Here’s why…
1. It’s a students’ city
Coventry is the perfect city to spend your student years. It’s a city with a young population, a rich history and multiculturalism. You can experience vibrant cultural diversity here in the city and make a lot of international friends from around the world. One of the best things that makes Coventry a students’ city is the living cost here, rent is comparable, there’s a great food market and restaurants are cheap; you can enjoy your fabulous student life here in comfort! Coventry has a great location in West Midlands. Big-city fans will love that we are just 20 minutes from Birmingham and 1 hour from London by train. So, whilst enjoying an affordable accommodation, you still never miss any of the most exciting events in the UK!
2. The city centre campus
The best thing about Coventry Uni is that the campus is based right in the city centre, so all of the most fascinating events in town are within walking distance. The Hub is alway alive with social activities organised by CUSU, whilst Cathedral Square offers loads of pubs and restaurants for you to enjoy fun nights out with friends. You can find more bars and clubs around the ring-road area. Some classic student favourites include The Kasbar, JJ’s Bar, The Establishment, and The Phoenix. Meanwhile, the Odeon cinema complex and the Belgrade theatre will feed your cultural side, whether you are a comedy fan, a music lover or a thespian. Pluse, for sports enthusiasts there’s also an ice-rink, ice-hockey and a rugby & football arena!
3. Green spaces and atmosphere
As well as the bustling nightlife, you can enjoy the other side of the campus: the green, peaceful and picturesque parks and gardens. The War Memorial Park, the largest city park in Coventry, is not far from the campus at all. I usually go there for a run or for long walks to relax after studying. You will feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, and there are cafe’s and live music events there so you will never get bored.
4. Protection Service
Your safety on campus is ensured by the Coventry University Protection Service. They can be reached on +44 (0) 24 7688 8555 in any emergency and will be on hand within minutes. They’re also available to give you advice on how to stay safe and how to protect your belongings. If you ever lose something on campus, these are the guys to call. The protection officers are based behind the reception desk in the Alan Berry building.
5. Health and well-being support
Your welfare is taken care of in a number of ways here at Coventry University. Our Health and Wellbeing services comprise of several departments, including the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Welfare, Disabilities, Counselling, Mental Health and the Medical Centre. You’ll be provided with medical care, one-to-one support for emotional distress, mental health issues, or physical and sensory disabilities. You can even find dedicated spaces for worship or meditation.
6. The late night library
The Lanchester library is one of the key reasons why you should study at Coventry University. You’ll never forget the distinctive, stunning design of the library building, or the amount of the time you’ll be studying here! The state-of-the-art Knowledge and Study Centre is open till 10.30pm on week days, and offers 24-hour access during dissertation time! You can also benefit from an IT access room next to the library, and the third floor provides comfy spaces to take a nap (my favourite place!).
7. Centre for Academic Writing (CAW)
Next to the Lanchester Library is the Centre for Academic Writing (CAW) – the first university writing centre to be established in UK higher education. It was founded in 2004, and was shortlisted for a Times Higher ‘Outstanding Student Support’ Award in 2010. Staff at the centre can provide you with workshops on all aspects of academic writing, ensuring you are better prepared for lectures and assignments. You can also book an appointment for a one-to-one support session to discuss your coursework or that evil dissertation.
8. Career advice and support
One of the biggest advantages of being a Coventry Uni student is that you are provided with a range of career support and work-experience opportunities. The Add+Vantage modules, designed to increase student employability, have had a considerable impact on graduate employment. We’ve helped 83% of graduates find roles within leading companies such as JLR, Rolls Royce, IBM, JCB, Severn Trent Water, Bentley Motors and plenty more. Following the success of these modules, our Central Careers Service is introducing two more in partnership with Severn Trent Water and Enterprise Rent-A-Car in the next academic year. We’re confident that this will even further ensure graduate students’ success.
9. International experiences
No matter where you are from, you will still get an international experience at Coventry University. There are lots of opportunities to study, work, or volunteer abroad. Plus, many course include field trips, international projects and competitions. Funding is available, or the Centre of Global Engagement (CGE) can provide financial support towards travelling and subsistence costs – through its International Experience Grants. The Linguae Mundi programme provides free language classes every year to help students prepare for experiences abroad. There are ten languages to choose from and it won’t cost you a penny! All students will also be supported to gain professional experience in UK organisations too due to university’s strong industry links.
The Innovative Social Engagement for Employability Development (SEED) project, administrated by the CGE, made Coventry Uni top in the best employability initiative category at the Guardian university awards 2015.
10. Dynamic courses and teaching quality
Up to 93% of Cov Uni students are satisfied with teaching at CU due to continuously developed courses, ongoing investments in research and the sound teaching environments. Feedback from students is always taken into consideration when course content is reviewed each year. This means students can be assured that the knowledge and know-how they acquire is up-to-date and ready to apply in a real-world context.
That’s how we became the top UK university for student experience, join us now!
