Life at UCA

Studying in Canterbury means more than just access to excellent creative facilities. You'll be studying in one of the UK’s most historic and picturesque cities.

Step off of the UCA campus and you’re in the heart of Canterbury, a beautiful city packed with personality. While known for its stunning architecture and UNESCO-listed cathedral, it’s also a vibrant student city.

There's countless independent cafes, vintage shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants for you to explore either during your free time or whilst searching for creative inspiration. The city also hosts regular events throughout the year that students may want to get involved with, such as Canterbury Arts Festival and Pride Canterbury.

If you love culture, you’ll find plenty to dive into. Theatre lovers will enjoy the packed calendar of events at Marlowe Theatre, Malthouse Theatre and the many other venues around the city. If you're looking for green space head towards the River Stour, which runs right through the city, with riverside walks, nearby parks and spots for a quiet study break.

Getting around is easy, too with most essentials such as supermarkets, gyms and shops just a short walk from campus. There’s also a strong bus network and two train stations that can take you directly into London, making weekend trips or visits home convenient.

Studying at UCA Epsom means immersing yourself in a campus dedicated to fashion and business in a town that offers the perfect balance of calm surroundings and easy access to one of the world’s fashion and business capitals.

Step out of our studios and you'll find the town of Epsom to be a relaxed and welcoming place to live. The town centre is just a few minutes walk away and has everything you need for student life including supermarkets, cafés, gyms, restaurants and high-street shops. The town also offers green spaces like Epsom Downs for when you need a break from the screen or sewing machine — ideal for walks, running, or simply taking time out to recharge.

Our location in Epsom is a major advantage for fashion and business students. Regular train services take you into central London in under 40 minutes, putting you within easy reach of major fashion houses, agencies, exhibitions and business hubs. Whether you're heading to an internship, exploring the V&A, or attending a fashion week event, the capital is right on your doorstep.

Farnham is a historic market town that loves to celebrate creativity. The area's heritage and natural beauty can inspire any creator. From the Farnham Maltings — a cultural centre hosting theatre, film screenings and exhibitions — to its status as England’s first World Craft Town, this community is deeply connected to the arts.

Just around the corner from the UCA campus you’ll find numerous independent shops, galleries, cafés and craft markets. The town is compact and student-friendly, with everything you need within easy reach, such as supermarkets and gyms. Green spaces like Farnham Park, Gostrey Meadow, Farnham Castle and UCA's Sculpture Garden are perfect places to relax between lectures or a quiet spot to sketch, film or rehearse.

You’ll also benefit from excellent transport links. Farnham has direct trains to London in just over an hour, making it easy to attend exhibitions, performances or connect with industry contacts in the capital. Buses and rail links also connect you to nearby towns such as Guildford and Winchester, expanding your cultural and creative reach.

Studying in Maidstone gives you the opportunity to learn in a specialist creative environment, while enjoying the flexibility of living either in Canterbury’s on-campus halls or in private accommodation in Maidstone itself.

Many students choose to stay in our on-campus halls in Canterbury and take advantage of the our shuttle service to and from the Maidstone TV Studios campus. It’s a convenient option that lets you enjoy the vibrant student life and facilities of Canterbury, while studying at one of the UK’s leading commercial production studios.

Maidstone is a lively riverside town with plenty of amenities and entertainment. You’ll find shops, restaurants, gyms, cafés and cinemas, as well as peaceful green spaces like Mote Park when you need a break from the screen or stage.

Being based at the Maidstone TV Studios also means you’re studying in a working broadcast environment, giving you insight into the industry and access to cutting-edge production spaces.

Maidstone is well connected, with direct trains to London in under an hour, plus easy links to Canterbury and other surrounding towns.