Norwich is known as ‘a fine city’, thanks to 19th century writer, George Borrow, who is credited with the delightful moniker.
It's big enough that there are lots of interesting things to see and do but small enough to get around easily. So, whether you're considering going to Norwich University of the Arts or the University of East Anglia, rest assured you can live the best student life here. Explore everything in store for your new adventure with this city guide.
Where To Stay in Norwich
Find where you belong at our Norwich student accommodation. Providing everything you need to feel at home as you undertake your new adventure, our Benedict's Gate student housing has amazing facilities.
Think social spaces for making new friends, including a lounge and games area, dedicated study zones for working hard, on-site gym and hot and cold vending machines, when you need a boost.
Room types include private studios and ensuites, so you can choose whichever suits your preferences. What's more, these student apartments are in the city centre, so you'll have easy access to all the bars, shops and cultural attractions Norwich has to offer.
Cafes and Coffee Shops in Norwich
Whether you're after a place to study away from your desk or a cute spot for coffee date, you'll find a Norwich café to suit. Near Benedict's Gate, you'll find some eclectic coffee shops like Cloud, Buffalo Coffee Brewers, Sahara Patisserie and The Bicycle Shop, perfect for grabbing a fresh brew and pastry on the way to lectures. To experience the café culture like a local, check out Strangers Coffee – a Norwich born-and-bred coffee roaster with four locations across the city.
Restaurants in Norwich
With cuisines from around the world, students can go on a culinary adventure in Norwich. From Asian street food at Blue Joana to Portuguese tapas at Jorge's to British classics from the historic Grosvenor's Fish Bar, the city's restaurant scene caters to every taste. If you can't decide where to go for dinner, head to Yalm. This casual indoor food hall brings together a variety of kitchens and bars under one roof, ensuring there's something for everyone. There are plenty of budget-friendly places to eat too, thanks to special offers and student discounts. Middleton's Steakhouse has a fixed-price menu available Monday-Saturday where you can get a two- or three-course meal for under £20. Meanwhile, Urban Munch is a favourite for hearty hot sandwiches that are great value for money.
Nightlife in Norwich
After a day of working hard, let your hair down with a night out in Norwich. You can party until the early hours at Norwich's clubs, such as Mojo's, Karma Kafe and Mantra and Bar & Beyond which have multiple rooms where you can drink and dance all night.
After hours, Gonzos Tearoom turns into a club, complete with a rooftop bar and known the city over for resident and guest DJ sets. Fluke, another popular club with Norwich students, for its DJ sets and drinks deals, ensuring you can have a fun all-nighter without breaking the bank.
When a quieter night out is on the cards, head to one of the many bars in the city. Located nearby is the Reindeer Pub, playing host bands, comedy nights and drag nights, or if you’re feeling competitive, the Bowling house offers free games of 10 pin bowling when you buy a meal – double win!
The Drawing Rooms is much-loved for its lively atmosphere and daily cocktail happy hour. Elsewhere, The Loft is another local favourite. It's the only certified LGBTQ+ bar in Norwich, providing a safe and enjoyable night out for all.
Shopping in Norwich
You can enjoy some retail therapy whenever you like in Norwich. Our student accommodation is next to Cathedral Retail Park, where you can stock up on essentials like food and household items. For fashion, beauty, technology and more, go shopping in the city centre. There are two shopping centres here Castle Quarter and Chantry Place. These retail destinations house high-street stores and places to eat, many of which offer student discount. For small business and independent traders, check out Norwich Market. This outdoor covered market has nearly 200 stalls selling everything from local produce and fresh flowers to clothing and gifts.
Fitness and Wellbeing
It's easy to look after your wellbeing in Norwich, with our very own Benedict’s Gate offering a private on-site gym for residents.
Elsewhere in the city are plenty of fitness centres and gyms, including Sportspark, located on the UEA campus, it offers over 60 exercise classes a week, a fully equipped gym with more than 125 pieces of equipment and even PTs available to hire.
Students at UEA can benefit from discounted memberships at Sportspark which includes access to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, an indoor climbing wall and a gymnastics centre.
A stone's throw from Norwich University of the Arts, The Gym Group offers low-cost student memberships and 24-hour access to its facilities, allowing you to work out around your studies.
PureGym also offers budget-friendly memberships and has two locations in Norwich. Across the city, you can also find the public swimming pool smaller fitness studios offering specialist classes, from Pilates to personal training
Nature and Outdoor Spaces
When it's time to take a break from studying, Norwich's green spaces provide the perfect place to switch off and connect with nature. The 44 acres around Norwich Cathedral provide a peaceful sanctuary in the city. And it's free to enter, so you can enjoy the fresh air in a picturesque setting. The Plantation Garden is another scenic spot in the city. It's an English Heritage site with over 100 years of history and the £2 entry fee is invested in the garden's upkeep. When you want to get away from the bustling city, simply head to the countryside or coast. The Norfolk Coast National Landscape, Mid-Yare National Nature Reserve and Thetford Forest are all easily accessible from Norwich, offering beautiful landscapes to explore.
Norwich’s Cultural Attractions
There's plenty for passionate minds to uncover in Norwich, with various cultural attractions showcasing history, art and music. The city features over 1500 listed buildings, including notable landmarks such as Norwich Castle. This museum and gallery showcase fine art, historic artefacts and archaeological collections, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Norwich's rich heritage.
For further creative exploration, go to The Sainsbury Centre at UEA, which has a world art collection spanning 5000 years. If you want to see live music, check out what's on at The Adrian Flux Waterfront and the LCR located on the UEA campus, these leading venues have welcomed some of the biggest bands in the world over the years.
Are movies more your thing? Head to Cinema City, an old-fashioned, three-screen cinema offering a unique place to watch the latest blockbusters and indie films.
Ready to begin your student life in Norwich? Discover our stylish accommodation, ideal for those studying at Norwich University of the Arts and the University of East Anglia. Pick your perfect room and book your new adventure now!
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