and activities. Hes East colleges (Goodricke, Constantine, Langwith) are typically more quiet than those on the main campus, like Derwent or Vanbrugh.
If you have any more specific questions about any of the colleges, I'll be happy to help
If you're looking for cheap accommodation, consider James, Vanbrugh, Halifax, or Derwent as these offer economy rooms. If you want something close to the centre of the social campus, try Vanbrugh or Derwent. If you prefer something quiter or don't mind being a little further away, try Alcuin, Goodricke, Constantine or Langwith.
Have a look here:
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/accommodation/rooms-prices/
for a bit more of a breakdown of the individual colleges and their rooms. Each college has its own vibe and activities. Hes East colleges (Goodricke, Constantine, Langwith) are typically more quiet than those on the main campus, like Derwent or Vanbrugh.
If you have any more specific questions about any of the colleges, I'll be happy to help
Hi, thanks for replying, your response was very helpful.
Just a couple of questions about Vanbrugh, is it the only college that offers free sports and music because I can't find anything about fees for the other colleges. Do people usually get their first choice college? Also is it quite easy to make friends i.e. The people there aren't cliquey?
Original post by sammychu00
Hi, thanks for replying, your response was very helpful.
Just a couple of questions about Vanbrugh, is it the only college that offers free sports and music because I can't find anything about fees for the other colleges. Do people usually get their first choice college? Also is it quite easy to make friends i.e. The people there aren't cliquey?
Just a couple of questions about Vanbrugh, is it the only college that offers free sports and music because I can't find anything about fees for the other colleges. Do people usually get their first choice college? Also is it quite easy to make friends i.e. The people there aren't cliquey?
I'll be honest, I didn't think that college sports teams charged but looking at the Vanbrugh website, it seems that they do advertise themselves as being the only college to offer free sport. I can't find any information on how much it costs to be a member of a college team, all I can offer is this website:
https://www.yusu.org/opportunities/sport
That's our student union's page on university sport and then there's a link at the side about college sport.
In terms of music, the main reason that Vanbrugh is seen as a "music" college is because it's right next to the music department and has lots of space so university gigs and festivals are often held there. There are music practice rooms available to use in the music department though and loads of societies to join depending on your interests.
I'm not sure the number of people who get their first choice in college. I think it depends on how over/undersubscribed your first choice is and how fast you applied as I believe it's first come first served. I got my first choice as I have a medical condition so was at the top of the list. I know a few people who got their 3rd/4th choice and then someone who didn't get any of their top 9. However, it's possible to swap your room with someone before you start (that's what my friend who didn't get any of her choices did). There's usually lots of offers on here and there's a section of an official York site where you can advertise room swaps. So long as you tell the uni who you've swapped with, then it's all fine.
And yes it's very easy to make friends. Your first friends will likely come from you living with them as you and your flatmates get to know each other very quickly over freshers' week. Attend freshers events as, even if you don't make firm friends with many people, you'll meet people who you'll recognise around campus as a friendly face. There's a girl I met in freshers that I see around a lot and say hi to but I have no idea of her name! I also met my best friend from my course during freshers week. We were at the student comedy night and queueing for the bar. She said hi to me, we got chatting, and realised we were both on the same course so met up the next day (first day of term) and sat together in the lecture.
Don't worry about cliques. Some sports teams give off an impression of being typical jocks (typically rugby teams) but, in general, it's a nice mix of people in York so there's not really cliques, just groups of friends.
First year at York here.
You won't get Vanbrugh ensuite - it's the best (seems pretty sociable and very nice inside) so by all means have a go and rank it first but everyone applies for it.
Other than that, go for Hes West shared bathroom. I have an ensuite and it's not worth it because you can end up with as few as four people in your flat. It's also cripplingly expensive - I pay £140/week (probably £145 for next year's tenants) on a 44 week let. And honestly you really don't need an ensuite however convenient it might be.
Don't be afraid to put Halifax quite high up the list (shared bathroom first) - it's a good college although I'm biased. Don't stress about college reputations at all and Hes East doesn't seem to be socially any worse than West tbh in terms of going out and nightlife. Pain in the arse during the day though because of distance to seminars and lectures.
