Picnic by the Lake
Why not picnic by the lakes and imagine you’re one third of Jerome K. Jerome’s ‘Three Men in a Boat’ – it’ll be like you actually got into Oxbridge! Enjoy the fresh Yorkshire breeze and the still, peaceful tranquillity of the campuses most beautiful lakes whilst getting to know your latest squeeze. Picnics are a failproof, cheap and traditional act of romance. All you need is an aesthetically pleasing blanket, a flask of Yorkshire tea and a handful of snacks from Nisa – you’ll be nibbling on cocktail sausages under the ambient October dusk in no time. You don’t need to splash the cash to woo your date – the lakes attract an abundance of wildlife and mirror the florid autumn sun, setting the scene for a romcom-worthy date. Take note of how many geese you see – you’re bound to spot a plethora of species floating, hopping, and buzzing around the campuses’ greenspaces.
Trip to Norman Rea Gallery
The Norman Rea Gallery is a YUSU ratified society, created by students, for students. The gallery has displayed several thought-provoking exhibitions, drawing attention to important topics such as race, diversity, equality, and culture. Why not book a trip to their upcoming event, ‘Norman Rave’, and immerse yourself (and your date!) in a visionary world of breath-taking art. Situated on the first floor of Derwent College, the gallery is the university’s central heartbeat making it accessible to all. The ‘Norman Rave’ exhibition unveils on 4th October 2021, 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Alternatively, pop along to the galleries fresher’s event, taking place 5th October 2021 at 7pm.
The Sculpture Trail
Did you know that the University of York is home to a compendium of handcrafted sculptures? These works of art spread across both East and West campus, and spill over into the grounds of King’s Manor. You can find a sculpture trail map on the university’s website, so why not put you and your date’s communication skills to the test and navigate the campus grounds to discover each monument? From Hodgsons ‘Aspiration’, a beautifully detailed totem pole residing between the Quiet Place and the lake, to Mercer’s ‘Algol’, situated outside Goodricke College on Campus East, there’s plenty of sculptures to keep both body and mind active during this culturally enriching experience!
Glasshouse Pint
After searching high and low for magnificent sculptures and lesser-spotted geese, why not stop off for a pint at the Glasshouse on Campus East? Boasting pool tables, an eclectic menu of thirst-quenching cocktails and TV’s showing the latest sports fixtures, it really is the place to be after an exhausting day touring the campus! The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the nachos are to die for!
Comedy Night
Fancy a laugh? Comedy Night is the perfect venue for you and your date. Taking place on 3rd October 2021 at 7pm in the Roger Kirk Centre, it’s a great way to break the ice and bond over a cast of up-and-coming comics. The night’s events will give you lots to talk (and cringe) about. It’s sure to be a memorable night for all involved! Keep an eye out on the Facebook page for the latest news and line-up reveal.
Freshers Festival
Freshers Festival is yet another outstanding annual event for all students, both old and new. Whether you’re an avid festivalgoer or simply curious about Campus West’s very own outdoor festival, this is the place to be! It’s a fun, lively and enriching experience for you and your date, creating memories to last a lifetime. With live music performed by an enviable line-up, it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know each other’s music taste and explore new artists together! Plus, a wide variety of food and activities will be available for you to discover and take part in. Did I mention there’s a bar? The line-up will be revealed soon, so keep your eyes peeled by following the University of York Students’ Union (YUSU) Facebook page.
York Student Cinema
Feel like bringing it back to basics and courting like the good old days? Then head over to York Student Cinema and catch your favourite blockbuster on the big screen! Presenting the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your date and giving you plenty to discuss after the film has ended, the classic awkward-arm-around-the-shoulder move can be executed with grace and decorum here. Refreshments (read: popcorn) is also available to purchase before you cosy down together for a snug two hours of cinematic bliss.
Vanbrugh Jazz Night
Fancy getting down to the sultry beats of pure, unadulterated jazz? Vanbrugh Jazz Night will be taking place every Monday in V Bar, with the first performance scheduled on 27th September. Why not pop along and enjoy the smoother-than-butter riffs and runs of the brass, percussion, and strings? If you want to feel like a La La Land cast member then stick around as they’ll be plenty of opportunities to mesmerise the crowds with your own musical flair – a fantastic way to impress your date on the very first night!