The legend of Lady Godiva, The UK’s City of Culture for 2021 are just some of the things that Coventry has going for itself.

But what is there to see and do for students of the University of Coventry when they arrive this autumn? We asked some of those who would know best, our Coventry team for just a few ideas of what you should do and where you should go, once you’ve settled in your new home.

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Get Active.

If a little bit of adrenalin is your thing then you’re in luck from Climbing Walls to Go Ape adventures, Coventry has you covered.  Feel like cooling off? Head to Planet Ice, from cheering Coventry Blaze to those crucial Ice Hockey wins to a leisurely skate with your mates.

All that a little too intense? Then check out Coventry’s newest attraction Golf Indoors, where using in a state-of-the-art simulator you can take on some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world.

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Escape the Uni work and get some fresh air.

A quick 20-minute walk through town and you’ll find yourself at the Canal Basin. The Bishop Street Basin was rescued from dereliction and is now a great place to spend an afternoon exploring. Find some quirky crafts in the old warehouses or relax in the cafes and bars and watch the world go by or take a walk along the canal and take in the art trail.

Brought a bike with you? 25-minute cycle from The Apollo Works (or catch the 585 bus from Sky Blue Way and be there in 20 minutes) and you’ll find yourself in Coombe County Park. 500 acres of beautiful gardens, woodland, lakeside walks, for you to relax, exploring and take an insta pic or three. A little further away on bike and you’ll find yourself in the Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve.

Closer to your Coventry home, (a 10-minute walk) you’ll find the historic ruins of Coventry Cathedral from WW2 and the new cathedral that was completed in 1962. The ruins often provide the backdrop to the Cathedrals outdoor events programme.

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Coventry’s top eats.  

Who wants to cook every day and night!? (Although we have just completed a refurb of our shared kitchens at The Apollo Works!) Nah not us either. Well, you’re in luck. When it comes to dining out. Coventry has something for even the fussiest eater.

From proper British pub grub to the chains that you know and love like Nandos, Pizza Hut, TGI Friday’s, Wagamama and Cosy Club, you’ll find them in Coventry. But what about those cool little independent places for those special nights out that only the locals know about? In no particular order, here’s our top 5:

• Dirty Kitch – Dishing up dirty street & soul food inspired by the dirty south. It’s 100% vegan.
• Gourmet Food Kitchen – a small intimate location which offers a chef table experience for 12 guests.
• Taste Vietnam – Located on Spon Street (about 15min walk from The Apollo Works) you’ll find a wide choice of tasty, authentic Vietnamese food.
• Bayley Lane Kitchen & Cocktails – You’ll find these guys, strangely on Bayley Lane. Home to locally sourced & house-made drinks & dishes with outdoor seating next to Coventry Cathedral Ruins. You have to try it.
• Playwrights Bar & Bistro – Just around the corner from Bayley Lane you’ll find Playwrights. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, delicious food cooked with fresh produce from local suppliers. Complete with an extensive vegan and gluten-free menu.

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Night’s out.

For a night out with a difference make sure to take a look at FarGo Village. A repurposed industrial space that’s now full of creative businesses. Home to independent coffee shops and restaurants, and to artists, crafters and designers who are making jewellery, upcycling furniture and restoring antiques. FarGo also hosts unique events and a creative programme, featuring live music, exhibitions, craft markets, and food festivals. FarGo is less than a 10-minute walk from The Apollo Works.

Spon Street is unique. Back in the 1960s, the local council relocated many of the medieval buildings from the city centre to Spon Street. Now the street is home to restaurants and bars all operating out of the medieval buildings.

For more out-out nights out. Check out Jumping Jacks, The Phoenix, The Empire and of course The Kasbah club that we mentioned in Part 1.

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Events in Coventry.

As the UK City of Culture 2021, you couldn’t have picked a better time to study in Coventry, expect multiple events throughout the year to keep you and your friends entertained.

But two other events to keep a lookout for are Godiva Festival in May 2021.  Based in the city’s historic War Memorial Park, the three-day event offers great live music, entertainment, international food and drink, craft village and of course a funfair.

June 2021 will see the return of Coventry MotoFest. A free event that is going to showcase Coventry’s place in the UK motor industry. From motorsport (including a sprint race around the closed ring road), heritage displays, to global street food, live music and more.

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The all-important Retail Therapy.

As you would expect from a major city centre, Coventry has you more than covered when it comes to splashing out when the student loan hits your bank account. From the independent crafters at FarGo village and the friendly faces at the city market through to the high street’s biggest brands at the Lower Precinct and West Orchards. Plus you can always head out to the city outskirts for Central Six retail park.

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In need of student accommodation in Coventry? Take a look at The Apollo Works.