Top Reasons to Attend University in
Canterbury
- Population 145,000
- Student population 28,000
Canterbury is a medieval walled city and the quaint streets, its cathedral and ruins such as St. Augustine's Abbey and the Church of St. Martin collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located within easy distance of continental Europe, Canterbury's bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere is popular with students. Whitstable and Herne Bay, where many students choose to live, are nearby. The Kent Downs to the south and the coastline of the east make very attractive surroundings.
Some of the best universities in Canterbury
Getting around
- Canterbury is pedestrian-friendly. Traffic is encouraged to stay out of the centre during the day and there is a cost-effective park-and-ride service.
- The city is ideal for cycling, with plenty of paths.
- Buses are reasonably priced and frequent, and they also provide services to Whitstable and Herne Bay.
- London is 55 miles and 1 hour away by train. The Eurostar to the Continent is easily accessible from Ashford International, with a train service from Canterbury West. Gatwick Airport is a 1-hour drive. A ferry from Dover to Calais takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Attractions for students
Sport
- Canterbury RFC won the Kent Cup in 2005 and is based at Merton Lane.
- Kent County Cricket Club plays on the St Lawrence ground.
- Walking and cycling are very popular, with many trails along the East Kent coastline. The Tour de France 2007 ended its first leg in Canterbury!
- Badminton, tennis and squash are just some of the many sports played in the city. Water sports are available at Whitstable.
Culture and nightlife
- The narrow streets are full of cafés and bars with a good selection for dining out. There are a number of clubs in the city, however, not all musical tastes are catered for.
- Canterbury museums range from a recreation of medieval England in the Canterbury Tales, to the Canterbury Heritage Museum located in the medieval Poor Priests' Hospital, and the underground Roman Museum at Longmarket. The newly refurbished Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, in the city centre, has a library and museum, and temporary art and special exhibitions alongside the permanent museum and art pieces.
- The Dane John Gardens, a Green Heritage Site, is the venue for concerts during summer and early autumn, with music from brass bands to rock.
- There are two main theatres: the Gulbenkian at the University of Kent, including Cinema 3, and the Marlowe Theatre housed in a brand new building.
- There are the usual walking tours and river punts as an alternative way to see the city.
Shopping
- Canterbury has a good range of high street shops and three department stores. Whitefriars Shopping Centre is a multi-million-pound development.
- Apart from big-brand names, Canterbury is also home to a range of independent retailers especially along the King's Mile, St Dunstan's, West Gate and Northgate areas. There is a farmers' market six days a week.
Proximity to the city centre
- University of Kent – campus a short bus ride from the city centre.
- Canterbury Christ Church University – main campus in the city centre.
Crime in university cities
Content was accurate at the time of compilation.
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