York University

York is a beautiful place to study with quite a laid back and easy atmosphere. Vast selection of pubs, both quaint and modern, combine with a growing number of coffee shops to create a very ambient and easy city in which to spend your university life. It's also very central with good rail links to most major cities. Campus is based around a large artificial lake and consists of eight colleges - each with a distinct identity and varying standards of accommodation and facilities. Most provide basic self-catering facilities but also have food outlets. Each college has a JCR committee responsible for the college's social, sports and welfare activities. This all makes it easy to integrate into college life. Most second years find private accommodation quite cheaply. Good participation in SU, which offers a diverse range of events and services. RAG and student community action are extremely successful. Some 100 student societies with the country's oldest independent radio station, own TV station, political, religious, musical and subject-based societies and two (award-winning) student newspapers. Athletic union has around 50 clubs ranging from the traditional football, tennis and rugby to potholing, skateboarding and paint-balling, which compete at college, regional and national levels. Highly rated for both academic standards and teaching; students expected to work hard. Modularisation has increased flexibility in many degree courses (you can often study modules outside your subject area). Departments vary in assessment methods: some are exam-based, others continually assessed. There are many opportunities to learn extra languages, computer skills, to study abroad or take a year in industry. The York Award scheme encourages students to take part in developing transferable skills and personal development. Nightlife in town is limited to three clubs; all do good student nights with a variety of music styles (although cheese reigns supreme). Campus offers more variety with a number of music-orientated societies and union events. Pubs in town provide better drinking than the campus. Sports facilities on campus are limited, though developing, and teams do well. Famous for intervarsity event with Lancaster - War of the Roses.

Housing: Campus rooms all same price; some family flats in new complex. Uni and SU housing list for private accommodation. Eats: Campus food fairly cheap (£3 for a meal). Excellent food in some pubs; good selection of restaurants, varying prices. Drink: Cheap on campus. In town, pubs vary: reasonably priced, good traditional ales. Nightlife: On campus, good variety (small scale, as no large venue). In town, clubs from dancey to plain cheesy; lots of laughs but not for the serious clubber. Popular student-run cinema on campus; 1 popular, 1 arthouse in town. Locals: Friendly; no serious student/local hostility but some areas best avoided Fri/Sat nights. Sports: State-of-the-art astroturf pitch, mediocre sports centre. No swimming pool on campus but some close. Travel: Free SU minibus for local evening travel; reasonable rates from regular buses and taxis. Financial help: Union and university helpful. Jobs: Many students work in term time, good opportunities in pubs/clubs, shops, restaurants and SU (ents, doorstaff, driving); holiday work available on campus and in town. Best features: Ethos, which makes it relaxed, friendly, liberal and welcoming encouraging diversity and providing opportunities. 

Tony Banks, Michael Brown and Harriet Harman (MPs), Harry Enfield and Victor Lewis-Smith (comedians), Moray Welsh (cellist), Paul Roberts (pianist), Genista McIntosh (National Theatre), Trevor Jones and Dominic Muldowney (composers), Tom Gutteridge and Sebastian Cody (TV producers), Greg Dyke (ex-director general, BBC), Christine Hamilton (media personality), Adam Hart-Davis (historian and presenter).  

Get alternative prospectus; contact SU reception on tel 01904 433724; visit website www.yusu.org.