You won't get Vanbrugh ensuite - it's the best (seems pretty sociable and very nice inside) so by all means have a go and rank it first but everyone applies for it.
Other than that, go for Hes West shared bathroom. I have an ensuite and it's not worth it because you can end up with as few as four people in your flat. It's also cripplingly expensive - I pay £140/week (probably £145 for next year's tenants) on a 44 week let. And honestly you really don't need an ensuite however convenient it might be.
Don't be afraid to put Halifax quite high up the list (shared bathroom first) - it's a good college although I'm biased. Don't stress about college reputations at all and Hes East doesn't seem to be socially any worse than West tbh in terms of going out and nightlife. Pain in the arse during the day though because of distance to seminars and lectures.
Original post by conor_muller
First year at York here.
You won't get Vanbrugh ensuite - it's the best (seems pretty sociable and very nice inside) so by all means have a go and rank it first but everyone applies for it.
Other than that, go for Hes West shared bathroom. I have an ensuite and it's not worth it because you can end up with as few as four people in your flat. It's also cripplingly expensive - I pay £140/week (probably £145 for next year's tenants) on a 44 week let. And honestly you really don't need an ensuite however convenient it might be.
Don't be afraid to put Halifax quite high up the list (shared bathroom first) - it's a good college although I'm biased. Don't stress about college reputations at all and Hes East doesn't seem to be socially any worse than West tbh in terms of going out and nightlife. Pain in the arse during the day though because of distance to seminars and lectures.
You won't get Vanbrugh ensuite - it's the best (seems pretty sociable and very nice inside) so by all means have a go and rank it first but everyone applies for it.
Other than that, go for Hes West shared bathroom. I have an ensuite and it's not worth it because you can end up with as few as four people in your flat. It's also cripplingly expensive - I pay £140/week (probably £145 for next year's tenants) on a 44 week let. And honestly you really don't need an ensuite however convenient it might be.
Don't be afraid to put Halifax quite high up the list (shared bathroom first) - it's a good college although I'm biased. Don't stress about college reputations at all and Hes East doesn't seem to be socially any worse than West tbh in terms of going out and nightlife. Pain in the arse during the day though because of distance to seminars and lectures.
Hi, thanks for replying!
Do you know if shared accommodation at Vanbrugh is popular because those are the ones I actually want? I'm not too fussed about having an ensuite so I'll probably list all of the shared ones first before considering an ensuite. Also did you get your first choice of accommodation and how early did you apply?
Original post by sammychu00
Hi, thanks for replying!
Do you know if shared accommodation at Vanbrugh is popular because those are the ones I actually want? I'm not too fussed about having an ensuite so I'll probably list all of the shared ones first before considering an ensuite. Also did you get your first choice of accommodation and how early did you apply?
Do you know if shared accommodation at Vanbrugh is popular because those are the ones I actually want? I'm not too fussed about having an ensuite so I'll probably list all of the shared ones first before considering an ensuite. Also did you get your first choice of accommodation and how early did you apply?
Don't know about how popular it is but Vanbrugh shared bathroom is meant to be grim. Doesn't seem unsociable though so if you can put up with it being old and dark then it probably isn't so bad.
I applied on the very first day of applications being open and I got my fifth choice of nine AND York was my firm. Accommodation is really competitive.
Sorry for not replying sooner, I don't go on TSR much.
Original post by sammychu00
Hi, thanks for replying!
Do you know if shared accommodation at Vanbrugh is popular because those are the ones I actually want? I'm not too fussed about having an ensuite so I'll probably list all of the shared ones first before considering an ensuite. Also did you get your first choice of accommodation and how early did you apply?
Do you know if shared accommodation at Vanbrugh is popular because those are the ones I actually want? I'm not too fussed about having an ensuite so I'll probably list all of the shared ones first before considering an ensuite. Also did you get your first choice of accommodation and how early did you apply?
UOY Accommodation tweeted this graphic which shows the relative likelihood of getting the accommodation you prefer. Shared in Vanbrugh looks like a very safe bet! https://twitter.com/UoYAccomm
Original post by Zoeaus
Hi Does anyone know if you can put down names of people you want to be in a flat with once you find out what accommodation you got and how to go about doing this? Thanks!
