UniHomes guide to

Canterbury

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Uni Life in Canterbury

Canterbury student life is characterised by its unique blend of history and lively culture that many students instantly fall in love with. Home to the University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, and the University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury is also well-known for being one of Britain's most ancient and historic cities. It attracts almost 40,000 students to its streets each year, which creates a real buzz in such a compact, walkable city.
Most student areas are within walking distance of the city centre, so be sure to check out Hales Place and Wincheap for some great vibes.

Key reasons to study in Canterbury

  • 1
    Tons of history

    Canterbury is best known for the iconic Canterbury Cathedral (which local students may enter for free!), although it also boasts Roman walls you can take a stroll on and St Augustine’s Abbey. History lovers can spend weekends wandering the medieval streets of The King’s Mile - and even try out an old-world pub or two.

  • 2
    Efficient transport links

    Canterbury is very well-connected, so you never need to worry about heading back home for Christmas or the summer. It takes under two hours to get to London (sometimes under one hour!), ideal for international students requiring airport transportation or those wanting to explore the capital.

  • 3
    Green spaces

    There’s no doubt that Canterbury is beautiful, and its nature really seals the deal. The Cathedral grounds are popular, as are the Dane John Gardens, Westgate Gardens, and Franciscan Gardens. Pack a picnic and some sun cream for a day out!

  • 4
    Buzzing nightlife

    Canterbury is small and mighty, stuffed with bars, pubs, and nightclubs to suit everyone. You can find sticky dancefloors and thumping DJ sets at Club Chemistry, indie rock nights and themed cocktails at Tokyo Tea Rooms, and Kent’s biggest single room nightclub at The Venue.

  • 5
    Places to catch up

    If you’d prefer something a little more laidback and quiet, head over to Parrot for a friendly atmosphere and some seriously good pub grub, or visit The Long Rest, Canterbury’s own board game café. The Veg Box Cafe is a top pick for students, while The Refectory Kitchen serves up a fantastic brunch.

  • 6
    A walkable area

    The wonderful thing about Canterbury is that all of the places we’ve mentioned are so easy to get to, no matter where you live. Most student areas are within walking distance of the city centre, and everywhere you go, you’ll find regular buses ready to take you to your destination.

I love living in Canterbury. It’s the perfect mix of peaceful and lively. The city feels safe and student-friendly, with beautiful historic spots, cosy cafés, and everything close together. It’s easy to balance studying and social life here, and there’s always something new to discover on a walk through town.

Monicah Kinyanjui Canterbury Brand Ambassador

Universities in Canterbury

University of Kent

Picture of University of Kent

Founded in 1965, the University of Kent is the biggest university in Canterbury, renowned for its world-leading research and diverse community. This public research institution houses more than 20,000 students and over 250 student-led societies.

Canterbury Christ Church University

Picture of Canterbury Christ Church University

Founded in 1962, Canterbury Christ Church University originally started as a teacher training college before earning university status in 2005. This institution is renowned for its teaching, healthcare, and nursing courses, and it is home to over 15,00 students.

University for the Creative Arts (Canterbury Campus)

Picture of University for the Creative Arts (Canterbury Campus)

Formed in 2005, the University for the Creative Arts (Canterbury Campus) is popular with creative students, famous for its art and design focus. This campus has over 1,000 students, while the wider institution has a total population of more than 9,000 students.

Student Life in Canterbury

Frequently Asked Questions

If our Canterbury student city guide has taught you anything, it’s that Canterbury is a fantastic place to study! The area offers a unique mix of heritage and modern student amenities, making it perfect for any lover of quaint cobbled streets and discounts on drinks!
While many students take to the city centre, student areas like St Dunstan and Hales Place are also popular. Remember to explore the different types of student accommodation to discover which is best suited to your wants and needs.
October is the best time to start looking for student accommodation in Canterbury. Properties will be available until February, but we would recommend starting a search for a property during the autumn. The most popular student areas in Canterbury include Hales Place, City Centre and Wincheap.
UniHomes has a property search tool which displays hundreds of student properties in Canterbury, all with bills included. Sign up to our mailing list so that you can be notified of new properties going live.
Tenancy periods in Canterbury usually last for 12 months. Most contracts will start on the 1st July and end on the 30th June the following year. Occasionally, letting agents may offer tenancy periods that last for 10 or 11 months, starting in August or September. You can always enquire with the letting agent to find out how long your contract length will be.
Deposits are usually either 4 or 5 week's rent. The maximum legal amount a landlord can charge your for a deposit is 5 week's rent. You’ll get your deposit back when you move out of the property. That said, if the landlord is still owed outstanding rent or needs to pay for repairs to damage within the property, they may take deductions from the deposit to cover the costs.
UniHomes accommodation in Canterbury usually costs £94 – £317 per person, per week. This price includes the cost of all bills you'll need to pay, which you won't always see on other student accommodation websites. Check out the full range of student accommodations available in Canterbury.

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