11th September 2017
Being a student in Chester
Now that you’ve got your offer and you’ve got your grades, you’re well on your way to starting off your university career. Once you’ve moved in (check out our little list of things to make your transition easier), you’re going to want to get out and start enjoying life in Chester. So we’ve created another little list here to give you an idea of the sorts of events and activities available to you throughout your time at Chester!
Check out the SU – First and foremost, the SU is a great place to start meeting new people and join loads of clubs and societies, or even start one if there’s nothing there that takes your fancy. The SU run events all week in their bar, ‘CH1’, including karaoke, comedy, and pub quiz nights. See the SU website here for more details – https://www.chestersu.com/ch1/
Clubs and Bars – Apart from CH1, Chester has a wide range of pubs, bars, and clubs and you’re sure to find one that suits you. From Off the Wall to Cruise, both on St. John Street, then Rosies on Northgate Street and many, many more, you’ll easily find your favoured haunt. The Bouverie (on Bouverie Street!) near the Uni is a popular pub for students and they run a number of “Get on it” events in conjunction with Rosies nightclub. And if you’re looking for something more special, it’s only a short train ride to the thriving nightlife that Liverpool has to offer.
Shopping – Chester is well known for its high street and independent shops suited to every style and budget. Alongside these are lots of independent and franchised coffee shops and eateries, so a day out shopping in Chester city centre is a fantastic way to relax after a bout of revision, or a great way to show off your new city to friends and family from home.
Historical sites – If you’re after something different to going out shopping and nights out on the town with your friends, or want to combine everything into one amazing day out, you can always explore the rich history that Chester has to offer. The Chester City Walls Walk gives you fantastic views of the city and surrounding lands, and there are loads of information boards giving you detailed information about Chester’s past as a Roman port. The Roman Gardens are a beautiful way to spend an afternoon walking or you can visit Grosvenor Park for a picnic. If you’re feeling a bit more touristy, there are even a couple of open-top bus tours and river trips that give you all the highlights. Once you’ve done all that, the beautiful Chester Cathedral is a must-see for all visitors and residents of the city alike.
Later on in the year – If you end up staying in the city over your Easter and Summer holidays there are a huge number of events that you can attend, from the open-air theatre in Grosvenor Park, to Moonlight Flicks at the Roman Gardens, and you can even have a day out at the races. Chester Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in the country, and the races at Chester are a huge event, with many days catered to friends and family, Ladies’ days, and even the Roman day where they hold chariot races.
Walking tours – There are a huge number of walking tours in and around Chester. You can take a guided walls walk if you don’t want to go around on your own, or go on a ghost walk through all the city’s most haunted spots.
Activities – Like most cities, Chester has bowling alleys, laser tag arenas, and even has an Escape Rooms facility where you can test your puzzle solving skills with your friends.
Further afield – If you’ve exhausted everything there is to be done in Chester, you can head out towards the zoo, or try Manley Mere or the Crocky Trail for a muddier day out.
