Student Spotlight: Coventry
Coventry is one of the best cities in the UK, with so many things to do as a student – it’s friendly, close-knit, vibrant & cultural. In fact, it was even voted as the Midlands’ best student city! It’s also full of things to do, but naturally, you might not know where to look if you’ve not been in the city long. Luckily, we’ve made a little guide with some of our favourite hotspots so you can explore the city like a local, even if it’s your first time here.
A Personal Favourite
When in Coventry you have to check out FarGo Village. A hub of independent businesses that hosts events, food vendors & markets all under one huge roof! Where else can you go to a rave, shop at an Indie Market and get some amazing South Asian street food all within a couple of minutes walk of each other?
They’ve even worked in partnership with Coventry University in the past, so be sure to keep an eye out for what events they’ve got coming up.
Where to Eat
Coventry has a diverse food scene that reflects its international student population, so you won’t be going hungry, whatever your taste.
If you’ve got a craving for an authentic curry in town then My Dhabba is city-renowned, you can even bring your own booze to make it that bit more student budget-friendly!
SHIN is a Japanese kitchen & bar that specialise in sushi, ramen & cocktails. You can pick and choose how much you want depending on if you’re looking for light bites or a full meal.
For a comfy hangout with good food, prices & vibes we’d recommend Cafe Italia. Laidback & full of familiar favourites, give it a check for your next caffeine fix!
Something delicious on the go? Bean Patisserie lets you build your own sandwich or salad, as well as having classics like jacket potatoes and soups. Just down the road from the train station, Trinity View and Abbey House!
Relaxing Green Spaces
Having places to unwind and switch off from the screens is essential during uni.
War Memorial Park
A popular spot with students, this large park is perfect for walks, picnics, running, or even a kick-about with friends. It’s especially lively in spring and summer, so look to see it getting busier in the next coming months!
Coombe Abbey Park
A little further out, but worth the trip. Coombe Abbey has lakeside walks, woodland trails and a peaceful escape from bustling city life – ideal for a weekend reset.
Spend Some of That Student Loan
If you’re wanting to treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy, or just need to grab some essentials, Coventry has a huge variety of shops to satisfy. Being in the city centre you’re surrounded by high street favourites as well as independent retailers, but also have West Orchards & Lower Precinct shopping centres right on your doorstep.
Thinking bigger, still? No problem, Birmingham is just a 20 minute train away, so you have the UK’s second city within touching distance for big days and long nights!
Culture & History
We can’t talk about Coventry and not give it a cultural shoutout. A rich past and a strong creative scene, it’s perfect for students that want to explore beyond campus.
The remains of Coventry Cathedral are iconic, and just one of the many historical landmarks in the city itself.
You can’t miss The Belgrade Theatre as a lover of the arts. Local performances, comedy, West End shows & exhibitions; P.S., make the most of your student ID and look for the discounts you can get!
The Herbert Art Gallery and museum that celebrate Coventry’s rich history & culture are right next to The Hub. There are always different exhibitions running, in the past they have included LEGO builds, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, The Story of Children’s Television and the Turner Prize.
A Surprisingly Sporty City
Coventry and sport aren’t synonymous in a lot of people’s eyes, but the city definitely has some fantastic options to choose from.
CBS Arena
Home to Coventry City FC and has been used as a host stadium for international games, as well as the likes of the Rugby League World Cup and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Not to mention being used for gigs for superstars such as Harry Styles & Arctic Monkeys. It’s likely that Coventry City will be promoted to the Premier League this season, so expect a very lively atmosphere if you go to a match.
SkyDome Arena
For all you Ice Hockey aficionados, the home of Coventry Blaze is just down the road from you. Perfect for any student that wants to go ice skating too, check out Planet Ice if you fancy hitting the rink.
Butts Park Arena
Home to Coventry Rugby Football Club, one of the most exciting, up-and-coming teams in England, not far from the town where Rugby itself was invented.
Make the Most of Student Life, Especially on a Budget
Being a student often means sticking to a budget, but Coventry makes it easy. You can visit free attractions like museums and galleries; attend university-hosted activities and socials, walk the city and discover hidden spots with friends and make the most of a very active student city in general.
One of the best things about being a student in Coventry is how easy it is to explore. The city is compact, student-friendly, and full of opportunities to try new things. Where you live plays a big part in that experience, being close to the action makes it easier to get involved, meet people and truly feel at home in your new city. If you’ve still not sorted your accommodation for next year, Mezzino has an unbeatable variety of properties for Coventry & Warwick University students – all centrally located, and with all bills included!
