In a new league table ranking the safety and security of university towns, Canterbury comes in 9th place, ahead of larger cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol and Leeds as well as smaller cities and towns like Brighton, Lincoln, Norwich, Plymouth and Reading.
Canterbury is home to three universities, including University of Kent. The Complete University Guide list, published on 28 March 2023, is aimed at helping students decide where to study.
The rankings are based on three-year rolling average crime rates in UK towns and cities per population of 1000 from gov.uk, specifically in relation to burglary, robbery of personal property and violence.
Canterbury has previously been described by Muddy Stiletto’s Top 250 Places to Live as a ‘pretty market town’ and a ‘foodie destination’ with ‘stunning scenery all around’. They list the abundance of green spaces, nearby coastal towns and unique local businesses as top reasons why it’s the number one place to live in Kent.
The Complete University Guide list is not the only recent acknowledgment of the city’s focus on safety. Local bars and clubs have received an award to acknowledge the work they do in keeping people safe.
Nineteen venues across the city achieved a Best Bar None accreditation on 15 March 2023, an award supported by the Home Office and introduced by Kent Police and the local council. The award is based on elements such as security measures, staff training and care, customer safety and welfare, and customer service and community.
The city also recognized the work of its street marshals who patrol popular streets at night, including some routes to and from campus during term time. These Street Pastors also received a Best Bar None Award for their Outstanding Contribution to Night time Economy.
University of Kent students also benefit from additional campus-based safety initiatives and measures, including 24/7 campus security and CCTV, the Night Unibus, a night-time walking taxi service, multiple refuge points across the city, and free personal safety alarms.
Feeling a sense of safety and security is vital to your enjoyment of your university experience. And knowing the safety of the city is an important factor in deciding to join us at University of Kent, especially for international students.
We’re proud of the work that our city and our campus community do to make Canterbury a safe space for our students.