Choosing your university can be a difficult decision. You’ll have lots of factors to take into account when choosing where to study, including things like the courses available, the location, the facilities, the cost of living and the local surroundings.
When considering your study options as an International Foundation student, it may be useful to understand how a campus-based university differs from a city-based one, and what the various advantages are.
Convenience
Unlike a city university – which is spread out over different urban areas – a campus university is situated all in one place, with all its own facilities.
That means everything you need is on your doorstep. At Kent, for instance, we have a cinema and theatre, two general stores, a medical centre, a multi-million-pound library, a multi-use sports hall, and numerous cafes, restaurants and catering outlets on site.
You’ll also have easy access to all of your classes as they’ll all be held in the same area.
Community
Living on campus enables you to be in the heart of things, and it also ensures that you’re part of a community. A campus offers more opportunity for social interaction and connection with other students than a city university, which means more opportunities to make friends.
Plus, at Kent, we provide a wealth of student community support through our College and Community Life Team, Kent Union, and our Residential Life Assistants.
Safety
Campus universities are safe environments. We have security staff on duty 24 hours a day for all your safety requirements. They are responsible for the security of students, plus they offer a Walking Taxi service to ensure you feel safe walking to your accommodation.
Low travel costs
If you live on campus, you won’t have to worry about high commuting costs. Since everything in campus is in one place, you’ll only have to leave campus when you choose to explore further afield.
Green spaces
City universities are often situated in busy, urban areas, while campus universities have a lot of green spaces where you can unwind, relax and get close to nature. Here at Kent, we’ve got 300 acres of parkland and woodland to explore and enjoy, including the Kent Community Oasis Garden, the Hay Meadow and Labyrinth, the Bluebell Woods and the Darwin Rose Garden.
Study spaces
Living on campus gives you access to the University’s wide range of study spaces. From the calm and comfortable brand-new Darwin Study Hub with its stylish sofas and stools, to the silent and non-silent study spaces in the Templeman Library, there are plenty of study spaces across the campus. This means that wherever you are, there is always somewhere close by for you to sit and focus, or simply relax and read.
Extra support
At a campus university, you’ll have a range of support systems at your fingertips. Whether you’re looking for Careers and Employability advice, wellbeing support, faith support, or health services, you’ll find a range of services on campus designed to support student welfare, community and belonging.
Transition to independence
Having so many support systems and amenities close to hand means that you’re fully supported in your transition from school to university study in the UK. You’ll have the chance to get used to your new environment and move towards independence gradually, with the help and assistance you might need during a time of change.
Easy links to town and further afield
Here at Kent, Canterbury city is just a short walk away. Or you can jump on a bus. We work with local bus providers to give you discounted ticket prices. Plus, if you’re looking to explore further afield, London is just 50 minutes away on the high speed train service that runs every hour. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxed setting, there are several beautiful coastal towns and beaches nearby that are accessible by bus or train.
It’s cheaper
Campus universities can often be cheaper than living in a city, where living costs can be very high. On a university campus, you’ll have cheaper accommodation options.
Here at Kent, everything from utility bills to premium sports membership is included in the cost of your room. And the campus restaurants, bars and cafes often offer cheaper prices than those in the city.
So, there you have it! Campus universities like University of Kent win out over city universities in at least 10 ways!
When deciding which university to attend, consider what sort of student experience you would like to have.
If you’re looking for a supportive, welcoming community with plenty of green space and great transport links, it’s likely that a campus university is a good fit for you!
If University of Kent’s campus sounds like the perfect backdrop to your International Foundation year, why not apply now for September 2023?