International Student Accommodation in York: Your Complete 2026 Guide

27 Jan 2026

Luke Williams

York is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Britain, offering an extraordinary setting for student life. Encircled by medieval walls and dominated by the magnificent York Minster, this compact city in North Yorkshire seamlessly blends 2,000 years of history with a vibrant contemporary culture. With around 26,000 students across its two universities, York combines world-class education with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere where ancient streets and cosy pubs become part of your everyday life.

The University of York is a prestigious Russell Group institution consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, known for its research excellence and outstanding student satisfaction. York St John University is a community-focused institution with strengths in education, health, and the creative arts. Together, they welcome students from over 150 countries, creating a diverse community in a city small enough to feel like home but rich enough in history and culture to fascinate for years.

Student accommodation in York offers good value, with living costs lower than in most southern English cities and comparable to those in other northern cities. Weekly rents typically range from £95 to £150 for shared houses in popular student areas. York is exceptionally compact and flat, making it perfect for walking and cycling. Most students can reach their lectures, the city centre, and their favourite pubs within a 15-minute bike ride, creating a wonderfully convenient lifestyle.

What truly takes York special is its remarkable combination of stunning medieval architecture including the Minster and city walls, a thriving independent food and drink scene with more pubs per square mile than almost anywhere in Britain, easy access to the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and the coast, world-class museums including the National Railway Museum, and a safe, friendly community where students are genuinely welcomed as part of city life.

