Life in the UK

York is a wonderful place to live. It is a city where ideas come to life and where every day you can find something new to explore.

But we know it can be different to the life you are used to, so we have gathered together information to help you settle in and explore your new home. 

Shopping

In the UK shops are usually open from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Saturday. Opening hours on a Sunday are usually shorter, normally 11:00am to 4:00pm. It's a good idea to check opening times before you go.

When it comes to getting everything you need for your everyday student life, including household goods such as clothes hangers and kitchen equipment, there are plenty of affordable places in the city centre such as Boyes (Goodramgate) or Poundland (Low Petergate) and Barnitts (Colliergate).

Find the shop you need using the Visit York shop search tool.

Food and groceries

Big supermarkets are usually open from 7:00am until 9:00pm or 10:00pm on weekdays. They are usually open from 11:00am to 4:00pm on Sundays. At the weekend it's best to check the opening times before you go.

Tesco at Askam Bar or Clifton Moor is open 24 hours (except Sunday), but it's a long walk so you will need to go by bus, car or taxi.

If you need a large shop, or a group of you need food, it may be worth ordering online. Most large supermarkets allow you to do this, and for around £2 to £5 your shopping is delivered to your house.

Here are some of the bigger supermarkets that are close to York St John:

• Sainsbury's: Foss Bank, York, YO31 7JB 
• Morrisons: Foss Islands Retail Park, Foss Islands Road, York, YO31 7UL 
• Lidl: James Street, YO10 3DW
• Asda: 77 Layerthorpe, York, YO31 7UZ 

 There are also small supermarkets in the city centre which stay open until 11pm, even on Sundays:

• Tesco Express: Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS
• Sainsbury's: Bootham, York, YO30 7BT
• Co-op: Clarence Street, York, YO31 7WS

York has many international and specialised supermarkets:

• Regency Chinese Supermarket: George Hudson Street, York YO1 6LP
• Sunshine oriental Supermarket: Walmgate, York YO1 9TJ
• Red Chili Supermarket: George Hudson Street, York YO1 6JL
• Oriental Express: Hull Road, York YO10 3JW
• Bua Yai Thai Supermarket: Hull Road, York YO10 3JL
• Makkah International Food: Hull Road, York YO10 3JW
• Amma's Oven: Lowther Street, York YO31 7NB
• Rafi's Spicebox: Goodramgate, York YO1 7LW
• Baltic Shop: St Thomas' Place, York YO31 7NB
• Polski Sklep IZA: Walmgate, York YO1 9TL
• JoJo's Afro-Caribbean: York Road, York Y024 4LN.

Places to eat and drink

The British love food and also variety. From good old fashioned English roasts and traditional fish and chips to local delicacies and international cuisine, you will have no problem finding something you will enjoy in York. 

For more information and up to date restaurant listings check out the Visit York Eat & Drink page.

Most pubs and restaurants serve a selection of soft drinks as well as alcohol. You can see our top alcohol free options on our T-total nights out map (PDF, 8MB).

Here are a few of our suggestions for international cuisine: International restaurants map (PDF, 8MB).