Known for its rolling hills and dramatic North Sea coastline, Yorkshire and the Humber is a large northern region of the UK with nine universities and a population of approximately 5 million people. It is a popular place to study due to the quality of education which can be found here, and the relatively low cost-of-living when compared with London and the south of England.
If you’re thinking about applying to uni somewhere in the region but want to know a little bit more about what to expect, then we have the perfect guide for you. Read on to learn more about where to live, how to study, and what to do in this UK region.
CONTENTS
- Student activities in Yorkshire and the Humber
- Nightlife in Yorkshire and the Humber
- Student accommodation in Yorkshire and the Humber
- Student costs in Yorkshire and the Humber
- What Yorkshire and the Humber is known for
- Universities in Yorkshire and the Humber
Student activities in Yorkshire and the Humber
In addition to the usual university-related activities such as sports teams, special interest societies, pub nights and club nights, the region of Yorkshire and the Humber has many things to discover which cannot be experienced anywhere else.
The region is a historic county with a strong Roman and Viking heritage, which you can explore by checking out its ancient ruins, Norman castles, medieval abbeys and other heritage sites. Yorkshire and the Humber has no shortage of museums and historical education centres to provide some context to the area.
There is also plenty of nature to explore, with rolling green countryside, two national parks and over 100 miles of coastline, home to some of the finest beaches in the UK. Experience the quintessential British beach holiday at Scarborough or lace up your hiking boots and conquer the infamous Yorkshire three-peaks challenge.
If you’d prefer to stay in the city, then you’ll find lots of things to see, eat and drink. A diverse and multicultural region, Yorkshire and the Humber is home to a variety of regional and world cuisines. The cost of eating out is relatively low, so relax and let your taste buds guide you.
See more things to do in Yorkshire and the Humber in our top ten guide
Nightlife in Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber has several large cities that offer a fantastic range of evening entertainment at a student-friendly price point. Your university will likely have a student bar on campus, and this is a good place to start your night. From there, you can head into town where you’ll find traditional pubs, modern bars, all types of restaurants and late-night clubs in which to dance the night away.
Keep an eye out for student nights organised during the week – these are often highly popular with local universities and are a great place to meet people. Plus, you can take advantage of discounted entry fees and drinks deals.
Dance music enthusiasts will already know that Leeds has one of the best underground music scenes outside of London. The city attracts international artists performing across many genres of music, so keep track of what’s on and grab an early bird ticket to save some pennies.
Eating out in Yorkshire and the Humber is fairly affordable, even on a student budget. An inexpensive meal in Sheffield or Hull costs an average of around £10, and in York where prices are the highest in the region, the average is still only £13. Yorkshire has a long culture of ale brewing, so pop into your local ale house and try a regional classic. A pint will cost around £4 wherever you are in the region, which is about 40% less than what you’d pay in London.
Student accommodation in Yorkshire and the Humber
Across Yorkshire and the Humber, most uni towns are located in large post-industrial cities where there is no shortage of housing opportunities. Your university will probably offer you a place in halls of residence during your first year, and this is a popular choice for many students.
Average room prices in halls sit around £110 to £180 per week, depending on room specifications, and for this you’ll also get all utilities bills, internet and contents insurance included. Add to this on-site laundry facilities and security, with term-length contracts so you won’t overpay for time you aren’t living there, all in one neat package.
Secondly, it’s loads of fun. It’s a great way to meet people from outside your course, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up living with some of them in your second and third years.
When you eventually transition to the local rental market, you’ll be pleased to know that rent prices in Yorkshire and the Humber are lower than much of the rest of the UK. York is the most expensive, at around £950 per month for a studio flat, which is still less than half the cost of London.
Hull is the most affordable, with the average cost of a studio apartment at only £450 per month, or you can share a three-bedroom apartment with some friends for an average price of £825 which breaks down to a staggeringly low £275 per person per month. Bradford is a very affordable place to rent, and also has the cheapest utilities rates, at about £50 per person per month.
Student costs in Yorkshire and the Humber
Travel expenses are a daily consideration, especially if you choose to live outside of the city centre. Fortunately, public transport across Yorkshire and the Humber is reliable and reasonably priced. Wherever you are likely to be, a monthly bus or rail pass costs around £50, which is less than £2 per day for unlimited use and drops to almost £1 per day when you use your student status to get a further 1/3 discount.
Depending on your chosen course, you may find that there are additional university-related expenses which aren’t covered by your tuition fee loan. These can include printing and photocopying, extra books and reading materials, art supplies or digital subscriptions. We recommend you factor this into your monthly budget and keep a little reserve in case of emergencies.
Read more about the cost of living as a student in Yorkshire and the Humber
What Yorkshire and the Humber is known for
There are a number of traditional English foods which come from Yorkshire, but whenever you go in the UK, fish and chips is a popular and beloved local dish. Yorkshire and the Humber boasts arguably the #1 fish and chip shop in the country. Big claim? Perhaps yes, but The Magpie Cafe’s traditional fish and chips dinner is legendary, so take a train to Whitby Harbour and see for yourself.
Universities in Yorkshire and the Humber
Yorkshire and the Humber is home to nine major universities.
- University of Hull
- University of Bradford
- University of York
- University of Leeds
- York St John University
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Sheffield
- Leeds Beckett University
- Sheffield Hallam University
The region’s nine universities offer a huge variety of degree qualifications and student experiences. They include traditional Russell Group institutions, modern glass-plate universities and everything in between.
If you’d still like to know more about any of these universities, then we recommend visiting the campus to take a look around. There are open days available throughout the year, and it’s a great opportunity to check out your future classrooms, library, labs, and accommodation, as well as talking with staff and students.