York is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Britain, offering an extraordinary setting for student life. Encircled by medieval walls and dominated by the magnificent York Minster, this compact city in North Yorkshire seamlessly blends 2,000 years of history with a vibrant contemporary culture. With around 26,000 students across its two universities, York combines world-class education with an intimate, welcoming atmosphere where ancient streets and cosy pubs become part of your everyday life. The University of York is a prestigious Russell Group institution consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, known for its research excellence and outstanding student satisfaction. York St John University is a community-focused institution with strengths in education, health, and the creative arts. Together, they welcome students from over 150 countries, creating a diverse community in a city small enough to feel like home but rich enough in history and culture to fascinate for years. Student accommodation in York offers good value, with living costs lower than most southern English cities and comparable to other northern cities. Weekly rents typically range from £95 to £150 for shared houses in popular student areas. York is exceptionally compact and flat, making it perfect for walking and cycling. Most students can reach their lectures, the city centre, and their favourite pubs within a 15-minute bike ride, creating a wonderfully convenient lifestyle. What truly takes York special is its remarkable combination of stunning medieval architecture including the Minster and city walls, a thriving independent food and drink scene with more pubs per square mile than almost anywhere in Britain, easy access to the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, and the coast, world-class museums including the National Railway Museum, and a safe, friendly community where students are genuinely welcomed as part of city life. The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students York's student areas radiate outwards from the compact city centre, with most students choosing to live in Heslington, Tang Hall, Fulford, The Groves, Haxby Road, or the City Centre itself. The city is remarkably flat and compact, making cycling the preferred transport for most students. Heslington Heslington is the village immediately surrounding the University of York's beautiful lakeside campus and the natural home for University of York students. This quiet, leafy area offers the shortest possible commute to lectures while retaining a pleasant village atmosphere with local shops, pubs, and green spaces. The area features a mix of purpose-built student accommodation and family homes, with some shared houses available. The campus itself has extensive on-site accommodation around its famous lake, and the village of Heslington has a traditional English pub, The Deramore Arms. The city centre is about 20 minutes by bike along a pleasant cycle path. Heslington suits students who prioritise proximity to the University of York campus and a peaceful environment. Average weekly rent ranges from £110 to £160. Tang Hall Tang Hall is one of York's most popular student neighbourhoods, located between the city centre and the University of York. This diverse residential area offers some of the best value accommodation in York while remaining convenient for both universities and the city centre. The neighbourhood features Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses converted into student accommodation, with good-sized rooms at reasonable rents. Tang Hall has local shops, takeaways, and a community feel. The cycle ride to the University of York takes around 10 minutes, while the city centre is about 10 minutes in the other direction. Tang Hall suits students seeking value and convenience. Average weekly rent ranges from £90 to £125. Fulford Fulford is a pleasant residential area south of the city centre, stretching towards the University of York. This mixed neighbourhood ranges from the historic Fulford village to more suburban streets, offering a variety of housing options and a quieter atmosphere than areas closer to the centre. Fulford Road has local shops, cafes, and pubs, while the riverside walks along the Ouse are nearby. The area is well positioned between the city centre (15 minutes by bike) and the University of York (10 minutes). Fulford suits students who prefer a residential environment with easy cycling access to both universities. Average weekly rent ranges from £95 to £135. The Groves The Groves is a characterful area just north of the city centre, featuring attractive Victorian terraced streets and a strong community atmosphere. This popular student neighbourhood is within easy walking distance of both the city centre and York St John University, making it particularly popular with York St John students. The area has a village-like feel despite its central location, with local pubs, a community centre, and Clarence Gardens providing green space. The city walls run along the southern edge, and the centre is just a 10-minute walk away. The Groves suits students who want to be close to the action while living in a community with genuine character. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £140. Haxby Road Haxby Road and the surrounding streets north of the city centre offer affordable student accommodation with good access to both universities. This corridor includes areas like Clifton and Burton Stone Lane, featuring a mix of Victorian terraces and more modern housing. The area has local shops, supermarkets, and takeaways along Haxby Road, with Clifton Green providing open space. York St John University is within walking distance, while the University of York is accessible by bike or bus. The city centre is about 15 minutes on foot. Haxby Road suits budget-conscious students who want affordable accommodation without sacrificing convenience. Average weekly rent ranges from £85 to £120. City Centre Living in York's historic city centre means being surrounded by medieval streets, ancient pubs, and stunning architecture every day. While options are limited, some purpose-built student accommodation and flats above shops offer the chance to live within the city walls. City centre living puts you steps from The Shambles, York Minster, countless pubs and restaurants, and the main shopping areas. York St John University's campus is located right in the centre. The University of York is about 20 minutes by bike. This suits students who want to be immersed in York's unique atmosphere and don't mind paying premium prices for the privilege. