Thinking of studying at the University of Chester, but not sure if you'll be happy spending three years of your life there? Here's our city guide to help you decide if Chester is the perfect place to call home...
Updated: 09 Jul 2026
Perhaps you're debating whether to go to the University of Chester, but unsure if Chester is the right place for you? Or perhaps you've made your decision and want to check out what there is to do in your new home?
Either way our city guide to Chester can help. Here's what you can expect from this small, but very busy city...
While it's not the biggest city in the UK, what Chester lacks in size it makes up for in things to do!
History buffs will love the city's architecture, with plenty of beautiful black and white medieval buildings and ancient city walls (dating back to Roman times) to explore.
Culture vultures will also be happy in Chester, with loads of festivals and events happening throughout the year, covering music, opera, theatre, comedy and food. As will those with a passion for shopping, with a packed high street and outlet centres close by.
And of course, you’re probably wondering what the nightlife is like. There are plenty of cosy pubs, live music venues and nightclubs to keep students happy. In fact, Chester was awarded the 'Purple Flag' in recognition of it's night time scene.
The University of Chester is the only one in the city. Here's what students have to say about it...
NEXT: Read more student reviews about life at The University of Chester.
So, what can you expect from Chester once you arrive? Here are just 10 of the top things to occupy you when you’re not in lectures...
Good for: A day out with friends or family to see over 12,000 animals at one of Britain’s most famous zoos.
What it is: A great zoo in a great city.
Why you should go: To see thousands of different animals and for a unique experience that’s like no other zoo in the UK. It’s worth checking out the amazing reviews on tripadvisor too. People come from all over the world just to see the zoo, so take full advantage as you’re living just a couple miles away. Book online for a discount on the ticket price.
Good for: Shopping, food and fun.
What it is: The ideal student destination. Cheshire Oaks is a designer outlet that’s cheaper than your standard city shops. Around the corner from the outlet is the Leisure Park with Tenpin Bowling, Laser Quest and some great restaurants and fast food stores.
Why you should go: You can get huge discounts across many big name stores. With over 145 shops to choose from, it’s a great shopping experience and hugely popular with students looking to save a few quid! It is packed to the brim with food and restaurants too, and with a range of global cuisine and fast food available, there really is something for everyone.
Good for: A day at the races.
What it is: The oldest racecourse in England, boasting many events through the racing season.
Why you should go: A great day out, again with your mates or family. You don’t even have to like horse racing to go, the setting and atmosphere is enough for some but there’s always the chance of a few cheeky winners! It’s packed with activities, drinks and food, so it’s a must in the summer with tickets from only £10; you could win that back in the first race!
Good for: Seeing some of the fantastic sights Chester has to offer.
What it is: The most complete circuit of Roma Walls in Britain which has been standing for over 2000 years.
Why you should go: Chester has a lot to see so walking the walls is a great way to fully experience the city in detail. You’ll walk past the famous Racecourse, the River Dee, the City Centre and much more. On a nice summer evening, the walk around the walls really is something else.
Good for: Experiencing the history of Chester through the Cathedral, and checking out your graduation venue.
What it is: A Cathedral located in the city centre that spans back over 1,000 years.
Why you should go: Putting that beer down and taking in some of the local history will be well worth your time, especially as you could be heading there for graduation. With free entry, it’s worth looking around as it’s beautiful inside. Take a trip up to the top and enjoy some of the unreal views on offer, or have a listen to the music or choirs that play throughout the week. It’s an impressive graduation venue once you’ve finished your studies too.
Good for: Nights out, drinks and banter.
What it is: A nightclub in Chester with different floors to suit different music tastes.
Why you should go: Three floors with different music and a different feel on each, giving everyone their perfect night out. You have your Popworld floor, the dance/hip hop floor and the RnB/grime floor. Wednesday nights are student nights and are legendary.
Good for: Pool, snooker, darts and drinks.
What it is: You may not have heard of Rileys but it’s a snooker club where you can play pool, snooker or darts, or just chill with a pint to watch some great sporting events.
Why you should go: During freshers week you may get some great vouchers for free pool, drinks and food there. There’s a great atmosphere inside, good value and you can get drink offers on certain days too.
Good for: Chilling with friends and enjoying some local talent.
What it is: An independently run bar/restaurant.
Why you should go: Renowned for its music and arts, they hold regular events featuring live music and DJ events on certain days during the week. It’s a relaxed environment with great food and drinks, so if a bit of live music is more your scene rather than a heavy night out, then this is the place for you.
Good for: Getting behind your local football team.
What it is: Chester FC is a Conference football club that plays their home games just five minutes away from the main university campus.
Why you should go: With cheaper student tickets on selected match days, there's no better way to experience some proper local football. Join in with the locals and get ready to experience real fans creating an electric atmosphere.
Good for: Getting your culture fix.
What it is: A library, cinema, theatre, restaurant and arts centre - this place has it all under one roof. Fun fact: the library has the longest opening hours of any library in the UK. It's open until 11pm every day!
Why you should go: There are so many events going on every week. Whether it's plays, pantos or live talks in the theatre or vintage, cult or blockbuster film showings in the cinema, there’s something for every taste (and budget). There are even opportunities for students to get work experience running festivals.
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