don't go to B and Q or homebase. This is a real traditional hardware store that sells just about…read moreeverything with fantastic friendly service. I took a broken table lamp in to replace the bulb and they ended up changing the fuse for me as well.

Barnitts is a lovely shop selling things like lighting and other home ware. It's a big well laid…read moreout shop and although I often go in I've only bought one thing from there-a gorgeous big feature lamp which people always comment on when they come round. The only reason I rarely buy things there is because it's quite pricey compared to the likes of Ikea and in this day and age price is important!

Need something for your house? Go to Barnitts…read more Need something for the garden? Go to Barnitts. Doing some DIY? Barnitts again! If you need it, Barnitts will probably stock it and won't charge you an arm and a leg for it. Student discount is available on most items that aren't already subject to discount. From wooden spoons to wood screws and from pans to pond liner, Barnitts literally have it all. Sounds like we're on commission? Well we're not, get yourself down to the shop that goes on and on and on. Worth noting that they currently open on Sundays in the run up to Christmas only.

Handy if you need some regular hardware type things. Not mega cheap or anything, but if you just…read moreneed 1 or 2 things, very handy. Staff know what they're talking about too.

Wilkinson is a great shop. Its very big and sells a wide range of things including toiletries,…read morecleaning products, homeware, kitchenware, and stationery. Their prices are very low and a lot of the stuff they sell is branded, however their own brand stuff is quite good too.

Another local insider tip and I was tempted to reintroduce pot plants into my home. Botanic was…read morelike a trip back to my childhood in Germany when I had a bedroom filled with cactus and succulents ... there were even pots hanging in macrame nets just like the ones I used to make - not sure if this made me feel young again or just very, very old. Luckily I couldn't take too many plants on the train back to London, but it was a joy just looking around and overhearing the very knowledeable owner giving advice to customers. I hope some of the many people crammed into the small shop bought more than just a couple of greeting cards!

From the owner: Plant themed, independent shop within the historic York City walls specialising in house plants…read moreincluding foliage plants, cacti and succulents.