Welcome to Canterbury

A historic city with modern student life

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GBP 11,000–19,000/year
Annual tuition fees
GBP 800–1,050/month
Monthly living costs

Why study in Canterbury

If you’re looking for a city that blends mediaeval beauty with vibrant student energy, Canterbury is for you. It's a small, safe, and welcoming city that offers rich history, charming streets, and a strong academic environment. Despite its size, it has a buzzing student population, plenty of cultural events, and easy access to London and Europe. It’s especially known for the arts, humanities, education, and business studies.

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Student life

Student life in Canterbury is peaceful, walkable, and packed with hidden gems. You’ll love spending time in cosy cafés, green parks, and quirky bookshops. Canterbury has a mix of international students and friendly locals, creating a warm and safe community. Events like food festivals, pub quizzes, and open mic nights keep your calendar full without the overwhelming pace of a big city.

Avg. wage per hour

GBP 10.42

Max. allowed part-time hours

20 hours/week

Cost of living

  • Food: GBP 200–300/month
  • Rent: GBP 450–750/month
  • Household Bills: GBP 90–130/month
  • Transport: GBP 50–90/month
  • Miscellaneous: GBP 90–180/month

Accommodation choices

  • University accommodation
  • Private halls
  • Shared houses
  • Studio apartments

Most opted part-time jobs

  • Retail assistant
  • Tutor
  • Waiter/waitress
  • Barista

Public transport

  • Bus
  • Train
  • Bike sharing
  • Shared taxi
  • Ferry

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CULTURE

Canterbury’s culture is steeped in history but thrives on youth and creativity. You’ll walk past ancient city walls, theatres, and museums every day, yet you’ll also find modern galleries, indie music nights, and student-led art. The city’s literary heritage and love for storytelling shine through in festivals and performances. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation—ideal for curious, global-minded students.

SAFETY

Canterbury is a small and generally safe city, perfect for students. For emergencies, dial 999; for non-urgent matters, call 101. Kent Police and local health services are easily accessible. Student areas are well-lit and secure, and universities provide safety support and helplines. Walking or cycling around the city is common and safe.

Discover the city

Canterbury is more than a postcard-perfect city—it’s a place where you’ll feel instantly at home. Enjoy peaceful walks by the River Stour, explore centuries-old landmarks, or take a quick train ride to London or the coast. It’s compact, cultural, and ideal for international students looking for both academic focus and lifestyle balance.

Language

English

Currency

GBP

Population

160K

Area

79.2 sq. km

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Canterbury is an excellent choice. It’s safe, welcoming, and full of character. With great universities, peaceful surroundings, and a strong international community, you’ll find it easy to settle in. The city’s compact nature and vibrant student life offer the perfect environment to study, grow, and connect with people from around the world.
Canterbury is relatively affordable for students compared to major UK cities. Rent, food, and transport costs are moderate, and you’ll find student discounts throughout the city. Sharing accommodation and using local buses or bikes can help you stick to a monthly budget between GBP 800–1,050.
Absolutely. Canterbury is one of the safer university cities in the UK. It’s small, easy to get around, and has a low crime rate. Emergency services are reliable, and student areas are well-monitored. Universities also have security teams and helplines to keep you safe and supported.
Yes, there are plenty of options. From university halls to shared houses and private studios, Canterbury offers student accommodation to match different budgets and lifestyles. Most places are within walking or cycling distance of the main campuses, making it easy to balance comfort, convenience, and cost.