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £140 to £210. Badger Hill Badger Hill is a quiet residential area adjacent to the University of York campus, offering an alternative to Heslington village. This suburban neighbourhood has local shops and is surrounded by green space, providing a peaceful environment for focused study. The area is particularly close to Heslington East, the University of York's newer campus. Housing is primarily family homes, but some student accommodation is available. It's further from the city centre (about 25 minutes by bike) but suits students who prioritise campus proximity and quiet surroundings. Average weekly rent ranges from £95 to £130. Getting to York as an International Student York is located in North Yorkshire, approximately 200 miles north of London. While the city doesn't have its own airport, its position on the East Coast Main Line means excellent rail connections, and Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports are both easily accessible. Manchester Airport Manchester Airport is the most convenient major international airport for York, located approximately 70 miles away. It offers extensive international connections, including direct flights to North America, the Middle East, Asia, and across Europe. Direct trains run from Manchester Airport to York, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and costing £20 to £45. TransPennine Express operates frequent services. Leeds Bradford Airport Leeds Bradford Airport is the closest airport to York, located approximately 25 miles away. It offers flights to European destinations, including major hubs like Amsterdam. From the airport, take the A1 bus to Leeds, then a direct train to York (approximately 25 minutes). The total journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi to York costs approximately £50 to £70. London Heathrow Airport London Heathrow offers the widest range of international connections from the UK. From Heathrow, take the Tube or Heathrow Express to London King's Cross, then a direct LNER train to York. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The total journey from Heathrow to York takes around 3 hours and costs £50 to £120, depending on when you book. Direct coaches from Heathrow to York take approximately 5 hours. Newcastle Airport Newcastle Airport is approximately 80 miles north of York and offers flights to European destinations and Dubai. The Metro connects the airport to Newcastle Central station, from where direct trains to York take approximately 55 minutes. Getting Around York Cycling: York is perfect for cycling. The city is flat, compact, and has extensive cycle paths (though watch out for cobblestones), including traffic-free routes. Most students own bikes, and cycling is the most popular way to get around. The ride from the city centre to the University of York takes about 15 to 20 minutes along pleasant routes. Both universities have secure bicycle storage. Walking: York's city centre is compact and easily explored on foot. You can walk across the entire historic centre in about 15 minutes. The city walls provide a unique elevated walking route around the centre. Walking to the University of York from the centre takes about 40 to 50 minutes. Buses: First York operates most bus services. The 66 bus runs frequently between the city centre and the University of York. Single fares are around £2.50, with day tickets at £5. Weekly passes cost approximately £17 to £20. The bus network is comprehensive, but most students find cycling faster and more convenient. Trains: York is a major station on the East Coast Main Line, with excellent connections to London King's Cross (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes), Edinburgh (2 hours 30 minutes), Leeds (25 minutes), Manchester (1 hour 30 minutes), and Newcastle (55 minutes). A 16-25 Railcard costs £35 per year and saves one-third on most fares. Many student bank accounts include a free Railcard. Universities in York University of York The University of York is a prestigious Russell Group university, consistently ranked among the top 20 in the UK and top 150 globally. Founded in 1963, it has approximately 20,000 students and is known for combining academic excellence with exceptional student satisfaction. The university regularly tops national rankings for student experience. York is particularly renowned for English, History, Psychology, Politics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. The beautiful campus at Heslington features a central lake, landscaped grounds, and a mix of modernist and contemporary architecture. The collegiate system means students belong to one of nine colleges, each with its own community, facilities, and social life. International students from over 150 countries benefit from dedicated support services, and on-campus accommodation is guaranteed for first-year international students who apply by the deadline. York St John University York St John University is a smaller university with approximately 9,000 students. Founded as a teacher training college in 1841, it has grown into a modern university known for its inclusive ethos and strong student support. The university has excellent student satisfaction scores and focuses on personal development alongside academic achievement. York St John is particularly strong in Education, Counselling and Psychology, Sport, Languages, and the Creative Arts. The campus is located right in the historic city centre, next to York Minster, providing a unique and inspiring setting for study. The university emphasises small class sizes and personal attention. International students from over 100 countries benefit from comprehensive support services, including visa advice, orientation programmes, and English language courses. Cost of Living in York for International Students York offers good value for a historic English city, with living costs lower than those in southern cities and comparable to other northern destinations. The compact, cyclable city means transport costs are minimal for most students. Accommodation (Weekly) Haxby Road: £85 to £120 Tang Hall: £90 to £125 Fulford: £95 to £135 Badger Hill: £95 to £130 The Groves: £100 to £140 Heslington: £110 to £160 University halls: £120 to £180 En-suite PBSA: £140 to £210 City centre studio: £160 to £240 Food, Transport and Other Costs Budget around £100 to £150 per month for groceries. Aldi, Lidl, and major supermarkets offer good value. Shambles Market in the city centre sells fresh produce. Most students cycle and have minimal transport costs beyond the initial bike purchase. Those using buses can get weekly passes for approximately £17 to £20. Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership outside university facilities is typically £20 to £35 per month. Realistic Monthly Budget Budget-conscious students can live comfortably on £800 to £1,000 per month in York. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,000 to £1,300 per month. International Student Community in York York has a welcoming international student community, with students from a multitude of countries studying in the city. The University of York Students' Union (YUSU) offers over 150 societies and sports clubs, including numerous nationality-based societies and cultural groups. The collegiate system means students also have a built-in community from day one. York St John Students' Union offers additional societies and comprehensive support. Both universities provide dedicated international student support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, buddy schemes, and English language courses. York's size means the international community is tight-knit, and you'll soon begin to recognise faces around town. York's food scene punches well above its weight. The city centre is packed with independent restaurants, from traditional Yorkshire pubs serving Sunday roasts to contemporary dining. Shambles Market features street food from around the world. Fossgate and Walmgate have become foodie hotspots with a wide range of restaurants. International supermarkets stock ingredients from around the world. The famous Betty's Tea Rooms offers a quintessential English afternoon tea experience. York's nightlife is characterful and student-friendly. The city has more pubs per square mile than almost anywhere in Britain, many in historic buildings dating back centuries. Traditional pubs like The Golden Fleece (reportedly haunted) and The Guy Fawkes Inn offer atmosphere and history. Micklegate is the main bar and club street, with venues including Kuda, Popworld, and Flares. The York Brewery and various craft beer bars cater to beer enthusiasts. Student nights run throughout the week, and the University of York campus has its own bars and club nights at The Courtyard. What Makes York Special for International Students York Minster: One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe dominates the York skyline. The medieval stained glass windows are extraordinary, and the views from the tower stretch across the Yorkshire countryside. Evensong services are a moving experience. The Shambles: This medieval street, with its overhanging timber-framed buildings almost touching overhead, is one of the best-preserved historic streets in the world. It inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and is filled with independent shops. City Walls: York has the longest medieval city walls in England. Walking the complete circuit takes about two hours and offers unique views of the city, including the Minster, the rooftops, and the surrounding countryside. Viking Heritage: York was the Viking capital of England, known as Jorvik. The Jorvik Viking Centre brings this history to life, and annual events like the Jorvik Viking Festival celebrate this heritage with reenactments and markets. National Railway Museum: The world's largest railway museum is in York, housing iconic locomotives including Mallard and the Flying Scotsman. Entry is free, making it perfect for rainy day exploration. Yorkshire Dales and Moors: Two stunning National Parks are within easy reach. The Yorkshire Dales offer limestone scenery, waterfalls, and charming villages. The North York Moors feature dramatic heather moorland and the heritage steam railway. York FAQs Is York a good city for international students? Absolutely. York combines excellent universities with an extraordinary historic setting, affordable living costs, and one of the friendliest communities in England. The compact size means you'll quickly feel at home, while the rich history and culture provide endless discovery. The city consistently ranks highly for student experience and safety. Is York safe? York is one of the safest cities in England, consistently ranking among the best for low crime rates. The compact, well-lit historic centre and strong community feel contribute to a very secure environment. Both universities provide security services and support. Normal precautions apply, but students report feeling very safe in York. What is the weather like? York has a climate typical of northern England. Winters are cold (average 2-7°C) with occasional frost and snow. Summers are mild and pleasant (14-21°C). Rain is possible year-round, though York is drier than the western parts of Britain. York can be windy due to its position in the Vale of York. Warm, waterproof layers are essential. Is it easy to find part-time work? York has good part-time job opportunities, particularly in retail, hospitality, and tourism. The city's popularity with tourists creates steady demand for service industry workers. Both universities have careers services with job boards. Christmas markets and the summer tourist season offer additional opportunities. Most student visas allow up to 20 hours per week during term time. How do I get to the coast? The Yorkshire coast is easily accessible from York. Scarborough, a traditional seaside resort, is about 50 minutes by train. Whitby, famous for its abbey, fish and chips, and Dracula connections, is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus. The North York Moors lie between York and the coast, making the journey scenic and enjoyable. Ready to Book Student Accommodation in York? Now that you have seen all that York has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of York student accommodation options. If you have more questions relating to a wider range of international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.

