The UKC Bucket List – Part One

Having graduated from the University of Kent in July, I have spent the last 2 weeks (Freshers) in a state of depression. No longer does my life consist of drinking snakebite, going out on weeknights, ordering dominoes as a ‘midnight snack’, waking up at noon and struggling to make it to 4 hours of seminars a week. It consists of a 9-5 job, early nights and the occasional glass of wine when I feel I’ve really ‘earned it’.

Facebook status’ about ‘heading back to Uni’ and ‘Fresherrrssss’, snapchats from friends who have another year left at Uni, photos of Wednesday nights at Venue (Vensday) and the sinking feeling I get when I remember I can no longer get student discount at Topshop or New Look, feel like salt being rubbed into my very deep post Uni wound.

When it came to my last term of University, I could suddenly hear a time bomb ticking in my ear – I hadn’t done half of the things I had planned to do whilst living in Canterbury.

Everyone has a bucket list of things you ‘must do’ whilst at Uni – Frosty Jack’s challenge, join a society, kiss a stranger, prank your housemates (scattering a whole yellow pages across their bedroom floor, abducting their beloved toy, duck taping their bedroom door, filling their bed with flying saucers and labeling every item in their room with sticky notes… to name a few), steal a road sign, dress up in outrageous fancy dress costumes, buy a pet, the list goes on and on (check out this link for more bucket list ideas).

Anyways… these are all things, which students want to do because, lets face it, Uni is the only place where you can do it without being labeled an alcoholic, lose a friend or get arrested.

However, in my last 6 weeks of Uni, my biggest concern was that I hadn’t experienced everything Canterbury had to offer. Therefore, I wrote a bucket list of everything I needed to have seen and done before I had to reluctantly leave. And for all of you lucky UKC freshers out there, here it is! Some of these may be obvious and others not so much (number 2) – I have split this post into two parts as it is rather long… I hope it comes in handy!!

1. Walk around the Cathedral

I know this is a given however, you’d be surprised by the number of people I met in my third year who had never been into the Cathedral! Its architecture is breathtaking, its grounds are calming and peaceful and its crypt is endearing/a little creepy.

My male housemate and I (guys, it doesn’t make you any less ‘cool’ if you go into the Cathedral voluntarily) used to wander into town (usually to put off writing our essays) and  meander around the Cathedral, learning about its incredible history and envisioning the idyllic wedding we could have if we got a first in our degree (okay, that was just me, and I didn’t get a first, but just imagine it…).

Entry is free for students who are studying in Canterbury, so you have no excuse!

Try and get tickets to the Christmas Carols in December as well, they’re free and in high demand but it’s just magical.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. Laser Rush in Whitstable

Don’t get too excited.. but YES there is a Laser Tag just a 20 minutes drive from Canterbury!!! When I was told this valuable piece of information, my inner child jumped for joy. I LOVE LASER TAG.

At just £4 for one game, £7 for two games and £9.50 for three games, it won’t stretch your vodka fund and is something a bit different to do before a night out or for a birthday etc.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Do a pub crawl

This one is pretty self explanatory – go to as many pubs in Canterbury as you can before you graduate! Some of my favourite pubs are: The Cherry Tree, The Parrot, The Kings Head, The Dolphin, The Three Tuns, The Old Buttermarket and Spoons (obvs).

Apparently there are around 30/40 pubs in the city. How many can you tick off your list?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. Go to Siesta (a shop opposite La Trappiste)

This shop sells everything I love.

Incense sticks (Ganesh is my scent of choice), Buddhas, Aladdin pants, precious stone rings, meditation CD’s, worry dolls, singing bowls… I could go on forever. My point is, if you’re weird like me and adore everything cultural and spiritual then you have to go to this shop! I used to go here every time I was in town and will, without a doubt, be visiting this weekend as I am back Canterbury. Eeekk I’m so excited!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. See Coco and the Butterfields live

Coco and the Butterfields are an up and coming local ‘fip fok’ band (a mix between folk, hip hop, pop and rap) who can be spotted busking on Canterbury’s high street, playing gigs in local pubs and bars and this year, playing at Glastonbury festival (congrats guys!!) Consisting of a violin, banjo, beat boxer, guitar, chello and singer, they are a one of a kind band.

I’ve been lucky enough to see them live three times now. They are energetic, out-there, engaging and so so SO fun! Make sure you see them while you can… as I have no doubt they will be huge in no time!

They have performed during Worldfest on the University of Kent campus for the past few years and have also played at The Ballroom in town. Check out their website here to find out more.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SO, get exploring and stay tuned for part two!

See you tomorrow Canterbury 😀 😀 😀