Hey girlies, congrats on starting your new chapter in York! Whether you’re heading to the University of York or York St John, this city is about to become your new home. With its mix of history, indie shops, buzzing student life, and endless foodie spots, you’re going to love it here.
Here’s your ultimate guide to settling in, finding the best places, and making the most of student life in York.
Best Coffee Shops in York
Coffee is essential when you’re powering through lectures, essays, and late-night study sessions. York has no shortage of spots to keep you fuelled.
Flori – dreamy pastries and chic vibes
Spring Espresso, Fossgate – award-winning coffee and the perfect laptop spot
Partisan, Micklegate – Instagrammable brunches and artisan cakes.
Paradiso Dolce Salato, Walmgate – authentic Italian pastries and great coffee.
Bruks, Peter Lane – cosy and welcoming, ideal for a coffee catch-up.
Drift-In, Clifford Street – chilled and friendly, fab for study time.
Kiosk, Fossgate – minimalist coffee spot for a quick pick-me-up.
Heppni Bakeri – a great place to catch up with friends or take a break from studying.
Food & Drink in York
York has so many places to eat and drink, whether you’re after cheap student-friendly pubs, amazing pizza, or Insta-worthy brunches. Here’s my top picks for making the most of food and drink in the city.
Student-Friendly Pubs
The Postern Gate: You can’t do a York guide without mentioning Spoons! This is THE student favourite: cheap drinks, pub grub, sticky floors, loud music, and lots of memories. Perfect for pre-drinks before hitting the clubs. If you want the same prices but a slightly calmer vibe, try The Punch Bowl, just a short walk away.
Charles XII: Classic pub near Heslington Hall with a gorgeous beer garden, heaters, and TVs showing sports. Quiz nights are a big hit with students, and there’s often a £20 bar tab up for grabs for winning teams!
Street Food & Markets
Shambles Market: A must-visit for lunches on the go. From fresh produce to street food, there’s something for everyone.
Shambles Kitchen: Possibly the best sandwiches in York, with quirky names like “Dame Judy Hench.” Only a food stall, but a minute from Shambles Market benches, so you can sit and enjoy a stacked sandwich while watching the city go by. Prices are £8-£10, but so worth it.
Spark: Street food, pizzas, juicy burgers, and a summer rooftop for sangrias. Clucking Oinks’ chicken burgers are legendary, and there are always vegetarian and vegan options. Perfect for casual bites with friends.
Pizza & Italian
Dough Eyed: Hands down, the best pizza in the UK, every pizza is crafted with care. If you’re a pizza lover, you need to go here.
Rudy’s Pizza: New competition in town, worth trying, but Dough Eyed still wins on creativity and flavour.
Bars & Casual Eats
Dusk: Pizza and cocktails in one stylish package. Mood lighting, fun-themed cocktails, and 2-for-1 happy hour make it perfect for society socials or a chill evening with friends.
Brew York: A hidden gem with a huge beer selection and YUZU food hall upstairs. Delicious, affordable, and perfect for a weekend catch-up with mates. Bonus: a secondhand bike store is just next door if you’re feeling productive.
BrewDog: Great student deal: 25% off all food and drinks with your student ID. Buffalo wings, veggie options, and casual vibes make this a regular haunt for many students.
Las Iguanas: The ultimate start to a night out. Bottomless brunch and drinks with the student deal. Caribbean-inspired food, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere – you might not remember everything the next day, but the tacos are worth it.
York’s Walkability: Explore the City on Foot
One of the best aspects of living in York is its walkability. You’ll find that many of York’s attractions, including York Minster, The Shambles, and various museums, are within walking distance of each other. This makes it easy to spend a day wandering the streets, discovering hidden gems, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The pedestrian-friendly layout of the city means you can stroll through beautiful streets lined with medieval buildings, relax in green spaces, and stop by local shops and cafés without the hassle of public transport. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and take your time soaking in the sights!
Hidden Gems to Explore
Once you’ve ticked off York Minster and The Shambles, it’s time to explore the less obvious spots.
Fossgate – indie shops and cool cafés.
