As university students flock to York to start an exciting new year, Vision spoke to Council Leader Keith Aspden and Darryl Smalley on the relationship between the student body and York.
Council Leader Aspden began by welcoming new freshers to the University of York:
“I’d like to extend a warm welcome and best wishes to all the students joining University of York and those returning to study in this world class university at the heart of one of the UK’s most unique and beautiful cities.
“Whilst York is a city steeped in history, we are also a forward-thinking and innovative place. York is big enough to feel lively but small enough to feel like home. We take pride in our vibrant culture and heritage, welcoming spirit and diverse communities. York’s Universities and students make an enormous contribution to our city.
“Their social and cultural influence places them at the heart of our community. We are proud of the long-standing and positive relationships the Council and city partners have forged with the University and its students, as we work to make York even more welcoming to all – whether that be through unique local events and safe nights out, or career and job opportunities and community involvement.
“Whilst it could be a daunting time as you take your first steps into this new stage in your life, know that you are now a part of our community, our city and its future. As a graduate of the university myself, I know just how special your time in this university and our city will be.
“It will be your contribution, talents and work that will continue to shape our city’s future as we address the challenges that face York and take full advantage of the unique opportunities that our wonderful city offers. Welcome to York!”
Vision also interviewed Councillor Darryl Smalley, who is responsible for culture, leisure and communities within the city, on the importance of community, the relationship between students and residents, and how students can make the most of York city centre.
“Firstly, York is a fantastic city to be part of and to live in, be that for three years as a student or staying in York. I came to York as a student in 2016 and fell in love with it like many people do, and made a conscious choice to do what I could to try and stay here!
The various communities across York and the student community are quite close knit. Although York’s a city of just over 200,000 people, in some ways it’s just a big village, really!
“What I noticed when I arrived was just how friendly everyone is, whether that be at the University or right across town. I’d try and expose yourself to as much of it as possible. We saw through COVID in particular how York really came together and how, unlike many other cities, York is blessed in that we don’t have a resident-student conflict because residents have a good understanding of just what the two universities have brought to the city in terms of investment, jobs, and a younger demographic.”
Vision asked Cllr. Smalley about the impacts of the current cost-of-living crisis, and how students can access support:
“The council does offer support in the form of a Household Assistance Funding, which we always make sure students are eligible for and if there are any instances where students are unable to access this let us know and we will remove those barriers. The University and YUSU know what is on offer in that sense and will consolidate from the Government, the University itself and the City council.
“Know that you’re not alone, I knock on doors an awful lot and we are seeing people increasingly, especially as it’s getting colder, getting into more and more desperate situations. The council is facing exactly the same pressures: our energy bills, the street lighting is rocketing up too.
So just reach out, we try to make sure there’s no “wrong door”, so whether you’re speaking to Citizens Advice, directly ringing the Council, or speaking to the Student Union that everyone will be able to signpost where available support is”
Cllr. Smalley also discussed the mutual benefits between the city and the students:
“After a very busy summer with hundreds of thousands of people visiting York and everyone notices when it’s Freshers season: it breathes new life into the city at a time when many businesses are winding down after the summer period.
“There’s so much to do in terms of societies, events and day to day things that are on in the city centre: York’s one of the host city’s for the Rugby League World Cup in Autumn, we’re home to the Aesthetica Short Film Festival, we have probably one of the best Christmas markets in the UK so there’s so much to look forward to! Treat it like the amazing experience it is.”
“You speak to residents who were here before the University was founded and it’s transformed York. York prior to the University was really struggling in terms of its transition from an engineering city with the garage works and as a confectionery city with Rowntrees and Terrys as they were exiting the city. The University has arrived at the perfect time, and since then things have only got better in terms of the relationship between the students and the community.
“Students make the city what it is: make it far younger, more vibrant, bringing energy and different experiences into the city. You look at how some of the cafe culture and independent shops have really thrived in York which is fantastic and is helped in part by students. Students really do benefit the city and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who swears there’s no positive impact!
“The city is everyone’s, and I think some of the things that the University and the students do, such as the campaigns for bus services and Save the River, they impact everyone and make the city better for everyone. Students have a massive role in making York a better place.”
Vision also asked Cllr. Smalley about the ways in which students can most benefit from living in York:
“I’m biased but top of the list is the libraries in York. We have one of the best library services in the country and, aside from the University library, York Central Library and the other fifteen libraries are brilliant places to read and have quiet spaces to work, meet friends and catch up on things, and are increasingly becoming a more important role in supporting communities in the cost of living.
“Lots of things are happening in York at the moment from big infrastructure projects like York Central, revitalising the area around Clifford’s Tower. There’s some great facilities on your doorstep, so don’t spend all your time on campus when there’s some fantastic buildings and aspects.
“York has so many hidden treasures: we have an Edwardian swimming pool that used to be powered by steam made from chocolate – it’s incredible!”