OK, I admit it. I’m a phoney. I’m not a student in York. I’m a student from York! Ah ha you may be thinking, what’s the difference? Well, whilst all the students have to go back to their home towns during the holidays, I have the joy of coming back to the beautiful city that is York. | "nothing can quite beat the Friday night sweat of the Gallery, or discovering the ‘next big thing’ at Fibbers" | |
It’s funny really, but it is true that you really don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone. I go to University in Birmingham, which I absolutely love, but it couldn’t be more different from York. It’s very large, and as of 2002 there were 97,7087 residents as opposed to York’s teeny 18,1094. Now I’m no mathematician, but I know that that’s a fair few more wheely bins on bin day!! York really makes you feel like you’re truly ‘coming home’. It’s a city that feels like a village. I probably know more people in Birmingham than I do in York, but I never fail to see someone I know if I go into town, whereas in big bad Brum I never see anyone! Birmingham is an amazing city with lots of theatres, clubs, gigs and shops, but nothing can quite beat the Friday night sweat of the Gallery, or discovering the ‘next big thing’ at Fibbers.  | | The marvellous Minster |
And don’t forget that Birmingham has a very industrial, urban background, whereas York trades in goodwill and beautiful buildings. In a day in York you can have a ride on the flying Scotsman, have a cruise on the Ouse, have a leisurely lunch in the shadow of the Minster and still have time to shop. If you want to do something similar anywhere else, you’ll find that the city is too big/too busy/there’s no river or you simply can’t because there’s nothing similar available. Even as a resident of a city you may not always think to become a tourist for the day, but it’s good to know that you have the option, and nice to ring the changes once in a while. There’s also the option of heading out of York. You don’t have to go far before you stumble upon rolling hills and quaint teashops. It’s not much further after that before you can see the sea! There’s an abundance of seaside destinations to choose from, and all a hop skip and a jump away from York. I’m sure my parents will share a secret smug smile that I plan to come back to live in York after planning my escape for so long, but I love the atmosphere of York. And it’s true, people are friendlier up north!! And on one final note…there’s nothing more beautiful than York in the summer. I feel proud, not annoyed when tourists ask me for directions. Proud that I live in somewhere so historic, so interesting, and so welcoming. The three month summer holiday couldn’t come at a better time! Who needs Paris/Rome/New York when we have our very own Old York?! Kat, 24/4/06 |
