20 Signs You Go To York St. John

I’m extremely proud to be a student of York St. John because it is, in my opinion, one of the best places to study not only in York but in the entirety of the UK. Maybe I’m biased, but there is simply so much going on to get involved with when you are studying in the heart of one of England’s oldest and most beautiful cities.

But how can you recognise the York St. John student from the average student about York? And how can you recognise yourself the mark that the campus, classes and people there have left upon your own identity? Here are 20 sure signs that you go to YSJ.

1. You’ve pretended to be visiting Hogsmeade when walking through the Quad, especially when the snow starts to fall.

Pair this with a wander down The Shambles and you’ll be awaiting your Hogwarts letter in no time.

2. When the hearing dog visits are scheduled, you’re always first in line to book a ticket.

Cute dogs visiting to help you destress? Always!

3. As deadline season grows closer, you find yourself moving slowly up from the ground floor of the library to the silent without even realising it’s happened.

4. If someone asks for directions, you have adjusted enough to the area to be able to explain the way through both Gates and Bars, as well as explaining the street/road equivalent to those out of the loop.

5. On the eve of illuminating York, you are so well prepared that you’ve mapped out all of the local events and are ready to go.

In fact you’re so prepared that you’re counting down the minutes until sunset and can’t wait to see what the university has planned.

6. During the summer, you wake up early to find the perfect study spot on the grass.

It’s bound to be round the front of the Quad where all the honey bees and lavender are, so it’s important to get there first before things get busy.

7. Half of your research books were found when looking through the stacks of Fossgate books and other local York second hand bookstores.

Also, though your lecturers might not know it, some of your essay inspiration came from the original annotations in the margins.

8. You’ve got lost in the university at least once. It’s only a small campus but, in first year, it seems impossible to remember which path goes where they’re all so twisty.

Especially when looking for tutorial offices and Cordukes, it’s taken you a while to get to know where you’re going.

9. Before 9am lectures, the first place you head is to the campus Costa or Starbucks to get your caffeine hit or, at the very least, a hot chocolate.

It’s very important to engage with class but to do that, you need the coffee to keep you awake!

10. You’re a keen member of a society.

There are so many to choose from, whether that be Feminist Society or the new Veggie Society, that it’s difficult to know where to begin each year so you use your timetable to help you decide.

11. During Student Elections you cast your vote from your corner of the library.

Outside, things are a bit too chaotic and it is like Fresher’s all over again!

12. Whenever you see a table setting up in Holgate you spend half of the morning with your friends trying to guess what it is.

Whilst it’s never clear what at first, there is absolutely always something going on to get involved with.

13. You’ve just grown accustomed to the fact that, no matter the time of year, there are always going to be geese everywhere.

Holding up traffic, sitting on the lawn, on the river banks. In fact, you’ve started to grow rather fond of them… until they hiss!

14. Shakespeare quotes, especially Richard III, are ingrained in your mind.

Whether a literature student or otherwise, they tend to come in useful (even if only in the local pub quiz).

15. For each year of university, you have at least one selfie with the Bile Beans sign or Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate.

In other words, keeping things fresh by staying a tourist in your own city.

16. There has been at least one full blown debate either in class or within your friendship group about how you pronounce ‘Gillygate’.

17. Every week on the way to class, you come in having discovered at least 3 new independent bars, restaurants and cafes.

After class? Why, you copy up notes over a sample hot chocolate in one of them of course.

18. You’ve taken advantage of the student discount to climb all of the stairs to the top of the Minster.

Knowing you’ll graduate there some day is kind of scary, but looking out at that stunning view across York and the gorgeous sunset is certainly something to behold.

19. Everyone knows everyone at York St. John, meaning you feel really at home pretty much all of the time.

The small community is great and adds that extra something to your degree experience you wouldn’t get at a bigger place.

20. And finally, you celebrate the end of your exams like only a true YSJ student knows how… With Archies Day.

A tradition started by the Archbishop gifting hard working students of the university with a barrel of ale, this is now a mandatory celebration for all at the end of term. Raise a glass to the end of deadlines and a well earned rest!

Are you a student at York St. John? What do you think of York St. John? Tell us in the comments!

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