A Day in the Life of a York College Student

Choosing where to study is a big decision. Of course, your programme matters, but so does everything that happens around it. The friendships you build, the opportunities you have access to and the experiences you gain all play a role in shaping your future. 

At York College, student life is about more than moving from lesson to lesson. Every day brings opportunities to develop new skills, explore your interests, meet new people and prepare for your next steps. Whether you're studying A Levels, T Levels, a vocational qualification, an apprenticeship or a course at York College’s University Centre, you'll find plenty of ways to get involved and make the most of your time here. 

If you're wondering what a typical day at York College looks like, here's a closer look at the York College Student Experience. 

What is it like arriving at York College each day? 

Every day starts differently, but one thing remains the same: the campus is full of energy. Many of our students travel to us by College or local bus, while others who live closer to the campus travel by bike or on foot. If you're travelling by College bus, you’ll arrive at College between 8:30am and 9:00am.

As students arrive, you'll see people heading to lessons, catching up with friends, grabbing a drink at Costa Coffee or one of our food outlets before class, or finding a quiet place to prepare for the day ahead. Students from a wide range of courses share the campus, creating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone is working towards their own goals. 

Some students are preparing for university applications. Others are building practical skills for industry or gaining valuable experience through apprenticeships. Whatever path you're following, you're surrounded by people who are equally focused on achieving success. 

From the moment you arrive, you're part of a community that values ambition, care, respect and success. 

How is the day structured?

Lessons usually begin at 9:15am, giving you time to settle in and prepare for the day. Throughout the day, you'll have short 15-minute breaks. These give you time to move between lessons, grab a snack, or take a quick break. 

Lunch is a full hour to relax and recharge. You’ll be allocated one of two lunch slots, depending on your timetable:

11:45am – 12:45pm
12:45pm – 1:45pm

We offer a variety of catering outlets, all serving delicious food to suit every taste and dietary need, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Throughout the year, special menus celebrate foods from around the world, giving you a chance to try something new. If you prefer to bring your own food, there are plenty of spaces where you can sit and enjoy your lunch comfortably. And of course, there’s always Tesco’s just over the road too if you fancy a short walk over lunchtime. 

Most lessons finish by 4:15pm. If you're taking the College bus home, departures are scheduled between 4:30pm and 5:00pm.

What happens during lessons? 

Your timetable will depend on the course you’re studying, as each programme has a different schedule:

• A Level students are typically in College 4 days per week and typically have 1-hour lessons throughout the day.
• T Level and Vocational students usually attend 3 to 4 days per week and experience a mix of lesson lengths, ranging from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the subject and practical activities.
• Apprentices attend College either one day per week or one full week each month. Your timetable will be bespoke to the apprenticeship being studied.

Learning from industry experts 

A significant part of the York College Student Experience takes place in lessons, workshops, studios and practical learning environments. 

Tutors bring a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to their teaching, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Lessons are designed to be engaging, interactive and relevant to your future career or further study. 

You'll be encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas and develop independent thinking skills that will support you long after you've completed your course. 

Developing skills for your future 

Whether you're studying A Levels, T Levels, vocational qualifications or apprenticeships, every lesson is focused on helping you progress. 

Alongside subject-specific knowledge, you'll develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management and critical thinking. These skills are highly valued by universities and employers and play an important role in helping students achieve their ambitions. 

How does York College bring learning to life? 

Subject enhancement opportunities 

One of the things that makes the York College Student Experience unique is the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.

Many curriculum areas offer subject enhancement activities that enable students to experience their subjects in different environments. These opportunities help bring learning to life and provide valuable experiences that support academic development. 

Students have previously taken part in: 

• A Level Physics visits to York University focusing on nuclear physics and astrophysics 
• A Level Geography fieldwork at Cranedale Field Study Centre near Malton International visits linked to language studies 
• Hospitality and Tourism trips to Florence 
• Hair and Beauty visits to Beauty UK at the NEC in Birmingham 
• A Level Economics visits to the Bank of England 
• Sport and Public Services residential visits to Italy 
• Construction residential trips linked to industry projects

These experiences allow students to deepen their understanding of their subjects while building confidence and independence. 