Does anyone know if you can put down names of people you want to be in a flat with once you find out what accommodation you got and how to go about doing this? Thanks!No you can’t, you get automatically assigned to rooms. It’s so everyone has the chance to socialise with new people. Trust me it’s a fab thing, even if it seems daunting. I’ve met some of the best people that way.
Also in regards to accommodation, it is personal preference. All colleges have their own strengths but personally if you want the best social life, but don’t mind a *****y room- then go for Derwent. They host a lot of social events and appear to have the best social life/college sports teams, then I’d rank James as second to that. I would avoid Alcuin/Vanbrugh/Halifax- they are nice, but all are very quiet and seem to lack somewhat in terms of reputation. Unless you aren’t a social butterfly and don’t mind a quiet vibe.
Then Constantine/Langwith/Goodricke I would avoid at all costs!! They are the most expensive, you’ll get the piss taken out of you as a result and the majority of courses are on west campus. So after a night out the prospect of actually getting to your 9am is basically near impossible. Good luck and enjoy your first year at York. You will love it, trust me. Feel free to ask any more questions if you think of some!!?
Don’t rule out east campus! Even if you study on West, the accommodation is really nice and it means you aren’t just stuck on West all the time! I was in Langwith and loved it! But if you’re going to live on one and study on the other definitely bring a bike cos it’s so much quicker than waiting for the bus!
Original post by pixiejoanna
No you can’t, you get automatically assigned to rooms. It’s so everyone has the chance to socialise with new people. Trust me it’s a fab thing, even if it seems daunting. I’ve met some of the best people that way.
Also in regards to accommodation, it is personal preference. All colleges have their own strengths but personally if you want the best social life, but don’t mind a *****y room- then go for Derwent. They host a lot of social events and appear to have the best social life/college sports teams, then I’d rank James as second to that. I would avoid Alcuin/Vanbrugh/Halifax- they are nice, but all are very quiet and seem to lack somewhat in terms of reputation. Unless you aren’t a social butterfly and don’t mind a quiet vibe.
Then Constantine/Langwith/Goodricke I would avoid at all costs!! They are the most expensive, you’ll get the piss taken out of you as a result and the majority of courses are on west campus. So after a night out the prospect of actually getting to your 9am is basically near impossible. Good luck and enjoy your first year at York. You will love it, trust me. Feel free to ask any more questions if you think of some!!?
Also in regards to accommodation, it is personal preference. All colleges have their own strengths but personally if you want the best social life, but don’t mind a *****y room- then go for Derwent. They host a lot of social events and appear to have the best social life/college sports teams, then I’d rank James as second to that. I would avoid Alcuin/Vanbrugh/Halifax- they are nice, but all are very quiet and seem to lack somewhat in terms of reputation. Unless you aren’t a social butterfly and don’t mind a quiet vibe.
Then Constantine/Langwith/Goodricke I would avoid at all costs!! They are the most expensive, you’ll get the piss taken out of you as a result and the majority of courses are on west campus. So after a night out the prospect of actually getting to your 9am is basically near impossible. Good luck and enjoy your first year at York. You will love it, trust me. Feel free to ask any more questions if you think of some!!?
Thank you! I am having a bit of an internal debate at the moment about whether i want to be on East campus or not. i do quite like the idea of not living super close to my department (environment) so i can seperate work life and social a life a bit more. i keep heswring mixed things about the social life there. i dont really want to stay in Derwent and ive heard langwith is meant ot have quite a strong community kind of feel. Where did you stay?
Derwent College has a bad reputation for having *****y rooms...I lived in Derwent first year and my room was literally fine!! If you're a sociable person looking for a college with on site bars Derwent is a good place to be. The college sports teams are also good in Derwent with decent social scenes. Everyone was up for having a good time from the first day of freshers. James and Vanbrugh also seem like chill places. Not sure why anyone would go to Hes East if lectures are on Hes West when there's loads of accommodation options closer. If you're looking for a quiet time I wouldn't choose Derwent, an international student in our flat moved out as predrinks etc were too loud for them. I agree with the above - the reality is that Langwith / Constantine / Goodricke definitely get the piss taken out of them on nights out for being quiet and boring, largely by Derwent and James.
