Life at York: summer school and short courses

‌To help you make the most of your international experience, we aim to ensure you're as immersed in campus life as possible. You can take part in a range of trips and events, with plenty of opportunities to sample UK life, culture and history.

Meeting other students

A big part of your experience will be the opportunity to meet with current York students. Our diverse student community represents over 150 nationalities, so you'll be sure to connect with other international students as well as UK students, while you're here.

Our students will help you get settled in and share their knowledge about our campus, the city and what it's like to be a student in York. They'll also be interested to hear about what it's like to study in your country. So there will be plenty of opportunities to meet interesting people and share your experiences.

Social programme

We organise a range of social activities to help you feel at home, have fun and meet people while you're here. For example, our student-led societies (special interest groups) and college teams organise events such as tea parties, film nights, cake making, picnics and frisbee games.

International experience

You'll be able to practise your language and communication skills with people from other countries. We also offer formal language classes and you can watch student presentations about their university experience. You can also give a presentation about your experiences if you wish.

Trips and events

We organise a range of local trips and adventures further afield. York is a great base from which to explore the stunning scenery of Yorkshire. We're also close to the coast and within easy reach of other major cities in the UK. So while you're here you may get to see:

Bettys Cafe and Tea Rooms where you can try a famous Yorkshire Fat Rascal scone among many other delicious cakes.

The spectacular York Minster - climb the 275 steps to the top of the Minster Tower to get a great view of the city.

Whitby seafront. — Whitby a wonderful Yorkshire seaside town where you can grab some tasty traditional English fish and chips!

Castle Howard and Harewood House which are both 18th century stately homes surrounded by beautiful grounds and countryside.
Fountains Abbey a World Heritage Site that features a Cistercian abbey, elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park.
Other major UK cities such as Leeds, London, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Find out more about York and Yorkshire

Our campus

Facilities on campus include cafes and bars, sports facilities, the library, free wifi and lots of wildlife! You'll also get easy access to a microwave and kettle. If you're coming over the summer you'll find campus is a bit quieter than during semester time, but there will still be plenty to do and see.

During your visit, you'll spend a lot of time in Derwent College. It's where your accommodation will be based if you stay on campus and it's where a lot of your activities will take place. There is also a cafe/bar and a dining hall (not open during the summer).

Campus aerial shot. — Our green, parkland campus is located on the edge of York city centre. Everything is within walking distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.