Moving Off-Campus
After a year of on-campus convenience, many Warwick students face the big decision of where to live next.
Choosing where to move involves balancing factors like the commute to campus, nightlife, and cost of living. The most popular options are Canley, Kenilworth, Coventry and Leamington Spa – each offers different atmospheres and advantages. From the quiet streets of Kenilworth to the lively buzz of Leamington Spa, there is a place to suit every lifestyle. This article explores these areas to help you decide which off-campus home might be the best fit for your next chapter at Warwick.
Canley
Located right next to campus, Canley is definitely the most convenient option for Warwick students. You can walk or cycle to lectures in under ten minutes, and buses are frequent and not overly busy. Canley itself is mainly residential, with a mix of student houses and local families, so it’s much quieter than other areas. It’s great for anyone who values practicality: you won’t spend much on transport, and getting to and from campus throughout the day is easy. However, nightlife and social options are limited, as it’s about a 30-minute drive to Leamington Spa, and the area doesn’t have the same student community feel as Leamington or Coventry. For a calm, convenient lifestyle, Canley is hard to beat.
Kenilworth
A few miles from campus, Kenilworth offers a different pace of life. It is a small but charming town known for its castle, cafes, and peaceful atmosphere. Many postgraduates or final-year students choose Kenilworth for its peacefulness and sense of community. The area feels safe and scenic, perfect for focused study or quiet evenings. The downsides are the higher rents and limited nightlife, but buses to campus and the surrounding areas are reliable. If you have a higher budget and are willing to travel for nightlife, Kenilworth will absolutely suit you for space, calmness, and comfort.
Coventry
As the nearest city, Coventry offers the most urban experience. It’s around 20-30 minutes from campus by bus, and the cost of living is generally lower than in Leamington. You’ll find the epitome of city living, with a variety of housing options, including houses, flats, and private student accommodations. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and things to do, and it attracts a mix of Warwick and Coventry students, giving it a diverse, city-centre buzz. The main drawbacks to consider are the commute and the lack of the close-knit ‘Warwick bubble’ you may have grown used to on campus. Still, for students who prefer city life and want more value for money, Coventry is a valuable option – and it’s becoming more popular each year.
Leamington Spa
Leamington is easily the most popular choice among Warwick students, and it’s not hard to see why. The town is scenic and historic, and packed with cafés, pubs, and independent shops. The student presence gives it a lively, social atmosphere, and it hosts the popular student nightclubs and bars. In North Leamington, rent is usually higher and buses are harder to catch, whereas South Leamington offers lower rent and more bus options. The bus can take 30-40 minutes to get to campus, although driving it is usually around 25 minutes. Despite these drawbacks, many Warwick students would;d agree that the community vibe and nightlife make it worth it. Leamington is perfect if you want a fun, busy student lifestyle beyond campus.
There’s no single ‘best’ place to live off-campus; it really depends on what you want from your time at Warwick. You can find more detailed information about the different areas that students live in on the Off-Campus web pagesLink opens in a new window.
For further money-related support, contact Student Funding Support by email (studentfunding@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window), phone (024 7615 0096), or come to the Wellbeing Reception in Senate House (10 am-3 pm Monday-Friday).
