The University

The Collegiate System

York is a collegiate University: it has 8 colleges to be exact, and 1 of those post graduate. You will belong to one of these colleges, and while you can take or leave the collegiate system, for many it’s one of the best things about the University. Alright, it might seem pathetic compared to the affluence and independence of Oxbridge colleges, and it may sometimes seem like the University is trying to dilute the college system, but many activities are built around the concept. Sport and merchandise will constantly remind you that there are different colleges, but it is a system that enhances the University rather than destroying it. To a casual onlooker, Derwent and Langwith might look like one college, but there is a distinct divide in the short distance between the two; it’s the same for any college, as you’ll soon know. Indeed, some colleges such as Goodricke, are renowned across campus for solidarity and college spirit.

The University wide renovation is gradually changing the look of each college still proudly flaunting it’s sixties stylings (Langwith screams ‘Hendrix played here’ - and guess what, he did). However, your college is what you make of it. In most cases it will become a name you can use with pride, and of course the odd bit of rivalry. Your major contact with other colleges will be through bars and events. Each college has it’s own Junior Common room Committee, and runs it’s own events.

After a few weeks at York you’ll find that colleges, even at a smaller University like York, are an integral part of the fabric of student life.

So to sum up, the colleges of the University, and their websites, are:

Page Created: 13th Jun, 2007
Last Updated: 6:34pm on 8th Sep, 2007 by Matt Burton