Chester at a glance
Chester, located in the northwest of England near the Welsh border, is one of the most visually distinctive cities in the UK. Famous for its Roman walls, timber-framed buildings, and the unique Rows shopping galleries, it’s also home to the University of Chester. Students find it easy to settle here thanks to the welcoming community, manageable city size, and strong sense of history and culture.
Chester is a beautiful city, with a lot of green space and a rich historical heritage. Walking is probably the best way to get around in Chester, as you notice so many little details that often have history attached to them. It has plenty of cycle paths and so is very bike-friendly, and all the campuses are within cycling distance. Medieval pubs, cobbled streets, Roman ruins – what more could you want! (Third year student, University of Chester)
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City highlights
Chester’s charm lies in its history and architecture. Walk the complete circuit of the ancient city walls or explore the Roman amphitheatre. Chester Cathedral is a stunning example of medieval architecture and offers student-friendly events and concerts. The city centre is ideal for shopping and exploring—with independent cafés, boutiques, and the iconic black-and-white Rows making it a one-of-a-kind destination.
Roman remnants: Walk the preserved city walls, including a quick photo op at the Eastgate clock, with the centre behind you. Stop for a picnic at what was Britain's largest Roman amphitheatre.
Student life in Chester
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Treat yourself
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Transport tips
Chester is easy to get around on foot, and most university buildings and student accommodation are within walking distance. Arriva and Stagecoach run reliable local buses, and Chester railway station connects you to Liverpool, Manchester, and London. Students can benefit from local travel cards and discounted rail fares with the 16–25 Railcard. Cycling is a popular option too, with scenic riverside routes and plenty of bike parking.
Accommodation
Students in Chester often live in the Garden Quarter or Handbridge, both close to the city centre and university campuses. The city is relatively affordable for rent and daily living, and the University of Chester offers a range of halls and private housing advice. Chester is known for being safe, welcoming, and well-served by student support networks – including wellbeing services and international student societies.
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Where to eat
From cosy pubs to international bites, Chester has plenty to offer on a student budget. Try Dough Dough for wood-fired pizza or Atina Kitchen for comfort food with a modern twist. For global flavours, students love Siam Thai and Telford’s Warehouse, which also hosts live music and art nights. The Chester Market has recently been redeveloped and now houses street food stalls offering everything from Korean BBQ to vegan burgers.
What to visit
Make time to explore Chester’s blend of culture, history, and nature. Visit the Grosvenor Museum for Roman artefacts or take a cruise along the River Dee. Nature lovers can spend the day at Chester Zoo, one of the UK's best, or enjoy a walk through Grosvenor Park. Seasonal events like the Chester Christmas Market and Summer Music Festival bring the city to life and are great opportunities to connect with locals and other students.
River Dee: Take a stroll or hire a boat.
Chester was known as the 'eating quarter'. There is such a range of cuisines to try, from Chinese buffets to fancy tapas when the parents come to visit. For drinking, I would always recommend Watergate Street where there are lots of 'hole-in-the-wall' bars, from American speakeasy-style, to wine bars with a giant gnome inside! I think Chester caters to a lot of different tastes.
I live with my two friends in Newtown, which is a great place to live, with a tight-knit community. It's five minutes from the train and bus stations, 10 minutes from the town centre, and 10 minutes to the main campus. It's a perfect place, and I've felt nothing but welcome here. I would definitely choose to live here again, it's some of the cheapest rent in Chester.
On your doorstep
Chester’s location gives you easy access to both city and countryside. The Welsh border is minutes away, with Snowdonia National Park just a short trip by train or car. You can also visit Liverpool and Manchester for day trips, concerts, or shopping sprees. For a quieter outing, head to the Sandstone Trail or the Cheshire countryside for beautiful walks and traditional village pubs.
Lakes of Snowdonia National Park: A short trip from Chester.
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
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