According to Coventry University, the city is home to more than 50,000 students every year. With two well-established universities (Coventry and Warwick universities) and a lively social scene, Coventry is popular amongst students and a relatively cheaper place to live compared to other cities and areas in the West Midlands region. Before moving to the city as a student, it is important to find suitable accommodations to enhance the student experience, such as its proximity to the best things to do and Coventry nightlife.
This guide will focus on the best things to do as a student in Coventry, and how finding accommodation near popular attractions can benefit Coventry student life.
Click on one of the links below to jump to that section:
Coventry landmarks
Coventry is known for its cultural association with both history and legend. The city is supposedly the birthplace of St. George, who went on to battle the dragon in the famous legend, and its streets where the historical figure Lady Godiva once rode on horseback. Amongst Coventry, there are a handful of notable landmarks that may be of interest to students, including:
Coventry Cathedral
In the heart of the West Midlands city, Coventry Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction, and is famous for its unusual spire (known as a fleche). Its ruins and new cathedral are free to enter, and is located next to Coventry University.
Coombe Abbey Park
With a variety of things to do across the 500 acres of woodlands, Coombe Abbey Park is a popular destination for students to relax outside of university or for studying. The park has a zip line and Go Ape activities, alongside an old deer park, pub, Coombe Pool fishery and various walking trails.
Spon Street
Coventry is amongst historical cities that maintain older types of architecture. Spon Street, in particular, is populated with medieval timber-framed houses and gives passersby an insight into how the streets once looked. Along Medieval Spon Street, 31 listed buildings stand as a living museum for architecture, as well as the oldest pub in Coventry.
Choosing student accommodation close to popular attractions can help enhance Coventry student life. Before moving to Coventry, it is important to book suitable student accommodation as soon as possible.
Mansion Student provides Coventry student accommodation a short distance from Coventry University. Singer Hall has a series of newly refurbished premium ensuites, premium non-ensuites and 1-bedroom apartments, all with modern facilities and shared spaces to socialise with other tenants.
To arrange a viewing at Singer Hall, contact the Mansion Student team today.
Food and drink
FarGo Village
Apart from Coventry’s creative quarter, the FarGo Village is a mixture of mobile catering units, small boutique-style units in repurposed shipping containers, and larger stores. Consisting of independent shops, the FarGo Village is perfect for socialising outside of the university and is home to various events such as cheese festivals and vintage markets.
Inside the FarGo Village is the popular Cofa’s Social by Digbeth Dining Club. This venue consists of alternating street food vendors and is open Fridays and Saturdays till late.
Dhillon’s Brewery
Open to various events, Dhillon’s is an award-winning brewery with a popular sports bar. Dhillon’s Brewery produces popular local craft ales with traditional and modern brewing methods. It also attracts many customers due to the Spire Bar, which is located in a former church spire.
Alongside popular food and drink places, Coventry has an array of lively nightlife, with various student deals and late events. Many students choose student accommodation close to the social scene during their university stay, especially first and second-year students.
Find out more about Coventry nightlife and student accommodation here.
Culture in Coventry
In 2021, Coventry became the United Kingdom’s City of Culture, due to the city’s major influence on the manufacturing industry. Amongst the city, there are other cultural things to do that may be of interest to students, including:
St Mary’s Guildhall
St Mary’s Guildhall has had many roles over the years, including as a prison to detain Mary Queen of Scots and as a host to literary figure George Elliot. A survivor of the English Civil War and Blitz, St Mary’s Guildhall is now a hidden gem in the city centre, perfect for days out and other events.
Coventry Transport Museum
Also part of Coventry’s culture, there is its Transport Museum, which is the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world. The Coventry Transport Museum is free to enter.
Much like the city itself, our Coventry student accommodation provides a sense of community throughout. Singer Hall features communal spaces, including a common room, games room, and outdoor areas to socialise with tenants and friends, or to study during term time.
Arrange a viewing at Singer Hall today.
Art, music, and film
Belgrade Theatre
The Belgrade Theatre is one of the largest regional-producing theatres in the United Kingdom, which shows a variety of different art forms. Throughout the year, the Belgrade Theatre hosts touring West End shows, popular pantomimes, live music performances, plays and even cult classic sing-along screenings.
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
Perfect for art lovers, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum resides opposite the two cathedrals and is free to enter. Popular exhibitions include a whole gallery dedicated to Lady Godiva and vast archaeology and natural history collections.
Coventry Music Museum
The Coventry Music Museum is an award-winning museum showcasing the city’s music history and cultural impact. The independent museum has only recently opened in the 21st century. It contains a collection of vintage memorabilia and the local history of some of the city’s notable artists, including Delia Derbyshire, The Enemy, The Selecter, and The Specials. Make sure to bring your student card, as there is a discounted admission fee.
Mansion Student provides Coventry student accommodation that is just a short distance from the city centre, and some of the best things to do in Coventry. Singer Hall provides comfortable accommodation, with newly refurbished ensuites, a range of 1-bedroom apartments and non-ensuites set in clusters of 5 and 6 rooms. The Coventry student accommodation features a well-equipped kitchen and social areas, with modern facilities and bills included.
Contact Mansion Student today to speak to one of our hospitality team.
Frequently asked questions
What are some hidden gems in Coventry that are worth visiting?
Although Coventry has many popular destinations, you might be more interested in discovering attractions that are not as well known. This includes the aforementioned Spon Street, and a sculpture trail on the Warwick University campus that features sculptures dotted around the landscape.
To find out more about student life in Coventry, read our expert guides here.
