Research and Prep

Student city guide to Coventry

If you're considering uni in Coventry, then you've probably got a lot of questions about what the area's like. Our student guide to the city answers some of the most common questions students have.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
12 Jul 2024

Coventry is a city in the West Midlands and is home to two great unis – the University of Warwick and Coventry University. It’s a great place to live while doing your undergraduate degree, with affordable accommodation options, amazing cultural attractions and excellent nightlife. If you’re thinking about studying here, keep reading to find out more about being a student in Coventry.

Student activities in Coventry


Coventry is known as a vibrant city with lots to do and plenty of opportunities for socialising. One of its most iconic attractions is the ruins of Coventry Cathedral. The original building was bombed in the Coventry Blitz in World War II (and is also where the movie Nativity was filmed). The new Cathedral is right next door and is also worth a visit to admire the incredible artwork inside.

The Belgrade Theatre is another great place for students to visit. It hosts a whole variety of shows including musicals, comedy, drama and dance, as well as student nights, film screenings and workshops.

There’s also lots of natural beauty to admire in and around Coventry. At the weekend, why not take a stroll along the River Sherbourne or spend some time reflecting in War Memorial Park.

Check out our top ten things for students to do in Coventry.

Nightlife in Coventry


Coventry's full of student friendly nightlight. If you’re looking to spend an evening at a local pub there’s plenty of choice. A popular choice is the Quids Inn Pub based at Coventry University, which has two for one drinks every evening.

For dancing the night away, Kasbah is a student favourite with live music, top DJs and a great mix of genres. Kasbah also has some of the the best drinks prices in Coventry! The hmv Empire is another great place for a gig or a night out. It hosts a range of bands as well as club nights after 11pm, with four bars and a balcony that overlooks the city. 

Student accommodation in Coventry


Both unis in Coventry offer on-campus halls of residence. These are all self-catered rooms, with a choice of room sizes and types. The cost will depend on whether you go for an en-suite or shared bathroom, a single or double room or a studio apartment.

If you’re studying at Coventry University you can expect to pay between £115 to £220 a week, and at the University of Warwick you’ll pay between £121 to £245 a week. The more expensive rooms are the ones with en-suite bathrooms, or the studio apartments. Coventry University also has halls with an on-site gym and games room.

The other option is to rent privately. It’s much cheaper to do this in Coventry than many other cities in the UK. For example, a room in a shared house here could be around £440 a month. The affordability of Coventry is a big draw for many students.

Transport in Coventry


Coventry has a good network of public transport to help you get out and about in the city. There are many local bus routes, and you can find timetables and prices on the Transport for West Midlands website. 

Coventry has three train stations: the main Coventry station and three local stations at Canley, Coventry Arena and Tile Hill. The city has great train connections around the UK. You can get to Birmingham in under 30 minutes and London Euston in an hour. There are also direct lines to Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Birmingham Airport is the nearest hub for international travel, and you can get there in just 15 minutes by train. Make sure you get a 16-25 Rail Card, as this gives you 1/3 off your train tickets all around the UK.

Student costs in Coventry


Overall, Coventry is an affordable place to be a student. On average you’ll want to budget about £800 a month on top of tuition fees. Of course, this depends on your rental costs and lifestyle.

Food wise, in Coventry it costs about £1.18 for a loaf of bread, £1.80 for a kilogram of rice, £3.70 for a dozen eggs and £1.49 for a kilogram of potatoes. Eating out is affordable too, as the average price for an inexpensive meal at a restaurant is just £14. The average cost of a pint is £3.65, although you’ll find many bars and pubs offer great student drinks deals to help keep your costs down on a night out.

Depending on your university course, you’ll need to budget for things like books or art materials. There are also other living costs to factor in, such as around £20 each month for laundry and £10 a month for toiletries. Depending on your lifestyle there may be other costs, such as clothing, accessories or gym membership. Make sure you have your student card handy at all times, as many stores, facilities and entertainment venues offer great discounts.

Check out our detailed cost of living breakdown in Coventry here.

Universities in Coventry


There are two unis in Coventry, and both are very well-respected with modern facilities and a huge range of courses on offer.

The University of Warwick is based in the outskirts of the city. In 2025, the institution ranked 10th in the Complete University Guide’s league tables, and is recognised globally for its teaching excellence.

Coventry University boasts high student satisfaction, ranking 18th in the UK according to Complete University Guide. Many courses offer students the opportunity to undertake an industry placement in order to boost career prospects.


To help make your decision, you can find out more about the courses on offer at the University of Warwick and Coventry University. Or, take a look at even more reasons to study in Coventry.

 

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