York Uni?
Hi, I am an international student hoping to study history in the uk in 2026
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
'Pretty buildings' will not help you get a good degree grade, and nor will they mean you enjoy the course any more. York Uni may be modern, but its actually a stunning campus built around a lake and with lots of lovely places for relaxing / studying on lazy summer days. You won't be disappointed.
Reply 2
Original post by uk2026
Hi, I am an international student hoping to study history in the uk in 2026
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
If you don't like the look of York, then why pick Kent???
For me, the course is more important than the location.
Original post by McGinger
'Pretty buildings' will not help you get a good degree grade, and nor will they mean you enjoy the course any more. York Uni may be modern, but its actually a stunning campus built around a lake and with lots of lovely places for relaxing / studying on lazy summer days. You won't be disappointed.
Hi, I know that 'pretty buildings' is incredibly superficial and silly, and I originally didn't have a problem with York because of it, its just that I have seen quite a few people who have advised against York primarily for the reason of its buildings being ugly. And I just know that it'll be something that gets to me (I know again, very silly). But if the nature is beautiful then I would be quite happy to be there
Original post by ageshallnot
If you don't like the look of York, then why pick Kent???
For me, the course is more important than the location.
For me, the course is more important than the location.
Hi, I only picked Kent as my teacher is strongly pushing for me to put it down as a sort of safety net to ensure that I do actually get to go to a uni in the UK.
I respect what you said about courses being more important, its just that I haven't looked too much at courses and compared them - mostly because I am just really happy to be studying any kind of history. Do courses differ a lot across unis? From my quick scanning across the pages they seemed mostly the same to me and so I sort of disregarded it, but I am probably very wrong
Original post by uk2026
Hi, I am an international student hoping to study history in the uk in 2026
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
I thought York was a lovely campus, it has a gorgeous serene feel. Yes some of the buildings are 1960s architecture but there’s modern too and a couple of much older and ‘prettier’ accommodations such as fairfax house In Vanbrugh. The campus is very close to the town so you can get a regular fix of The Shambles, castle etc.
Also you should know that other unis you’ve mentioned are not all old architecture they are a mix. For example depending on what you study at Durham you may have most lectures in a very modern building and also you cannot choose your college only rank them so you may be allocated a modern (or 1960s/1970s) college.
Reply 6
Original post by uk2026
Hi, I only picked Kent as my teacher is strongly pushing for me to put it down as a sort of safety net to ensure that I do actually get to go to a uni in the UK.
I respect what you said about courses being more important, its just that I haven't looked too much at courses and compared them - mostly because I am just really happy to be studying any kind of history. Do courses differ a lot across unis? From my quick scanning across the pages they seemed mostly the same to me and so I sort of disregarded it, but I am probably very wrong
I respect what you said about courses being more important, its just that I haven't looked too much at courses and compared them - mostly because I am just really happy to be studying any kind of history. Do courses differ a lot across unis? From my quick scanning across the pages they seemed mostly the same to me and so I sort of disregarded it, but I am probably very wrong
There is generally quite a bit of variety across history courses. Look at the compulsory modules initially - York has 7 in the first 2 years, Kent has 5 but Durham only 2, for example. Do you like all/most of them?
Then examine the options from the same perspective. In an ideal world, which ones would you take?
Original post by Ledel01
I thought York was a lovely campus, it has a gorgeous serene feel. Yes some of the buildings are 1960s architecture but there’s modern too and a couple of much older and ‘prettier’ accommodations such as fairfax house In Vanbrugh. The campus is very close to the town so you can get a regular fix of The Shambles, castle etc.
Also you should know that other unis you’ve mentioned are not all old architecture they are a mix. For example depending on what you study at Durham you may have most lectures in a very modern building and also you cannot choose your college only rank them so you may be allocated a modern (or 1960s/1970s) college.
Also you should know that other unis you’ve mentioned are not all old architecture they are a mix. For example depending on what you study at Durham you may have most lectures in a very modern building and also you cannot choose your college only rank them so you may be allocated a modern (or 1960s/1970s) college.
Thanks, this was really helpful!
Original post by ageshallnot
There is generally quite a bit of variety across history courses. Look at the compulsory modules initially - York has 7 in the first 2 years, Kent has 5 but Durham only 2, for example. Do you like all/most of them?
Then examine the options from the same perspective. In an ideal world, which ones would you take?
Then examine the options from the same perspective. In an ideal world, which ones would you take?
Ok will do, thanks so much!
I am a fan of some 60s Brutalist architecture and a few examples at York (Central Hall) are impressive, although never welcoming. But much of York's original campus is bland CLASP architecture. It's really insubstantial feeling and the big lake never changes that. It feels like a science park, not somewhere to live.
Personally, I would rule out all 1960s origin universities for similar reasons.
Leicester University, which doesn't tend to have as high entry requirements but has some excellent researchers in some subjects, including History, is perhaps the best example in the UK of 60s architecture (and much older and younger architecture), used dynamically in a fitting environment (namely, on a busy road, albeit with parkland behind it. Brutalism or less prestigious forms of it has no place in the quiet suburbs like it's placed in at York). Importantly, the accommodation at Leicester has a variety of architecture, much of it classically older, and is not on campus. Accommodation on 'campus', unless it's an Oxbridge college, is often dull.
Edinburgh University is heavy with international students so if you're coming here partly to interact with British students it's not necessarily the greatest of places. It also performs low on student satisfaction.
