Going home for Christmas? Don't come back to unexpected damages!

You may not have been brilliant at doing the dishes, or taking the rubbish out, but one thing you MUST remember to do before leaving your student house is to leave your heating on low and/or turn off your stop cock. *High-five to anyone else who immaturely giggled at the word 'stop cock'*

It really is very important that the water is turned off or the heating left on because a burst pipe running for any length of time can leave the house uninhabitable for months. But there is even more to watch out for.

Rats! - Whatever you do, don’t leave food/plates/bowls out to rot while you are away or the house will stink when you get back and you could find yourself infested with rats and/or mice, together with a large bill to get rid of them. You should also check the fridges for anything that may rot over the Christmas period.

If you live in Canterbury, Please make sure all rubbish or recycling is put in the correct bin. If you leave any other bags out, they will still be there when you get back but ripped to shreds by animals. The Council will identify the culprits and dish out heavy fines. If you have excess bags take them to the tip on Vauxhall Road, CT1 1QY (Use Google maps if you are unsure where that is).

If you live in Medway, bag everything up and put the bags out. You will know your bin collection days by now and these are as normal up to 24 December. Make sure you have a good clear out the night before as you are not allowed to put bags out for longer than a day and will be fined by the Council if you do. You will need to take any excess bags to the tip - Ambley Road off Hoath Road ME8 0SJ (use Google Maps if you don’t know where it is).

When returning to the house, run the taps for two minutes so the water supply is fresh and not stagnant water that has been sitting in the pipes for weeks.

Don't ruin New Year by damaging your property - do it now for a truly Happy New Year!

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @afs_canterbury @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

I know you want me....... do you? 5 Ways to tell if that girl in class REALLY likes you

You've got settled in now, into the flow of assignments and lectures, how to cure that hangover, and where the hottest of hot hotspots are. You may have even got talking to that hot girl in your class, and you want to see if she'd like to "hang out" sometime. But we all know, women can be tricky. So how can you tell if she really DOES like you enough to want to see you outside the class or club environment?

Obvious eye contact
Look with your eyes, not with your hands! that how lawsuits happen. If you catch her looking at you often, or if she is actually really interested in what you're saying, hanging on your every word, she probably likes you. Just watch out for the crazy eyes - COMPLETELY different ball game!

 

Leaning towards you

If she is constantly finding reasons to be near you, but doesn't feel comfortable enough yet to physically touch you, she's probably sniffing around to see if you'll make the first move. But if she leans and falls, she's probably drunk - so make a good judgement call with this one.

Physical touching

If you've played all your cool cards and send off the right signals, she might be confident enough to touch you. This is the most obvious sign that a woman is interested. Touching your arm, knee or bum for the more cheeky ones is pretty much guaranteed that she's interested. Or again, drunk.

 

Talking to you a lot

In lectures, after lectures, text, phone, Facebook, twitter - if she maintains a conversation long than any other girl you know, she probably likes you. Or is a grade A stalker.......

 

Fidgeting

laying with clothes, hair, jewelery or anything else she has on her person could mean she wants to put her hands on you, but still isn't sure if you'd reciprocate. This girl could very well be interested in you!

 

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @afs_canterbury @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

Driving home for Christmas; 5 tips for traveling home

It's approaching that time of year, where the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting colder, and term is almost over! Now it's time to think about how you are going to get back home.

1. Book early

The early the book your ticket home, the cheaper it will be! Save money and hassle, do it today!

2. Leave early

You may be tempted to stay a bit longer for that house party, but with bad weather forecast across the country, don't risk being snowed in and being unable to travel home!

3. Alternative modes of travel

Getting a train directly home may be quicker, but looking into coach travel for tr entire or part of your journey can dramatically reduce your travel costs

4. Planes

It may sound crazy, but depending in where uni is and where home is, planes can sometime be cheaper! Flights from London to Ireland or Scotland can be cheaper than trains if you book early enough

5. Hitch a ride

If a course friend is driving home, ask kindly if you could hitch a lift all the way, or even part way. Petrol money is DEFINATELY cheaper than trains!

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @afs_canterbury @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

A very student Christmas

A students Christmas is very different to a family one, but not necessarily in a bad way! It may be a lot less expensive and the decorations may be tackier, but that's not necessarily bad! Here are a few tips to make your student Christmas your own.

1. Secret Santa

Much cheaper than getting a present for everyone! Write everyone's name down on a piece and paper and put into a hat/bowl or whatever container you can find. Each person then takes a name (not their own!) and buy that person a present. Set a limit of around £5/10 for a widespread, cheap Christmas everyone in your house/course/halls can get involved with!

