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Posted July 28, 2014
Student City Guide: Chester
Chester is a city rich in history. Established as a major trading point during the Roman occupation of Britain (due to its position on the River Dee) today it remains a central hub of the northwest of England/Wales border country. It has one university, the University of Chester, which has been a seat of learning since 1839. It offers a full range of MA and PhD courses, while the city itself is a very welcoming place for students from around the world.
Orientation As you get out and explore your local area, the easiest way to orientate yourself is by the old city walls. At nearly two miles long the walls that bounded the medieval city are a striking reminder of the city’s history. Within these walls you’ll find many of the major landmarks, including the cathedral and the Eastgate Clock. It is now also a major shopping district. A key architectural feature is the distinctive black and white buildings dating from nineteenth century. Outside the walls, the city fans out into different suburbs, including Parkgate to the north where the main campus of the University of Chester is located.
Transport Chester has an extensive bus network allowing you to get across the city quickly and cheaply. The main rail station, just 20 minutes walk from the main university campus, connects you with all the major cities in the region, including Liverpool and Manchester. The fast trains that go to the capital will get you to London in around two and a half hours. Fares are very reasonable, but don’t forget that with a student rail card you can get even more money off. The city is also very accommodating to cyclists.
Fun Stuff!
Chester has a lot of options for enjoying yourself in your free time. The centre of the city has a lot of cafes and bars, as well as clubs (including a disco boat that cruises up and down the river), many of which have links to the Student Union, and so offer students discounts on entry and drinks prices. The city has a number of arts festivals that take place annually as well as a Food and Drink Festival, and Chester Zoo is one of the most renowned zoological parks in the country, as well as the second most visited zoo in the UK. You’ll also find cinemas, bowling alleys and amusement parks.
Sports Sports are a big deal in Chester. Chester racecourse is the oldest horseracing track in the country and hosts many race meetings throughout the year. The city also holds and annual rowing regatta on the River Dee, and is home to professional polo, basketball and football teams. For Premiere League action, Manchester and Liverpool are not far away and the university sometimes puts on coaches to games. If you prefer participating, the river is perfect for sailing and canoeing; the Snowdonia national park is a short train ride away for hiking and mountaineering, as is the rugged north Wales coastline. The university has sports clubs for all manner of activities, as well as extensive sporting facilities including rugby, football and hockey pitches.
So with a modern city that embraces its rich history, and a university that ranks highly among the country’s education institutions and puts a great emphasis on postgraduate study, Chester has a lot to offer students from all over the world.
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Transport Chester has an extensive bus network allowing you to get across the city quickly and cheaply. The main rail station, just 20 minutes walk from the main university campus, connects you with all the major cities in the region, including Liverpool and Manchester. The fast trains that go to the capital will get you to London in around two and a half hours. Fares are very reasonable, but don’t forget that with a student rail card you can get even more money off. The city is also very accommodating to cyclists.
Fun Stuff!
Chester has a lot of options for enjoying yourself in your free time. The centre of the city has a lot of cafes and bars, as well as clubs (including a disco boat that cruises up and down the river), many of which have links to the Student Union, and so offer students discounts on entry and drinks prices. The city has a number of arts festivals that take place annually as well as a Food and Drink Festival, and Chester Zoo is one of the most renowned zoological parks in the country, as well as the second most visited zoo in the UK. You’ll also find cinemas, bowling alleys and amusement parks.
Sports Sports are a big deal in Chester. Chester racecourse is the oldest horseracing track in the country and hosts many race meetings throughout the year. The city also holds and annual rowing regatta on the River Dee, and is home to professional polo, basketball and football teams. For Premiere League action, Manchester and Liverpool are not far away and the university sometimes puts on coaches to games. If you prefer participating, the river is perfect for sailing and canoeing; the Snowdonia national park is a short train ride away for hiking and mountaineering, as is the rugged north Wales coastline. The university has sports clubs for all manner of activities, as well as extensive sporting facilities including rugby, football and hockey pitches.
So with a modern city that embraces its rich history, and a university that ranks highly among the country’s education institutions and puts a great emphasis on postgraduate study, Chester has a lot to offer students from all over the world.
Related articles
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