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Student voices

Learn more about life at York St John from the people who know it best - our students!

Two images in circles, Student smiling in Creative Centre atrium during Welcome Week and Group of students smiling at camera

Whether you're exploring course options, trying to picture your future student life, or just want to know more about our community, our Student Voice Ambassadors offer an authentic perspective on University life.

On this page, our students explain why they chose their course, tell us about life at York St John and share what a day in their life looks like, plus lots more.

If you’re a current student and want to help us create exciting videos, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at hello@yorksj.ac.uk and get involved!

Life at York St John

Things to do in York with friends

Join Scarlett, one of our Student Voice Ambassadors, as she shares her favourite things to do with friends while studying in York. From bonding over open mic nights and board games at the SU to relaxing in cosy coffee shops or wandering the historic streets of the Shambles, Scarlett highlights some of her favourite ways to make the most of student life. Whether you're into sports, societies, or simply exploring the city, York has something for everyone.

Tips on how to stay fit and healthy at YSJ

In this video, Maximilian, one of our Student Voice Ambassadors, shares his tips for staying active while balancing his studies at YSJ. Join him as he takes us along to the gym and shows how he fits fitness into his daily routine.

Manage your studies and social life

Join Business Management student Morgan as they discuss balancing your personal, social and study lives. From tips on self-dicipline, to effective time management, there are helpful tips to be found in this video. Follow Morgan's advice and develop the skills needed to get the most out of your time at York St John Univserity.

Favourite cafes and pubs in York

Scarlett takes us on a tour of her favorite coffee shops and pubs around York. Scarlett shares her top spots to relax, study, and unwind. Whether you're looking for the perfect place to grab a coffee or enjoy a night out, Scarlett's recommendations are sure to help you explore the best of York.

Make the most out of semester 1

In this video, Amy shares her top tips and honest advice to help you navigate your first semester at university like a pro. From attending lectures to trying out new sports and societies, prioritising your mental and physical health, and managing your budget, she’s got you covered.

Commuting to university

Alice is a Psychology student. Alice lives in Hull and commutes to York St John University. Here she shares the realities of being a commuting student. She shares her top tips on how to save money travelling by train to York as a student. Plus she tells us about the bonuses of being a commuting student at York St John when it comes to needing a place to stay so you can have a night out with friends.

Budgeting advice

Meet Scarlett, a Primary Education student, as she talks through effective ways of budgeting whilst at university. From finding the right student bank account to splitting the bill when food shopping with housemates, there are lots of gems of advice within this video.

The best things about living in York

Join Amy as she walks you through her favourite things about living in the historic city of York, from hidden gems and local spots to the culture, community, and reasons she loves calling this place home. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply curious about what makes York so special, this video gives an authentic, personal look at life in one of England’s most iconic cities.

Why I chose my course

Business Management

Maximilian shares why he chose to study Business Management. He discusses what sparked his interest in the field, why he decided to study at York St John, and offers helpful tips for choosing the right course and university for you. Don't miss his valuable insights.

English Literature and Creative Writing

Amelie talks about why she chose to study English Literature and Creative Writing. She highlights her favourite modules and shares what she loves most about her course. Get an inside look at her experience and discover what makes this programme so special.

English Literature and History

Grace discusses why she chose to study English Literature and History at York St John. She shares what she loves most about her course and offers valuable tips for anyone considering applying. Get an inside look at her experience and discover what makes this programme so special.

Japanese, TESOL and Linguistics

 There are various factors to consider and discussions to be had with your support network. Learn about the process that Niamh went through when choosing to study Japanese, TESOL and Linguistics BA (Hons). From module information to study abroad opportunities, there are plenty of things to consider.

Journalism

Charlotte explains why they chose to follow their passion for creating content and telling stories on a Journalism course. From the importance of where you'll be living, to the recommendations of friends, follow their journey as they offer annecdotes and advice on making a big decision about your future.

Korean, TESOL and Linguistics

Cerys discusses her decision to study Korean, TESOL, and Linguistics at YSJ. She shares how she chose York, highlighting that York St John stood out as one of the few universities in the UK offering East Asian languages at an undergraduate level. Additionally, she reflects on the exciting opportunity the students of the course get to study abroad in Korea, which further enriches their academic journey.

Latest blogs

Read the latest blogs from our Student Voice Ambassadors as they share their thoughts on all aspects of student life at York St John University.

Students on campus in Spring

I visited York St John, and here is what surprised me:

When I first visited York St John, and more specifically the campus, the only other times I had been within...

A students guide to spending a summers day in York

York is such a lovely place to be able to spend a summers day. The environment, the scenery, the people....

Student in the York St John Student Hub

How easy is it to make friends at University?

When I first started at university, one of my main concerns I was very anxious about, was being able to...

Professor Tom Dobson and the team at YSJ

Creative Writing Together: How York St John is Using Creative Writing to Make a Difference

Creative writing can help people tell stories, express ideas and develop their creativity. At York St John University, a new...

Simon Pattison Senior Lecturer Product Design School of the Arts York St John University

“Do you want to change the world?” If your answer is yes, Simon Pattison, Senior Lecturer for Product Design at York St John wants you on his course

Simon Pattison is Senior Lecturer for Product Design in the School of the Arts at York St John University. Following...

How easy is it to make friends at university? 

Student

By Student

Elaina Varazinskis, Psychology with Counselling  The thought of moving away to university by yourself and making new friends can be...

Find more posts from our Student Voice Ambassadors on the Student Voices blog.

Student Voices blog

Student in front of We are YSJ sign in SU

Student Voices playlist

Want to hear from more our Student Voice Ambassadors? We've shared a few of our favourite videos below and you can browse all videos on our YouTube playlist.

YSJ Student Voices YouTube Playlist

My learning experience

A day in the life of a Business Management student

In this video, Maximilian, one of our Student Voice Ambassadors, shares a glimpse into his daily routine as a Business Management student at York St John University. Watch as he takes you through his day, offering insights into student life

A day in the life of a History student

In this video, Amy-Louise, one of our Student Voice Ambassadors, shares a glimpse into a calming day in the life of a History student at York St John University. Watch as she takes you through her day, offering insights into student life.

My favourite module as a History student

In this video, Amy-Louise, one of our Student Voice Ambassadors and a second-year History student, talks about her favourite module this year – Tudor Women. Being part of the History course has given her the flexibility to choose modules that align with her personal interests, and she’s found the Tudor Women module especially fascinating and enriching.

My first teaching placement - preparation

Scarlett, Primary Education student, shares her experience during her first-year placement at university. She also offers some helpful tips to keep in mind before starting your own placement.

My first teaching placement - in the classroom

Scarlett shares her experience from her first-year university placement. Now in her third week, she offers valuable insights into what the placement has been like so far, along with reflections on what she wishes she had done differently.

My first teaching placement - reflections

Scarlett shares her experience from her first-year university placement. Having recently completed her third week and wrapped up her placement for the semester just before Easter, she reflects on what the experience has been like, the lessons she's learned, and the insights she's gained along the way.

Learn more about student life

Two students outside the historic Merchants Hall in York.

Life in York

Discover what it's like to live in York, including our tips on places to visit.

Students eating and smiling, chatting in Dining Hall

Campus life

Studying at York St John means enjoying all the facilities on our green campus. Learn more about our spaces and sustainability.

Students throwing colours for Holi

Clubs, societies and your Students' Union

Join a sports team, take up a new hobby, or campaign for causes you care about.