2. Ready-to-cook dinner

Your local supermarket will know students don't want to cook a full dinner, so produced meats, veg, roasties and stuffing that you only need to warm in the oven. Make it easy and delicious with little washing up!

3. Pot luck dinner

Same as the ready to cook dinner, but more widespread. Each dinner guest brings one item of food. One brings the meat, another the potatoes, another the gravy... And so on!

 

4. Takeout dinner

Even easier! Everyone chips in and orders a takeout - simple!

5. Decorations

Use scrap paper and car to make snowflakes to stick on windows. Pound land is always filled with tinsel and cheap trees you can all chip in for too.

 

6. Music

Bored of your grandmas Christmas vinyl? Put a twist on your music by adding more recent songs by modern artists - the Killers and Fall Out Boy make a sure fire change to Nat King Cole!

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Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @afs_canterbury @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

6 Winter Warmers: Cold & Flu Busters

You beat freshers flu, you've tackled your first assignment and finally cracked how to cook without setting fire to everything in a small radius. But the sickness is coming back... no not hangovers! Cold & Flu!! The reduced number of fruit and veg in your new student diet, the increased number of walks home at night, and the money saving housemate who keeps turning your radiators off all contribute to your house and body becoming a hot-bed of bacteria. Laughter is the best medicine, but when all else fails, give these helpful tips a try!

1. Actually turn on your radiators!
They are there for a reason - to keep you warm! You may think you're saving money, but it most likely is less than the money you'll spend on warm clothes and medicines.

2. Buy own brand medicines.
They are the same price as the big brands, and do exactly the same job. You may not think it, but remember - they can't legally sell it if it doesn't do the job.

3. Wear several thin layers rather than one large one
The more layers you have on, the more warm air gets trapped in-between your clothes. You'll be as snug as a bug in two t-shirts and a cardigan :3

4. Invest in a onesie
With lots of designs and colors, you may aswell look fashionable AND be warm! Here's my Stich onesie! :D

 

5. Close doors and curtains

Trapping heat inside the house and not letting it escape into other rooms or out the drafty window will help keep you nice and toasty.

6. Honey & Lemon Tea
This cheap little hot beverage not only warms your insides, but helps to calm that nasty cough and scratchy throat.

 

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

The Lesser of 10 Evils: Who could YOU live with?!

Searching for you first set (or brand new set!) of housemates to live with at university is very exciting! You want to live with everyone because everyone is your friend! But this is a very important decision you will have to live with, LITERALLY, for a whole year! Which of the following could you handle?!

The Clean One

The "clean-as-yougo-along please!" housemate! Cups and plates must be washed IMMEDIATELY.... and don't you DARE think about "leaving it to soak overnight"... the clean housemate can ready your messy thoughts!

The Messy One

The exact opposite of the clean one. They embrace mess, and almost thrive in it. Plates will often sit for days on end until it starts growing fluff.


The One Who Likes to "Borrow"

"Can I borrow some milk?" "Can I borrow your jumper?" "Can I borrow the notes you took?" These guys inevitable forget to return or repay you back, and if uncontrolled often forget to even ask. Sharing is caring though, right?

The Grumpy One

Never happy. Never satisfied. Never enjoying themselves. Nothing is ever good enough. If you see this person smiling they've either had a mental breakdown or they've got some ;)

The Recluse



 Always at home, but never at "home". The recluse spends most of their shut away in their room. They reject social interaction like the plague. You may mistake the recluse for a ghost - always heard, but never seen.

The one who is never there
 
Not to be mistaken for the recluse - the "never-there" is not actually in the house. They spend their time at home, out with other friends, at lectures, or who knows where! But definitely not in the house,


The Substance Abuser
 
 Whether it be alcohol, drugs, or something a little weirder, the substance abuser will not only practice their hobby, but may try and recruit you too. Also be prepared to hear some questionable music choices and the occasional midnight forage.

The Gym Nut

 Always in the gym, or working out at home. Dinner is a protein shake and the day is filled with comments such as "I need to bulk up"... whatever that means! Everything becomes a competition on who can bench press the most.


