Living in Pier Quays, Medway

Living in Pier Quays

Make the most of your time with us at our Medway campus and beyond.

Medway living

University is a time for new experiences and self-discovery. It's important to work hard, but also to take time to relax. At Pier Quays, we offer plenty of on-site facilities to make your life easier. 

So, make sure to enjoy yourself, join societies, attend events, have meals with friends, explore new interests, and gain skills for your future.  

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I'm definitely glad I chose to live at Pier Quays. Everyone’s in close proximity so if you want to meet your friends they’re only a two-minute walk away.

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What's included?

Pier Quays has a dedicated reception open 24 hours a day, which can help you with a number of day to day queries as well as keep any deliveries secure for you to collect at your convenience during opening hours. From 07:00 - 22:00 reception is staffed by the Student Experience team and from 22:00 onwards by the Night Safety team.

Additional on-site facilities include:

If you live in Pier Quays and booked your accommodation directly through the University of Kent or are a first-year student studying at the Medway campus, you will also receive a free sports membership (worth up to £479). This means you'll have access to the gym, exercise classes, a pool (only at Medway Park) and more.

As a Medway student you'll also have the choice of a Premium Plus membership at Kent Sport (located on the Canterbury campus) or a Premier Medway Park Sports Membership (local to Pier Quays). 

Find out more about your included membership.

We want your time with us to be as safe and comfortable as possible which is why Pier Quays has electronic entry systems, 24/7 CCTV as well as it's own security team you can contact at any time. You can also download the SafeZone App.

To help keep our accommodation in top condition, we schedule a couple of maintenance checks every year where we visit your accommodation to note down any repairs we need to carry out for you.

However, should you discover any faults, maintenance issues or damage in your room at Pier Quays you should report them to reception or via the MyUnite App so that they can be fixed.   

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Pier Quays accommodation tour

Take a look around our Pier Quays accommodation as Yemurai shows us show us around her flat.

Key links and information

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Your part of Medway College!

All our University accommodation belongs to one of seven colleges with Pier Quays part of the Medway College.

Colleges are looked after by the Colleges and Community Life Team who can offer you advice, help and support on a variety of topics on University life and run a regular programme of activities you can join.

The University also has an award-winning Student Support and Wellbeing Team that offers a range of services including emergency support, community events, counselling, support groups, accessibility and learning support and much more. 

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Best of both

The University offers a free shuttle bus service which runs seven days a week, making regular stops at Pier Quays, Medway campus, Chatham Dockyard site, and the Canterbury campus. This convenient service provides easy access to both campuses, allowing you to make the most of what the University of Kent has to offer with a free 50-minute ride. To use the service, simply book your seat online and present your KentOne card when boarding.  

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Kent Union

Kent Union is part of the Hub partnership of student unions located in Medway, along with Christ Church and Greenwich Universities. They organize a variety of activities throughout the year, with around 40 different societies and sports clubs that you can join, so there's always something happening. They also provide support and advice throughout your time at university and manage the popular bar and social space, the Deep End

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Local area

There's lots to do off-campus as well, with the nearby Dockside Shopping OutletOdeon cinema (with student discounts available) and more all within walking distance, or take the popular walking/cycle path along the River Medway which will lead you to the Historic Dockyard. If you'd rather be on four wheels than two feet, it's easy to get around Medway by bus including some great student discounts you can take advantage of!

We're also close to the towns of Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham which are full of surprising literary, and historic connections including a source of inspiration for Charles Dickens. So hop on a bus and follow in famous footsteps as you stroll around the ever-popular independent shops on Rochester high street and beyond.   

You're also under an hour away from London by train for even more adventures.

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Our Medway campus

Come to the Medway campus to meet new people, focus on your studies, and have the complete student experience. You'll gain independence, make lifelong friends, and be close to campus and local happenings. 

The Medway Campus includes two sites: Pembroke and The Historic Dockyard Chatham, which are a 10-minute walk apart. 

The redeveloped historic dockyard, known for building Nelson's famous ship HMS Victory and as a filming location for Hollywood movies, has a lot to offer. For more information on catering, nightlife, library, and support, visit our Medway campus page.