Moving to Canterbury for university is exciting but it can also feel a bit overwhelming at the start. New city, new friends, new routines and a lot of decisions to make all at once. The good news is that Canterbury is a brilliant place to be a student. It is small enough to feel friendly and manageable but busy enough that you will never run out of things to do. If you want an overview of the city before you arrive, The Kent Tourist has some useful local guides that are worth a look.
Whether you are studying at UKC, CCCU or UCA, here is a simple guide to help you get your bearings and make the most of your time living in Canterbury.
Getting around Canterbury
The nice thing about Canterbury is that you can walk pretty much everywhere. Most students end up doing a mix of walking, cycling and buses to get around. The city centre is compact and the main streets are easy to navigate once you have done them a couple of times.
Buses run regularly to and from the universities and they are usually full of other students doing the same thing you are. If you cycle, make sure you pick up a decent lock because the good bike parking spots near campus fill up quickly.
Where to eat and drink
You will find no shortage of places to grab food or meet friends. Canterbury has loads of independent cafés, pubs and restaurants that suit every mood. Whether you want a quick coffee before a lecture or somewhere to take your parents when they visit, there is always something close by. If you want more ideas, The Kent Tourist has plenty of food and drink recommendations too.
Things to do when you are not studying
It is not all lectures and library visits. Canterbury has plenty of ways to unwind when you want a break. You can go to the cinema, catch a show at the Gulbenkian or the Marlowe, head out for bowling or escape rooms or just relax in Westgate Parks when the weather is nice. If you enjoy exploring local history, the cathedral precincts, museums and river tours are well worth doing at least once.
Supermarkets and everyday essentials
Canterbury is packed with supermarkets, corner shops and food stores, so you will not struggle to get what you need. The big four supermarkets are all represented and there are plenty of smaller places if you just want to grab something on your way home.
Living with housemates
If this is your first time living in a shared student house, expect a bit of chaos at the start. Most groups figure out a routine pretty quickly. The main thing is communication. It sounds boring but it makes life easier if everyone agrees on how to handle cleaning, bins, heating and the general day to day stuff. Student accommodation in Canterbury tends to be full of groups figuring out the same things, so you are not alone.
Making friends and feeling settled
Canterbury is a friendly place and it does not take long to bump into familiar faces. Societies, clubs, student nights and campus events are all easy ways to meet people outside of your course and your house. Even just exploring cafés or going out with housemates helps you feel more at home.
Exploring the city
The centre of Canterbury is full of narrow streets, little shops and older buildings that give it its charm. Spend a bit of time wandering around during your first few weeks and you will pick up shortcuts, quiet spots to relax and places that will quickly become part of your student routine. It is a city that accommodates student life really well and it is easy to settle into.
Extra resources
If you want to explore Canterbury even more, https://www.thekenttourist.co.uk