Best Student Accommodation in York, United Kingdom

University of York

The University of York (UoY) is a leading research-intensive university and a member of the Russell Group, known for its strong research performance and collegiate system. The university is internationally recognised for its research output, with over 200 researchers listed among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists, highlighting its global academic influence. It offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across disciplines, including Business, Computer Science, Law, Engineering, Education, Social Sciences, Humanities, and the Natural Sciences.

Students studying at the University of York also benefit from the unique college system, which creates smaller communities within the wider university and helps foster a strong sense of belonging throughout their studies.

York St John University

York St John University is a well-established institution, recognised for its supportive learning environment, strong sense of community, and career-focused approach to education. The university has achieved TEF Gold for student experience, alongside an overall Silver rating. It offers a diverse range of programmes across areas such as Business, Education, Psychology, Health Sciences, Creative Arts, Media, and Humanities.

York St John also places a significant emphasis on employability, work placements, and community engagement, helping students gain practical experience alongside their academic studies. 

Best Student Accommodation in York

• Frederick House

• The Boulevard Roost

• IQ The Brickworks

• York City

Affordable Student Accommodation in York

• Valerian

• Samuel Tuke Apartments

• Raffles Hall

• Fusion York

Heslington

Heslington is located southeast of York city centre and is one of the main student areas in York. The area is home to the University of York's main campuses (Campus West and Campus East), making it particularly popular with students who want to live close to lectures, libraries, sports facilities, and other university services. Heslington also offers a strong student community, with student-friendly spots such as York Sport Village, alongside various amenities and quick transport links to the city centre.

Students can access the university campus by walking, cycling, or taking the bus. Several bus routes, including the 66 and other university services, connect Heslington with the city centre and surrounding areas. Its proximity to campus can also help students save time and money on daily commuting while remaining well connected to the rest of York.

City Centre

York City Centre is one of the most popular student areas in York, placing students close to a wide range of everyday amenities, shops, restaurants, cafés, and historic attractions. It's particularly convenient for students attending York St John University, whose campus is located just north of the city centre. The area includes student-friendly spots such as the Spark complex, Museum Gardens, and Shambles Market. With its lively atmosphere and abundance of shops, entertainment venues, and part-time employment opportunities, the city centre appeals to students who want an active and convenient lifestyle.

York Railway Station is located near the city centre and provides direct services to major cities including London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Newcastle. Students living in York City Centre can easily reach both universities. York St John University is within walking distance of many city-centre locations, while the University of York can be accessed via regular bus services connecting the city centre to Campus West and Campus East. Many students also appreciate being able to walk to shops, cafés, and essential services, reducing the need for daily travel.

Hull Road

Hull Road is one of York's most established student neighbourhoods, located between the University of York and the city centre. The area is popular with students thanks to its range of housing options, everyday amenities, and proximity to key university facilities, including Campus West, Campus East, and York Sport Village. Its convenient location and large student population contribute to a lively student atmosphere while providing easy access to both campus and city-centre amenities.

Hull Road offers excellent access to the University of York, with many student homes located within walking or cycling distance of Campus West and Campus East. Several bus routes also run between the area, the university, and York city centre, making daily commuting straightforward. Students attending York St John University can also reach the campus via a short bus journey or cycle ride.

Bishy Road (Bishopthorpe Road) 

Bishopthorpe Road, commonly known as Bishy Road, is a student neighbourhood southwest of York city centre. Famous for its independent cafés, restaurants, bakeries, and local shops, the area offers a strong sense of community and a more relaxed atmosphere than the city centre. Its welcoming environment and village-like character make it particularly appealing to students seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining close to university facilities and city-centre amenities. The area is also close to green spaces such as Rowntree Park, making it ideal for students looking to balance their studies with outdoor recreation and social activities.

Students living on Bishy Road benefit from convenient access to both universities. York St John University can be reached by bicycle, bus, or a walk through the city centre, while regular bus services and cycle routes connect the area to the University of York's campuses. The neighbourhood's proximity to central York also makes it easy to access wider transport links, student amenities, and entertainment options while enjoying a calmer residential setting.

The cost of living in York depends on several factors, including your accommodation and lifestyle.

Student Accommodation

According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in York is £799.10, excluding rent. Here’s an average monthly breakdown for student expenses in York:

Groceries

Utilities

Transportation

Note: Students in York can access discounted travel through First Bus York student tickets, which include weekly, term, and annual passes for regular commuting. In addition, many students use a 16-25 Railcard for reduced train fares from York Railway Station to other UK cities. 

Students in York benefit from a well-connected and student-friendly transport network, making it easy to travel between university campuses, student neighbourhoods, and the city centre. Public transport is primarily operated by First Bus York and Transdev York, which provide regular services across the city and connect key student areas such as Heslington, Hull Road, Bishy Road, and the City Centre.

Bus

York has an extensive bus network serving both the University of York and York St John University. Frequent services connect student neighbourhoods with the city centre, York Railway Station, and university campuses. 

Students living in areas such as Heslington and Hull Road benefit from direct connections to the University of York, while those in Bishy Road and the City Centre can easily access both universities and major city amenities.

Train

The city's main rail hub is York Railway Station, located just west of the city centre. As one of the UK's busiest railway stations, it offers direct services to major destinations including London, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Birmingham. These connections make York an excellent base for students travelling home, attending internships, or exploring other parts of the UK.

Cycling

Cycling is a popular and practical way for students to travel around York. The city is known for its extensive cycling infrastructure, with dedicated cycle routes linking the city centre, university campuses, and residential neighbourhoods. The relatively flat terrain and compact layout make cycling an affordable and convenient transportation option for many students.

Walking

York's compact size makes walking one of the easiest ways to get around. Many student areas, including the City Centre, Bishy Road, and parts of Heslington, are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and university facilities. Walking is particularly popular among students attending York St John University due to its central location.

• York Minster: Among the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe. It’s known for its stunning architecture and city views.

• The Shambles: A historic medieval street lined with amenities and timber-framed buildings.

• York Museum Gardens: A peaceful green space in the city centre, ideal for studying, walks, and picnics.

• City Walls: Ancient defensive walls offering scenic walking routes around the historic city.

• Clifford’s Tower: A landmark castle keep with panoramic views over York and its surrounding streets.

• Spark York: A creative social space made from repurposed shipping containers, featuring food, events, and study-friendly seating.