York is a historic city with a fascinating blend of cultural roots and modernity, making it a wonderful place to live and explore. Located in North Yorkshire, England, York is situated in the northeast of England, roughly halfway between London and Edinburgh.

Not only did York establish itself as one of the oldest cities in the UK due to its historical past, but it also now features educational institutions that deliver academic excellence. The University of York is well-known for its research achievements. It regularly ranks among the top 20 universities in the UK and within the top 5% for interdisciplinary science (51st out of 1,023 in THE’s ISR 2025).

In this York city guide, you will learn everything there is to know about York: about the city itself, top attractions, what to do there, where to eat, shop, and hang out, as a student living there. This detailed York student city guide won’t leave anything out; it will also inform you about where to find the best student accommodation in York.

About York

York, the traditional county town and historic county of Yorkshire, is a cathedral city located in the northeast of England. It lies between the Rivers Ouse and Foss, and is almost halfway between London and Edinburgh. The city’s geographical location has long influenced its role as a key political, religious, and commercial centre.

With roots dating back to Roman times, York has evolved into a city that balances its rich past with its modern lifestyle. Its layout, although now urbanised in modern times, reflects medieval architecture through its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and stone buildings that date back to the Middle Ages. 

The Victorian-era structures and Georgian townhouses that are preserved also reflect York during the 18th and 19th centuries, allowing the co-existence of various timelines in the bustling city. 

Therefore, York is one of the UK’s most attractive cities for students, tourists, and residents alike, due to its compact size, walkability, diverse cultural scene, and highly regarded universities. 

Top Things to Do in York

The city has plenty to offer, and living in York as a student provides access to numerous experiences. From historic landmarks like York Minster to green spaces such as Musem Gardens, as well as top-rated universities, excellent transport links, and a diverse food scene, the city has it all.

There are many things to do in York, and you can explore:

York’s Unique Neighbourhoods

City Centre

The city centre is an embodiment of York’s spirit and people, with landmarks such as York Minster, The Shambles, and Clifford’s Tower, which are sure to impress anyone. Overall, the centre's Gothic architecture, Georgian townhouses, and modern cafes are an experience for many.

Bisanthorpe Road (Bishy Road)

Bishy Road is lined with independent cafes, bakeries, and boutiques, and is often dubbed York’s indie high street. With its mix of red-brick terraces and green spaces, it’s popular with students and locals alike, and just a short walk from the city centre.

Fulford 

A beautiful, green suburb with elegant Victorian villas, which serves as a residential area with easy access to York’s university campuses and the River Ouse.

Heslington 

Heslington is home to the University of York, with a rural charm complemented by modern academic buildings, including the university’s lakeside campus. It is also close to Heslington Hall, which is a 16th-century manor house.

The City’s History

York’s past can be traced back to the Romans. Founded in 71 AD by the Romans, it was named Eboracum and became a political and military centre. During the 9th century, it was conquered by the Vikings and renamed Jorvik, a thriving trade city.

Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, York emerged as a significant centre of religion and administration. It became home to the iconic Gothic cathedral, York Minster, whose construction began in the 13th century, and grew into an important religious and commercial hub.

Specialising in the wool trade in the Middle Ages, the city prospered. The Shambles, a historic street in England and one of the oldest shopping streets in Europe, dates back to this time, offering a glimpse into York’s medieval times.

Today, the city walls, York Minster, The Shambles, and artefacts stored in local museums are all evidence of York's past. It has become a city renowned for its rich history, attracting tourists and students from all over the world.

The City’s Art Scene

York is the only UK city to be designated a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, brimming with cultural and creative endeavours, and celebrating artistry through its theatres, cinemas, galleries, events, and festivals. The York Mediale, an annual digital arts festival, and the Aesthetica Short Film Festival are just a part of the creative journey of York.

York has acclaimed theatres and art galleries, such as:

York Theatre Royal

As one of the oldest theatres in the UK, York Theatre Royal has been operating since 1744, with performances ranging from classic dramas to modern plays and family shows. It also hosts events and activities, such as the annual pantomime.  

York Art Gallery

Housed in a Grade II listed building, the York Art Gallery was founded in 1879 and originally opened for the second Yorkshire Fine Art and Industrial Exhibition. With an extensive collection, it’s home to artwork spanning 600 years, ranging from 14th-century Italian altarpieces to Victorian morality works and 20th-century works by Ben Nicholson and L. S. Lowry. 

