My Erasmus Experience in York, United Kingdom - by David

Why did you choose to go to York, United Kingdom?

I've always liked Anglo-Saxon culture. York's a city with a lot of history (the Wars of the Roses, the Pilgrimage of Grace, etc. ) and I found the idea of spending a year there interesting.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

I didn't receive much money at all, and since York is an expensive place to live, I wouldn't recommend spending a year there if you want to travel, generally spend a lot of money and, above all, live the Erasmus lifestyle.

What's the student life like in York?

It's very good, with a very prestigious university. I study literature and it was hard work for me there, as all the students are very good.

Would you recommend the city and University of York to other students?

Definitely, yes. The city is very pretty and you learn a more efficient way of learning at the university there.

What's the food like in York?

Not as bad as I expected! The food's actually good there.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in York?

No, as the university allocated me to a hall of residence named Goodricke College.

How expensive is living in York?

Very expensive.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

Being Spanish, I already had a pretty good level of English, but I'm still the worst at English in my hall of residence.

What's the cheapest way of getting to York from your home city?

Flying to London or Manchester, and then getting the train to York.

What are the best places for partying in York?

It depends on what you're into, I wouldn't know enough about it.

What about eating out in York? What are your favourite places?

I don't have any as I cook at home most of the time.

What does York have to offer in terms of culture?

As I said before, it's a very historical city and very worth a visit in this sense.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to York?

Don't just hang out with other Erasmus people, try and make native friends to improve your language skills. Don't choose York if you want the typical 'Erasmus' year, since you have to study hard and the university won't cut you any slack in classes just because you're an Erasmus student, like they do in the majority of Erasmus destinations.