Moving to the historic city of York for your studies? With several top universities, the city is an excellent choice! Student.com offers a wide range of student accommodation in York, making it easy to find your dream student home.
Use our filters to browse based on your budget and use the mapping feature to see properties that are located close to your university campus. Alternatively, keep reading below to learn more about student life in the city!
Universities in York
From top-ranking universities to specialised schools, York is home to a range of higher education institutions, giving students plenty of opportunity to find a course that suits their interests.
University of York
The crowning jewel of the city’s higher education institutions is the University of York. Home to around 20,000 students from over 140 countries, the university is a part of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group universities and regularly ranks among the top 150 universities in the world.
From business and engineering to liberal arts and social studies, the University of York offers a wide range of programmes. It’s especially well known for its courses in film and television production, archaeology and natural science, which are among the best in the country.
The main campus is located in the picturesque village of Heslington, around a 20-minute walk from York’s city centre. This gives students the option to either live near the campus or opt for housing within the city.
Interested in applying to the university? Check out our range of accommodation near the University of York.
York St John University
Originally established in 1841 as York Diocesan College, York St John University is a public university with religious foundations situated on a large, centrally located urban campus. It attained university status in 2006.
Courses are delivered across five schools – School of the Arts, School of Education, Language and Psychology, School of Humanities, School of Science, Technology and Health and York Business School – giving students plenty of degree options.
Its central location makes it a popular choice for students who want to live close to the action and puts the university within easy reach of some of the best student accommodation in York.
Secured your place at the university? Browse our selection of York St John University accommodation.
English in York
English in York is a specialist English language school that’s a great option for international students looking to strengthen their English skills. This nationally accredited school offers a variety of programmes to suit different ability levels and learning goals.
Lessons are delivered at Peasholme House, a beautiful 18th century Georgian house. With its convenient location just a short walk from the city centre, students have lots of options for student accommodation.
Considering a course at the school? Explore our different options for student accommodation near English in York.
Other universities
Predominantly a sixth-form college, York College offers a number of programmes at degree level. It came into being through a merger of York Technical College and York Sixth Form College and is worth checking out for its courses in art, technology, business, engineering and education.
Based just outside of York, Askham Bryan College is a specialist land-based college built in 1936. It opened its doors as the Yorkshire Agricultural Institute after World War II ended and offers hands-on training in agriculture, animal management and horticulture.
Things to do in York
It doesn’t possess the skyscrapers or fancy shopping centres of some of its more celebrated neighbouring cities, but York is one of the most popular visitor destinations in the UK for good reason. Below, you can learn about some of the best things to do in the city.
History
A city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth, nowhere in northern England screams ‘medieval’ quite like York.
The history buffs and ghost chasers won’t have to visit the Yorkshire Museum to get a sense of the city’s famous history. You’ll get a feel of nostalgia just by walking down its charming cobbled streets where you’ll see stunning architecture that dates back over 1,000 years.
Nowhere is the city’s unique architecture better on show than The Shambles – a narrow street in the city centre widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe and also said to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in northern Europe, is a stunning building inside and out with spectacular lights shows in November. Plus, valid student ID from one of the city’s two universities will get you in for free.
Arts & culture
York is jam-packed with unique cultural attractions. It recently became a UNESCO City of Media Arts and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a haven for art lovers, film buffs and theatre fanatics and there are plenty of options to soak up the rich culture in this colourful city.
York City Art Gallery has a great collection showcasing art from as far back as the 16th century to the current era, while media arts collective Plastic Fortune runs events, exhibitions and creative meet-ups each month in the city.
Large theatres (York Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House), two city-centre cinemas, as well as other smaller venues, cater to film-lovers and those who are into plays. The annual Aesthetica Short Film Festival is a BAFTA-recognised short film festival.
The Barbican, the largest music and arts venue in York, hosts some of the biggest touring acts in England, while The Basement hosts an eclectic mix of events including comedy, live music, poetry & drama.
Food & drink
Spark, a funky food court based just south of the city centre, is quite different from anything else you’ll see in York. The unique community project located in the heart of York is a vibrant mix of food, drink, shops, a community theatre, a brewery, art and more.
The rustic designed landmark hosts lots of independent stalls selling street food and drinks, as well as various events, such as film screenings. Serving up a range of cuisines including Thai, North African, Levantine and Italian, the Shambles Food Court is also worth a visit.
Nightlife
While the long-standing urban legend that says there’s a pub for every day of the year in York is not quite accurate, there’s a high density of pubs and bars in the compact city centre. You’ll be able to find your favourite among several bars that are all within walking distance of each other.
Popular student pubs include The Lowther and The Stone Roses Bar, Revolution is great for cocktails, while Club Salvation is one of the main destinations for a big night out clubbing until the early hours.
Outdoors
When you’ve exhausted the city’s historic streets, a waterside walk along the River Ouse provides a welcome change of scenery. Whichever direction you head, you’re likely to find parks, pretty bridges and cafes in case you need refreshments.