The gallery also hosts the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA), featuring a collection of British studio ceramics that showcases works by Shoji Hamada, Michael Casson, and Lucie Rie.

Top Places to Eat and Drink

Moving to York for university means that you can experience the food scene there. The food palette at York is varied, offering dishes from around the world. Here are some recommendations: 

Restaurants 

Cresci Pizzeria: 20 Piccadilly, York YO1 9NU 

Serving traditional Neapolitan pizza, Cresci Pizzeria follows the Naples way in making their pizza, from making the dough to baking it to perfection. The Italian ambience, authentic taste, generous portions, and tiramisu all add to the experience. 

Middle Feast: 13 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ

A Lebanese restaurant in York which offers flavourful food. With its well-known shawarma wraps and grills, authentic dishes, and delicious baklava, the restaurant has gathered some of the most popular Middle Eastern favourite foods in one place. 

El Gaucho: 48 Walmgate, York YO1 9TJ

Most notably known for steaks cooked to perfection, as well as well-seasoned chicken and seafood, El Gaucho is the place for a memorable meal experience. The appetisers and desserts also match the steakhouse vibe.

Cafes & Tea Houses

Brew & Brownie: 5 Museum St, York YO1 7DT

Brew & Brownie serves brunch, coffee, tea, pancakes, and cakes, with careful consideration given to the sourcing of their ingredients. There are gluten-free and vegan options available for both savoury and sweet dishes.

York Cocoa Works: The York Cocoa Works 10, Castlegate, York 

A chocolatier and café serving breakfast, afternoon tea, and artisan sweets, while also offering chocolate-making workshops for chocolate lovers. The chocolate is made of single-origin cocoa beans, ensuring quality and taste.

Bettys Café Tea Rooms: 6-8 St. Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP

Bettys has been around for over a hundred years, specialising in afternoon tea, cakes, and baked goods. You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner, accompanied by a sweet treat. You can also enjoy some piano music that adds to the ambience of the beautiful place. 

It has also become a part of the York experience for many tourists who want to experience a part of what the city has to offer.

Where to Shop in York

The Shambles

While York remains full of historic sites and streets, The Shambles stands out as one of the top sights in York with its narrow layout and overhanging buildings that almost meet overhead. It was a former butcher's street that was transformed into a bustling street, with independent shops and cafes.

The medieval layout remains beautifully preserved, contrasting with the urbanisation of the street, creating a storybook-like atmosphere. Today, the Shambles is a picturesque, favourite tourist spot, where tourists can enjoy the wizard-themed gift shops, handmade fudge stalls, and tearooms.

Stonegate

With a mix of Georgian, medieval, and Victorian buildings, Stonegate hosts colourful shopfronts, including antique stores, jewellers, independent shops, and bookshops. There, you can look for vintage finds, stop for coffee in a historic pub, and just bask in the vibe Stonegate offers.

Stonegate follows the path of an ancient Roman road that directly leads to York Minster and has long served as a main route for church clergy and pilgrims. Stonegate later became a hub for printers and booksellers, earning it a literary legacy that endures to this day.

Coppergate Centre

A shopping centre in York, it blends culture, shopping, food, and drink in one place. 

Located within the centre is the Jorvik Viking Centre, Coppergate Gallery, and The Hole in Wand, which is a miniature golf course. 

The shopping experience includes designer labels, skincare, makeup, and even gifts, whether traditional or not, such as historic replicas from the Jorvik gift shop. The food scene encompasses a diverse range, from street food and food trucks to ice cream stalls, cafes, and fine dining establishments. 

Transportation in York

You can go around York on foot or by bike. It’s a walkable, compact city with cycling lanes, as well as bus and train transportation.

There are several modes of transportation in York, such as:

Walking

Since York is a walkable city, students can go to most university campuses, cafes, and shops as they’re within walking distance, especially around the city centre.

Cycling

With a large network of on-road cycle lanes and off-road cycle paths, cyclists can enjoy cycling in the city. Many students use cycling as their mode of transportation.

Bus

Throughout the city, regular bus services are available, and York is easily accessible by bus from most parts of the country, including key areas such as the University of York and the city's suburbs.

Train

Trains are available for many other UK cities, including London, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Sheffield, with direct routes to these cities, making intercity travel accessible.