I notice that all of the places you chose are famous for being historic (Kent being at Canterbury) even when the university isn't 'old'. Perhaps you chose Kent because it has the highest research rating in History of all UK universities? However, Leicester University is second only to Kent for that and Leicester University helped find the body of Richard III.
Personally, I would rule out all 1960s origin universities for similar reasons.
Leicester University, which doesn't tend to have as high entry requirements but has some excellent researchers in some subjects, including History, is perhaps the best example in the UK of 60s architecture (and much older and younger architecture), used dynamically in a fitting environment (namely, on a busy road, albeit with parkland behind it. Brutalism or less prestigious forms of it has no place in the quiet suburbs like it's placed in at York). Importantly, the accommodation at Leicester has a variety of architecture, much of it classically older, and is not on campus. Accommodation on 'campus', unless it's an Oxbridge college, is often dull.
Edinburgh University is heavy with international students so if you're coming here partly to interact with British students it's not necessarily the greatest of places. It also performs low on student satisfaction.
I notice that all of the places you chose are famous for being historic (Kent being at Canterbury) even when the university isn't 'old'. Perhaps you chose Kent because it has the highest research rating in History of all UK universities? However, Leicester University is second only to Kent for that and Leicester University helped find the body of Richard III.
(edited 4 weeks ago)
Original post by uk2026
Hi, I am an international student hoping to study history in the uk in 2026
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
Have you looked at Newcastle? It’s a Russell group uni with some lovely architecture. There’s some good tours on YouTube
Reply 11
Original post by uk2026
Hi, I am an international student hoping to study history in the uk in 2026
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
Hello,
It's lovely to hear that you're considering York.
As some of the other posts have said, look at the course content first, it's absolutely the most important thing to consider as history degrees are quite different across different universities, for example you don't want to end up with three years of WW1 if at heart you're a medievalist! Here is York's list of history degrees, click on each degree and then on the right hand side of each page you'll find a list of the modules involved in each year.
The architecture of individual universities is difficult to comment on because it changes by season and is so, so personal. For example my undergraduate was based in a truly ugly central London building but the course, staff, library and everything else were fantastic and with hindsight I would have wanted to do the course even if it was taught in a tent 🤣 In contrast, my PG was at Oxford and while the centre is beautiful on a summer's day and the inside of the older colleges is fascinating, you may be at a newer college and I found Oxford in bad, winter weather to be grim. I still enjoyed my time there though but because the course was right. I personally feel that York stands up well against all my previous unis. I'm not a great fan of 1960s buildings but this spring the campus has been gorgeous with each type of flower coming into bloom in succession and I've also found there's something quite special about Campus East early in the morning when the breeze is on lake and the rabbits are out grazing. As others have commented, York the city is a wonderful mix of historic styles 🙂
If you want to know more about the feel of UoY, what's going on and the city I'd highly recommend our Instagram page but you can also chat to real students on Unibuddy. We also have information specific to students from your domicile and the contact details for country reps on our country pages.
Let us know if you have any other questions but whichever uni you choose, good luck and I hope you enjoy your course.
E.
Reply 12
Original post by uk2026
Hi, I am an international student hoping to study history in the uk in 2026
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
My current unis to apply to are Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Kent.
I am pretty set on all of those, but I did also have York in that list, but am now sort of doubting my choice.
I was just wondering people’s general opinions on the uni?
The part I like the most about it really is the town of York, and I wish that the actual university had more old and pretty buildings on the campus
If you think York isn’t a great choice, where else would you recommend? Are there unis that have a similarly good quality and reputation, but might have better campuses?
Thanks so much!!
Hi,
I hope you are well!😊
Apologies for the delay in reaching out to you.
It's great to see that you are looking to study here at Kent!😊
As others have said on this thread already, looking at the course, modules, teaching methods, and course content is super important. Although pretty buildings would be the icing on the cake! I think many would agree that the course, teaching, library services, accommodation options, the location, and support services such as employability and student support are super important when choosing a university!🙂
As you have a few options, it may be a good idea to make a pros and cons list of each university in relation to modules (compulsory and optional and how much you like them), the location (are there things to do when having down time from studying, does the university have a campus or are buildings spread around for example) the support services, (financial, employability, student wellbeing support), the entry requirements, library and study materials, accommodation options, and graduate prospects to name a few.
I'm sure you have already looked at the course available at Kent. But here's a few things about studying History at Kent:
•
Kent offers students the choice to study history in line with their interests. Students can choose between Military History, Ancient History, and History.
•
Kent is home to the British Cartoon Archive and holds a rare and complete set of British official histories of the two world wars.
•
History at Kent ranked 1st for research quality in The Complete University Guide 2025.
•
Students have gone on to some really interesting careers. One of Kent's history graduates has received national media attention thanks to her highly intriguing research discovery that reveals a whole new dimension to the history of Anne Boleyn.
•
The Cathedral Archives and library hold a varied collection of historic records, including manuscripts, photographs, maps and printed books dating from the late 8th century up to the modern day. These cover a range of themes including national and local history, politics, travel, natural science, medicine, church history, and theology.
•
The course is based at the Canterbury campus which has everything students need all in one place. The campus is also situated in Canterbury which has a rich history!😊
•
During my time at Kent I've loved all of my teaching and have been able to get involved in lots of extracurriculars and other paid work opportunities which has worked around my studies. I have also found Student Support and Wellbeing really helpful and supportive during my studies, as well as the employability service too. While this makes me a bit biased, if you have any questions about student life at Kent, then let me know!😊
I hope this helps! 😊
Best wishes for the future,
Josie
Uni of Kent Student Rep🎓️
(edited 18:53)
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