SAR Court Woodland Way Canterbury reviews

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I stayed at SAR Court last year and I’m staying here again this year. The rooms and kitchen are very modern and up to-date, making it a really comfortable place to live. The location is perfect too just a few minutes’ walk from campus. A huge shoutout to Penny and Debbie at reception! They are always there whenever I need to talk, super friendly, and I honestly consider them my friends. They really make living here even better. Highly recommend SAR Court!

Omar · 17 September 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I stayed at SAR Court (Cedar Lodge, Flat 10 Upper, Room 10F) during my exchange semester from January to April 2025, and I was really happy with the experience! 🏡 Booking & Flexibility Booking with SAR was smooth and very flexible. They were able to offer a short-term contract tailored to my exact stay, perfect for exchange students like me! Before I committed, I had a video call with Penny, who kindly showed me the different flats and room types available. This made it much easier to get a feel for the place from abroad and choose the room that best fit my needs. 👩‍💼 Staff & Service The SAR staff, and especially Penny, were incredibly helpful and friendly throughout my stay. Whether it was answering questions or handling small issues, they were always approachable and quick to respond. During the week, staff are available onsite in the small reception building, where you can also conveniently buy small flat essentials like toilet paper or cleaning supplies, super helpful if you need something in a pinch! 🛋 Flat & Facilities I shared a 3-person flat, which included a spacious shared kitchen and living area equipped with: • Kettle, toaster, oven, stove, microwave • Fridge & freezer • Washing machine & tumble dryer • Iron and ironing board • Smart TV, couch, table & chairs My private room (Room 10F) was compact but perfect for my 13-week stay. It included: • A small but comfy bed • Desk with storage • Large wardrobe + dresser • Ensuite bathroom with shower • A second Smart TV in the room Access to the property, mailbox, and your room is super modern and convenient: you can use either a smart card that you get or your smartphone/smartwatch via the Pockit Pass app, no physical keys needed! Additionally, all utility bills (except the TV License for your own room that needs to be purchased separately) are included, which made budgeting easy. Overall, the flat felt modern (built in 2021), clean, and comfortable, especially when compared to some of the university’s on-campus housing options. 📍 Location SAR Court is very well located: • Just a 5-minute walk to Keynes College bus stop, where you can take a quick bus ride to the city center • About 30 minutes on foot to Canterbury Westgate (the city center) • Practically on campus, with short walking distances to all University of Kent buildings 🚗 Parking The only minor downside is that SAR Court doesn’t offer resident parking, whereas students living in university accommodation on campus can rent a parking spot. 🏘 SAR Court vs. On-Campus Housing Having spoken with friends who lived in university accommodations like Parkwood, I can confidently say SAR Court offered much better comfort and convenience. Some key differences: • Private ensuite bathrooms at SAR vs. mostly shared (and often outdated) bathrooms at the majority of the Colleges (Parkwood, Darwin College) on campus • Some dorms like Keynes College don't have a proper kitchen (just a kitchenette) and only offer meal plans, others like Darwin College share the Kitchen with up to 10 People • In-unit laundry (free to use) vs. paid laundry facilities located outside in campus housing • When applying for on-campus housing by Kent, you submit preferences, but the final offer may differ • Higher overall comfort and newer facilities at SAR While university housing includes a free Kent Sport membership (access to gym and sports facilities), SAR residents can buy a reasonably-priced membership separately. The only other small downside is that SAR residents can’t participate in ResLife-organized social activities, which are exclusive to university housing. Still, the comfort and privacy make SAR Court a solid choice, even without those extras. ✅ Final Thoughts If you’re coming to the University of Kent for a semester or longer, and looking for flexible, modern, and student-friendly accommodation, I can fully recommend SAR Court. It made my exchange semester comfortable, stress-free, and enjoyable. I’d absolutely choose it again!

Moritz · 29 July 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had the pleasure of staying at this student accommodation for a while as a substitute, and my experience was made so much better thanks to Penny. From the very beginning, she was really helpful and always there to make me comfortable and settle into my room. She is full of life and always willing to help us whenever we run into trouble . I truly appreciated her support and care.