The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students

York’s student areas radiate outwards from the compact city centre, with most students choosing to live in Heslington, Tang Hall, Fulford, The Groves, Haxby Road, or the City Centre itself. The city is remarkably flat and compact, making cycling the preferred transport for most students.

Heslington

Heslington is the village immediately surrounding the University of York’s beautiful lakeside campus and the natural home for University of York students. This quiet, leafy area offers the shortest possible commute to lectures while retaining a pleasant village atmosphere with local shops, pubs, and green spaces.

The area features a mix of purpose-built student accommodation and family homes, with some shared houses available. The campus itself has extensive on-site accommodation around its famous lake, and the village of Heslington has a traditional English pub, The Deramore Arms. The city centre is about 20 minutes by bike along a pleasant cycle path. Heslington suits students who prioritise proximity to the University of York campus and a peaceful environment. Average weekly rent ranges from £110 to £160.

Tang Hall

Tang Hall is one of York’s most popular student neighbourhoods, located between the city centre and the University of York. This diverse residential area offers some of the best value accommodation in York while remaining convenient for both universities and the city centre.

The neighbourhood features Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses converted into student accommodation, with good-sized rooms at reasonable rents. Tang Hall has local shops, takeaways, and a community feel. The cycle ride to the University of York takes around 10 minutes, while the city centre is about 10 minutes in the other direction. Tang Hall suits students seeking value and convenience. Average weekly rent ranges from £90 to £125.

Fulford

Fulford is a pleasant residential area south of the city centre, stretching towards the University of York. This mixed neighbourhood ranges from the historic Fulford village to more suburban streets, offering a variety of housing options and a quieter atmosphere than areas closer to the centre.

Fulford Road has local shops, cafes, and pubs, while the riverside walks along the Ouse are nearby. The area is well positioned between the city centre (15 minutes by bike) and the University of York (10 minutes). Fulford suits students who prefer a residential environment with easy cycling access to both universities. Average weekly rent ranges from £95 to £135.

The Groves

The Groves is a characterful area just north of the city centre, featuring attractive Victorian terraced streets and a strong community atmosphere. This popular student neighbourhood is within easy walking distance of both the city centre and York St John University, making it particularly popular with York St John students.

The area has a village-like feel despite its central location, with local pubs, a community centre, and Clarence Gardens providing green space. The city walls run along the southern edge, and the centre is just a 10-minute walk away. The Groves suits students who want to be close to the action while living in a community with genuine character. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £140.

Haxby Road

Haxby Road and the surrounding streets north of the city centre offer affordable student accommodation with good access to both universities. This corridor includes areas like Clifton and Burton Stone Lane, featuring a mix of Victorian terraces and more modern housing.

The area has local shops, supermarkets, and takeaways along Haxby Road, with Clifton Green providing open space. York St John University is within walking distance, while the University of York is accessible by bike or bus. The city centre is about 15 minutes on foot. Haxby Road suits budget-conscious students who want affordable accommodation without sacrificing convenience. Average weekly rent ranges from £85 to £120.

City Centre

Living in York’s historic city centre means being surrounded by medieval streets, ancient pubs, and stunning architecture every day. While options are limited, some purpose-built student accommodation and flats above shops offer the chance to live within the city walls.

City centre living puts you steps from The Shambles, York Minster, countless pubs and restaurants, and the main shopping areas. York St John University’s campus is located right in the centre. The University of York is about 20 minutes by bike. This suits students who want to be immersed in York’s unique atmosphere and don’t mind paying premium prices for the privilege. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £140 to £210.

Badger Hill

Badger Hill is a quiet residential area adjacent to the University of York campus, offering an alternative to Heslington village. This suburban neighbourhood has local shops and is surrounded by green space, providing a peaceful environment for focused study.

The area is particularly close to Heslington East, the University of York’s newer campus. Housing is primarily family homes, but some student accommodation is available. It’s further from the city centre (about 25 minutes by bike) but suits students who prioritise campus proximity and quiet surroundings. Average weekly rent ranges from £95 to £130.

Getting to York as an International Student

York is located in North Yorkshire, approximately 200 miles north of London. While the city doesn’t have its own airport, its position on the East Coast Main Line means excellent rail connections. Both Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports are both easily accessible.

Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is the most convenient major international airport for York, located approximately 70 miles away. It offers extensive international connections, including direct flights to North America, the Middle East, Asia, and across Europe. Direct trains run from Manchester Airport to York, taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and costing £20 to £45. TransPennine Express operates frequent services.

Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport is the closest airport to York, located approximately 25 miles away. It offers flights to European destinations, including major hubs like Amsterdam. From the airport, take the A1 bus to Leeds, then a direct train to York (approximately 25 minutes). The total journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi to York costs approximately £50 to £70.

