Canterbury College - Be Independent in the City of Canterbury

We encourage independence in our students, and one of the perks of studying in this vibrant city means you can enjoy all that Canterbury has to offer in your down time.

Food and drink

For lunches out and after-College bites to eat, Canterbury is one of the country’s best cities for dining out. With hundreds of independent and chain restaurants to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something tasty to eat.

For delicious sourdough pizza, Chapter is where it’s at. Providing both the best value for money and great taste, Chapter’s pizzas are cooked fresh in an authentic wood oven with plenty of authentic Italian toppings to choose from, and every Monday it is two for one with a student ID.

The Veg Box Café cooks fresh food every day and loves to experiment with new flavours. If you are struggling to find vegetarian or vegan restaurants, this is the place to visit. As the first café to experiment with turmeric and matcha lattes in Canterbury, here you can also find beetroot cake, fresh hotpots and make-your-own salad boxes.

Coffee breaks

Whether you are looking for a high street chain or an independent coffee shop, there is plenty of choice in Canterbury. You can find your favourites such as Starbucks, Costa Coffee and Café Nero close to the College, but we recommend trying some of the many independent places Canterbury has to offer. Why not take a good book into Burgate Coffee and try one of their delicious homemade cakes and a latte for a relaxing afternoon.

Retail therapy

Canterbury is home to the Whitefriars Shopping Centre, which not only has a huge amount of retailers but also hosts its own student nights – usually around October – where you can bag some of the biggest discounts on offer. All you need is your student card.

Aside from this, many retailers like New Look and Topshop will give you around 10% off your purchase, making it easy to find your new style when you’re on a budget! Thursday night is late night shopping for Canterbury, so you’ve got a bit more time after your College day to make the most of the bargains that are on offer.

Activities and days out

If culture is more your thing, you can find The Marlowe Theatre in the heart of Canterbury. The theatre runs a scheme called Discovery Tickets, where they release cheaper seats specifically for 16–26 year olds, meaning you can see shows at cut prices. Canterbury College Students’ Union always offers discounted trips there, too.