Raffles Hall is York's newest purpose-built luxury student accommodation, at 3 James Street, York, YO10 3WW, run by Prestige Student Living. Described as brand new, it is designed to offer a fresh, modern alternative to York's established student accommodation options, with a co-working lounge, dedicated study rooms, a boardroom-style table for group sessions, a communal lounge, a cinema room, a gym, a games area, and a courtyard, all included in the rent.
Room types span from Classic Ensuite Plus rooms in 5- to 6-bed cluster flats through to Classic and Premium studios and an accessible studio, with prices starting from around £205 per week (all-inclusive). The University of York is a 17-minute walk, and York St John University is about 20 minutes on foot, with the nearest bus stop (James Street) just a minute's walk away. This guide covers the rooms and prices, location, amenities, the honest review picture, and who Raffles Hall, York, suits.
Raffles Hall
| Item | Details |
| Address | 3 James Street, York YO10 3WW |
| Operator | Prestige Student Living |
| Room types | Classic Ensuite Plus (cluster), Classic Studio, Premium Studio, Accessible Studio |
| Guide price | From around £205/week; Classic Plus Ensuite confirmed at £221/week |
| Walk to University of York | About 17 minutes |
| Walk to York St John University | About 20 minutes |
| Walk to city centre | Short walk or quick cycle |
| Nearest bus stop | James Street, about 1 minute's walk |
| Status | Brand new; York's newest luxury student accommodation |
The Rooms and Prices
Raffles Hall offers a straightforward and well-defined set of room types to suit students at different price points and with different lifestyle preferences:
| Room Type | Size | Key Features | Guide Price (per week) |
| Classic Ensuite Plus (5/6-bed cluster) | 12.5-14m² | Private en-suite; cosy bed; study desk and chair; wardrobe; access to shared cluster kitchen | From around £205 |
| Classic Studio | 19.4-22.8m² | Self-contained; private en-suite and kitchen with essential appliances; study desk; wardrobe; peaceful independent living | Mid |
| Premium Studio | 23.6-26.7m² | Larger footprint; same private en-suite and kitchen; superior space and comfort | Upper |
| Accessible Studio | Adapted layout | Private kitchen and washroom; designed for ease of access; ideal for students requiring accessible facilities | Upper |
All room types include all utility bills, superfast Wi-Fi, and contents insurance. Access to all communal facilities is included in the rent. Prices are time-sensitive; confirm current rates and any offers directly with Prestige Student Living.
Location and Getting to Campus
Raffles Hall sits in the James Street area of York, south of the city walls, giving it a quieter residential feel while remaining well-connected by foot and bus to both universities and the city center:
- University of York (Heslington): 17-minute walk a manageable stroll for morning lectures
- York St John University: 20-minute walk
- York city centre: quick walk or short cycle, vibrant cafes, shops and York Minster within easy reach
- James Street bus stop: approximately 1 minute's walk, connecting quickly to the wider city
- Morrisons supermarket: approximately 14 minutes' walk for weekly shopping
- Tesco Express: nearby for daily essentials
- York Castle Museum, Clifford's Tower and York City Walls: accessible on foot
The neighborhood surrounding James Street is quiet and residential, making it a good option for students who want a calmer environment than the city-center properties while still being very close to York's main attractions.
Amenities
As York's newest student accommodation, Raffles Hall has been built with a full modern amenity package from the outset, all included in the rent:
- Co-working lounge for group collaboration and productive study sessions
- Dedicated study rooms for quiet, focused revision
- Large boardroom table for group projects
- Communal lounge — a relaxed social space
- Cinema room for movie nights
- On-site gym fully equipped for fitness
- Games area for social recreation
- Courtyard outdoor space
- Communal TV area
- On-site laundry room
- Superfast Wi-Fi throughout
- 24/7 CCTV and secure entry system
- On-site maintenance team
- All utility bills included
The Honest Review Picture
As the newest addition to York's student accommodation market, Raffles Hall is still building a full review base, but early student feedback has been positive, reflecting that the brand-new building, fresh fittings, and modern specifications are attractive compared to older properties in the city. The co-working lounge with its boardroom table is an unusual feature among York student accommodations, and residents who value focused study spaces have highlighted this as a genuine differentiator.
The honest counterpoints: because the property is brand new, there is less of a long-term track record to rely on compared to established properties like Abode or Vita Student; the price point (Classic Ensuite Plus confirmed at £221/week) is higher than some comparable en-suite options elsewhere in York; and neither university campus is within an extremely short walk, making Raffles Hall more of an all-round York base than a campus-adjacent option.
Who Raffles Hall York Suits
Strong fit: students who want a brand-new, purpose-built building with fresh fittings and modern design; those who prioritize a quality study environment (co-working lounge, study rooms, and boardroom); students at either university who are comfortable with a 17- to 20-minute walk or a short bus ride; those who want a quieter, residential area while still being close to York's highlights.
Weaker fit: students on a very tight budget who need the most affordable en-suite option in York; those who specifically want to be inside the historic city walls or within a 10-minute walk of either campus; students who value maximum social amenities (Vita Student's cinema, karaoke, events program, and free breakfast offer more in this department).
For other York options, see our guides to Abode York and iQ The Brickworks, and browse the full UK accommodation range.
FAQs
Where is Raffles Hall in York?
Raffles Hall is at 3 James Street, York YO10 3WW, south of the city center in a quiet residential area. It is a 17-minute walk from the University of York and about 20 minutes from York St John University. James Street bus stop is a 1-minute walk away.
How much is Raffles Hall, York?
Classic Ensuite Plus rooms start from around £205 per week (with the specific Classic Plus Ensuite confirmed at £221 per week for 2025-26). Classic Studios are mid-range, and Premium Studios are at the upper end, all bills included. Prices are time-sensitive; confirm current rates with Prestige Student Living.
What room types does Raffles Hall offer?
Classic Ensuite Plus rooms (12.5-14 m²) in 5/6-bed cluster flats, Classic Studios (19.4-22.8 m²), Premium Studios (23.6-26.7 m²), and an Accessible Studio. All rooms have a private en-suite; studios have a private kitchen.
How far is Raffles Hall from the University of York?
It's about a 17-minute walk to the University of York and approximately a 20-minute walk to York St John University. The James Street bus stop (1 min walk) offers easy transport connections to both.
What is included at Raffles Hall, York?
All utility bills, superfast Wi-Fi, contents insurance, co-working lounge, study rooms, communal lounge, cinema room, gym, games area, courtyard, communal TV, laundry, CCTV, and on-site maintenance.
Is Raffles Hall good for students?
Yes, as York's newest purpose-built accommodation, it offers fresh, modern fittings and a strong study-focused amenity set, including a co-working lounge and boardroom table. Ideal for students who want a brand-new building with a quieter, residential feel.
