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CONTENTS

1. Why study in Coventry?

2. About Coventry

3. Coventry University

4. University of Warwick

5. Living in Coventry

6. Entry requirements 

7. Transport links 

8. Getting around Coventry 

9. Things to do in Coventry

Why study in Coventry?

Coventry is a diverse and forward-looking place that might just surprise you. Heavily bombed in WW2, the city has a mix of architectural styles. Medieval buildings nestle near modernist constructions from the post-war rebuilding effort. The famous Coventry Cathedral combines the two, side-by-side.

Coventry was the UK City of Culture in 2021. As well as museums and galleries, the city was home to the 2-Tone music scene that erupted in the 1980s, with bands like The Specials and The Selecter. They blended reggae and ska, reflecting the cultural diversity that is still found in the city today. Compared to London and Birmingham, Coventry is also an affordable city to live in.

Coventry University

Coventry is the larger of the two universities in the city, with over 25,000 students. Coventry University can be linked to the founding of the Coventry School of Design in 1843. It has a strong focus on employability and a modern approach to teaching. Learning facilities at the university simulate real-world situations. All this enables Coventry students to build work-ready skills.

Location

The university has two main campuses. One is in the centre of Coventry; this is home to the majority of university operations. Another campus in Central London focuses on business and management courses. The university also has 'CU' sites – CU Coventry, CU Scarborough and CU London. The CU sites offer a flexible and modular approach to higher education, whereas the main campuses are larger and offer a normal university student experience.

Facilities

At Coventry campus, you will find the Lanchester Library, which opens 24/7 for individual and group study. Its learning resources range from e-books and e-journals to print and multimedia. As well as hundreds of computers, there is also a cafe if you need to recharge yourself. If you prefer to stretch your legs and get some fresh air, there are plenty of food outlets across the campus, too.

The uni's Spirituality and Faith Centre is at the heart of the campus. An inclusive and welcoming space, it has a multifaith meeting room and library, chapel, and prayer rooms.

See  for an interactive map and more information.

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is a campus university on the outskirts of Coventry. A government initiative to expand higher education led to its founding in 1965, and it has achieved a lot since then. Alumni include Stephen Merchant (of TV's The Office and Extras), captains of industry, and a Nobel Prize-winning economist. Warwick also features at the top of university league tables, with many top-ten subjects. 

Location

Warwick’s main site is a 720-acre campus on the outskirts of Coventry. If you live in the accommodation on campus, you'll have an easy walk to lectures and the library. Getting to and from the city centre is easy, with frequent buses that run late into the night.

Facilities

The university has many learning spaces that are open 24/7. In these study spaces, you can access computers, printers and scanners, and multimedia resources. A coffee bar and a cafe are on hand to keep you refreshed while you’re studying.

On campus you will also find a sports hub with a climbing wall, swimming pool, sports hall, and fitness suites. If you’re more arty, Warwick Arts Centre houses theatres, a music studio, art gallery, cinema, and concert hall.

See the profile page for an interactive map and more information.

Living in Coventry

University accommodation is available to first-year students who meet the criteria. You may need to book early to guarantee your place. Halls of residence will have various room options, depending on your budget.

From the second year onwards, you’ll move into private accommodation. During the second half of your first year, begin thinking about who you want to live with. Also begin your search for accommodation then, to ensure you have more choice. The city centre is a popular option. Earlsdon is a good alternative if you’re at Warwick Uni as it's close to the campus. Likewise, Bishopsgate Green is near Coventry campus. Stoke is cheaper still and has a big student community, although it's further away.  

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary from uni to uni and course to course. The best way to check what you need to get into your preferred course at each university is to use our . There you can see what each course’s entry requirements are.

Transport links

Average train journey times from Coventry

Getting around Coventry

Coventry is a great place to be a student, with a rich history and a diverse range of things to do, see, and experience. An inclusive atmosphere and a unique charm mean you can make this city your own.   

Food & Drink 

Along with the usual cafe and restaurant chains, there are many independent eateries. They offer food and drink from around the world, as you'd expect in a multicultural city. Caribbean, Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern – you name it, and you’ll probably find it. FarGo Village, a revamped industrial space in the city centre, is a good place to go for street food, craft beer, and vegan shopping.

Nightlife 

The University of Warwick has on-campus club nights, karaoke, and bars. You'll also find plenty of live music venues, clubs, and bars in Coventry and nearby Leamington Spa. 

City centre music venues include the Empire, Kasbah and The Tin Music and Arts Centre. FarGo has live music and events too. The Godiva Festival, an annual three-day music event, takes place in the city's War Memorial Park.

Arts & Culture

Destroyed in the WW2 Blitz, the shell of Coventry’s medieval cathedral stands beside its famous modern replacement. The rebuilt Coventry Cathedral represents hope, resurrection and reconciliation. If you want to learn about the city’s social history or see an exhibition, the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is a great place to go. Or head to Coventry Transport Museum, which builds on the city's history as a centre of motor manufacturing. Housing the largest collection of British vehicles in the world, it includes the fastest cars in existence.

On the University of Warwick campus is the Warwick Arts Centre. Here you will find top UK and international theatre, music, and comedy, along with films.

Sport and Outdoors 

If you love sports, Coventry has plenty of options. You can play football and rugby or watch as a spectator. You can ice skate at Skydome, ride the waves at Wave Waterpark, or Go Ape if you like a high rope adventure.

Travel out of the city and you’ll soon be in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside. If you like history, Warwick Castle and the ruined Kenilworth Castle are both worth a visit. Or, if you fancy a walk in the sunshine, Coombe Abbey Park is a popular place for a picnic.