London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow offers the widest range of international connections from the UK. From Heathrow, take the Tube or Heathrow Express to London King’s Cross, then a direct LNER train to York. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. The total journey from Heathrow to York takes around 3 hours and costs £50 to £120, depending on when you book. Direct coaches from Heathrow to York take approximately 5 hours.

Newcastle Airport

Newcastle Airport is approximately 80 miles north of York and offers flights to European destinations and Dubai. The Metro connects the airport to Newcastle Central station, from where direct trains to York take approximately 55 minutes.

Getting Around York

Cycling: York is perfect for cycling. The city is flat, compact, and has extensive cycle paths (though watch out for cobblestones), including traffic-free routes. Most students own bikes, and cycling is the most popular way to get around. The ride from the city centre to the University of York takes about 15 to 20 minutes along pleasant routes. Both universities have secure bicycle storage.

Walking: York’s city centre is compact and easily explored on foot. You can walk across the entire historic centre in about 15 minutes. The city walls provide a unique elevated walking route around the centre. Walking to the University of York from the centre takes about 40 to 50 minutes.

Buses: First York operates most bus services. The 66 bus runs frequently between the city centre and the University of York. Single fares are around £2.50, with day tickets at £5. Weekly passes cost approximately £17 to £20. The bus network is comprehensive, but most students find cycling faster and more convenient.

Trains: York is a major station on the East Coast Main Line, with excellent connections to London King’s Cross (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes), Edinburgh (2 hours 30 minutes), Leeds (25 minutes), Manchester (1 hour 30 minutes), and Newcastle (55 minutes). A 16-25 Railcard costs £35 per year and saves one-third on most fares. Many student bank accounts include a free Railcard.

Trains are a huge part of York life

Universities in York

University of York

The University of York is a prestigious Russell Group university, consistently ranked among the top 20 in the UK and top 150 globally. Founded in 1963, it has approximately 20,000 students and is known for combining academic excellence with exceptional student satisfaction. The university regularly tops national rankings for student experience.

York is particularly renowned for English, History, Psychology, Politics, Chemistry, and Computer Science. The beautiful campus at Heslington features a central lake, landscaped grounds, and a mix of modernist and contemporary architecture. The collegiate system means students belong to one of nine colleges, each with its own community, facilities, and social life. International students from over 150 countries benefit from dedicated support services, and on-campus accommodation is guaranteed for first-year international students who apply by the deadline.

York St John University

York St John University is a smaller university with approximately 9,000 students. Founded as a teacher training college in 1841, it has grown into a modern university known for its inclusive ethos and strong student support. The university has excellent student satisfaction scores and focuses on personal development alongside academic achievement.

York St John is particularly strong in Education, Counselling and Psychology, Sport, Languages, and the Creative Arts. The campus is located right in the historic city centre, next to York Minster, providing a unique and inspiring setting for study. The university emphasises small class sizes and personal attention. International students from over 100 countries benefit from comprehensive support services, including visa advice, orientation programmes, and English language courses.

Cost of Living in York for International Students

York offers good value for a historic English city, with living costs lower than those in southern cities and comparable to those in other northern destinations. The compact, cyclable city means transport costs are minimal for most students.

Accommodation (Weekly)

Haxby Road: £85 to £120

Tang Hall: £90 to £125

Fulford: £95 to £135

Badger Hill: £95 to £130

The Groves: £100 to £140

Heslington: £110 to £160

University halls: £120 to £180

En-suite PBSA: £140 to £210

City centre studio: £160 to £240

Food, Transport and Other Costs

Budget around £100 to £150 per month for groceries. Aldi, Lidl, and major supermarkets offer good value. Shambles Market in the city centre sells fresh produce. Most students cycle and have minimal transport costs beyond the initial bike purchase. Those using buses can get weekly passes for approximately £17 to £20. Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym membership outside university facilities is typically £20 to £35 per month.

Realistic Monthly Budget

Budget-conscious students can live comfortably on £800 to £1,000 per month in York. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,000 to £1,300 per month.

