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Something that I really like about UoY is the collegiate system they have. Not many people are very aware of this, but it is something that has really made my uni experience, especially because of the restrictions we have faced due to covid. For those who don't know, the college system is based off of the accommodation you live in during your first year of study, and it mainly provides another community for you to be a part of, allowing you to get to know another amazing group of students, especially if you take advantage of the individual offerings that each college provides (such as socials - from clubbing to bake-off screenings - sports teams - these have their own leagues and are a great opportunity to learn a new sport - and more generally another way to meet new students). It is what really drew me to York in the first place. The college system was particularly important during my first year whilst facing the many different covid restrictions as the college sports teams allowed me to meet other students when I could not meet others on my course in person. Furthermore, during lockdown, the college (and the uni in general) provided us with weekly care packages filled with snacks, drinks and activities for us to do as a flat, which really helped to lift spirits. As I have continued in my uni journey and into my final year, these relationships that I formed within the college have continued to remain some of the strongest and most beneficial from my time here. Another thing that has been really great about my experience is the location of the university. While it's not directly in the city centre, it is in a close enough proximity to head to town for a night out or some shopping, whilst still being a campus university with a feeling that you're in a little university bubble when actually on campus. You can walk to the city centre in less than half an hour, or just hop on a bus that costs you only one pound. What this also means, is that there are lots of options on where to live off-campus in the upper years - in the city centre, near the main (west) campus or between the two campuses, depending on your preference. I'd say one of the more negative aspects is the weather. I know it seems silly, but it is pretty cold and wet here, even in the more summery months, so it is definitely something to consider, especially when you have to take into account the cost of bills nowadays. It sometimes was (and sometimes still is) tough walking to lectures and seminars when it's pouring or absolutely freezing, but as long as you remember to bring a warm, waterproof coat or umbrella, you should be alright.

One of the best aspects about my course is that there is such a broad net cast during your first year compulsory modules in terms of geography and time period, so you can really discover what you are interested in studying for your upper years. Furthermore, there is such a wide, diverse choice for module options throughout your course, which means that you are not stuck in a certain track once you've made your choices in your first year. Another great aspect is that all assessment is either coursework-style essays written over a number of weeks, or an open-book, online 24 hour exam taken at the end of the year. Coming in to first year, this was something that I was expecting, but with the impacts of covid, it really is beneficial to not have to take closed book exams in an exam hall, as it more reflective of the types of challenges that will be faced and the expectations in the world of work. A more negative aspect of the course is the reliance on individual study. Pretty much all of the work done for assessment and seminars will rely on reading done as part of solo study. For some this can be a really good thing, but it does sometimes feel that there is lots to get through, especially as different assessments are due at certain points in the term. It definitely is possible though if you keep on top of it by setting yourself a schedule, allowing breaks in the day or week for social/sporting type activities

My uni halls was not my first choice, but I'm glad I was placed there! What I really enjoyed was the modernity. The campus has only been there about 10-15 years, but really didn't seem that old at all. When I moved in, it was super clean, and the ensuite almost looked brand new. I felt very safe living there as you needed a keycard to access the building, the flat corridor, the kitchen and my room (obviously only I had access to my room and my flatmates to the kitchen). Furthermore, I could manually lock my bedroom door so that I could always be safe and secure when I was in my room. The only disadvantage to the keycard was that it mean you couldn't leave without your card otherwise you get locked out of everywhere (but the college were able to sort you out with a temporary one 24/7 if you did). The walls were also very soundproof which meant that your flatmates could not disturb you when you are trying to study or sleep. What was also great about living there was that one dinner a week was provided for us as part of our weekly rent - there was so much variety and the portions were massive, so I think that it was definitely worth it. A more negative aspect for me in particular was that I was far away from where I was studying. This is because I lived on East Campus, but studied on West Campus, which meant that I had to walk about 20-25 minutes any time I had to go for a lecture or seminar. However, the buses are free between campus and run every 10 minutes or so, so it really is not that big of a deal if you don't mind having to leave a little earlier.