Looking for the best areas to live in York? You are in the right place. Top-rated places for students to live in York include Heslington, Hull Road, York City Centre, Fulford, South Bank, Clifton, The Groves and Fishergate. This guide compares York’s top student areas by university access, lifestyle and monthly cost, to help you have an insight ideal about where to rent in York, UK.
What Are the Best Areas to Live in York?
York is a compact city in North Yorkshire, home to two prestigious universities, the University of York and York St John University. Below is a quick overview of the most popular areas for students to consider in York.
- Hull Road: Best for convenience, shops and a strong student atmosphere.
- The Groves: Best for York St John students who want a residential area near the centre.
- York City Centre: Best for York St John students and central living.
- Fulford: Best for students who want quieter surroundings.
- Heslington: Best for University of York students who want to live close to campus.
8 Best Areas to Live in York for Students
York has several popular areas for students, from campus-focused neighbourhoods near the University of York to central areas close to York St John University. Here are the 8 best areas to live in York for students.
Hull Road
Hull Road is one of the most popular areas for University of York students. It offers the closest access to campus and easy access to the city centre. Bus lines are abundant in Hull Road, making it easy for York St John University students to commute.
The area has a strong student presence, with supermarkets, cafés, takeaways and other everyday services nearby. Students can also choose from shared houses and purpose-built student accommodation in and around Hull Road, making it a practical choice for students who want convenience and a lively student atmosphere.
Who it’s best for: University of York students and students who want shops and student life nearby.
Area Highlights:
- 10-minute walk to the University of York
- 8-10 minutes by bike to York St John University and York city centre
- Direct bus routes within a few minutes’ walk
- Shops, cafés, supermarkets, takeaways, shared houses and student accommodation
Top accommodation option: The Boulevard offers modern en-suites and studios in Hull Road, York, with comfy rooms, on-site amenities and all-inclusive bills, from £216 per week.
Heslington
Heslington is right next to the University of York campus, making it a convenient choice for students who want a short commute and a quieter residential setting. Students can choose from university residences and private accommodation within walking or cycling distance of campus. Heslington village also has local shops, restaurants and green spaces for everyday needs.
Best for: Students who want to stay close to the University of York and enjoy a quieter campus-based lifestyle.
The reality: Heslington has more university-managed housing options, typically with a range of shared flats and en-suite rooms. Most university residences offer a traditional halls layout and basic facilities.
The Groves
The Groves is a residential area just north of York city centre, popular with students for its proximity to York St John University and the city centre. It offers shared student houses, independent shops and places to eat with convenient access to the city centre.
Who it suits: York St John University students or those who want to live close to the city centre.
Highlights: 5-minute walk to York St John University and 7-minute walk to the city centre.
York City Centre
York City Centre, known as Lawrence Street, is ideal for students who want shops, restaurants, bars and nightlife close to home, and York St John University is just north of the city centre. There is the widest choice of private student accommodation in York city centre, with an array of modern properties and room types.
Best for: Students who want modern accommodation, plenty of housing choices and a lively city-centre lifestyle.
The reality: Central accommodation can be more expensive.
Best student housing option: Vita Student Lawrence Street offers stylish clusters and spacious studios, with modern amenities and luxury on-site support services, such as free breakfast and room cleaning service.
Fulford
Fulford has good bus links to the University of York and easy access to York city centre. It offers a range of housing options, including serviced apartments and purpose-built student accommodation.
Fulford Highlights:
- Several bus routes run directly to the University of York.
- Easy access to York city centre.
- Plenty of parks and green spaces, with several cycling routes nearby.
- A student-friendly area with a quiet village feel.
- A good choice for students who want a quiet place to study while staying close to the city centre.
Best accommodation options:
The Boulevard York offers en-suite rooms and studios and is about a 10-minute walk from the University of York, making it a convenient option for students living near Fulford.
14 Castle Chambers offers modern 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom serviced apartments, making it a suitable option for families or students looking for more space.
