York vs. Queen Mary/London

I recently got into 2 PhD programs in English in the UK: York and Queen Mary/London. My area is medieval.

York is a stronger program, especially in medieval, but appears to be in the middle of nowhere and a 2-hour train ride from London.

QM is not as strong, but is in London, where the British Library happens to be.

Anyone been to York, or have studied in either city and have any advice to share?

I'm not asking anyone to decide for me, am just looking for helpful thoughts.
Thanks!

I've been in York, and studied at the University of York.  And, I'm heading back to the city, not the University sadly.  It may not be London, but I had a wonderful time there.  The people are great!  I met quite a few friends that I have managed to keep (going on a year and a half later).  Also, I have a good friend who was in the Medieval Studies program, who loved it, and felt he received an excellent education there.  There are quite a few ways to meet people on the campus too (or at least that's what I found).  However, I do not know anything about Queen Mary, so sorry I can't make any comparisons. 

York is a nice city to navigate if you are new to the country, not quite as overwhelming as London.  Yet, there is a direct train to Kings Cross (about 2 1/2 hr journey) every couple of hours-So, you needn't feel cut off from the big city (or British Library).  Cost if living in York will be much less than London.  Heslington is the suburb of York where the university is, and rentals there average between 600-800 GBP per month for a nice two-three bedroom house.  Renting a room in a house is a common student option, generally 100-200 GBP per week. Since the UK is a small country, you are pretty well connected everywhere by public transport.

I did all my university in the US, so can't make any comparisons there.

I live in York- so any questions, ask away!