24 Hours at York St John

I think that the event overall was just incredibly fun because it didn't feel like a normal school trip of "oh these are the rules, you do this or we're calling your parents'. I loved that the staff treated us with respect and got to know us, and I think that's one of the main reasons I’ve applied! I actually feel like I'm wanted at York St John because it's more like I've made friends than I've signed a contract to learn. I didn't even choose a subject I knew anything about for the 24 Hour Open Day since I just knew I wanted to attend York St John, yet I still came out of each Taster Session with new knowledge that was really well taught! I wasn't falling behind at all, I just used skills from my more confident subjects and the teachers tailored the learning for me to understand really complex topics I wouldn't have understood otherwise. The staff are all super nice and friendly, the friends that I've made I'm still in contact with and even though it's scary crossing the country for 4 years, I feel like I can be confident that my learning and individuality will be recognised in ways bigger universities wouldn't be.

Charlie, 2023 attendee

I hadn't had a chance to visit a university before so all new and I was a bit nervous - an unfamiliar place, a campus, not knowing anyone, possibly all very serious, staying over......... I had a GREAT time! Everyone from York St John, the organisers, students and lecturers were so welcoming, friendly and enthusiastic about their subjects. It was relaxed and I made 5 new friends almost straight away and we've stayed in touch and met since. The campus is lovely, a mix of old and new, and the big plus is there's everything York has to offer just on the doorstep not miles away. Spending the evening out in York and then the Student Union with current students, staying overnight in student accommodation chatting till 2am gave us a real taste of student life and the feel of York St John much more than open days I've since been to elsewhere. Most of the worries I had about going to uni have gone and I'm now excited about going, hopefully History at York St John!! Thank you for everything!

Eleanor, 2023 attendee

My daughter had a fabulous experience at 24 hours at YSJ 2023. What a great, well planned and executed idea to truly show lots of aspects of what going to York St John and university is all about. She came back much more confident and excited about going to university in general and loved York. Importantly, as a parent, the organisation and communication was great and reassuring. Thank you for covering transport and all costs to enable all students to be able to apply to take part. My daughter had some additional needs at the time which were potentially a barrier to coming but Ollie and Katherine in particular could not have been more understanding, helpful, flexible and supportive which enabled her to be there for the whole experience and have a great time. Thank you, they are a credit to York St John. Over the last few months in different situations, I've met several former students from York St John who have stayed living and working in Yorkshire. Without exception they had nothing but good things to say about their time at York St John and where their qualifications have taken them. More than one commented on the inclusive, friendly, supportive environment and the exceptional pastoral care. Definitely get the impression you're doing something right!

Parent of 2023 attendee