Opinions RE: University of York?

[dreamflight99]

My daughter is currently fielding acceptances from numerous universities in both the US, and the UK. Does anyone have any opinion, personal information or perspective on the UNIVERSITY of YORK? From all we have read, and researched, it is listed in the top 5 universities in all of Britain. The programs seem very progressive, with fabulous research departments and opportunities. York, the university commons and the surrounding area, appear to be very beautiful with many of the comforts of "home" (including FOUR Starbucks coffee shops, one inside a Borders bookstore!).

I would kindly appreciate any information, or insight anyone wishes to offer. Thank you.

DF99

 

[DisneySurfGirl]

I have a friend who goes to York Uni and she loves it. There are loads of sports clubs and societies to join (the most in any UK uni I believe) so your daughter will have loads to do! In fact my friend is moving in with the friends she made thorugh clubs and socs for next year. I've been to York to visit her and it is indeed very beautiful. What is your daughter hoping to study? I'm at the University of Kent myself, which is just as beautiful she said not being at all biased...

Hope this has helped!

Helsbellz x

 

[Queenie]

My ex boyfriend did Chemistry there and loved it. York is one of the most beautiful cities I've been to. I think deciding what Uni to pick would depend a lot on what your daughter is intending to study but is definately a fantastic city.

 

[dreamflight99]

DisneySurfGirl ~Thanks so much for your answer! She is studying politics, and recently received an unconditional offer to the University of York. She has received other offers from other schools in the UK as well, including Christ Church (Oxford). She is more inclined to attend Oxford for Post Grad studies (law degree), than undergrad. She also applied (through UCAS) to Westminster, Surrey, Liverpool, Nottingham (to name a few), for a total of 6. She applied to Christ Church directly, as she did to Cambridge as well.

From what we have read, York rates very well in the UK system (premier school). I perused the website with DD, and we were stunned by the number of activities and student groups/clubs to join! There was absolutely something for everyone. Also, she will be in the international students association, offering opportunities for travel throughout Europe. She plays Steel Drums, and will be playing from time to time with a band in London. There is a direct train, from York to London, according to the information. Do you perhaps know which station this would travel to (in London)? Just curious.

There are SO many things to do to prepare for her arrival in the fall, including obtaining a student visa. She has received several fabulous offers to some other top ranked US private colleges, which only makes the choice even more difficult. Some have offered generous private monetary awards, reducing the cost of tuition by more than half. She has also won several scholarships. None of these are offered or applicable to York. Yet, in the end, it is her choice. She is the one whom will be attending classes, and doing all the work. She should be able to select the school she truly wishes to attend. On the bright side, we will actually save a little $$ in the end, because the term for acquiring a BSc in England is 3 years, as opposed to 4 here in the states!

We were shocked to find "housekeeping" was included in the cost of board! Wow...that is not the norm here in the states. How often does this take place? Is this common in UK universities (Do you have this service in Kent too)? In her field of studies, she will be assigned a private tutor to offer assistance as well as schedules for lectures to attend, etc. (as explained when we visited Oxford last December). Is this also more commonplace throughout the UK academic system? How far is Kent from York? Is the school comparable in size, etc.? City too?

Again, thank you for any information and insight you are able to offer. It's a BIG decision, but such a fabulous opportunity. It's just too good to pass up. I know she is leaning in this direction, and could not be happier for her. Most all her friends can not fathom how she could possibly leave the country to attend college, etc. To her, it's not much farther from CA than Boston/NYC. It's just another hop across the pond, and is merely a plane ride away. ^_^
Thank goodness for the non-stops from LAX!!

TTFN...DF99

 

[DisneySurfGirl]

Hey there!

Wow, I'm studying Politics too! I'm doing a general politics course but specialising in American politics in my second and third years. Wow, you're daughter must be so bright to recieve so many offers! Especially from Christchurch. Tell her well done on getting such good grades!

Housekeeping is commonplace in campus accommodation. It usually takes place once a week and they empty the bins and run a hoover over the place. They're careful not to touch anything though! The only trouble is students become too acustomed to house-keeping and moving into a house off campus comes as a shell shock. All the washing and cleaning is DIY!

I think all students are assigned a personal tutor. They don't play a massive part in studies but they do help you pick modules for your second and third years.

Canterbury is about 75 miles South of London and my family actually live in London so if your daughter and her band ever needs an audience then let me know where!

Kent is smaller than York. It is more contained than York because Canterbury still has its old city walls from Medieval times and the city centre in contained in there. York has a wonderful history of its own which I'm sure you'll find out more about when you come over! There are quite a few American students at Kent and I'm sure it must be the same at York so your daughter will make many friends both International and home-grown.

Just think of all the frequent flyer points you'll be clocking up - it'll soon pay off!

 

[dreamflight99]

DisneySurfGirl~Thank you for the very kind words about my daughter.[/b] Yes, she has worked very tenaciously throughout her academic life, attending private catholic prep all 13 years. She also devotes a considerable amount of time to community service. Kudos to you as well! You have obviously achieved many of your own personal goals. I wish you continued success in your studies. My DD has no reservations about studying abroad, embracing all aspects. She prepares herself well, and knows there will be times when she misses us/home. Yet, she says on these occasions...she will simply remind herself she is in ENGLAND! (She truly should have been born there!). I anticipate at some point, she will hold dual citizenship.

She truly LOVES London, and plans to visit often. She has a couple of friends from the U. of Liverpool whom work/reside in London. It's also nice to know she'll be among such a diverse group of students (from all over the world).

Kent sounds lovely, as I'm sure it is! Housekeeping is such a nice perk, and I can understand the agony of such a transition (from losing it when moving off campus). Tutors seem to act more as personal "advisors" to the students, yes?

I just LOVE Canterbury (perhaps due to Canterbury tales)...and the name is one of my favorites. I even had a cat named Canterbury (Ct. Canter for short)! How fortunate you are to be near your family, and to hail from such a wonderful City. My family resides in NY, another large city dear to my heart. The tuition scale or standard for UK residents is confusing, and SO different from overseas students (whom pay full tuition/board). I read somewhere, this may change in 2006, with a tuition cap being lifted, etc. for the UK students. Is this true?

You've been very kind and helpful, and I appreciate all your comments. Have a great week...and enjoy KENT and all your studies! Summer is around the corner, and a nice long BREAK with it. Have you planned a Holiday?

TTFN...DF99