Goodramgate – history mixed with quirky boutiques.
Bishy Road – a true local favourite with artisanal bakeries.
Riverside walks and the city walls – peaceful and perfect for de-stressing.
Knaresborough and Harrogate – easy day trips by train when you want a change of scene.
Festivals and Events in York:
- Jorvik Viking Festival (February): A week-long celebration of York’s Viking heritage with reenactments, workshops, and storytelling. Perfect for history enthusiasts to learn about the city’s Viking past.
- York Festival of Vintage (May): A celebration of vintage culture featuring fashion shows, classic vehicles, and live music. Great for those who love retro style and nostalgia.
- York Races (May to October): Experience the excitement of horse racing at the local racecourse. Students can socialize, dress up, and enjoy a lively day out.
- York Pride (Summer): An inclusive festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a vibrant parade and festival. A fun way to engage with the local community and support equality.
- York Christmas Market (Mid-November to Early December): A festive market featuring handmade gifts, delicious food, and seasonal treats. A great place to shop for unique gifts and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
- Other Notable Events: Various smaller events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, live music gigs, and cultural performances. Check local listings for updates.
Tourist Traps to avoid in York
While York is full of unique experiences, there are a few spots that are famous for being a bit too touristy. The Shambles is one such place. It’s one of York’s most iconic streets, often packed with visitors due to its quaint, narrow lanes and overhanging timber-framed buildings. While it’s worth a visit (especially for the Instagram pics), be prepared for crowds in this area.
Nightlife in York
York’s nightlife is buzzing, and there are loads of student-friendly bars, pubs, and clubs to explore. Whether you’re doing the legendary Micklegate Run or grabbing cocktails at Evil Eye, nights out here are always lively. If you don’t fancy heading into town, you don’t have to. The uni runs several campus venues (yes, with bars!) and they’re staffed by trained teams who are there to support you.
Some of the favourites among students include:
- Revs: classic clubbing vibes.
- Lowther: cosy bar with a great atmosphere.
- Stone Roses: lively and popular for student nights.
- Kuda: perfect for late-night dancing.
- Salvo: casual and fun.
- Popworld: cheesy hits and guaranteed sing-alongs.
- Flares: dance the night away with friends.
- Ziggy’s: a quirky, fun spot for cocktails.
Getting Home Safely
- River safety: York’s rivers are beautiful but they can be dangerous. Never be tempted to go near the water on a night out. If you or a friend do end up in trouble, call for help immediately.
- First Bus app: Handy for checking routes and live bus times after a night out.
- Taxis: Save Streamline Taxis in your phone: 01904 656565.
- Plan ahead: Know your route home and try not to walk alone late at night.
Where to Work Out
Balancing uni life with fitness is easier in York than you think.
Ossie Studio: – group classes in a stylish space, plus beauty services for a little self-care.
These Girls Run: – a supportive running community perfect if you’re new to the city.
Student gyms on campus – affordable and convenient for quick workouts.
Cycle paths and riverside runs – free and a lovely way to clear your head.
Getting around York: Public transport tips for new students
York has a well-connected public transportation system, making it easy for students to navigate the city and beyond.
Buses: The city’s bus network is operated by several companies, with the main provider being First York. Buses run frequently, connecting key areas such as the university, city centre, and residential neighborhoods. As a student, you can take advantage of discounted travel cards that offer savings on daily and weekly fares. Consider purchasing a Student Bus Pass, which provides unlimited travel on First York services for a set period, allowing you to hop on and off as you explore the city.
Walking and Accessibility: Walking is another great option in York. The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly, allowing you to easily reach many attractions, cafés, and shops on foot. If you plan to travel to nearby towns, train services from York Railway Station are reliable and offer student discounts, making day trips to places like Leeds or Harrogate simple and affordable.
Final Tips for Freshers
Get involved: join societies and meet people outside your course.
Stay safe: York is friendly, but look after yourself on nights out.
Explore beyond the walls: the coast, moors, and nearby cities are all easy to reach.
Remember to enjoy it: uni life goes by in a flash, so soak it all up.
