University Of Kent

Location: Canterbury

20 Gibraltar Students each year

No direct flight from Gibraltar

The University of Kent, established in 1965, is a renowned public research university located in Canterbury, Kent, with additional campuses in Medway, Brussels, and Paris. It is known for its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, global engagement, and a student-centered approach to education.

Often referred to as the “UK’s European university,” Kent has built a reputation for international partnerships, study-abroad opportunities, and a diverse student body representing over 150 nationalities. The university consistently ranks highly for student satisfaction and graduate employability, with particular strengths in subjects such as law, politics and international relations, sociology, psychology, and creative arts.

Kent is also home to several specialist research centers, including the Tizard Centre for social care and the Centre for Journalism. Its award-winning Templeman Library and beautiful parkland campus enhance the student experience, making it an attractive destination for both UK and international students.

Uni Website

Transport

Closest Airport with direct flights from Gibraltar

London Gatwick
The nearest airport to Canterbury offering direct flights to Gibraltar is London Gatwick Airport (LGW), located approximately 105 km away.

Airlines such as EasyJet offer this route everyday with ticket prices ranging from £30 up to £270.

Transport To Airport:
- Train: Take a Southeastern train from Canterbury West to Gillingham, then transfer to a train to Gatwick Airport. Total journey ~2.5 hours.
- Coach: National Express coaches run from Canterbury to Gatwick, taking around 4.5 hours.
- University Transfer: The university offers a direct coach service on certain dates for £45, taking about 1.5 hours.
- Taxi/Private Transfer: Takes around 1.5 hours, with prices starting from ~£130.
Nearest Airport

London Southend
London Southend is the nearest major airport to the University of Kent at a distance of approximately 41km.

EasyJet has direct flights to malaga often and tickets start at £26.

Students at the University of Kent can get to London Southend Airport by:
- Coach + Train: Take a National Express coach from Canterbury to London Victoria (~1h 15m), then a c2c train to Southend Airport (~1h).
- Private Transfer: Book a direct taxi or private transfer from Canterbury, taking around 1.5–2 hours.
Transport costs

Medium

Students at the University of Kent have several convenient and cost-effective ways to get around Canterbury.

The most popular option is the Stagecoach UniRider bus pass, which offers unlimited travel across Kent and East Sussex, with term-time passes starting at £157 and full academic year options available as well.

Local StudentRider passes are also available for unlimited travel within Canterbury.

For rail travel, students can benefit from a 16–25 Railcard, giving one-third off most UK train fares, and can also use PLUSBUS for unlimited local bus travel when bought with a train ticket. For late-night safety, the Student Safe Taxi Scheme with Longleys Private Hire allows students to travel without cash and pay later through the university.

Additionally, students commuting to London can apply for discounted Oyster cards. These transport options make navigating the city and beyond both easy and affordable.

The city is very much walkable and many student rent out the electric scooters/bikes to move around.

Going Out

There are plenty of excellent clubs and late-night dancing spots in Kent.

The Venue: The largest student nightclub in canterbury and most definitely the most popular.

Tokyo Tea Rooms: A popular nightclub known for its vibrant dance floors, student friendly pricing and interesting drink combinations.

Matches sports bar and social Canterbury: Top pick to watch rugby matches, has darts, pool, axe throwing and mini golf.

Facilities and Day-to-Day Life

Facilities:

Templeman Library (Canterbury): A large, modern library open 24/7 during term time, with study zones, group rooms, computer labs, and a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.
Drill Hall Library (Medway): Shared with other local universities, this award-winning library offers study areas, resources, and IT support.
Specialist Labs & Studios: Facilities for science, engineering, journalism, media, computing, architecture, and more — including state-of-the-art labs and creative studios.
Lecture Theatres & Seminar Rooms: Spread across campus, equipped with modern tech for interactive teaching.
Kent Sport Gym Facilities
- Sports Centre Gym: This split-level, fully equipped gym features cardio machines, weight training areas, and functional fitness spaces. It also houses a dedicated “Pit” area with Olympic lifting platforms for strength training enthusiasts.
- Fitness & Dance Studio: Located within the Sports Centre, this studio offers over 70 group exercise classes per week, including popular sessions like Body Pump, Yoga, Zumba, and Boxercise.

Day to Day:

Visit Canterbury Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the cathedral offers free entry to its precincts for students, providing a glimpse into its stunning architecture and history.
Stroll Through Westgate Gardens: Adjacent to the Westgate Towers, these historic gardens along the River stour are perfect for a leisurely walk or picnic.
Explore The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge: This museum and library offers free admission to its art and history exhibits, making it a great spot for cultural enrichment.
Take a River Tour: Experience Canterbury from a different perspective by joining a guided boat tour along the River Stour, passing historic landmarks.
Shop at The Goods Shed: A local farmers’ market and restaurant offering fresh produce and artisanal goods, ideal for food enthusiasts.
Attend the Canterbury Festival: An annual arts festival featuring a variety of performances and exhibitions, showcasing local and international talent.

Accomodation

On-Campus Accommodation

Most first-year students choose to live on the Canterbury campus, with options including En-Suite Rooms (private bedroom and bathroom) and Standard Rooms (private bedroom with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities). All on-campus housing includes Wi-Fi, heating, study space, and access to communal areas and laundry rooms. Prices generally range from £120 to £180 per week, depending on the type of room and catering options.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Students seeking more independence can rent in nearby areas such as Canterbury city centre, Hales Place, or St. Dunstan’s, all of which are popular student hubs with great bus links and walking routes to campus. The university supports students with accredited housing lists, tenancy advice, and accommodation services, helping them find reliable and safe off-campus living. Renting privately allows students to explore more of Canterbury’s cultural spots, shops, and restaurants, while still being within easy reach of their lectures.

Campuses

Canterbury Campus (Main Campus)

Location: Just over a mile from Canterbury city centre (20–25 minute walk).
Specialisms:
- Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Law, Business, Psychology, Arts, Computing, and Architecture.
- Home to key facilities like the Templeman Library, Gulbenkian Arts Centre, and Kent Law School.
Student Life: Large campus with most accommodation, student services, gym, and entertainment on-site.

Medway Campus

Location: Based in Chatham Maritime, about 50km (1–1.5 hours by train/bus) from Canterbury.
Specialisms:
- Pharmacy, Nursing, Journalism, Engineering, Business, and Social Work.
- Shared campus with University of Greenwich and Canterbury Christ Church University.
Facilities: Includes the award-winning Drill Hall Library, state-of-the-art labs, and a tight-knit student community.

What do Gibraltar students say about this University?

“student feedback”

1st/2nd/3rd/4th Year Student, ‘subject’