Ten things every Coventry Student MUST do

By Student Cribs | June 9, 2023 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Did you know that Coventry was the 3^rd happiest university in the UK in 2017, according to Sodexo? With the city’s history (the Cathedral, the Lady Godiva legend…), hundreds of shops, restaurants, pubs and culture, you’ll need all of your three years at Uni to explore every gem this city is hiding.
We’ve selected what we think are the top 10 best things to do in Coventry but there is so much to do that we couldn’t talk about everything. Let us know which one is your favourite!

1.       Dance the night away at The empire 

Need some time off? Try the nightclub ‘The Empire’ to soothe your mind, forget exams worries and enjoy local bands and artists. They provide dressing rooms, stage, production offices, and one of the best sound and lighting system in the UK!

2.       Take a walk in the Medieval Spon Street 

Occupied during the 12^th century by weavers and dyers, Medieval Spon Street was mostly torn down in the 18^th century and during the World War bombing. If you visit this living museum you can explore the medieval houses and Tudor properties!

3.       Enjoy a tasty lunch at The Rising Café 

Hungry? Grab a bite at this café! Burgers, sandwiches, or ‘peaceful puddings’? Which one is the most tempting? You can even get something to take away if you’d like.

4.       Survive at ‘Escape Reality’… if you can 

The Japanese famous ‘escape room’ trend has reached Coventry too! With 60 minutes to escape one of these 6 rooms by solving puzzles with your friends, you’re bound to forget about the stress of uni! Will you catch the famous Jack the Ripper? Or find out if the rumours about the ghosts in the abandoned Asylum are true?

5.       Visit the Cathedral 

Even thought it was devastated by the Blitz, you can still visit the cathedral ruins. It has the reputation of being a peaceful oasis, so take some time to relax and meditate.

6.       Have a beer and a burger at The Greyhound Inn 

“Everything you could wish for in a pub” is the first comment on Trip Advisor. It’s in front of a traditional canal, dating from 1800’s, it has been voted 4 times as the best pub in Coventry and they offer a huge range of meals like pies, fish and amazing burgers. What else could you want?

7.       Going shopping at the West Orchards ShoppingCentre 

With more than 40 different shops from Marks and Spencer to The Body shop, with fast food and book stores, this is definitely the place to spend a rainy day! It’s open 7 days a week, they have offers, events and probably all the clothes that you’ve spent months looking at online!

8.       Go back in time at the St Mary’s Guildhall 

This stunning site is known to be the prison of Mary, Queen of the Scots during the 16^th century, a place where Shakespeare came to perform and it’s also famous for having survived the devastation of the Blitz!

9.       Enjoy some time out at the Swanswell park and pool 

Open from dawn to dusk, strolling through the park will give you some much needed time to relax and take in some fresh (non-uni) air. During the concerts in summer, you can even enjoy some music with a picnic.

Have you ever heard of the St Georges and the dragon legend? It’s about a saint slaying a dragon to rescue the princess. Well, various stories link St Georges as a Coventry citizen! The monster might have been a deadly swamp (with toxic algae, bacteria and malaria-carrying mosquitoes)… but this place is magic and you should have a look!

Our Top 10 is over but don’t worry! There are so many things to do in Coventry that you’ll never be bored. So, make the most of uni, visit everywhere on the list, and don’t forget to share with us all your favourite place!

Looking for a place to live next year? 
Check out our amazing student houses and make an enquiry before you’re too late!