For many arriving to study at the University of Chester, it will be the first time living away from home. Here’s a brief guide to what you will need to know about living as a student in Chester.
Is Chester a good place for students to live?
We all have our subjective preferences of course, but many students find Chester a great place to live for a number of reasons. For example, Chester is the second-most student friendly city in the UK according to the newspaper The Sun. The people are hospitable and welcoming, so you’re sure to feel safe here. With its Roman walls, grade-listed cathedral, historic buildings, and world-class zoo, Chester also has a lot of culture to offer. After all, there’s a reason why over 19,000 people chose to study at the University of Chester alone.
Is Chester expensive for students?
Compared to some other cities in the UK, Chester is regarded as being an affordable place to live. As a student, you can access affordable hot meals for under £3 through the university’s catering initiatives, as well as meals for free from 2pm on a first-come, first-based to avoid throwing food out. You will also enjoy discounts from businesses like the bars and clubs in town as they seek to attract Chester’s sizeable student population through their doors.
How much is student accommodation in Chester?
Aside from any tuition fees that may apply, the cost of your accommodation will be your biggest single expense while you live in Chester. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that won’t break the bank for you to choose from. If you want to live off campus, the cheapest option is usually to get a room in shared student accommodation. This will generally cost you around £125 per week, depending on aspects like location, room size and amenities. This will generally include utilities like water, electricity, gas and broadband, so you will not have any further accommodation-related costs to pay, especially as full-time students are exempt from Council Tax.
What are the best places for students to live in Chester?
There are two main popular areas for students to live in Chester, namely Hoole and the Garden Quarter. Hoole is located close to the Creative Campus, Kingsway, so it’s popular among students studying there who don’t want a lengthy journey to their lectures and tutorials. There’s a community spirit to this vibrant suburb, and you’ll find ample restaurants and cafés, shops, and pubs on the high street. There are even street festivals going on throughout the year.
The Garden Quarter, meanwhile, is close to Parkgate Road and the Exton Park Campus, and it’s just north of the city centre, so you’ll be close to the shops, pubs, and clubs there. Garden Lane, which is commonly dubbed “The Lane”, serves as the hub for student housing here. There’s rarely nothing to do on The Lane, and there are plenty of pubs, takeaways, and convenience stores, as well as services like drycleaners and hairdressers.
You could, of course, live further afield, but most students prefer to stay near to the university rather than be away from the action and face the prospect of a lengthy cycle in the rain to get to a 9am lecture.
Is Chester a good night out for students?
Going to university isn’t all about studying of course, so as you would expect from a university city like Chester, there’s a vibrant nightlife with something to suit all tastes, from energetic and vibrant to cosy and relaxed. You can find some live music going on most nights, and there are ample pubs, clubs and cocktail and wine bars to choose from.
For example, you could start with the university’s own Varsity Bar on the Exton Park campus, especially on a Wednesday night when most societies have their socials. There are also pool and darts facilities available, as well as an American-style food menu. For a clubbing experience, Rosie’s is a popular venue. What many people like about this is how different music genres are played over the three floors, so if the music isn’t to your taste, you simply move to a different floor. Off The Wall is also a popular pub-by-day, club-by-night venue for students, especially as it offers discounts when students sign up through UniCrew.
With affordable living, a lively night scene, friendly people, quality student accommodation and vibrant student areas, you will be sure to have a memorable experience in Chester during your study programme.
Written by Mark
