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TOP THINGS TO DO IN NOTTINGHAM – A STUDENT’S GUIDE

Home to Robin Hood and the legendary Sherwood Forest, Nottingham is a bustling city in the East Midlands with a thriving student population. If you are looking to move to Nottingham, or Notts as it is more affectionately known, for university this year, you’re in the right place! Discover all of the top things to do in Nottingham for students below…

The best places to eat in Nottingham

From delicious American diner style dishes to naughty-but-nice desserts - Nottingham is host to a fabulous range of mouth-watering eateries. We have included a few of our faves below, but check out our full article here to discover our official top-10. 

Jam Cafe 🥃

This is the sort of place that has something for everyone. During the day it’s a European-style cafe-bar, and when night falls it converts into a live venue for bands, DJs, poets and comedians. In the cafe itself you can choose from delicious brunches with a Bloody Mary, scrumptious vegan dishes, or just a simple craft beer.

Junkyard 🍔

Junkyard is home to tasty American diner dirty food and craft bottle shop vibes. The mac-and-cheese balls are to die for, and don’t forget to try out the fish burger, made with pan-fried fish, with caper and parsley mayo, slipped inside a toasted milk roll. We’re not drooling, you are!

Alchemilla 🥩

Alchemilla is a slightly more upmarket location, but it’s well worth splashing out on. The food is fantastically fancy (the restaurant is Michelin star!) but well worth every penny – and great for celebrations like Birthdays and good grades. We recommend the beef if you’re a real foodie – get ready for that mouth to start watering!

The Pudding Pantry 🍮

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, look no further. The Pudding Pantry is nirvana for those who love sweet treats that are naughty but nice. If you fancy something a bit stronger, they also do boozy shakes and pudding and wine pairings. Go on - you know you deserve it after all that coursework.


The best places to drink in Nottingham

Nottingham is packed with great bars, pubs, and breweries. If you’re looking for somewhere fun to sink a few pints – look no further!

Bierkeller Complex 🍺

Is there anything more authentic than a German beer in a huge stein? The Bierkeller Complex is a full venue of drinking fun, including a beer garden, a lodge, a pool room, and a traditional Bierkeller bench room. With entertainment, music, and dancing on the tables encouraged, we don’t think you’ll need much convincing to visit this iconic venue.

Das Kino 🍕

Great for a laidback drink and a game of ping pong, Das Kino is popular with students thanks to its chill atmosphere and optional pizza. On the weekends, you will find live music, DJ’s and tournaments a-plenty, too!

Coco Tang 🍸

If you are looking for somewhere a little more boujee to enjoy cocktails and chat, Coco Tang is the place for you. With opulent oriental décor, a chic roof terrace, and a Vietnamese kitchen – Coco Tang also offers student nights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We’ll see you there.

Another? Wine Bar 🥂

If you like wine, convenience, and romance – you’ll love Another? Wine Bar. New to the scene but not lacking in atmosphere, this self-serve wine bar is ideal for date nights and intimate get-togethers. Complete with atmospheric candle-lit lighting and a 15% student discount Monday-Thursday, a trip here really is a no-brainer.

The best nightclubs in Nottingham

Unsurprisingly, Nottingham’s nightlife scene is booming. With a great mix of live music, DJs and nightclubs, you’re sure to find a great evening out, every night of the week.

Ocean 🏝

If you love theme nights, fancy dress, and fun cocktails, Ocean is the club for you. With a ton of fresher’s events on the calendar, too, it is well worth a visit to this student friendly location – oh, and did we mention student nights are every Wednesday?

Rock City 🤟🏾

Aptly named the UK’s best live venue and club, Rock City has been running since the 80’s with themed club nights, gigs, and events. Famous bands like The Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, and even Ed Sheeran have graced this stage – and we bet you can’t wait to be next!

PRYZM 🪇

Ah yes, old faithful. If you are looking for a night full of full throttle tunes and endless dancing, PRYZM is the place to be. With cheap drinks, three different rooms of music, and confetti cannons at the ready, we’re up for it if you are.

Top attractions and things to do in Nottingham

Nottingham is packed with places to go and things to explore. If you are looking to take a break from coursework and revising, check out some of our top things to do in Nottingham below… 

Visit the City of Caves 🗻

Did you know that Nottingham is home to the largest network of caves in the UK? Explore winding passageways and subterranean spaces to discover eerily interesting facts about Nottingham’s history – all for under £10!

Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall 🎭

Whether you are a fan of the classics, or prefer a Christmas panto, the Theatre Royal has something for everyone to enjoy. With theatre, comedy, and live music on the cards, you’ll definitely want to check out their ‘what’s on’ guide.

Old Market Square 🎪

Often regarded as the ‘meeting spot’ for Nottingham residents, Old Market Square is a central hub for the city’s transport, social scene, and events calendar. There is always something going on in the square, from Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland in December, to the Rivera Beach event in the summer. Plus, with busting local market stalls brimming with delicious produce, the square is definitely worth checking out.

So, there you have it! That’s our guide to the best things to do in Nottingham, including fun nights out and delicious eateries. But, have you thought about your accommodation? Find your perfect student living space here and get ready for an awesome time in Nottingham.