If you're looking for a smaller city to study in then Chester is a really great choice. I found city Universities and their spread-out campuses overwhelming when I went on Open Days, but the small size of Chester and how everything from shops to campuses are all within walking distance were great for me. As an art student the history and Tudor architecture and the Roman Walls are also a massive bonus! In terms of travel, it is right near the border to Wales, a 50 minute train ride away from Liverpool, and an hour+ train from Manchester. It's also right near Crewe, which has direct trains to places like London. It feels like a very friendly city, and and that goes for the University as well. The staff are all very accommodating and ready to help. The main campus, Exton Park is also only a 15 minute walk to the city centre, which is handy. I know there's only so much you can do at university and so much information to take in at once in the first year, but I would have liked to have been told more about the buildings where other courses are held, as there are still parts of the main campus I don't know about. Also the sports facilities feel a bit distant if you aren't a sports student. They do a have a good range of activities and sports sessions you can go to though. The library facilities are great = 24/7 access, vast amounts of journals, books and newspaper archives for you to research both online and physically. The shelves and sections are bit confusing to navigate, but there's usually someone at Reception you can ask for help, and scheduled sessions throughout the year to teach you how it all works. The same goes for the Library's online access. In regards to Creative courses, the great thing I'd say is that your tutors know you personally within the first week. Unlike other institutions, you aren't just a number, and your groups are often small enough that your tutors have time to help you. I would recommend Chester to anyone who is looking for a small, friendly University experience and who lives better in a less crowded environment.

The contact time with tutors is second-to-none. The smaller courses for Creative courses mean you always have tutors on hand to help you out, who know you personally and understand you. The Creative Campus is quite a way out from the rest of the University buildings and city centre however. There are buses, or it is a 30 minute walk. The Creative Campus offers a diverse range of art facilities, from the Print Workshop and Woodcutting machines to 3D printers, which you are encouraged to use no matter what course you're studying. In terms of the Fine Art course, the first year consists of exposing you to a range of different approaches to art-making and developing your practice, with lectures scheduled alongside introducing you to the history of Art, to contextualise your work. Practical courses are mostly in-person, with a Feedback session or Work Placement lectures done online over Microsoft Teams. There is a lot of help and support available in terms of preparing students for careers after the course. Tutors are there with advice whenever you have questions. The lecturers are very skilled, experienced and knowledgeable in what they teach. The only thing I would say when choosing your course is, consider what your potential course is going to contain. For example, I am interested in learning the basics of painting and drawing, but which isn't covered as much as I would have liked, as the course focuses on the Contemporary aspects of Fine Art.

For me it cost £109 per week. At the cheaper end of the cost range, it was alright value for money. We had problems with leaking showers above my room, and my ceiling had water leaking through. This caused my bed to be soaked multiple times, and the doorframe to swell, meaning my door would stick. I physically couldn't open my door a few times, due to the water and the expanding door. The porters did come round to sort it out, but they only used temporary solutions such as changing the door, and putting down a new shower floor, instead of changing the entire shower unit, which they said was the source of the problem. The Uni doesn't fund full renovations until the problem is unliveable. The kitchen facilities all worked, and so did the heating. For the cheaper type of accomodation, it served its purpose.

Amazing university! Wouldn’t want to study anywhere else! Amazing lecturers and facilities. Chester is a great city to study, live and socialise in. Very happy with my university experience

Great facilities, everything you need!

Support is offered for every need.

Great support and easy to find information. Useful facilities too

Within walking distance to the town centre, much easier to drive or get a taxi

Definitely something for everyone

Great communication with lecturers and tutors. Great atmosphere for leaning. Well planned lessons and time table

5

Lots of career support options and help. It’s easy as looking one the university portal site, or sending an email