Experience in Rochester, United Kingdom by Cassandra

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

A nice quiet town with small stores down the High Street. Lovely for a walk on a sunny day if anyone's up for some exploring. It is much safer than the other side of its neighbouring town Chatham.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rochester?

I did not really had much time to go out but it is an ideal place to focus on studies. Quiet, convenient to shops and London. There are also a few cafes and restaurants that are nice to hang out as well as sit down and have a nice meal. Bluewater Shopping Centre is also nearby, only 15 minutes away by car.

How much does it cost to live in Rochester?

Not as expensive as London as it is further out (location wise). Food prices are generally between 5-10 pounds for a meal depending on what you have, pastries at small cafes are about 1-4 pounds.

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

No, there are quite a lot of student accommodation houses in the area, particularly in chatham which is just about 10-15 mins walk away. Just try to look for accommodation early, particularly during peak seasons (i.e: start of a new school year) as generally, the ones close to town and universities would be snatched up quick.

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

All sorts of food available - Subway, Indian, Pizza Express, Chinese, Dominos, Italian and other smaller restaurants down the High Street.

What places would you recommend visiting in Rochester?

Rochester castle, the castle grounds, quite a few antique and cute charity/vintage shops down the High Street. Great little cafes to sit down and relax. Often there are events hosted at the castle grounds such as the Dickens festival or Christmas fair. Tony Lorenzo's is a very good cafe down the High Street, lovely atmosphere, amazing desserts and hot food, definitely recommended.

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

There are a couple of good restaurants down the High Street for reasonable prices. I did not have much time to eat out as I generally ordered take aways which are also decent and reasonably priced. As mentioned before, Tony Lorenzo is a great little cafe for a lunch or high tea with excellent desserts.

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

Quite a few pubs down Rochester high street, not too sure about nightlife as I didn't have the time to go out much.

What advice would you give future students heading to Rochester?

It is a great, lovely little town for students who want somewhere quiet to focus on their studies. It is convenient with a number of restaurants, cafes and supermarkets as well as a shopping centre, Tesco and Sainsbury's if you walk down to chatham. For people who love hunting in charity/vintage shops, there are quite a few down the High Street and often you can pick up quite a bargain.