Crash course in York please?

[SockFluffInTheBath]

DD put it on her UCAS form as her aspirational choice, didn’t expect an offer but got one. It’s a very doable offer so she’s likely to firm it.

Any tips on halls and the uni in general please? It’s a social sciences degree (for location). We’re familiar with York as a city, but going from scratch on the university.

Same here. I think it’s 2 hrs from New Street?

DD was at Cardiff yesterday and they turned her head, but having slept on it I think York is top choice again.

Where do students tend to live after first year?

In quite a lot of areas really - there isn't one specific 'student area'.

This is actually a nice thing as students live among local communities on residential streets. My DS is at Birmingham and Selly Oak is very convenient but it's Student Massive which leads to a certain 'vibe'.

Hull Lane, Osbaldwick & Tang Hall areas are quite popular.

I went to York. Quite a while ago now- just before the new campus was built. Loved it. Felt it had the best of both worlds, as a campus uni but also with colleges. I was state educated and fit right in. Big mix of state / grammar / private school, and it never caused any issues.

Did anyone's DC firm York in the end for 2025? Mine did. 🙂

I’m a lecturer at UOY, I’ve worked there since 2016 and surprised to hear that wellbeing were not great, as this really is something York put a great deal of thought into.

Yes. Firmed back in October. (grades in hand). Very excited

Hmm I definitely felt like the pastoral / wrllbeing aspect was lacking when I was there, but that is 20 years ago now so hopefully things have changed. Luckily I was fine ... but I feel like I'd have been dealing with on my own if I wasn't fine! Had a great time at York though - definitely no regrets.

@Worriedmotheroftwoyes I don’t think you can draw on your experience from 20 years ago, as so much has changed in that time in relation to student welfare. The awful case in Bristol of the student Natasha Abrahart, for example, has led to changes in policy across universities. There’s also been a very recent review of student welfare.

https://www.york.ac.uk/students/health/transforming-wellbeing-support/

@ColouringPencils my DD has firmed York, she’s desperate to go. I just hope the chemistry paper 2 exam hasn’t scuppered her chances. Her course at York was in clearing last year so I’m hoping that they may accept a drop in grades if it doesn’t all go to plan 🤞🤞

@HebeJeeby which course is your DD hoping to do?

Oh God, that paper was awful for mine too. At least everyone seemed to find it hard. Let's hope this morning's chemistry 3 is a bit better. Mine is hoping to do biochemistry. How about yours?

That's great your DC has grades in hand @Flyswats - must be a relief!

This Is really sad to read! Campus bar crawls were such a key part of my experience when I was there. Why else would you go to the other colleges in the evening?
I’m glad that Vanbrugh bar is the one that’s remained. That was my college and I had some amazing times in there. Goodricke bar was my favourite as it was the most “pub-like”. But, the old Goodricke college is no more as they’ve moved it to campus east 🙁

@Flyswats @ColouringPencils DD is hoping to do English Lit. Fingers crossed for Paper 3 this morning and that it’s a bit more ‘standard’. I’m hoping that if everyone found Paper 2 hard then the grade boundaries will reflect that. Good luck to everyone doing chemistry this morning and then a big sign of relief as it will be all over.

Placemaking as my DD has firmed york for this year. Lovely to read such positive stories. Good luck to everyone for results day! I've heard that the uni which you firm at are more likely to accept a drop in grades rather than go through clearing as all the paperwork etc has been done and there's a chance they won't fill those spots in clearing.

Ah I shall have my fingers crossed for your DD. I read English Lit there, good choice.

@ColouringPencils DD has just texted, paper 3 was much better, so that’s a relief. Hope your DC feels the same and fingers crossed for York for all our young people. It’s all over now and everyone can enjoy the summer at last. Good luck for 14 August everyone!

DD also firmed York- just the grades to get now..
Have others also had the 'possibility of flexibility on results day' email a while ago? DD also has a reduced offer due to an EPQ so didn't know whether it was addition to that.
Obviously there's always flexibility on results day anyway with regards to missed grades but was vaguely reassuring to get the email.

Hopefully we can continue this thread or start a new one for Yorkies?
Yes, DD had the flex email, it didn't really tell them anything they didn't know, but it was semi-reassuring.

On a side note, if any of your DC will be looking for a part time job, contact the shops at Macallister Glen straight after results day. You can also pick up hospitality shifts at the racecourse. DD gets paid for working at open days & online applicant events

This is so helpful, thank you.

It’s McCarthur Glen

You can tell I have no interest in shopping!

I work at York in an academic department. So pleased to read positive stories about York! Obviously, I'm biased, but I genuinely think it's an incredibly friendly university. My department is a fantastic community. We've got the open days this weekend for 2026 entry: hotter than the surface of the sun, but I so enjoy talking to everyone. Happy to answer any questions if I can help (or feel free to show me the door 😂).