The Lovebirds


Showing off in front of all singletons with their PDA, The Lovebirds love spending every waking second together. Prepare yourself for the noises of the "conjugal visit"

The Stud / Studette

Very similar to lovebirds, but without the PDA. Regular noises from various visitors, almost guranteed when this person goes on a night out. Prepare yourself to be making cups of tea for strangers for their long walk of shame, or stride of pride depending on their outlook :)

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

PHinisheD!! 10 Dissertation Writing Tips

Dissertations - the dreaded word we spend sure it will never happen, then 3rd year happens and it catches us off guard. It may be the biggest part of work your have ever faced in education, but that doesn't mean it has to be the hardest. Here are 10 tips to hopefully ease the dissertation blues.

1. The Rule of 8!
This golden tip was given to me by friends of mine who have already graduated. To ensure you get enough work done, sleep and other activities done in a 24 hour period - break your day down into 8 hour periods. Get 8 hours sleep so you have 8 hours in your day to write and research, this means you will have done a sufficient amount of work to justify 8 hours of food shopping, socialising and procrastination.

2. Structure
Set yourself a plan for what you are going to write, where in your dissertation each paragraph will come, and what the content of each paragraph will be. This means you can dip in an out of various subject matters if you get too bogged down.

3. PEE all over your work!
No, not literally. PEE stands for "point, evidence, explain". Its a writing technique that was taught to me by my year 9 English teacher, and I changed my writing style forever. Whenever you make a POINT in your dissertation, makes sure you back it up with EVIDENCE, and EXPLAIN why that point is relevant to your study.

4. Talk to your personal tutor
That's their job - to help you! They can help refine your ideas, give you suggestions on journals to cite, and even critically analyse any draft you have done.

5. Give it to someone outside the subject matter
I find giving essays I've written to my dad for proofreading works wonders! He doesn't know anything about Marketing or Business Ethics - if HE can understand my essay, anyone can! Use your housemates to get an outside perspective that doesn't end in "oh, well i wrote this.......".

6. Set small goals
Set yourself a mini deadline to help ease the load. "Today I'm going to write 1,000 words" or "I'm going to finish this paragraph before I can go to McDonald's" work. Incentive is your friend.

7. Don't burn yourself out
The optimum time to write continuously and still produce high quality stuff is 45. At the end of this time, stop away from the computer screen and make yourself a cup of tea. Your eyes and brain will thank you for it!

8. Do Something dissertation related every day
Your deadline may be months away, but that doesn't mean you should put it off until the last minute. Whether is content writing, research, or even adapting your plan or structure, it will make the final panic process a little easier knowing you've done SOMETHING.

9. Don't Panic!
Keep a level head and don't lose it - that's just what the dissertation wants! Show it what you're made of and finish it!

10. PARTY!
Once you've written, finalised, bound and submitted your dissertation - let off all that steam! You've earned it!

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

Bills, Bills, Bills - 6 ways to reduce utility costs

As winter sets in and the temperature drops, it can be unbelievably tempting to turn up the thermostat and blast the radiators.... until the bill plops onto your mat and you're throwing away what little student loan you have left. But there's no need to let icicles form on your face, these simple tips have comfort and money saving in mind!

 

 

 

 1.  Keep your thermostat at a comfortable level - the Government recommends a level of 21 degrees is sufficient for a comfortable level for healthy living, but if you can pull on a jumper and knock it down a few degrees you will only save more!

 

2. Turn the heating right down when no one is home - who are you wasting that heat for?!

 

3. Use the Time - Set the heating to turn on half an hour before you wake up, and to turn off when you are all dressed. Then later in the day, set it to turn on half an hour before dark and turn off when everyone is in bed.

 

4.  Timed Showers - Don't forget that water is considered a charged utility aswell. Do all life's decision making on the toilet instead of in the shower.

5. Communal meals - eating together as a house not only is a great social activity, it uses less gas and electricity than if you all cooked seperately.

6. Turn off appliances when they are not being used - it seems simple, but you'd be surprised how much an idle appliance uses simply by being plugged into the wall.

 

Being sensible with utilities is not only good for saving you money, it is also good for the environment. That is something we should all care about as it affects us all, you, being young, more so than the older generations!

 

If utility bills really worry you, why not have a chat with AfS bezzie mates over at Glide? They're job is to help students out with their utility bills!

 

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

 

9 Ways To Stop Mould Taking A Hold!

 

Every landlord will tell you they receive a number of calls each year regarding mould, especially around windows and in bathrooms; and if the mould is REALLY bad, you could face a charge for cleaning or re-painting!

 

 

The Cause – mould occurs when moist air is allowed to build up in un-vented spaces and especially when moist air comes into contact with a cold surface such as an outside wall or window. Water vapour turns to water in the form of condensation causing damp patches where mould spores will develop and grow.