Prasad · 17 September 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I had a truly wonderful experience staying at SAR Court Student Accommodation in Canterbury. The building is modern, clean, and well-maintained, with all the facilities a student could need for both study and comfortable living. The management team and staff are incredibly friendly, professional, and always ready to help, which makes the place feel welcoming and safe. The location is excellent too, close to the university, city center, and transport links, making it very convenient. The atmosphere is vibrant yet peaceful, creating a great balance between social life and personal space. It really felt like a home away from home, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay during my time in Canterbury. I highly recommend SAR Court to any student looking for high-quality accommodation with great service and a supportive environment.

Arwa · 17 September 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

My son stayed here and it was perfect. The location is next to the campus the uni gym is 5 mins walk door to door. There is pay as you go car park at the gym so visitors can park . The kitchens are cleaned regularly by cleaners , and the ladies in the reception are very helpful and supportive to both students and parents. I would recommend SAR court to everyone and I want to say a big thank you for everything Michelle Boyes

Michelle · 27 March 2024

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I stayed at SAR for two years during my Bachelors and I loved the convenience of the location. It was very modern and nice looking which made it a pleasant place to call home. Find the spacious kitchens to be generally very nice as a student and glad I got to stay here.

Jasmin · 17 September 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I have been a tenant during my master's studies and it has been an absolute pleasure. The entire staff have been lovely and always took care of everything. Huge thanks to Debbie, Penny, Doug and the cleaning lady for making my living experience at SAR Court an unforgettable one.

Martin · 27 March 2024

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

It is a nice place aesthetically but I don’t think it is worth it. Firstly it is overpriced, there is no need to pay the bogus amounts they charge here as the rooms are not even that big. You’re only paying for the location. The rules here are absurd, If you want to opt for a boarding house with so many rules by all means, stay here. You have no freedom and you’re constantly being watched and monitored. It’s horrible. If you’re coming to university and you have friends and enjoy having a good time, this is not the place for you! It’s nice as it’s close to campus though, however I wouldn’t recommend it personally.

Omotola · 28 March 2023

★★★★★ 3/5

Google

SAR Court is a good place to stay, depending on the room you pick and who you live with etc. - just like any student accommodation. However, issues such as the constant needless and expensive fines and the invasion of privacy (they constantly watch you on the CCTV), and the (often rude) security company they have chosen to use dampen the SAR experience. Aesthetically, this place is top notch - however, with the cost of living crisis, the fines, the eagle eyes, and for that price, you’re better off staying at a house or in uni accommodation.

Johnny · 28 March 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

I enjoyed staying at this accommodation. My room, bathroom and kitchen area were all really nice and to a great standard. The SAR team were super friendly and helpful, and very quick to fix any issues that may arise. They were also genuinely caring and helped with personal problems when possible. The location is also really good and close to the university making it really convenient. Would definitely recommend, especially with the right flat mates.

Abigail · 28 March 2023

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Can honestly say the worst accomodation in the inside but biggest facade at looking good on the outside, if your looking for a good uni experience DO NOT LIVE HERE! I am saving you money infact overpriced for the rubbish and privacy invasion galore on top of this deliver your own things at risk of it being stolen.

Renxo · 10 June 2022

★★★★★ 1/5

Google

Can honestly say the worst accomodation in the inside but biggest facade at looking good on the outside, if your looking for a good uni experience DO NOT LIVE HERE! I am saving you money infact overpriced for the rubbish and privacy invasion galore on top of this deliver your own things at risk of it being stolen.

Jay · 17 April 2022

★★★★★ 4/5

Google

Great place , regularly serviced and updated. Not too secure however…deliver your items at own risk. Great atmosphere depending on your flatmates but overall grand accommodation.

Lewis · 17 April 2022

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Amazing experience and great staff

Tandy · 28 March 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Very good

Aaquib · 17 October 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Dias · 3 September 2025

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Arjung · 30 June 2024

★★★★★ 2/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Demilade · 28 March 2023

★★★★★ 3/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Hugo · 28 March 2023

★★★★★ 5/5

Google

Rating only, no written review.

Ayodele · 28 March 2023