International Student Community in York

York has a welcoming international student community, with students from a multitude of countries studying in the city. The University of York Students’ Union (YUSU) offers over 150 societies and sports clubs, including numerous nationality-based societies and cultural groups. The collegiate system means students also have a built-in community from day one.

York St John Students’ Union also offers a range of societies and support. Both universities provide dedicated international student support, including visa advice, orientation programmes, buddy schemes, and English language courses. York’s size means the international community is tight-knit, and you’ll soon begin to recognise faces around town.

York’s food scene punches well above its weight. The city centre is packed with independent restaurants, from traditional Yorkshire pubs serving Sunday roasts to contemporary dining. Shambles Market features street food from around the world. Fossgate and Walmgate have become foodie hotspots with a wide range of restaurants. International supermarkets stock ingredients from around the world. The famous Betty’s Tea Rooms offers a quintessential English afternoon tea experience.

York’s nightlife is characterful and student-friendly. The city has more pubs per square mile than almost anywhere in Britain, many in historic buildings dating back centuries. Traditional pubs like The Golden Fleece (reportedly haunted) and The Guy Fawkes Inn offer atmosphere and history. Micklegate is the main bar and club street, with venues including Kuda, Popworld, and Flares. The York Brewery and various craft beer bars cater to beer enthusiasts. Student nights run throughout the week, and the University of York campus has its own bars and club nights at The Courtyard.

What Makes York Special for International Students

York Minster: One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe dominates the York skyline. The medieval stained glass windows are extraordinary, and the views from the tower stretch across the Yorkshire countryside. Evensong services are a moving experience.

The Shambles: This medieval street, with its overhanging timber-framed buildings almost touching overhead, is one of the best-preserved historic streets in the world. It inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and is filled with independent shops.

City Walls: York has the longest medieval city walls in England. Walking the complete circuit takes about two hours and offers unique views of the city, including the Minster, the rooftops, and the surrounding countryside.

Viking Heritage: York was the Viking capital of England, known as Jorvik. The Jorvik Viking Centre brings this history to life, and annual events like the Jorvik Viking Festival celebrate this heritage with reenactments and markets.

National Railway Museum: The world’s largest railway museum is in York, housing iconic locomotives including Mallard and the Flying Scotsman. Entry is free, making it perfect for rainy day exploration.

Yorkshire Dales and Moors: Two stunning National Parks are within easy reach. The Yorkshire Dales offer limestone scenery, waterfalls, and charming villages. The North York Moors feature dramatic heather moorland and the heritage steam railway.

York's Viking heritage is truly unique

York FAQs

Is York a good city for international students?

Absolutely. York combines excellent universities with an extraordinary historic setting, affordable living costs, and one of the friendliest communities in England. The compact size means you’ll quickly feel at home, while the rich history and culture provide endless discovery. The city consistently ranks highly for student experience and safety.

Is York safe?

York is one of the safest cities in England, consistently ranking among the best for low crime rates. The compact, well-lit historic centre and strong community feel contribute to a very secure environment. Both universities provide security services and support. Normal precautions apply, but students report feeling very safe in York.

What is the weather like?

York has a climate typical of northern England. Winters are cold (average 2-7°C) with occasional frost and snow. Summers are mild and pleasant (14-21°C). Rain is possible year-round, though York is drier than the western parts of Britain. York can be windy due to its position in the Vale of York. Warm, waterproof layers are essential.

Is it easy to find part-time work?

York has good part-time job opportunities, particularly in retail, hospitality, and tourism. The city’s popularity with tourists creates steady demand for service industry workers. Both universities have careers services with job boards. Christmas markets and the summer tourist season offer additional opportunities. Most student visas allow up to 20 hours per week during term time.

How do I get to the coast?

The Yorkshire coast is easily accessible from York. Scarborough, a traditional seaside resort, is about 50 minutes by train. Whitby, famous for its abbey, fish and chips, and Dracula connections, is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus. The North York Moors lie between York and the coast, making the journey scenic and enjoyable.

Ready to Book Student Accommodation in York?

Now that you have seen all that York has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of York student accommodation options.

If you have more questions relating to a wider range of international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.

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