Pier Quays (Liberty Quays)

Home to 1,106 students, Pier Quays (previously Liberty Quays) is ideally situated for anyone studying at the universities based at Medway Campus, which is just a 10-minute walk away. 

If you’re starting a course at the University of Kent or Canterbury Christ Church University, you’ll have a choice of rooms at Pier Quays, which can be booked through your university. There is also a range of options available to other students in the area. Our en-suite rooms come with their own bathroom, while a fully-fitted kitchen and living space is shared between flatmates. Like your own privacy? Our studios not only come with a private bathroom, but you’ll also have your own kitchen facilities.

Pier Quays also has a spacious common room that you can use to relax and socialise. Here, you’ll find a pool table, ping pong, a TV area and plenty of space for studying. An outdoor courtyard gives you somewhere to enjoy warm summer days, while an en-site shop is on hand when you need any emergency supplies. Otherwise, there’s an Asda Superstore just five minutes away on foot, which is ideal for shopping on a student budget.

Head one mile down the road to Dockside Shopping Outlet and you’ll find discounts on some of your favourite high street brands. Or why not have some food at Nando’s or Pizza Hut and watch a film at the ODEON cinema? If you’re looking for a night out, Rochester High Street is the place to be, with a range of pubs and bars scattered throughout the area.

Pier Quays is located in the heart of Medway, a few minutes’ walk from the town’s higher educational establishments and a short distance to all the fun stuff; a range of entertainment venues and local amenities.

On-site at Pier Quays you’ll find Cargo; an industrial themed bar and restaurant with a modern relaxed feel. Cargo has four different areas inside; a bistro, soft lounge, a bar with standing area, and a performance space with adjacent booths. The restaurant offers modern bistro styled lunch and dinner options, and you’ll be pleased to know that these are at student rates!

Medway Valley Leisure Park is a 15 minute taxi ride away from your student accommodation and has a range of national chain restaurants to suit all tastes. You have everything from Coast to Coast to Frankie and Benny’s and Chiquito’s to name just a few. If you venture into the town centre, a short 20 minute walk away, you’ll find a variety of traditional and well-known restaurants – perfect for those days where you aren’t in the mood to cook.

Coopers Bar at the Students Union is 5 minutes’ walk from Pier Quays and offers students cheap food and drink with a great atmosphere. The Union put on various events throughout the year to keep you entertained.

Finally, Rochester High Street is a short taxi ride from Pier Quays and has a range of bars popular among students; Tap n Tin is a favourite. Some of Medway’s best nightclubs include MooMoo's Clubrooms; a retro-disco space, and Casino Rooms; Kent’s biggest party venue.

Pier Quays is located on Blake Avenue, a short bus ride away from the town centre and 10 minutes from the Universities at Medway Campus. You can expect to find plenty of things to see and do, to keep you entertained throughout your time here.

The town of Medway is known for its historical filled background and celebrates with many annual festivals. You’ve got the English Festival in April, the Sweeps Festival in May, the Dickens Festival in June, Castle Concerts and Dickensian Christmas in December. The festivals are popular amongst locals and bring hundreds of people from all over to the town.

Medway has a mixture of shopping areas, including indoor shopping centres and high streets. Rochester is only 15 minutes away by car and offers a unique shopping experience, with a wide range of speciality independent shops to choose from.

If you like ice skating; The Ice Bowl in Gillingham is under a 10 minute taxi ride away and is home to the ice hockey club the Invicta Dynamos who won the ENIHL Grand Slam in 2005 – 2006.

The Historic Chatham Dockyard is under 10 minutes’ drive away, and has a range of museums and art galleries to wander through, including the museum of the Royal Dockyard.

If you like the outdoors, Gillingham Park is a short distance from the residence and has been voted one of Britain’s best kept parks. The park is perfect if you like to relax between lectures and soak up the sun in summer months.

Lastly, Medway Valley Leisure Complex is home to a bowling alley and a cinema showcasing all the latest movies and can be reached in 15 minutes via taxi.

If you like to keep fit, Medway Park is a fitness centre located 20 minutes’ walk from the residence. The centre has something to suit everyone, including swimming pools, a gym, dance studio, track and field practice, a judo centre, a dedicated trampoline area and much more.

For fans of professional sport, Gillingham is home to Kent's professional football team, Gillingham FC. They play their matches at Priestfield Stadium – 20 minutes’ walk from Pier Quays.

Medway is located in the North of the county of Kent, which is super close to the city of London. Pier Quays is located a 5 minute walk to campus and a 20 minute walk from the town centre.

Medway is served by Gillingham train station; 20 minutes’ walk from Pier Quays. London is within easy travelling distance from the town, taking just over an hour. In just over 3 hours you can reach Birmingham and Manchester, so you’re really well connected if you want to visit family and friends up and down the country.

The bus system in the town provides an affordable and reliable service with discounts available for students. Some important bus services for the area include;

For those who live outside of the UK, the nearest airport to Liberty Park is London City Airport, 40 minutes away in a taxi. The airport provides a range of widespread routes across the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond.

Pier Quays is located right next to plenty of amenities, meaning popping to the shops can be done with ease.

Located on-site at Pier Quays you will find a Tesco Express, a Domino’s pizza takeaway and also a Subway to keep you going through the day.

The town centre is 20 minutes’ walk away and has all the well-known high street banks, a Post Office, and a Bureau de Change. Plus, in addition to this there is also a wider range of small chain supermarkets. There is also an ASDA Superstore located just a short 5 minute walk away from the residence.

For a cheaper alternative when it comes to your essentials, there is an Aldi on Duncan Road. It has a varied selection and it’s easy to get to at a 5 minute drive or a 20 minute walk away. 

For some quiet studying time, you might want to visit Gillingham Library, which is a 20 minute walk away. Alternatively there is also a library on campus, with all the resources you may need during your studies.

You’ll have access to free, confidential advice regarding finances, careers and general welfare when studying at University in Medway. Pier Quays is located a short walk from campus, so you’ll never be too far from the help you may need. 

Students are encouraged to sign up with Sunlight Surgery on Richmond Road when they arrive; 5 minutes’ walk from Pier Quays. Additionally there are three pharmacies located on The High Street in Gillingham; Co-op, Superdrug and Boots – 20 minutes’ walk from your student accommodation.

In case of an emergency, Medway Maritime Hospital is an eight minute drive from the property if you need any urgent medical assistance. Obviously, we hope you won’t need to go there, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you do.

At Pier Quays, you will never be far from the help you may need. The Residence Team are on-site 24 hours a day to guide or assist you throughout your time with us. Now all that’s left to do is work hard, and have fun!