Experience in Chester, United Kingdom by Elena

What is it like to live in Chester? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

As someone who loves the arts, the Storyhouse theatre and cinema is perfect and easily my favourite place in the city. There’s lots of history and things to do, and the city itself is visually pleasing.

What is the student lifestyle like in Chester?

Decent student life before COVID-19 but not sure how it will be now. Things can be expensive but you learn which shops/restaurants are in your budget and which are a nice treat.

How much does it cost to live in Chester?

Depends where you live, some areas are more affluent than others but you can live cheap if you keep to supermarket own-brands and don’t eat out too much.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Chester? Is there any advice you can give?

I stayed in Student Roost accommodation which had loads of spare rooms; they have 2 lots (Towpath and Tramways), although it is more expensive than uni accommodation. Uni accommodation is a bit grim if you’re not in Grosvenor but is good if you’re on a tight budget.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Chester has a range of restaurants. There are a few nice Italian restaurants, a nice Mexican and a Yorkshire Pudding Wrap joint as well as chains such as McDonalds and 5 Guys. It’s also only 30mins by bus to the Cheshire Oaks where there is a wide variety of chain restaurants.

What places would you recommend visiting in Chester?

Storyhouse theatre
Breakout/Escapism
Roman walls
Ampitheatre
River Dee
Chester Cathedral
The Rows

Is it good to eat out in Chester? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Lots of nice places as I mentioned before, a wide range to suit anyone. The Italian restaurants are probably my favourite.

Is the nightlife good in Chester? Where is good to go?

Chester Uni SU used to be good but took a dip after management changed hands. Rosie’s can be expensive. Cruise is only really good if you like house music because the top floor with classic tunes is hardly open and the drink range is limited if you don’t drink spirits. Off the Wall is my favourite place to go. It’s hard to tell what the impact of COVID will be on clubs.

What advice would you give future students heading to Chester?

It’s a perfect city to step out of your comfort zone. Go shopping on your own. Go the theatre/cinema on your own. Expand your independence because it’s the perfect city size to do that.