UniHomes guide to

Chester

Uni Life in Chester

Steeped in culture and history, Chester has a variety of things to see and do for students. From Roman and Viking attractions to Chester Zoo and a plethora of shopping locations, this city is a student's dream. Chester is home to the University of Chester, which has an educational heritage of 180 years and serves approximately 15,000 students, making it a great hub of activity.
You can find student accommodation across Chester, most notably in the city centre. Here you can find a range of rooms in private halls with plenty of amenities on your doorstep.

Key reasons to study in Chester

  • 1
    Student nights

    University of Chester student life can be as vibrant as you want it to be, with club nights at Rosies and Cruise. For something quieter, you can enjoy the gorgeous line of riverfront pubs, have a game of pool at Riley’s, or try a new cocktail at Off The Wall. Chester boasts a Purple Flag for its safe and varied nightlife, making it a great place to hit on the weekend.

  • 2
    Free attractions

    If you’re a student on a budget, don’t sweat it. Chester features plenty of free activities. In the warmer months, Grosvenor Park is popular for picnics and sunbathing, as well as walking along the beautiful River Dee. You can also window shop in the historic Chester Rows and explore the Storyhouse, where you’ll find a library perfect for studying.

  • 3
    Historical surroundings

    Student life in Chester is deeply rooted in history. You’ll be able to walk two miles of the Roman Walls around the city and enjoy free entry to the stunning Chester Cathedral. The 2,000-year-old Roman Amphitheatre and Grosvenor Museum are also worth a trip!

  • 4
    A well-connected city

    Whilst Chester itself is highly walkable, you can easily reach Liverpool (in around 45 minutes) or Manchester (in approximately one hour) for a day trip or night out. Both cities have nearby airports, ideal for holidays. Additionally, you can typically get to London by train in two hours.

  • 5
    Top attractions

    Student life in Chester isn’t short of excitement when it comes to the nearby attractions. The iconic Chester Zoo is ranked as the best zoo in the UK and one of the best in Europe, while Cheshire Oaks makes for a great shopping experience. You’ve also got the Chester Racecourse for anyone into horses and getting dressed up!

  • 6
    Cheap eats

    Hungry? You won’t be short of cheap eats here, with pubs like The Red Lion offering a lovely student discount and the Chester Market providing a variety of different options. Death By Tacos and Marmalade are student favourites, and you can find some of the cheapest dishes in The Bull and Stirrup Hotel, otherwise known as Wetherspoons.

In the warmer months, Grosvenor Park is popular for picnics and sunbathing, as well as walking along the beautiful River Dee.

UniHomes City Guide

Universities in Chester

University of Chester

Picture of University of Chester

Founded in 1839, the University of Chester is highly regarded for its specialisms in teacher training, business, and health sciences. It holds an employability focus, helping its 14,000+ students into their careers.

University of Chester - Wheeler Campus

Picture of University of Chester - Wheeler Campus

Located on Castle Drive, the University of Chester’s Wheeler building focuses on vocational education, including medicine and law. You can find specialised simulation amenities here, as well as a library and study spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Student life in Chester can be exciting for new students, yet not large enough to be too overwhelming. It features all the modern amenities you could need, as well as historical touches and beautiful surroundings, which is a bonus when the sun comes out!

Students typically flock to the city centre for its shops, nightlife scene, and transport links. However, Upton and Blacon are also becoming increasingly popular for those who prioritise a quieter atmosphere over the vibrant buzz of the city centre.

Whilst Chester is compact, it offers a solid number of options in a small space. Rosies is one of the most popular nightclubs, but this historic city also has a strong pub scene (Spoons, anyone?).

Students generally love Chester's historic charm, which stands out compared to some of the UK's larger cities. With the River Dee, Chester Cathedral, and City Walls, you won't be short of Instagrammable options! It is also very walkable and has plenty of live music spots for those who like hitting the town.

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