University of York

Overview

The University of York is a leading UK university that creates independent critical thinkers through a culture of academic excellence and groundbreaking research. With a commitment to excellence in both teaching and research, York is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and regularly features in top global and national university rankings. In the Times University Guide 2025, York is ranked 17th in the UK, while it holds a place in the QS World University Rankings 2025 within the top 150 universities worldwide.

The University of York is highly regarded for its exceptional student experience, consistently ranking well in student satisfaction surveys. York offers a collegiate system similar to that of Oxford and Cambridge, providing students with a strong sense of community and belonging. There are eleven colleges on campus, each offering a supportive environment with residential accommodation, social activities, and pastoral care.

The University of York is also known for its close-knit campus environment. Its picturesque lakeside campus, set in over 500 acres of parkland, is just two miles from the historic city centre of York, giving students the best of both worlds – a peaceful, green setting with easy access to one of the UK's most vibrant cities. York is a flourishing city, regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.

Services for International Students

The University of York has an International Student Support Office providing a range of services to support the diverse needs of students from international countries. This includes a free airport collection service from Manchester Airport in September, orientation and social activities, visa processing services, bank account opening, and counselling services. The university also offers an extensive careers service, which can help with internships, volunteering activities, job searches, and assessment preparation.

Ranking

• 17th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 25th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 184th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
• 146th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

York is one of only four UK organisations to have achieved both a top-10 position in the UK Research Excellence Framework and a Gold standard in the Teaching Excellence Framework. All of York's subject areas are now ranked in the top 30 in the UK, with four Departments positioned in the top five.

Accommodation

All University of York’s accommodation is located on or near the university's compact and safe campus, so you’ll soon feel at home in York. Rooms are available with en-suite options and various catering options.

The University of York offers a college system for its accommodation, so you will be a member of one of the 11 colleges. Your college is a built-in community, helping you to make friends and settle into York and the UK.

Location

York is a vibrant, safe, student friendly city, renowned for its rich history and heritage and regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK. Famous for its medieval architecture, York Minster, and the Shambles, the city has a lively atmosphere with cafes, museums, shops, and a vibrant arts scene. Regular cultural events such as the York Festival of Ideas and York Literature Festival offer students further opportunities to engage with the city’s cultural heritage.

York’s excellent transport links make it easy for students to explore the rest of the UK. The city is less than two hours by train from London, and its central location provides easy access to other major cities such as Leeds, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Alumni

• Harry Enfield (Comedian)
• Anthony Horowitz (Author and screenwriter)
• Peter Lord (Director of Aardman Animations)
• Han Seung-Soo (Former Prime Minister of South Korea)
• Severin Schwan (CEO of Hoffman-La Roche)