Learning through real-world experiences 

Educational visits provide opportunities to see concepts, industries and organisations in action. 

Instead of simply reading about a topic, students can experience it first-hand, helping them gain a deeper understanding of their chosen subject and potential career paths. 

For many students, these experiences become some of the most memorable moments of their time at College. 

What can students do outside of lessons? 

Making the most of ENRICH

A typical day at York College often includes activities beyond the timetable. 

ENRICH is designed to help students get more from their College experience by providing opportunities to develop skills, build confidence and meet new people. 

Every student is encouraged to take part in enrichment activities that support personal development, employability and well-being. 

Activities are designed to fit around timetables and students can choose the opportunities that interest them most. 

Joining clubs and societies 

ENRICH Clubs provide a great way to connect with other students and try something new. 

Students can take part in activities such as: 

• Football 
• Chess 
• Crochet 
• Dominoes 

These sessions provide opportunities to relax, socialise and build friendships with students from across the College. 

For many students, clubs become an important part of their weekly routine and help create a strong sense of belonging. 

Talented student-athletes aged 16 to 19 who have a passion for their sport and want the opportunity to combine a full-time education programme with high-quality coaching can apply to join one of our Sports Development Centres:

• Men's and Women’s Football, in partnership with York City Football Club
• Men's and Women's Rugby League, in partnership with York Rugby League Football Club
• Basketball
• Netball

Attending events throughout the year 

The ENRICH programme also includes a variety of events and activities throughout the academic year.  These include: 

• Guest speakers 
• Volunteering opportunities 
• Visits from farm animals 

These activities create memorable experiences while helping students develop confidence and social skills. 

Developing practical life skills 

Students can also access ENRICH Online, which provides support with important life skills and personal development opportunities. 

Topics include: 

• Driving theory test preparation 
• Cooking skills 
• First aid training 

These opportunities allow students to gain practical knowledge that can benefit them throughout their lives. 

How does York College support personal development? 

Taking part in workshops 

Personal development is an important part of the York College Student Experience. 

Throughout the year, students have access to a range of cross-College workshops designed to support well-being, confidence and personal growth. 

Topics include: 

• Building self-esteem through laughter and comedy 
• Cyber-bullying awareness 
• Prevent and anti-extremism 
• Healthy relationships 
• Sexual consent 
• Road safety awareness 
• Health and well-being 
• Mental health awareness 

These sessions help students develop important life skills while encouraging positive wellbeing and personal growth. 

Here at York College, we offer a comprehensive mental health well-being service. The Well-Being Team will work with you to find what support is appropriate and help you to access it. The Well-Being Team is available on-site every day.

Building confidence and resilience 

College is often a time when students become more independent and discover new strengths. 

Taking part in workshops, enrichment activities and wider College initiatives helps students develop confidence, resilience and the ability to adapt to new situations. 

These experiences often prove just as valuable as academic achievements when preparing for future opportunities. 

How can students have their voice heard? 

Why student voice matters 

At York College, students are placed at the centre of decision-making. 

The College actively encourages feedback and works closely with students to ensure their views help shape the student experience. 

This commitment to listening and responding to feedback helps create an environment where students feel respected, valued and heard. 

Getting involved with the Student Union 

The Student Union is a key part of student life at York College. 

Run by students for students, it works collaboratively with the College to improve student well-being, increase satisfaction and support positive change across the campus. 

The Student Union is open to all students regardless of age or programme of study, helping ensure a wide range of voices are represented.

Student Union leadership roles 

Students have opportunities to take on leadership positions within the Student Union. 

The Union includes: 

• Student Union President 
• Student Union Vice President 
• Student Union Officers 
• Student Union Representatives 
• Student Union Members 

The President, Vice President and Officers are elected by students, ensuring the Student Union remains genuinely student-led. 