(edited 5 years ago)
Hey (sorry for late reply), I've lived in Halifax (ensuite & shared bathroom) and Goodricke (ensuite) college in first year (2017/2018). I would say the convenience of living on west is better as you can just get up, get ready quickly and go whereas on east it requires a bit more time management whether you're walking or catching one of the uni buses (66/66a/UB1). In terms of socialising, I think living on campus on west is better for socialising as most club activities and student bars are there. (I don't go out often so socialising isn't a major aspect for me, but it's very easy to west campus and town)
I would say the quality accommodation on east is undoubtedly better. The reason I moved from Halifax to Goodricke is because Halifax had somewhat of a silverfish infestation in their ensuite (and I am terrified of them). I have never encountered any in east and neither anyone I know who lives in east has, but SOME of my friends on west find some in their ensuite once in a while. However, if you're indifferent to them then I would say pick whichever accommodation you feel like will be the best fit for you.
Feel free to message or reply if you have anymore questions
I would say the quality accommodation on east is undoubtedly better. The reason I moved from Halifax to Goodricke is because Halifax had somewhat of a silverfish infestation in their ensuite (and I am terrified of them). I have never encountered any in east and neither anyone I know who lives in east has, but SOME of my friends on west find some in their ensuite once in a while. However, if you're indifferent to them then I would say pick whichever accommodation you feel like will be the best fit for you.
Feel free to message or reply if you have anymore questions
Original post by tiffycakes
Hey (sorry for late reply), I've lived in Halifax (ensuite & shared bathroom) and Goodricke (ensuite) college in first year (2017/2018). I would say the convenience of living on west is better as you can just get up, get ready quickly and go whereas on east it requires a bit more time management whether you're walking or catching one of the uni buses (66/66a/UB1). In terms of socialising, I think living on campus on west is better for socialising as most club activities and student bars are there. (I don't go out often so socialising isn't a major aspect for me, but it's very easy to west campus and town)
I would say the quality accommodation on east is undoubtedly better. The reason I moved from Halifax to Goodricke is because Halifax had somewhat of a silverfish infestation in their ensuite (and I am terrified of them). I have never encountered any in east and neither anyone I know who lives in east has, but SOME of my friends on west find some in their ensuite once in a while. However, if you're indifferent to them then I would say pick whichever accommodation you feel like will be the best fit for you.
Feel free to message or reply if you have anymore questions
I would say the quality accommodation on east is undoubtedly better. The reason I moved from Halifax to Goodricke is because Halifax had somewhat of a silverfish infestation in their ensuite (and I am terrified of them). I have never encountered any in east and neither anyone I know who lives in east has, but SOME of my friends on west find some in their ensuite once in a while. However, if you're indifferent to them then I would say pick whichever accommodation you feel like will be the best fit for you.
Feel free to message or reply if you have anymore questions
Silverfish freak me out too! It's damp that brings them on, not a lack of cleanliness. So it goes without saying that the older buildings are more likely to have problems with them.
Original post by tiffycakes
Hey (sorry for late reply), I've lived in Halifax (ensuite & shared bathroom) and Goodricke (ensuite) college in first year (2017/2018). I would say the convenience of living on west is better as you can just get up, get ready quickly and go whereas on east it requires a bit more time management whether you're walking or catching one of the uni buses (66/66a/UB1). In terms of socialising, I think living on campus on west is better for socialising as most club activities and student bars are there. (I don't go out often so socialising isn't a major aspect for me, but it's very easy to west campus and town)
I would say the quality accommodation on east is undoubtedly better. The reason I moved from Halifax to Goodricke is because Halifax had somewhat of a silverfish infestation in their ensuite (and I am terrified of them). I have never encountered any in east and neither anyone I know who lives in east has, but SOME of my friends on west find some in their ensuite once in a while. However, if you're indifferent to them then I would say pick whichever accommodation you feel like will be the best fit for you.
Feel free to message or reply if you have anymore questions
I would say the quality accommodation on east is undoubtedly better. The reason I moved from Halifax to Goodricke is because Halifax had somewhat of a silverfish infestation in their ensuite (and I am terrified of them). I have never encountered any in east and neither anyone I know who lives in east has, but SOME of my friends on west find some in their ensuite once in a while. However, if you're indifferent to them then I would say pick whichever accommodation you feel like will be the best fit for you.