Other highlights include Rowntree Park and Museum Gardens, which are ideal for picnics or quiet study breaks. Students can also venture beyond the city walls to the Howardian Hills for a weekend escape in the countryside.
Best student areas in York
If you’re looking for student accommodation in York, there are a few areas offering that much sought-after blend of a convenient location close to the two main university campuses, affordable housing and a nice living environment.
Hull Road
One of the most popular areas for University of York students, Hull Road sits just east of the city centre, connecting it to the university’s main campus in Heslington. It’s mainly comprised of terraced housing, providing an affordable option for students.
Frequent buses offer easy access to both the university and the city centre, though it’s often easier to walk. Hull Road has all the amenities you’d expect from a student area, including local pubs, shops and takeaways.
Fulford
Located south of the city centre, Fulford is a historic village that sits on the outskirts of York. Like Hull Road, the neighbourhood is well-connected by bus routes but is still within walking distance of the two main universities.
Being slightly further out from the city centre, Fulford has a strong community feel bursting with countryside charm and green space. It’s also considered one of the more affordable areas for student housing in York.
South Bank
South Bank is a lovely residential area based southwest of the city centre. It’s just a short walk from York St John University, making it a popular choice for students at the university.
The streets are lined with Victorian houses, many of which have been converted into student accommodation. With Rowntree Park and the River Ouse on its doorstep, South Bank also has an excellent provision of green space.
York cost of living
Compared to other UK cities, York offers great value for money when it comes to accommodation costs. Rent typically ranges from £100–£200 per week, though this varies depending on location and amenities.
Living costs also tend to be lower than in major UK cities. Not only that, but there are plenty of free things to do in the city, as well as student discounts in certain shops and on public transport, which help to keep costs down.
Free things to do in York
If you’re working with a limited budget, you’ll be pleased to hear that many of the city’s most popular attractions are completely free. The National Museum offers free entry to all, while students can also visit York Minster without paying a penny.
York Residents’ Festival – an annual event that free access to some of the city’s paid attractions – takes place in January. Beyond that, you can’t go wrong with a walk through The Shambles or along the city walls.
Student discounts in York
Students in York can also take advantage of various discounts throughout the city. First Bus – York’s main bus provider – offers discounted tickets to students on single trips as well as day, week and month passes.
From museums and shops to cafes and restaurants, many businesses dotted around the city also offer discounted rates for students. It’s best to check in with your student union to see which deals are currently available.
Public transport in York
York’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, and you may find yourself walking most of the time, but for those occasions when you’re in a rush (or just feeling lazy!), it’s good to know that the city has a great public transport system.
Bus
The bus is the main mode of public transport in the city and connects the main student areas and university campuses with the city centre. Both the University of York and York St John are well served by bus routes, making for an easy commute.
Rail
When venturing beyond York, rail services provide excellent connections to nearby cities like Leeds and Manchester as well as London. Best of all, there are direct routes to all three of these destinations!
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for private student accommodation in York?
Found your dream student home in York? Applying for a lease with Student.com is simple:
Choose your room – browse our properties and find a place that suits your needs. Our team of experts are on hand if you need some help!
Request to book – let us know which property you are interested in & our booking consultants will guide you through the next steps.
Sign your contract – once your contract is signed you will pay your rent. Student.com does not charge you anything for our booking service: you’ll only need to pay the rent to your chosen landlord.
Learn more about how the booking process works here.
How much does student accommodation in York cost?
Rental costs for student accommodation in York vary depending on the area but generally range from £100–£200 per week. If you’re looking to minimise costs, it’s best to look beyond the city centre and opt for shared housing.
What are the different room types you offer?
The properties we list in York are categorised into one of three room types:
Shared room – two or more people sleeping in separate beds in the same room. The living room, kitchen, and bathroom are all shared with other rooms.
Private room – additional facilities are also shared with other rooms, but you’ll have a private bedroom. In some properties, you can also have private rooms with a private bathroom.
Entire place – this is a fully self-contained property. This means you don’t have to share with anyone. Your bedroom, as well as living, cooking and bathing facilities, are exclusively for you.
What bills are included in the rent?
Most of our properties in York have bills included, so you’ll only have to pay the rent and nothing else. However, this will depend on the property you choose so always check to see if this is the case with the property you’ve chosen.
Can you arrange a viewing for me?
Sure! If you’d like to see a property before moving in, get in touch with us and our booking consultants will make the arrangements for you.
What are the best student areas in York?
York has some excellent student areas offering easy access to the two main universities and the city centre. Hull Road and Fulford are a popular choice for University of York students, while South Bank is great for those at York St John University.
Do I need a visa to study in the UK?
Most international students coming to study in the UK need a visa. You can apply for one online after securing an offer from a UK university. You’ll need to provide proof that you can financially support yourself and pay for your course. For more information, click here.
What if I didn’t find the answer to my question here?
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for here, our expert team is on hand via our help centre, live chat, or phone with any questions you may have. You can also check out our dedicated FAQ page, too.