Canterbury shops

CANTERBURY is home to two well-known universitys; Kent and Christ Church, both which accommodate for hundreds of students. However unlike many university towns, Canterbury is one that does not seem to accomodate for the students through its fashion retail.
 

Zara in Canterbury highstreet

 

Although Canterbury is also home to many local residents as well as students, being such a well known student area, it is surprising that the fashion avaliable does not fit in with the student lifestyle.

Many students struggle to afford the new fashion lines supplied to them in Canterbury, because of the high quality retail shops situated there. The student lifestyle often means a low budget, as many students who go to university have to pay for accommodation too. This means students are using the left over’s of their term loans for weekly food shopping and any other living essentials, therefore are unable to dish out large sum of money for pricey fashion.

Christ Church student, Rebecca Kirby said: "I would find it such much more convenient if there was at least a Primark or a Peacocks, as instead I have to wait till I return home to do any shopping because being on a student budget I just can’t afford the clothes from the shops within Canterbury."

Other students participate in university sports clubs, so often require cheap shops to pick up particular clothing in order to fitting with the themes selected each night out.

"Being part of the cheerleading club, every Wednesday is a social night out for us, so we go out as a team and often have selected fancy dress themes for each night.

"So it would be so much cheaper if we had a low budget retailer in town so we could get any accessories or outfits we need from there.

"At the moment we are having to buy clothes from expensive shops such as H & M and River island, which work out much more expensive and don't even offer any student discounts."

Another student from Kent University, Danielle Gardener, explained how she struggles to shop in Canterbury as not only does she have to pay large amounts of money for her halls of residence, but she also has to pay for transport fees due to recently being on a placement in Faversham for her course.

"I am currently on a placement at a primary school in Faversham, but the university do not cover any Transportation fees, so Iam having to use what is left of my loan.

"This leaves me with only enough money for food and drink, so i am unable to enjoy shopping with my friends in my spare time, and I would be kidding myself to even think of having a chance to afford any of the clothes and accessories in Canterbury shops."

Video of two students living in Canterbury

It is clear that the offered fashion in Canterbury is not satisfactory for many students, as they are unable to afford it with their low budget lifestyles.