Students taking pictures of each other at the top of Clifford's Tower

Life in York

Located in the north of England, York is a welcoming historic city with a lively student community. On its cobbled streets, you’ll find all the shops, bars and restaurants you could want, as well as fascinating history and unique heritage. 

“The people of York are extremely welcoming, and I’ve been lucky to be among them.” 

Mohamed from Saudi Arabia, 
BA (Hons) Archaeology and Heritage student 

You can study in York at:


York: things to know

York culture 

With history on almost every street, there is so much to explore. 

Gray, Cutlery

York is a fun place to be a student! 

History on your doorstep 

Whether it’s strolling along ancient streets, enjoying a ghost tour or visiting museums, you can learn so much about history while living in York. Roman artefacts, medieval treasures and 1000-year-old buildings are just some of the things you could see in the city. 

Shops, shops and more shops

With over 2,000 shops, from major chains and designer stores to independent retailers and organic food markets, York offers some of the best shopping in the UK. The Shambles Market is where you’ll find everything from North African cuisine to vegan food, and international artisans. 

Culture everywhere 

There are so many cultural events held in York throughout the year. You can watch performances at the York Theatre Royal, which has been entertaining audiences since 1744, or see world-class productions at the Grand Opera House. You can also enjoy live music and festivals, including the Viking Festival! 

Spire, Building, Tower
Study in York
Student walking in a field full of dasies

Walking tours

  • The Bloody Tour of York
    Your guide Mad Alice leads you down the alleyways of York and tells you the gruesome tales of the city’s bloody past, from witches to executions. 
  • Invisible York tour
    Each tour is run by people affected by homelessness, who share their personal experience of the city. All profits go towards providing employment for guides.  

Museums and galleries

  • Yorkshire Museum
    A beautiful museum housing 5 galleries with some of the best archaeological finds from the area. See items from the Roman, Viking and medieval eras.
  • York Art Gallery 
    This public art gallery features paintings from the 14th century through to the modern day. The gallery has more than 1,000 paintings and 17,000 drawings, watercolours and prints! 

The great outdoors

  • Yorkshire Dales
    Cycle, hike or climb your way around the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and enjoy some fresh air as you explore York’s beautiful countryside. 
  • North York Moors National Park 
    Mesmerising moorland, magical forests, dramatic coastlines and delightful dales make the North York Moors National Park a haven for nature and wildlife. 
Gray, Cutlery

Jack’s day in the life in York