South Bank
South Bank has a quiet village feel with independent cafés, local shops and a creative atmosphere. It is a popular choice for mature students, postgraduates and young families who prefer more space and a quieter place to live. South Bank is next to Rowntree Park and the River Ouse, with plenty of green space nearby.
South Bank Highlights:
- Easy to reach the University of York and York St John University by bike.
- Close to York city centre and York Railway Station.
- Easy access to local shops, cafés and restaurants around Bishopthorpe Road.
- Next to Rowntree Park and the River Ouse.
- A quiet residential area with a strong local community.
Best Housing:
IconInc York City provides self-contained studios near South Bank.
Frederick House offers shared flats, en-suites and studios, with all-inclusive rent starting from £196 per week.
Fishergate
Fishergate is between York city centre and Fulford, with the River Ouse right nearby. It offers a wide range of student accommodation and the best value living close to the city centre.
Fishergate Highlights:
- About a 10-minute walk to Tower Street on the south side of York city centre.
- Around a 20-minute walk to the University of York.
- About a 20-minute bus ride to York St John University.
- River-view living and green spaces.
- A wide range of student accommodation at different price points.
Top Accommodation Options:
Popular student accommodation options in and around Fishergate include Fusion York, Waterloo House and Student Castle York. Valerian is a new student accommodation option close to Fishergate, with all-inclusive bills from £174 per week.
Clifton
If you want to be within walking distance of the university and city centre but prefer to stay away from the busy centre, Clifton is a great choice. It is just north of York St John University and is also home to York Hospital. Clifton is popular with students and young professionals, with a mix of student housing and residential properties.
Samuel Tuke Apartments is a popular student accommodation option in Clifton. It offers modern en-suite rooms and spacious studios. Bills are included in the rent, and facilities include an on-site gym, cinema and games area.
Which Area of York Is Best for You?
The best area to live in York depends on your university, budget and preferred lifestyle. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right area.
Want the easiest commute?
Choose Heslington for easy access to the University of York, or The Groves and Clifton for York St John University.
Want the most things to do?
Choose York City Centre for shops, restaurants, bars, nightlife and a wide choice of student accommodation.
Want more affordable accommodation?
Consider Fishergate or Tang Hall for a wider range of lower-cost housing options. Fishergate also has student accommodation from £174 per week with bills included.
Want a quieter place to live?
Choose Fulford or South Bank for green spaces and a quieter residential setting. Heslington is another option if you want to stay close to the University of York.
Want a good balance of location, accommodation and price?
Consider Fishergate for its location between York city centre and Fulford, range of student accommodation and different price points. Hull Road is another practical option for University of York students who want shops, cafés and accommodation close to campus.
How to Choose the Right Area to Live in York
Choosing the right area in York depends on your university, budget, daily commute and preferred accommodation type.
- Start with your university. Choose Heslington or Hull Road for the University of York. Choose York City Centre, The Groves or Clifton for York St John University.
- Set your full monthly budget before choosing a property. Include rent, bills, food, transport, deposits and other study costs. Check whether the rent includes WiFi, water, heating and electricity.
- Check your daily commute. York has a wide bus network, making it easy to travel around the city and to nearby towns and cities. Students can expect to spend around £20 to £60 per month on transport, depending on how often they travel. If you want to keep transport costs low, consider Hull Road, Fishergate or York City Centre. These areas have good access to buses and are also within walking or cycling distance of many university campuses and city services.
- Check the tenancy requirements before booking. International students should check guarantor rules, deposit requirements and the documents needed to rent the property. Read the tenancy agreement before making any payment. York St John University also advises students to watch out for rental scams.
- Check the property carefully before signing a contract. Look at the locks, heating, damp, noise, fire doors and bike storage. You can also use the Police.uk crime map to check the area, but it only provides a broad view of reported crime.