 

 

Tips to Help Avoid Mould.

 

1              Make sure you open your curtains every morning and leave them open until dark falls;

 

2              Open all of your windows and internal doors (especially bedroom doors) every day, all at the same time and for a reasonable period (at least half an hour), to allow a change of air throughout the house. Do this even in cold weather. Fresh air is important anyway for maintaining good health;

 

3              Open the bathroom window after every shower/bath. You need to get rid of any steam that has been released into the air;

 

4              Leave the shower door/curtain open after use to allow air to circulate easily within the shower;

 

5              Don’t have the shower or bath water too hot. The hotter the water, the more steam released into the atmosphere; 

 

6              If condensation builds up on your window sill, mop it up every day. This is a household chore we all need to do in our homes every day during autumn, winter and spring months;

 

7              Where possible, don’t put furniture, especially beds, on an outside wall. Warm moist air will get trapped between the cold wall and the furniture and mould will inevitably form. If you have to put furniture on an outside wall, regularly put the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner behind the furniture to replace the air there. If it’s your bed against the wall, move it out a couple of times a week; 

 

8              If you dry your clothes on the radiators, make double sure you open your windows that day; 

 

9              Finally, at the first sight of mould appearing, clean it off with an anti-mould cleaner available cheaply from any supermarket. Don’t let it take a hold!

You can find me in the club, bottle full of bub... or not! 10 Alternatives to clubbing!

You can find me in the club, bottle full of bub.... or maybe not going clubbing at all! Maybe the clubs at your Uni just don't do it for you. They're too crowded, too expensive, too sticky & smelly - or maybe you just want to do something else? If this is the case, Accommodation for Students brings you alternatives!

 

House Party

 

(I found this pun far funnier than I should have!|) Cheaper than going out, and no walk of shame aftwards! Plus you get to keep any alcohol people leave behind - whats not to like?!

Karaoke

Can you handle the inevitable shame??

Sports bar

 

Football, Rugby, Formula 1, Boxing and Wrestling are just some of the sports your local bar could be showing - nothing says good night like your team winning whilst you and your mates have a good old fashioned boat race.

Societies

You prbably signed up to every single one - try them out!

Date Night

Wether it's with your other half, or that person you've had your eye on since freshers - a dinner, a movie and maybe more (if it goes well!) could mean a good night!

Game Night

Board or Console, it doesn't matter - Just don't be a sore loser.

Bowling

There's alleys all over the place. PLus it's one of the only sports where its fun if you suck :)

Cinema

 

Students normally get discounted tickets, and there's so many two-for-one deals out there there really no excuse to miss anything.

Actually Study

Hahahahaha...... no.

Twitter: @PikaJules @Accomforstudent @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @Accomforstudent

www.accommodationforstudents.com

 

Baby, Baby, Baby, NOOOOOOO! - A quick guide to contraception

"EEEWWWW WHY WOULD YOU WRITE ABOUT THIS?!" you're probably screaming! But it recently came to my attention that not many girls know about the multiple methods of contraception available to us! I have a contraceptive implant in my arm, and so many people touch it and scream about how disgusting it is without knowing the benefits of other contraceptive methods other than the pill. Nobody wants an unwanted infection from a sexual encounter, or a little version of themselves to look after 9 months afterwards...
So AFS is here to shake loose all shame and get you informed, so you can make the safest and best suited choice for you!

NOTE: please not that there is no form on contraception that is 100%. Please use caution and good judgement when making decisions regarding your sexual health . 




Condoms:


Like a little rubber hat for the male in this equation, condoms work by catching sperm as it is released and stopping it from entering the baby making engine of the female.

Pros:

• 98% effective. 
• Available in almost every supermarket or drug store.
• You can pick up free condoms from most sexual health clinics. 
• Protects against STI's if used correctly. 
• No advanced preparation needed to use.
• Various choices. (Latex free, flavored, ribbed... you know!)

Cons:

• 2% ineffective
• Risk of splitting of tearing, rendering the whole thing useless
• Some people are allergic to latex. (Best to ask first to avoid embarrassment later!)
• Damage can occur when used with oil-based lubricants

The Pill

 

The pill uses synthetic versions of the female hormones to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg. They can come in packs of three weeks to allow you time off for your period, or as a running cycle.

