Student Accommodation Medway

With occupancy rates above 97%, demand for student accommodation in Medway is growing rapidly. That is why most of the students opt for University Living. We help students find a perfect place for themselves with simple booking process, clear pricing, and 24/7 support. This is especially true for those studying at the University of Greenwich (Medway Campus), the University of Kent (Medway Campus), and Canterbury Christ Church University (Medway Campus).

Some popular student apartments in Medway include Pier Quays and Rochester Student Village, with average rents starting at £130 per week. These properties come with modern facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, cinema rooms, and study spaces, along with 24/7 safety and security. With all-inclusive rent covering Wi-Fi and utilities, students can manage their budgets easily and focus on their studies while enjoying a comfortable, secure life.

Medway's cityscape is a blend of maritime history and modern student life. So, while house hunting in the city, you will come across several student housing in Medway that were once part of old naval sites or are highly inspired by the historic dockyards. One can easily see that contrast from the red-brick Georgian buildings and the wooden structures of Chatham Dockyard to modern student apartments in Medway with glass walls, steel designs, and eco-friendly materials. Student accommodation in UK is mainly divided into two types:

Student Housing (PBSAs): These are modern buildings made for students, offering all-inclusive rent that covers Wi-Fi, electricity, water, gas and heating in one monthly payment. They also include facilities like 24/7 security, CCTV, bike storage, and social spaces. It is further divided into four types:

• Ensuite Rooms: Here you will be getting a private bedroom with an attached bathroom. All while you will be sharing the kitchen and living space with other students. Prices here usually range between £155 and £185 per week.

• Studios: Fully private spaces with a bed, bathroom, and kitchen. They are ideal for those students who want independence and crave privacy. Prices range from £195 to £235 per week.

• Non-Ensuite Rooms: This is one of the affordable options, offering a private bedroom. The remaining areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living area, are shared with other flatmates. The prices are around £131-£150 per week.

• Shared Apartments: These are good for friends who want to live together. Here you will be sharing everything from kitchen, living area to bathroom and bedroom. Their rents range from £140 to £170 per week.

Private Apartments: These are regular homes with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Often found in Rochester’s Victorian buildings or riverside areas, these do not include utilities. But with the level of independence and peace they offer, it all becomes worth it. They are usually popular among students, working professionals, and couples who want to live together.

Especially linked to the Chatham Historic Dockyard, Medway has served the Royal Navy for over 400 years. As an important education hub, its “Universities at Medway” initiative brought together some of the top universities like the University of Greenwich, University of Kent, and Canterbury Christ Church University. Their speciality lies in courses such as Maritime Studies, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Creative Arts. This is why student rooms in Medway is in high demand.

The area is shaped by the River Medway, which runs through the city, offering beautiful waterfront views and transport links. While there are no mountains, Medway has the North Downs, known for its great views of the Thames Estuary. Additionally, its local economy has moved beyond its industrial past and now includes healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism, as well as a growing tech sector.

Thus, creating good part-time job opportunities for students living here. Some popular places to visit here include Rochester Cathedral, Rochester Castle, and Dickens World. For living areas, Rochester offers a historic and charming environment, while Gillingham and Chatham provide modern student apartments in Medway close to universities. The city is also considered safe, with regular patrols and a strong safety system in student areas.

Over the last 10 years, the number of young professionals in Medway has increased by 20%, making it a lively city to be. With its unique atmosphere, the area has a £170 million creative sector, which gives it a mix of old and modern vibes. As a key location, the city is very easy to explore on foot, with over 30 miles of riverside walking paths connecting campuses, cafes, and social spots. With more than 14,000 businesses, Medway offers a big-city feel while still keeping a friendly community environment for those living in student housing Medway. Following are some of the best areas to live in Medway:

• Rochester: It is a historic area with over 600 years of history, located just 1.2 miles from the main campus. Having a creative and artistic vibe, you will often find students visiting cafes like The Atrium and Deaf Cat Coffee and enjoy events like the famous Dickensian festivals. The area is also known for its second-tallest Norman castle keep in England, giving it a beautiful and historic setting.

• Chatham: As one of the most central and busy areas, it is just 0.5 miles from the university, with a 97% walkability score. It has a modern, energetic feel with a mix of shopping and historic waterfront views. Places like Dockside Outlet offer many food options such as Wagamama and traditional Pie & Mash shops, so students living here have everything nearby. One of the key attractions here is the Historic Dockyard, which supports a tourism economy worth over £350 million.

• Gillingham: Offering a quieter and more relaxed living environment, it is about 1.5 miles away from campus. Having a strong community feel, it is popular among students who prefer more space. The area is known for the 100-acre Riverside Country Park, which is great for outdoor activities. It also has many international restaurants like Ela Kendro, making it suitable for a diverse student population. Being home to Gillingham FC, it offers quick transport links to London in under 45 minutes.

The monthly cost of living in Medway for students usually ranges between £1,500 to £2,100 including rent. One of the biggest things about being here is that PBSA options here are about 35% cheaper. Depending on the type of student accommodation and your lifestyle preferences, these numbers are subjected to change. Here’s a simple monthly cost breakdown for students living in student apartments in Medway:

Managing your rent and expenses in one monthly budget makes it easier for you to handle your finances. To get a more accurate estimate based on your lifestyle, you can use a Cost of Living Calculator to see how your choice of student accommodation in Medway affects your overall budget.

