New Undergraduates: don't panic!

York is a bit different to most other Universities when it comes to booking accommodation.  You don't need to apply for a room on campus until you know that you are definitely coming to York i.e. you have accepted an Unconditional offer.

Most people will be able to do this after the A-level results have been released.

Our online application system doesn't open until August so, in the meantime, we recommend that you read up on our Colleges.  By looking at the room types and facilities that are available in each College you should get a clear picture of what is most important to you e.g. cost, bathroom facilities, location, catering.  Then, when the time comes to apply, you can make an informed choice.

Choosing a College

Each College has its own identity but whichever you choose you will be part of a ready-made community.  You will be invited to take part in College activities, events and societies and this will help you to settle in to University life and make new friends.  The College also provides you with welfare support throughout your time at York.

The location of your academic department shouldn't affect your choice of College because all of our campus accommodation is within easy walking distance of teaching rooms, library, sports centre, catering outlets and bars.

When can I apply for my accommodation?

Apply now if you need a specific room type or location because of a medical, welfare or mobility reason.  You will need to send us evidence to support your request.  You can find more information and a link to the form here.

• If you have accepted an Unconditional offer before August you can apply from Wednesday 7 August
• If you are waiting for your A-Level or other exam results, you can apply from Tuesday 20 August
• If you have selected York as your Insurance choice you can apply from Wednesday 21 August
• Everyone must apply by 1pm Saturday 24 August in order to be guaranteed a room booking

How does the application system work?

You will be given access to our online application system after you have accepted an Unconditional offer.  It works on a first-come, first-served basis.  You will select a College, room type and let length from those available at the time of application.  If your first preference isn't showing as an option that means that it is no longer available and you will have to choose an alternative option.

You will usually receive a room booking within three days of submitting your application and you will be asked to make a £260 advance payment in order to confirm your booking.

For the latest information, keep an eye on our website or follow us @UoYAccomm.

Which is best for me - campus or private sector accommodation?

The leaves are falling and it's time to start thinking about where you are going to live during your next year at University.

Back in the day, most Continuing Undergraduates moved in to accommodation in the private sector after their first year because the University did not have space to accommodate large numbers of students on campus. 

Now, thanks to considerable investment in refurbished and new-build accommodation, we are in a position to offer campus accommodation to a much larger group of students.  There is also a good supply of quality private sector accommodation in the local area.

So, how do you decide which option is best for you?  To help with your decision, we've summarised the benefits of each option.

Benefits of living on campus

• You can live with your friends but still have an individual tenancy so you are not liable for their rent  and it isn't your responsibility to find a replacement tenant if someone in the group moves out
• You do not need to pay anything upfront or provide a rent guarantor
• You only pay rent for 44 weeks of the year so there’s less rent to pay during the Summer
• Bills are included in the rent so there are no accounts to set up, no arguments about who pays the bills and no worries as to whether you can afford to put on the heating!
• You are protected from any rise in the price of electricity, gas or other utilities
• You have easy access to campus facilities such as the University Intranet, library, academic departments, pastoral support, entertainment and your College community
• You can request a room transfer if you fall out with others in your group
• You have 24-hour security and, if you lock yourself out, keys are available from staff on site - with no call out charge!

Benefits of living in the private sector

• You can be independent and learn valuable life skills by managing a tenancy
• You can get involved in your local community and meet a wide range of people
• You are living away from your 'workplace'
• Your house is available to you during the Summer (most tenancies in the private sector are for 52 weeks)
• You can live nearer to the city centre
• You have a wider choice of rent prices and house styles to choose from

This post has given you some things to consider when talking through your options with friends and family.  But remember that the choice between campus and private sector accommodation is ultimately one that depends very much on your own preferences and circumstances.

Understanding Your Room Number

Over this weekend and into the coming week you'll be receiving your "booking details" emails.

These emails will direct you back to e:vision to accept your offer and pay your £260 advance payment.

More excitingly, you'll find out where exactly you'll be living for the next year! We understand room numbers might not make much sense to the uninitiated, so hopefully our guide will help...

Working out what your room number means

College / Court

A/ ALCUIN

D/ DERWENT

EN/   Eden's Court

EN/S Sycamore Cottage

EN/T Eden's Cottage

SP/   Spring Lane

GOODRICKE

GBA/ Janet Baker Court

GSH/ Oliver Sheldon Court

GDI/ Kenneth Dixon Court

HALIFAX

HAI/ Ainsty Court

HHI/ Hickleton Court

HIN/ Ingram Court

HIR/ Irwin Court

HLI/ Lindley Court

HSL/ St Lawrence Court

HWO/ Wood Court

HYO/ Younger Court

J/ JAMES

G/C James N Block

LANGWITH

LBR/ Philip Brockbank Court

LHO/ Gordon and Francesca Horsfield Court

LSM/ Sydney Smith Court

LTA/ John West Taylor Court

V/ VANBRUGH

V/A Le Page Court (A)

V/B Le Page Court (B)

VSC/ Barbara Scott Court

VBA/ Donald Barron Court

G/A/ Eric Milner White Court (A)

G/B/ Eric Milner White Court (B)

G/D/ Vanbrugh E Block

Block

This will be in the form of a letter or letter and number which tells you which block or house you are in within the court.

Floor and Room Number

The numbers after the last slash represent your room number.

The first digit shows the floor that your room is on (0 = ground floor, 1 = first floor, etc).