Pros:

• 99% effective
•  Can help regulate and even lighten your periods
• Reduces risk of ovarian, colon and womb cancers
• Can help reduce symptoms of PMS, acne and polycystic ovarian syndrome

Cons:

• 1% ineffective
• Does not protect against STI's
• The pill must be taken at the same time each day, otherwise an egg may be released and your contraceptive cover is gone.
•  May increase blood pressure
•  Has been linked to increase risk of thrombosis and breast cancer

 Contraceptive Implant

 

This is what I have! The implant works by inserting a small flexible tube under the skin of your upper arm (inserted by a professional of course!), and slowly releasing progesterone into your body. This hormone things the lining of your womb so a released egg will not fertilize. 

Pros:

• 99% effective
• Lasts for 3 years
• Can be easily removed if you are not comfortable with it
• Periods may stop altogether

Cons:

• 1% ineffective
• Effectiveness varies between people. Periods may stop completely (as in my case), but may infact make them heavier and more painful (as in a friends case)
• People always want to touch it!!
• Needs to be inserted by a needle (but they numb it first so just don't look!) 

The Injection
We all know what injections look like, and mot people hate them! So instead, here is a gif of pandas on a slide!

 

This method involves being injected in either the bottom or the upper arm with progesterone. This treatment can last between 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of injection - all which will be clarified by the administrating healthcare professional.

Pros:

• 99% effective
• 8-12 week working period
• Not affected by other medication

Cons:

• 1% ineffective
• Not always viable to get an injection every 2 months
• side effects may include weight gains and irregular bleedin
• Fertility may take up to 1 year to return after last injection wears off
• Does not protect against STIs

For more information about any of the mentioned contraceptives and many more methods, visit http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/what-is-contraception.aspx

Twitter: @PikaJules / @Accomforstudent / @Glidestudent

Instagram: @RaiJules / @Accomforstudent

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accommodation4students

Google +: +juuuules592 +David J. Heffer +Greg Henley

5 tips for dealing with grief away from home

Everyone experiences grief in their lifetime. A loss of a family member of friend is a terrible time in someone's life, and experiencing it away from home can make the grieving process even more challenging. However, there steps you can take to make the stages of grief a little easier.

1. Take time off, but don't isolate yourself 

You may not feel like going to that party, society social, or even watching a movie with your housemates - but don't shut yourself away entirely. Your friends and lecturers will understand that you are hurting, but they want to help you. Even just having a cup of tea at breakfast time and letting people know you are ok helps.

2. Channel your anger positively

The second stage in the grieving process is anger. This anger may be directed towards inanimate objects, friends or family. Although many people understand you may not mean to take your anger out in them, someone unaware of the situation may not be as understanding. Try channeling your anger and turning it into positive activities. Hobbies such as instrument playing or physical activity can help, and even watching a film to release some of those pent up tears can make you feel better - even if it's just for a moment.

3. Live for today, not for yesterday

You may be able to come up with a million reasons as to how the death could have been avoided, but dwelling on them will not change anything: it will only make you feel more sad and angry. "What if..." is the dreaded phrase here, and acceptance is the only answer.

4. Surround yourself with happiness

Depression is linked very closely with grief and loss, be careful not to be overwhelmed. Keep focusing on goals when making funeral plans, or even just on how to make it through the day. Don't feel bad when you smile or laugh - the person you love will be happy to know that you miss them, but are not losing out on your own life.

5. Don't feel guilty

Spending time with other friends and relatives of the one you lost can help - sharing memories and funny moments with those helps you to remember them as they were, which is all you need to do. 

All in all, do whatever you can to make it through til the end. People are there to help you, not hinder you. Let then help you - the process will only get easier with time.

In memory of my dear friend Dave Riley - missed everyday, but never forgotten xxx

Twitter: @PikaJules @accommforstudent @GlideStudent

Instagram: @RaiJules @accommforstudent

Www.accommodationforstudents.com

Canterbury: A City & Accommodation Guide

Canterbury City Review

I’m     Julia (Jules)                 I’m in    3^rd year           , studying      Marketing  at CCCU                and I live in Canterbury, just off Sturry Road

Your idea of a great night out in your city

The best way to start any night is with your closest friends and housemates; and nothing goes hand in hand with social interaction like a takeaway! Domino’s pizza is always a good shout, and has multiple deals available to get the most for your money. Ordering as a group means you save money, so therefore can order those chicken wings you love so much! If you fancy something a little more exciting, Palace Chinese Takeaway means you can curb those chow-mein cravings for under a fiver. After a delicious meal, it’s off to your nearest supermarket to stock up on pre-drinks, soda and a quick trip to the cash machine before heading out. There are a multitude of clubs available in Canterbury. The most popular club is Club Chemistry; comprising of 3 floors with varying music genres across the road from Canterbury East train station. However, my personal favourite is Alberry’s. On a Friday night, this bar opens its basement floor and host’s a night of indie and rock music which is more to my taste, plus there are more non-alcoholic alternatives available, so there is something for everyone to enjoy at the bar. On the walk (or stumble) home, I always like to stop off at Efes Kebabs. The friendly customer service, generous helpings and lashings of burger sauce will replace that sickly feelings in your tummy with warm deliciousness!

