The University of York was founded in 1963 with a cohort of just 230 students. After five decades of expansion, the university now comprises nine colleges, thirty academic departments and around 16,000 students. A member of the Russell Group of research-led universities, York ranks in the THE World University Rankings top 150 institutions – one of the youngest universities to do so. Other achievements include a rank of 14th overall and 10th for the impact of its research in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. York is also the recipient of thirteen Athena Swan awards given to the university in recognition of its support for women scientists. The university’s main campus is in the south-east of York, a short distance from the city’s historic centre. A recent £750m expansion plan has seen the university extend its campus to include new laboratories and teaching spaces, as well as a sports village and a start-up incubator called Springboard, which assists businesses and entrepreneurs in the early stages of developing their ideas. York is an easily accessible city that’s pedestrian-friendly and widely regarded as one of the country’s best for cycling, with an extensive network of both cycle lanes and off-road cycle paths. The city itself has a vibrant social scene offering a plethora of clubs, bars and restaurants, while the university’s Heslington campus champions biodiversity and is home to a rich variety of wildlife within its lake, wetlands, tree trail and bird sanctuary. The university also houses two permanent art galleries, several temporary art exhibitions and numerous sculptures. Former students of the university include editor of The Times newspaper John Witherow, chairman of the Football Association Greg Dyke, the authors Jung Chang and Helen Dunmore, comedian Harry Enfield, and ten Members of Parliament.