Find the Right Student Accommodation in York
To find the right student accommodation in York, choose the ideal area for your university, compare accommodation options and total costs, then check the contract and booking terms before paying.
Choose University Accommodation
Start by checking the accommodation options on your university’s website and compare the location, room type, contract length and what is included in the rent.
For the University of York, residential halls are mainly located across Campus West and Campus East in Heslington. Students can compare shared rooms, en-suite rooms, catered accommodation and self-catered accommodation.
York St John University on-campus housing options include Garden Street, Clarence Street, City Residence, The Grange, St John Central and Limes Court.
Apply through your university accommodation portal. Check the application opening date and deadline for your course and student status. Apply as soon as applications open if you have a preferred area or room type. Before accepting an offer, check the contract length, rent, payment dates, bills and contents insurance.
Find Private Student Accommodation in York with uhomes.com
If you want private student accommodation in York, uhomes.com is a dedicated student accommodation platform for York students. It brings verified student accommodation options across York into one place, making it easier to compare properties, areas and room types.
You can search for student accommodation near the University of York, York St John University, Heslington, Hull Road and York city centre. Use the filters to compare price, room type, en-suite facilities, distance to campus and included bills.
uhomes.com provides property details, virtual tours and online booking support. Students can view a property online before booking and contact the 24-hour online team if they need help during the search and booking process.
Use this process to find the right private student accommodation in York, UK:
- Choose two or three areas that suit your university and daily commute.
- Set your weekly or monthly budget.
- Filter properties at uhomes.com by room type, price and included bills.
- Compare the location and travel time to your university.
- Check the property details and take a virtual tour before booking.
- Compare the deposit, contract length, cancellation terms and guarantor requirements.
- Read the full contract before making any payment.
- Ask for uhomes.com’s 24/7 online assistance if you have any questions.
Final Thoughts
The best areas to live in York for students commonly cover Hull Road, Heslington, Lawrence Street, The Groves, Fishergate, Fulford, South Bank and Clifton. Deciding which neighbourhood is the top choice for you highliy depends on your campus, budget, transportation and room types. Heslington and Hull Road are the strongest choices for University of York students. York City Centre, The Groves and Clifton suit York St John students. Fulford offers quieter living, and Fishergate offers central access at a competitive cost. When you have narrowed a few pleased places to live in York, comparing your student housing in York at uhomes.com makes it simple to secure the right place to stay in York.
FAQ
What is the best area to live in York for University of York students?
Heslington and Hull Road are popular areas for University of York students. Heslington is next to the university campus, while Hull Road offers more shops, cafés and student accommodation.
What is the best area to live in York for York St John University students?
York City Centre, The Groves and Clifton are close to York St John University. The Groves is particularly close to the campus, while York City Centre offers more shops, restaurants and student accommodation.
Which areas are best for looking for affordable student accommodation in York?
Fishergate, Fulford and parts of Hull Road are best for students on a limited budget. Your rent will depend on the room type, property, contract length and whether bills are included.
Where should I live in York if I want a quiet area?
Fulford and South Bank are suitable if you prefer a quieter residential area. The Groves and Clifton can also offer a quieter setting while staying close to the city centre and universities.
Is York a nice place to live?
Yes, York is a popular student city with two universities, a compact city centre, green spaces and good walking and cycling options. The right area depends on your university, budget and preferred lifestyle.
Are there areas to avoid in York?
There is no single area that all students need to avoid. If you are sensitive to noise, check the exact street and property before booking, especially in busy central areas. If you prefer city-centre living, South Bank may feel quieter and more residential than the centre.
What are the best areas to live in York for families?
Fulford, South Bank, Clifton and Heslington are popular areas for families in York. They offer quieter residential streets while staying close to shops, schools, parks and York city centre.
What are the best places to live in the Yorkshire countryside?
Popular countryside areas near York include Easingwold, Pocklington, Haxby and villages around the Howardian Hills. These areas offer a quieter rural setting while keeping York within easy reach.