Best places to eat

Canterbury is home to many high street restaurant chains; McDonalds, Subway, Nandos, Wagamamas, Pizza Express and of course Wetherspoons. All these places offer reliable food you know and love from home. However, this is university! Try something new! Café Du Soleil just over from the Westgate Towers serves delicious, high quality food cooked on an open fire for prices even the poorest student can afford! Tacos Locos is also a fantastic place to visit if you are a lover of all things Mexican – they also give you a free shot if you visit on your birthday!  CJ’s is another fantastic place to visit for a healthy, yet filling lunch. The premise is very similar to Subway, but more varied fillings such as hoisin duck and spring onion are available.

Hidden Gems

One of my favourite spots in the city also doubles as a shortcut. Behind the Sainsbury’s on Kingsmead road is a stream that leads all the way to the Marlowe Theatre Gardens. This stream has a footpath that leads away from the main road of the city centre – tucked into a quiet pocket of this historic city. The stream is surrounded by trees, and frequent spots of grass make it the perfect spot for a picnic. Westgate Gardens, located next to the Westgate Towers is another place of natural beauty, and taking a boat trip along the canal is the best way to see this slither of nature embedded in the heart of the city. If you have a couple of quid, you should take the bus to one of the nearby beaches. Broadstairs is the best, but Margate, Ramsgate and Herne Bay all offer the typical seaside experience, all within a direct public transport route.

Best thing about your city

The best thing about Canterbury is the massive student population. With CCCU, UKC, UCA, the American University and Canterbury Collage all located within mere miles of each other, you will always find students wherever you go. This means you can guarantee every night out will bring new friends and events no matter where you end up. Canterbury is one of the warmest places in the UK, so in the warmer months you can guarantee you will be having multiple barbeques and lounging in Dane John Gardens. CCCU students get into the cathedral for free with their university student card; it’s a good chance to see where you and your classmates will graduate, and a definite tourist sight for anyone interested in architecture or history.

Worst thing about your city.

As Canterbury is a tourist hotspot, and is located so close to Dover, you do end up barraging your way through hundreds of tourist trying to get to your lectures, especially in the spring and summer months. French schools take day trips to visit Canterbury and will overtake the city in the same way you did in fresher’s week. Also, the city is small – this is a benefit when living in the city because everything is right on your doorstep. But when you need a store or a location not within the city, it can be a bit of a pain to get to.

Where are they:

Domino’s Pizza
64 A Militray Road, CT1 1LU
01227 789666

Palace Chinese
6 St Dunstans Street, CT2 8AF
01227 462108

Club Chemistry
15 Station Road East, CT1 2RB
01227 462520

Alberry’s
38 St Margaret’s Street, CT1 2TY
01227 452378

Efes
36 Northgate, CT1 1BL
01227 766966

Café Du Soleil
5 Pound Lane, CT2 8AA
01227 479999

Tacos Locos
45 St Peter’s Street, CT1 2BG
01227 379330

CJ’s
29B St Margarets Street, CT1 2TG
01227 478999

Canterbury Accommodation

Canterbury is a city that has almost been built for students. There are so many houses in various locations around the city, you can decide where to live and find a house in a price range to suit you almost instantly. Rent averages at around £82 a week, which initially seems high – but many properties in Canterbury have utility bills included. Considering the national average rent for student accommodation is around £80 anyway, £8 a month for utilities is a pretty good deal!

AfS found students living in Canterbury gave the city an overall score of 58%, increased by its variety of store and facilities and the extensive student community. Almost every student property is within walking distance of shops and campus – and those slightly further have reliable public transport.

Areas which had particularly high satisfaction ratings are properties located in the City Centre, North Holmes Road and localities of Station Road East. These properties rated high in facilities and locations to go in the city.

Afs top tip 

The city is almost split in two in terms of accommodation, depending on which university you go to. If you attend CCCU you are better off being on the south side of town towards Sturry or Wincheap as these locations are much close to campus. UKC students should look for housing around Hales Place as it means you won’t have to trudge up and down that hill to get to every lecture.