Airports

There are nearby airports, including Leeds, Newcastle, and Manchester, with London’s airports also being in close proximity, offering domestic and international flights.

Student Life in York 

York is a student-friendly city with pedestrianised and historic streets, cafes, museums, and green spaces, offering a mix of historic and modern attractions to enjoy. Due to its low cost of living compared to other major cities, the city is one of the favourite places for students to study, such as London. 

The city’s old streets are in harmony with the modern cafes and shops, essentially showing York’s charm, which makes walking around the city a pleasant experience.

Cost of Living in York

The estimated cost of living in York is approximately £797.10 per month, covering utilities, groceries, transportation, and leisure activities, excluding rent. Student housing costs can range from around £134 to £408 per week, depending on the type of accommodation and location.

Shared houses and flats are generally less expensive than premium purposely built student accommodation (PBSA) studios, and usually cost £134–£220 on a weekly basis. While PBSA studios are typically £250–£408 per week. Both options often include utility bills in the rent.

If utility bills aren't applicable where you’re staying, the utility bills (water, gas, and electricity) as well as internet bills average £96 if bills are evenly shared, or a budget of £ 110 to £165 if bills aren’t all included. Utility bills are usually included in PBSA, but always check the listing, as this may not be the case for all private housing options.

York Attractions

York Minster 

One of the major York attractions is York Minster, a Gothic medieval cathedral. The cathedral took more than 250 years to build, and you can admire its detailed architecture, stained glass, and climb the central tower to enjoy a scenic view of the city from there.

York City Walls

Built by the Romans and later renovated during the medieval period, these walls are the most complete set of medieval city walls in England. They encircle the city, featuring four grand stone gateways, which provide a picturesque walk and a stunning view of the city.

Jorvic Viking Centre

The Jorvik Viking Centre is a museum in York that depicts a realistic portrayal of life during the Viking era through life-size dioramas, life-like mannequins, and well-preserved artefacts. You can experience a complete picture of what daily life was like in 10th-century York through the recreated Viking village, which includes sights, sounds, and even smells.

York Castle Museum 

Bringing history back to life, York Castle Museum offers a real-life experience of walking through recreated Victorian streets and exploring what life was like during the First World War through exhibitions. It’s housed in two Grade I listed 18th-century prison buildings: the Debtors’ Prison and the Female Prison, both of which are part of the historic York Castle complex.

The National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum’s collection tells the story of Britain's railway transport history. With a marvellous collection, including historic locomotives, the Japanese bullet train, and the world’s fastest steam locomotive, vintage carriages, and royal trains, visitors can explore the engineering power behind all of this to their heart’s content. 

York Chocolate Story

A chocolate museum that allows visitors to discover the history of chocolate manufacturing in York, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, as York is considered the chocolate capital of England.

You can go on guided tours, see chocolatiers at work, and even make your own chocolate. With fascinating stories and hands-on activities, it’s a place chocolate lovers will surely enjoy.

Where to Find the Best York Student Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to live in York, some of the best student accommodation neighbourhoods in York include:

Fulford 

With the University of York nearby and excellent transport links, Fulford is a neighbourhood for students. Its green spaces, local shops, cafes, cycling routes, and housing options make it a convenient place for students.

Some of our options are:

• Frederick House is a student accommodation in York that offers ensuite and studio options, providing facilities and services such as a free on-site fitness suite, a games room, a cinema room, a lounge, and an outdoor courtyard.

Tang Hall

Tang Hall is a lively neighbourhood, popular among students and families alike. It offers good local amenities, including shops, cafes, and a library. Well-connected by bus and bike routes to the University of York and the city centre, Tang Hall serves as a community-focused residential area.

One option is:

• The Boulevard Roost is a student accommodation in York with facilities and services including high-speed Wi-Fi, CCTV, on-site laundry, a garden, an outdoor courtyard.

Heworth 

Heworth’s location is close to the city centre, the station, bus routes, and cycle paths, and its housing options make it an attractive choice for students and young professionals. Many amenities are conveniently located in the neighbourhood, such as shopping, leisure, and schools.

Some of our options include:

• IQ The Brickworks is a student accommodation in York, offering studio options. Its facilities and services include Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, 24/7 security and CCTV, contents insurance, and an on-site management team.

Feel free to browse our website for more information on student accommodation in York, or contact our accommodation experts, and they’ll gladly answer any questions.