Feel free to message or reply if you have anymore questions
What are you studying?
Original post by AndrewMarkSP
Silverfish freak me out too! It's damp that brings them on, not a lack of cleanliness. So it goes without saying that the older buildings are more likely to have problems with them.
That's what I got told after I had my accommodation lol - I wish had known this before applying for accommodations but at least anyone who is freaked out by them (and didn't know about damp) can look on this thread be aware before applying
Original post by MajorFader
What are you studying?
Electronic Engineering with Nanotech
It doesn't matter too much where you live on campus, you can get pretty much anywhere on campus within 10 minutes and there are regular buses that run between the 2 campuses that are free within the university. It can be convinient to live in a college on the same campus as your course but you wont have to spend too much time getting between your flat and lectures. Lots of the rooms are almost identically similar to the other colleges, so the only difference will be the location.
All of the accommodation is pretty nice, even the cheapest options. I lived in Alcuin in my first year and Vanbrugh in my 3rd year (both were ensuite rooms) which were both some of the more expensive rooms and were very nice and the kitchens (especially in Vanbrugh) were spacious and fairly modern. My friend lived in the cheapest block (James N block, affectionately names prison block) which was obviously a lower standard than mine but it was still liveable. The kitchens were much smaller and shared with more people but the block was catered and the shared bathrooms are cleaned every day and worked out at 1 toilet to around 4/5 people. I'd probably say that the worst part of that block is its right next to the lake so you might get woken up by the geese.
If you enjoy living on campus its pretty easy to stay on if you apply early enough and you'll be placed with returning students so it will be much quieter, although private housing off campus is much cheaper. I've gone from paying £140 a week to paying about £80 a week once I factor in bills from my 3rd to 4th year, just make sure to try and avoid any dodgy landlords/letting agencies.
All of the accommodation is pretty nice, even the cheapest options. I lived in Alcuin in my first year and Vanbrugh in my 3rd year (both were ensuite rooms) which were both some of the more expensive rooms and were very nice and the kitchens (especially in Vanbrugh) were spacious and fairly modern. My friend lived in the cheapest block (James N block, affectionately names prison block) which was obviously a lower standard than mine but it was still liveable. The kitchens were much smaller and shared with more people but the block was catered and the shared bathrooms are cleaned every day and worked out at 1 toilet to around 4/5 people. I'd probably say that the worst part of that block is its right next to the lake so you might get woken up by the geese.
If you enjoy living on campus its pretty easy to stay on if you apply early enough and you'll be placed with returning students so it will be much quieter, although private housing off campus is much cheaper. I've gone from paying £140 a week to paying about £80 a week once I factor in bills from my 3rd to 4th year, just make sure to try and avoid any dodgy landlords/letting agencies.
HiDoes anyone have any idea what Eden Cottage is like?I've just been allocated a room, but I can't seem to find any pictures or information about the place.Any help would be appreciated!!
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- York Accommodation
- Lancaster or York Psychology?
- Student couple moving to York need help!
- Finding Accommodation
- Official University of York Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entry
- What is the cost of accommodation in York after the first year?
- University choices
- University of York accomodation
- University of York Clearing 2023
- Manchester or York for Uni?
- University of York Applicants 2023
- university of york field trips? biological sciences
- How quickly does York Accommodation run out?
- University of York Postgraduate Accommodation 24/25
- Living in Leeds and Commuting to York?
- Lancaster vs York (Marketing)
- Unconditional Offer Dilemma
- Fan in accommodation room
- York accomidation 23/24
- York or Southampton
Latest
Trending
Last reply 3 days ago
Official University of York Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entryLast reply 2 weeks ago
Will University of York let me in with A*A*C on an ABB offer?Last reply 2 weeks ago
Is a year in industry actually worth it? should i just do a year abroad for york uni?Last reply 2 weeks ago
Should I go to the university of York for BA Business Management?Trending
Last reply 3 days ago
Official University of York Offer Holders Thread for 2024 entryLast reply 2 weeks ago
Will University of York let me in with A*A*C on an ABB offer?Last reply 2 weeks ago
Is a year in industry actually worth it? should i just do a year abroad for york uni?Last reply 2 weeks ago
Should I go to the university of York for BA Business Management?
