Students: Welcome to Canterbury

We have prepared some information about council services that may affect you:

Council Tax
Housing Benefit
Parking
Student Housing Accreditation Scheme
Voting
Rubbish and recycling
Our work with Universities, Colleges and Student Unions
Enjoying Canterbury district - sport, leisure and entertainment.
Quality of life - fitting in to your new community and getting help when you need it.

Find out things to do, places to eat and lots lots more in our complete guide for students PDF 5.39mb

Council Tax

Most students don't have to pay, but some do, find out more about Council Tax.

We do not normally pay benefit for single full-time students unless you receive Income Support; you are a lone-parent; or you are under 19 years old and not in higher education. Find out more about benefit entitlements.

Parking

For students living in Canterbury, Herne Bay or Whitstable, residents' and visitors' parking permits may be available.

Season cards are also available for Canterbury's three Park and Ride sites. The card offers a 20 per cent discount off the standard £2 per day charge. E-mail parking.services@canterbury.gov.uk or see the Parking website.

Student Housing Accreditation Scheme

The council and the universities have jointly developed an accreditation scheme for landlords of student properties. Landlords who join the scheme agree to abide by a code of conduct to ensure the fair and efficient management of their properties, to confirm that they are of a high standard and that they meet all health and safety requirements.

It is a voluntary scheme, but many landlords have already signed up. The universities only advertise accredited properties. To find out if your property is accredited and for lots of other useful information on student accommodation visit www.canterburystudenthousing.org.uk

Voting

If you live on campus, your university will submit your name to the electoral register. But if you live off campus at home or in rented accommodation make sure your name is added to the annual registration form sent to all households in September/October. It is important to be registered not just for voting, but for credit reference purposes too. Find out more about registering to vote.

Students can be registered twice - at home and at university, but it is an offence to vote twice at the same election. You can check the latest register at our offices after 1 December 2007, or you can call 01227 862 007, or e-mail electoral.services@canterbury.gov.uk

Rubbish and recycling

We collect landfill waste on a fortnightly basis and recycling and garden refuse on the alternate week. Free clear sacks for recycling are delivered to your door, and extra bags are available free from council offices. Don't put food waste in clear sacks though, as they won't get collected.

Wheelie bins are required for most properties - one bin for up to five residents per household. In addition, you can buy council-approved purple sacks for extra waste.

Your bins and recycling sacks must be out by 7am on the day of your collection, then taken in as soon as possible after collection. If you leave rubbish on the pavement it will be regarded as flytipping and you could receive a fixed penalty charge.

We can also collect large household items, so don't dump them - call 0800 031 9091.

We are proud to have the highest recycling rate in Kent. Help us to keep it that way. To find out your collection date and what to recycle call 01227 862 211 or visit www.canterbury.gov.uk/recycling

Working with universities, colleges and student unions

We are working to build strong links with student unions at all the further and higher education providers in the district. Our aim is to encourage students to be a real part of the district, getting involved in community projects and the local democratic process. Our partners in this are: