10 Ways to Make the Most out of Nottingham as a Student

By Student Cribs | July 13, 2023 | Reading Time: 7 minutes

The city of Nottingham has a bustling student life that offers something for everyone. But living somewhere big and new can leave you unsure where to look for your entertainment, socialising spots and relaxing walks – here’s a top 10 list of things to check out in the city, especially while on a budget!

1 – Take advantage of Rough Trade’s free events and gigs

Rough Trade is a record store and bar situated on Broad Street in the city centre. Not only are there some great two-for-£5 book deals and a choice of classic and new vinyl releases available to browse, the second floor is host to a multitude of free events and gigs that will be great to take your new uni friends to. Quizzes, a casual ‘drink-and-draw’, and even some free gigs played by local indie favourites, it has something for everyone.

2 – Catch a film at Broadway Cinema

Broadway is an independent cinema found opposite Rough Trade on Broad Street – you can’t miss it with its striking graffiti and contemporary glass walls. It shows new releases as well as some international and classic films. It’s definitely a quirky alternative to the Cineworld with it’s plush seats and rising curtains, plus it will only cost you £6.70 with a student card!

3 –  Make the most of the thriving nightlife that Nottingham is famous for

The city truly comes alive at night. Two-for-one cocktails at The Orange Tree will fulfill that chill chatty night you wanted, hidden alleyway gem 400 Rabbits tequila bar will get the night rolling, and a student night at Rock City will get you dancing the stress away. If fancy dress is your thing, the famous Ocean nights every Wednesday are a must.

4 – Find some peace and quiet at Wollaton Park

Wollaton Park offers everything you could want in a relaxing day trip – free entry, friendly deer, 200 hectares of greenery to walk around and Wollaton Hall, a 16th century mansion now home to Nottingham Natural History Museum. It’s found just out of the city centre, opposite the University of Nottingham, but is super easy to get to by bus.

5 – Try a burger at Annie’s Burger Shack

Found in Lace Market, Annie’s Burger Shack is an American style restaurant and tavern famous for serving incredible burgers the size of your head. It has 32 unique burgers to choose from, all of which can be made totally vegetarian, vegan or meaty, making it the the perfect dinner destination for everyone!

6 – Spend an evening at Just The Tonic comedy club

Follow up your burger with an evening at Just The Tonic for just £5 with an NUS card. This comedy club can be found on Goldsmith Street in the heart of the city, making it perfect to get to. Showcasing Nottingham’s best comedians in a cosy bar you’ll be guaranteed a night packed with laughs.

7 – Test your skills at ALT Gaming lounge

If you’re an avid gamer or just looking for an alternative place to relax, a great way to meet new people and socialise is to take your video game skills out of the flat and into ALT. Here you can enjoy games, drinks and food surrounded by like-minded people. And you don’t have to pay to play!

8 – Take a stroll round the Nottingham Contemporary

If art is more your cup of tea, the Nottingham Contemporary is situated off Lace Market, minutes from the rail station. You’ll have free entry to exhibitions that feature international art, as well as entry to the artist-designed cafe bar with an open terrace in the warm months. If you’re a student of Nottingham School of Art, it can be a great source of inspiration too.

9 – Shop your way through Nottingham’s wide selection of vintage and antique shops

Nottingham is the perfect city for a vintage shopping haul. Hopkinson is well known for its four floors of vintage pieces, art and antiques and the Vintage Warehouse can’t be missed for it’s well priced retro fashion. Broad Street’s Wild Clothing has been open since the 1980s and rivals Cow and Braderie for their vintage styles. With them all only a minute walk from each other, you’ll have your personal look sorted in no time.

10 – Explore Nottingham’s underground cave system

While Nottingham Castle is worth a visit on its own, it also offers a tour of the city’s old man-made labyrinth of caves, allowing you to delve into hundreds of years of Nottingham history. For only £5 you can explore hidden passages and learn the tales of the ghosts who may still inhabit them.

Just from this short list we can see that Nottingham offers a wide variety of new experiences and fun ways to take a break from studying while at university. There’s so many reasons over 20,000 students have chosen Nottingham as their home and this post just scratches the surface.

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