Experience in York, United Kingdom by Siti Syuhaida

What is it like to live in York? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

York is a city that you'll fall in love when you arrive. It is a small city that can be explored in one day. It is very English town if you looking for it. York is rich in ancient history, romantic ambiance and fun activities as well. If you are a potterhead, you can find the Diagon Alley here at the Shambles and also a shop that selling the Harry Potter stuffs, The Shop That Must Not Be Named, also in the Shambles. In York you also can find one of the largest cathedral in Northern Europe, which is called York Minster. If you're coming to England, I'll recon 100% that you must visit once at least in your life.

What is the student lifestyle like in York?

York is good for studying because the environment is calm, safe and lovely. We have 2 universities, the University of York and York St John University. Both are not too far from the city centre, about 10 mins by car, 25 mins by bus and 15 mins by bike. They have enough entertainment for students such as cinemas, bowling, shopping centre (we have York Designer Outlet), trampoline centre, River Ouse for canoeing, kayaking, pubs and also clubs. The gym and sport centre also affordable for students.

How much does it cost to live in York?

For the private off campus housing (shared house), the range per month is £280 to £500 all inclusive, but on campus accommodations are quite expensive, £106 to £176 a week. For the private student halls, you can get £72 to £170 a week.

For the living cost, £100-200 per months is more than enough for groceries and transportation, because if you prefer walking, everywhere is quite okay for walking distance. Its better to have a bike though.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in York? Is there any advice you can give?

No, its quite easy but you have to find it earlier, let say for next coming term, you have to start thinking about it 6 months earlier the latest if you want a cheaper room. I'm living in a private student hall but it is the cheapest in York. It is quite far from my department because mine is in West Campus but it is quite close to the Uni East Campus. If you're interested, you can find Holgate Hall in York to get the clear picture.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

To be honest, I cook my foods everyday. Only for some occasions, I will eat outside with friends. There are a lot of food options in York, Asians, Latin America, Spanish, English (the famous Betty's tea room), etc. I like to go to Asian restaurant (Yo Sushi, My Thai, Old Siam, Red Chili etc.) and Latin America (Las Iguanas).

What places would you recommend visiting in York?

You must visit Clifford Tower, York Minster, The Shambles, York Chocolate History, York Art Gallery, York Dungeon, Jorvik Vikings, York Designer Outlet, St Marry Abbey, Railway Museum, Museum Garden, garden and parks outside the city (York Maze, York Lavender, Fountain Abbey).

Is it good to eat out in York? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes because there are a lot of options of good restaurants in York. I like to go to Asian restaurant (Yo Sushi, My Thai, Old Siam, Red Chili etc.) and Latin America (Las Iguanas). I recon you to try Betty's tea room too.

Is the nightlife good in York? Where is good to go?

I think so. There have a lot of clubs and pubs if you fancy drinks and party. There are Turtle Bay, KUDA club, Pavements, The Botanics.

What advice would you give future students heading to York?

If you looking for a lovely calm place to study, please come to York. There are a lot of geese, swans and ducks in York University, because we have a huge lake in the university campus, East and West Campus.