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The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2026 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
4.04.14.01113 Student reviews
Sort:Latest reviewsLots of different areas to hang out in/grab coffee at and study. Within exam periods however, chances are there won't be much space to sit in the library.
The facilities are amazing, from healthcare facilities, to a wide range of food to the wonderful library! There are lots of spaces that students can study and socialise. The support is brilliant, especially the new student hub and sensory areas. The lectures for all courses are so so passionate about what they teach and it really shines through. However, it could be improved by having a larger canteen area for seating as sometimes me and my friends struggle to find somewhere to sit even though there’s the dining room extension- sometimes we can’t find anywhere to sit! I think it would be beneficial to have an on campus shop, for emergencies and study buys ( many other unis have this and I think it would be a great addition)
18-24 years
The lecturers are passionate about their subjects which makes us passionate to learn. Both the lecturers and other members of staff are easy to talk to - you don't feel awkward emailing them with "stupid questions" The SU is amazing. We have the bar, coffee lounge and games room. The front desk is always helpful. There are many societies (sports and activities) that include everyone. YSJ feels welcoming Being in the middle of York means lots of tourists especially around Christmas time. There's always a drinking culture, especially for sports societies which can leave people out.
The university itself has an environment that has improved over the course of my semester that makes me feel comfortable to continue my studying as well as talk to my friends, for example, the walls and décor have been livened up a lot with plants been placed around that gives it a more friendly/stress reduction feeling to it. However, it could be improved with more messages or key quotations about life or education as I believe it would encourage more students to about their futures or their education standpoint.
York st johns is an amazing place to both study and live, being such a small university it has such a community feel and there is so much support while you study.
Support of university
York St John isn’t a bad university, but my time there had several problems that need fixing. As an international student, I was told my English was “suspiciously high” and I was accused of using AI even after I showed the work was mine. Comments and claims like these are upsetting and unfair. Staff need better guidance on how to speak to international students and how to handle these situations. The administration also let me down. I couldn’t submit an assignment and was told the admin team could send it for me; they didn’t, and my mark was affected. When I tried to sort it out, I was given an email address that didn’t exist. Processes should be clear, contact details correct, and promises kept. Teaching was hit by staff shortages. Some classes were taught by people who weren’t ready to teach the subject, and my group learned very little in the second semester. Because of these issues, I wouldn’t choose York St John again unless these areas improve.
I love YSJ because the staff are really welcoming, i like the food in the canteen and the feel of the uni. It could be improved by having more social events throughout the year instead of just freshers.
18-24 years
First gen student
Support is fantastic but facilities suffer because its a small uni
It's a nice area, its central, nice people, im enjoying my course its very different from the norm
Mental health team needs more funding and more support
The location of the university is amazing and a very nice place to be. The facilities are good and there’s a very welcoming atmosphere.
Love the walkability and the campus looks good. I just wish it had water refill stations and healthy snack vending machines. It would also be nice if they improved the uni website.
A small university in the city centre that has great lecturers who offer a lot of support and care about your university experience.
Everything is very good . Lecturers are very helpful and supportive in every aspect.
Feel very supported and like I belong.
It’s so inclusive and positive space. The su could be bigger for events
4.4
I love this university. The location is perfect. My only issue is that it’s not as social as I hoped. There aren’t as many societies as other universities and because of how close-knit it is, everyone knows everyone and people have their groups quite tightly.
Really good
Good but can be difficult with shared facilities