For those who are looking for the best living experience, Medway has got some of the top student accommodations that easily balance comfort and closeness to universities. These places are designed to support student life by providing everything in one place. Living here also means that you will be getting several benefits such as 24/7 onsite security and regular social activities, which can improve student well-being by 30% compared to private rentals where students may feel isolated. These accommodations also include modern facilities such as cinema rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, and fitness centres. Following are some of the top student accommodations in Medway:

• Pier Quays

• Rochester Student Village

Medway has a well-organised transportation system with a 92% satisfaction rate. Supporting more than 5 million passengers' journeys every year, the city has also improved its infrastructure by increasing cycling routes to 15%, making it easier for the 10,000 students living here to travel. Many Medway student accommodation options benefit from these upgrades, including a £4.5 million investment in the Medway City Estate transport corridor to reduce traffic. With trains reaching London in just 35 minutes and bus discounts reducing daily travel costs by 40%, those living in student housing in Medway enjoy affordable and convenient transport. Following are some of the various modes students use to commute in Medway:

• Walking & Cycling: This is the most commonly used option because universities and student apartments in Medway are close to each other. It is completely free and very convenient. Many properties also provide secure bike storage, making it a safe and cost-effective option.

• Buses (Arriva): Arriva runs regular bus services across Chatham, Rochester, and Gillingham. A standard day ticket costs around £5.50, while students can buy a weekly pass for £16-£18 or a term pass for more savings. The Arriva Student Pass offers about a 40% discount, bringing the average daily cost to around £2.10.

• Trains (Southeastern): Trains are useful for travelling within the region and to cities like London. Off-peak return tickets usually cost between £15 and £22. A 16-5 Railcard gives a 1/3 discount on fares, and GroupSave offers 34% off when 3-9 people travel together.

• Taxis & Rideshares: These are mainly used for late-night travel. The starting fare is around £3.00, and a 2-mile trip costs between £7 and £10. Some services also provide a 10% student discount when you show a valid student ID, helping you manage student residence in Medway lifestyle within budget.

Known for providing a unique “film-set” feel, Medway is often used as a location for movies and shows. Often mixing modern entertainment with a rich history, the city has a lively local scene, which makes it enjoyable for other students to be here. Travel is very convenient, with walkable areas and fast trains to London, so those living in student halls in Medway can easily explore nearby places. Below are the top student attractions in Medway:

• The Historic Dockyard Chatham: This is one of the main attractions in Medway. Spread across 80 acres of land, it provides in depth knowledge of maritime history, old warships, and the Victorian Ropery. It is also used as a filming location for shows like Call the Midwife, making it popular among students. The entry fee here is around £25.50 for adults, but students can often get a discounted annual pass at a similar price.

• Rochester Castle: This 12th-century castle is one of the most famous landmarks near many student apartments in Medway. It also has one of the tallest Norman towers in England, and students often enjoy picnics and festivals in its gardens. The entry fee is around £7.00 for students with a valid ID.

• Rochester Cathedral: As the second oldest cathedral in England, it is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Located in the historic centre it is easy to reach for students living nearby. Entry is free, although donations are welcome.

• The Royal Engineers Museum: As an important national museum in Kent, it showcases military history, including tanks and Wellington’s map from Waterloo. It also offers a unique learning experience about the region’s past. The entry fee is around £10.00 for students, which also includes an annual pass.

• Upnor Castle: This is a scenic Elizabethan fort located along the River Medway, perfect for relaxing walks and sunset views. It provides a quiet escape from busy life in UK. The entry fee is around £6.40 for students.

Supported by a £400 million investment, the academic environment in Medway stands out because there are several universities here that share one education hub. Students here often benefit from a student-to-staff ratio of better than 15:1, which means a more personal learning experience. Those living in student apartments in Medway also get access to major facilities like the Drill Hall Library, known as the longest library in the UK, along with advanced labs, healthcare training spaces, and creative studios. With an 85% graduate employability rate in the region, Medway gives students a strong mix of academic learning and practical career preparation. Some of the top universities in Medway are:

• University of Greenwich (Medway Campus): The University of Greenwich was first established in 1890 as Woolwich Polytechnic, which makes it 136 years old. Today, its Medway campus is based in Pembroke building, giving students a mix of historic surroundings and modern education. The university holds a TEF Gold rating, showing strong teaching quality. Students who are studying here greatly benefit from major investments such as the £40 million Medway Sciences Building and specialist simulation suites for Pharmacy and Nursing. It is ranked among the top 7% of universities globally and is especially known for subjects like Maritime Studies, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Nursing. These courses are designed with industry links in mind, helping students gain practical experience as well as academic knowledge. Famous alumni include Charles K. Kao, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, and singer Natasha Bedingfield.

• University of Kent – Medway Campus: The University of Kent was founded in 1965, so it is now 61 years old. It is often known as a research-focused university. Ranked within the top 400 of the QS World University Rankings, its Medway campus provides a close-knit learning environment. The university is particularly known for courses in Social Policy, Journalism, Music, and Business. Notable alumni include Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, the Nobel Prize-winning author, and actor Tom Wilkinson.

• Canterbury Christ Church University (Medway Campus): Began in 1962 as a teacher training college, this university is 64 years old today. Its Medway campus is especially known for professional and vocational education, with a strong focus on preparing students for real careers. It ranks in the Top 100 in the UK for Graduate Prospects. The university is best known for subjects like Education, Healthcare, Social Work, and Media, and students benefit from direct practical placements with the NHS and local schools. Well-known alumni include broadcaster Jon Holmes and director Joel Hopkins. For those choosing student housing Medway, this university is a good fit for those who want strong professional training and direct industry links.