Supporting important causes 

Student Union Officers focus on a variety of areas that directly impact student life, including: 

• Equity, diversity and inclusion 
• Publicity 
• Events and campaigns 
• Mental health and well-being 
• Progression 
• Clubs and societies 
• Careers and employability 
• Sustainability 
• Higher education and adult students 
• Learning support 

These roles allow students to make a meaningful contribution to the College community while developing leadership and communication skills. 

Becoming a Student Union Representative

Each tutorial group elects Student Union Representatives who gather feedback from classmates and help ensure student perspectives are shared with the wider Student Union. 

This creates a direct link between students and College leadership, helping improve the overall student experience. 

What opportunities are available outside the classroom? 

Building friendships and connections 

One of the most rewarding parts of College life is meeting new people. 

Whether you're collaborating on projects, attending enrichment activities, joining clubs or participating in Student Union events, there are countless opportunities to build friendships throughout your time at York College. 

Students often form friendships with people from different courses and backgrounds, creating a diverse and supportive community. 

Accessing student discounts 

Being a student also comes with additional benefits. 

York College students can access a wide range of discounts through TOTUM, helping you save money on everything from fashion and technology to travel, entertainment and dining out. 

This gives students access to hundreds of offers from well-known brands and retailers. 

How does York College prepare students for the future? 

Developing employability skills

Everything students do at York College contributes towards future success. 

Alongside qualifications, students develop employability skills through enrichment activities, workshops, leadership opportunities, volunteering and subject enhancement experiences. 

These experiences help students stand out when applying for university, apprenticeships and employment. 

The Brilliant Futures Pledge is our commitment to helping every learner and apprentice develop the essential skills, knowledge and behaviours valued by employers, universities and the wider community.

Working closely with our employer partners, we have identified eight key skills that are fundamental to success in the workplace, further study and everyday life:

• Communication – expressing ideas clearly, listening effectively and adapting communication to different audiences. 
• Problem Solving – analysing challenges, finding solutions and making informed decisions. 
• Collaboration & Teamwork – working positively with others, valuing different perspectives and contributing to shared goals. 
• Dependability – demonstrating reliability, professionalism and taking responsibility for your actions. 
• Resilience – adapting to challenges, learning from experiences and continuing to progress. 
• Innovation & Curiosity – showing creativity, exploring new ideas and having a willingness to learn. 
• Self-Awareness – understanding your strengths, recognising areas for development and reflecting on your growth. 
• Adaptability – responding positively to change and being prepared for new opportunities and challenges. 

Through the Brilliant Futures Pledge, students and apprentices will have opportunities to develop, demonstrate and evidence these skills throughout their time at York College & University Centre. These achievements will be recognised through our accreditation framework, providing learners with a transferable record of their skills that can support applications for employment, apprenticeships, university and further study. 

The pledge is embedded throughout the student experience.

Preparing for the next step 

The combination of academic study, practical experiences and personal development opportunities helps students leave College with confidence in their abilities and a clearer understanding of their future goals. 

Whether progressing to university, employment or further training, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to succeed. 

As you settle into College, finding the right balance between lessons, independent study, work and your personal life can make a big difference to your overall experience. Read our guide on how to balance studying with work and family for advice on managing your time effectively. 

Why do students enjoy the York College student experience? 

No two students will have exactly the same experience at York College. 

Some may spend their free time taking part in Football Club and Student Union activities. Others may focus on educational visits, volunteering opportunities or leadership roles. Many students choose a combination of everything available to them. 

What connects every student's journey is the opportunity to learn, grow and develop within a supportive community that values ambition, care, respect and success.

Day-to-day life at York College includes much more than lessons. It's about discovering new interests, building confidence, developing skills for the future and creating memories that last long after College has finished. 

Frequently Asked Questions About A Day in the Life of a Student at York College