A typical small group class in action
Health
There are many Chemists/Pharmacies here in Canterbury. If you are on special medication, it is a good idea to bring your own supplies. If you are staying in the UK for 6 months or more, you will be able to register with a doctor.
Travel Insurance
Remember to take out travel insurance for your own financial and personal security. See here for more information.
Getting to and from the College
We can arrange to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation when you first arrive in the UK. You can also make your own way here. We will provide you with information on how to get to the College from where you are staying.
Changing Money
There are many places to change money in Canterbury. The best rates can be found at the Post Office or the Marks and Spencer department store. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere.
Some Examples of Living Expenses
Canterbury has lots of student cafes, restaurants, pubs, and fast food restaurants. Typical prices are:
Lunch – sandwich and drink: £4
Lunch – meal in a pub: £7
Cinema ticket: £8.50
Coffee: £1.00
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH HOME
Telephoning
There are many international phone-cards which you can buy to make cheap international calls. If you have a mobile phone, you can buy a ‘pay as you go’ SIM card quite cheaply. Reception can provide more details.
Alternatively, you can use Skype software on our student computers (or your own laptop) to chat with your family. If you have a smartphone, you can download and install software like Whatsapp or Viber to stay in touch with friends and family.
Email, Facebook and other Internet Technologies
The College provides free access to computers and a fast WiFi connection, so you can keep in touch with family and friends. You may also bring your own laptop or tablet to connect to our WiFi system. We provide headphones with microphones so you can communicate with your loved ones through messaging software such as Skype.
News and TV in the UK
Find out what is happening in the UK and around the world by visiting some of the following internet pages:
The BBC: www.bbc.co.uk/news
The world’s oldest newspaper: www.thetimes.co.uk
Students on a trip to London
Social Programmes
Canterbury offers you so much to see and do during your stay with a huge variety of attractions and indoor and outdoor activities to suit all tastes and interests.
At WISE, we believe it is important to have a social life outside the classroom. Socialising with student from other countries allows you to practise your English in a relaxed way when you are not studying.
Experience and see the many cultural sites of this great Cathedral City – Canterbury’s wonderful history is constantly on display. We want you to enjoy your free time and provide a very varied social and activity programme.
Here are some of social activities we can provide advice on, or help to organise:
- Cathedral visits and city tours
- Museum visits
- Swimming, beach parties and other water sports
- Barbecues and picnics
- Cinema and theatre outings
- Tea parties
- Video and DVD nights
- Badminton, basketball and volleyball
- Board games
- International food parties
- Cycling and horseriding
WISE English students all dressed up for a Christmas masquerade ball
Night Life
Canterbury has a vibrant night life. As well as being a student city, there are many pubs, clubs, discos, theaters, cinemas, restaurants, and much more – all within walking distance from the College. You will not be bored here.
Excursions
Excursions can be arranged to London, Dover, Folkestone, Herne Bay and other local places of interest. Further afield, you can visit Brighton, Oxford, Cambridge, Southampton and Bournemouth. There are lots of castles, beautiful countryside, quaint seaside towns, and so much more. The County of Kent is also home to many zoos and stunning gardens. We can even organise day trips to France.
Sports
There are many gyms, sport facilities and a public swimming pool available in Canterbury. Students may play cricket, badminton, golf, tennis, volleyball or other games. Also, go hiking, or walk the nature trails or even go horse-riding.
Culture
Experience British culture through history, theatre, drama, literature and art. You will also meet British people and get to know local customs, traditions and language.
Enjoying a food party
Create Your Own Activities
We encourage students to suggest activities too – like contributing to our newsletter, short film-making, creative writing groups, and farm visits. Just decide and we will help you to organise your events.
