City guides: York

A beautiful and historic city surrounded by gorgeous Yorkshire countryside, York has the perfect balance of culture and activities

Bars and clubs

The York nightlife is not as wild as it is in other cities, however each of the universities holds their own student nights in the cities many venues, including Mansion (also known as Ziggy's), Salvation and Tokyo. No night out is complete without a spin round the revolving dance floor in 80's bar Reflex. For anyone wanting a wilder experience, Leeds is a short train ride away, with many colleges and societies organising regular trips there.

If it's bars you're after, there are two main epicentres to head for; Micklegate plays host to many bar crawls, with Nags Head and Rumours offering many good drinks deals, including the infamously lethal 'trebles 4 single'. For cocktail lovers, Gibson's rock bar, nestled next to the City Walls, is worth a visit.

For a more refined night out, visit Stonegate and the surrounding back streets. Home to Evil Eye, probably York's most famous bar, it also has other cocktail bars including Bora Bora and Bobo Lobo in the vicinity.

Closer to the river, Lowther and Stone Roses are popular with students, although can become very overcrowded.

Shopping

In terms of shopping, York is home to all the usual high street favourites, save the gaping hole left by the lack of Primark.  H&M and New Look are ideally suited to the student budget, and the street of Goodramgate is perfect for charity shops. There is no indoor shopping centre in the city centre but the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet is a ten minute bus ride away, and the Monks Cross and Clifton Moor retail parks are also nearby. York is also great for independent shops, providing you can put up with tourists; Give The Dog A Bone is perfect for quirky gift ideas, and The Shambles and Stonegate areas offer more unique craft and gift shops.

Eating out

York has many of the restaurants found in towns across the country, including Pizza Express, Nandos, La Tasca and Wagamamas, many of which often have deals available online. Italian cuisine lovers are kept happy with independent restaurants including Delrio's on Micklegate, Il Paradiso del Cibo on Walmgate, and Toto's, as well as Jamie Oliver's newly opened restaurant. For more exotic food, Ning's Malaysian cuisine is held in high esteem, and El Ambiente tapas bar is also worth a visit. York is famous for its many pubs, so traditional, hearty English fare is never far away; The Lamb and Lion is a firm favourite. If it's an afternoon snack you're after, the famous Betty's Tea Rooms is situated in the city centre, with Sooty's Cupcakery providing a more student-friendly alternative.

Entertainment

Although largely overlooked by mainstream touring musicians, York has several entertainment venues; The Grand Opera House often plays host to touring comedians. Other venues include the Theatre Royal and the Joseph Rowntree Theatre. Fibbers and Duchess both host regular live music with semi well-known artists. The recently reopened Barbican is just outside the town centre and is the city's largest entertainment venue.

Student accommodation

For students at the University of York, expect to pay £75-£100 a week plus bills. Most student houses are situated in the area surrounding Heslington Road, the main route into town, although the student population also spreads into the Badger Hill and Tang Hall areas.

Top 3 places to see

• York Minster
• The Wheel of York
• Clifford’s Tower

Although a small city, York has plenty to keep you occupied, with regular events taking place throughout the year, and a host of tourist sites to explore. If you need to escape the bubble for the day, Scarborough and Whitby are great locations for summer day trips, with cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Durham and Newcastle are also accessible. Alternatively, set yourself the challenge of cycling to Selby (approximately a 30 mile round trip!).