Nottingham Student City Guide
Nottingham may be famous for the legend of Robin Hood, but there’s so much more to this vibrant English city. History, creativity, culture – you name it, Nottingham has it. Ready to explore new horizons in the East Midlands? Learn more about living here as a student with this guide to the city.
Where To Stay in Nottingham
Find where you belong in Nottingham at our student accommodation. The Waterways, Radford Mill and Winfield Court offer the perfect home for your new adventure at university. Designed with you in mind, these apartments feature comfy, stylish bedrooms, study areas for when it’s time to work hard and amazing social spaces to help you make friends. Budgeting is easy too, with all bills included in the cost. Each location has convenient public transport links nearby, connecting you with your university campus and the city centre. You'll be ideally placed to explore, experience and immerse yourself in Nottingham student life.
Cafes and Coffee Shops in Nottingham
Catch up with classmates over coffee or set up a study space away from the library at one of Nottingham’s bustling cafes. The city has loads of indie coffee shops to keep you energised during busy days. Located on Carlton Street in Hockley, Hipo Coffee is a favourite for hot drinks, delicious cocktails and baked spuds. The £6.50 meal deal is just the thing to keep you going on busy days. Another neighbourhood hotspot is Hockley Kitchen. Serving all-day breakfast, toasted sandwiches and freshly baked cakes and pastries, with veggie, vegan and gluten-free options available, it’s a go-to for the morning after an all-nighter and weekend brunch alike. Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find student-friendly high-street coffee shops like 200 Degrees and Caffè Nero, where you can stay caffeinated while making the most of the free Wi-Fi.
Restaurants in Nottingham
Nottingham has a thriving food scene with a wide variety of restaurants catering to different tastes. And the good news is that lots of them are budget friendly. You can get student discount or enjoy deals on certain days of the week at many eateries, such as Bar Iberico, Casa Italian, Zizzi’s and Yo! Sushi. For a midweek treat, head to The Pudding Pantry which offers a brunch and coffee deal from Monday to Friday. Plus, its decadent cakes, desserts and afternoon tea are ideal for satisfying a sweet tooth.
When it comes to street food, craft beer and cocktails, head to Bustler Nottingham. Housed in a restored industrial unit from the 1930s, it has a changing line-up of food vendors, plus live music and special events, so you can expect something different every time you go. Another destination with several food and drink options is The Cornerhouse. This leisure centre houses several places to eat, including Nando’s, Wagamama and TGI Friday’s. It also has a multiplex cinema with IMAX screens, perfect for grabbing dinner and a movie.
Nottingham’s Nightlife
Everyone needs a break from studying sometimes. Luckily, Nottingham has lots of bars, clubs and entertainment venues where you can let your hair down. Coco Tang, an Asian Café by day and cocktail bar by night, is a unique drinking spot unlike anywhere else in the city. Das Kino, with its budget-friendly prices, and Bodega, with its daily happy hour from 4-7pm are popular student bars where you can catch up with friends or stay out till late. And with its self-service machines, a labyrinth of cosy rooms and candlelit tables, Another? Wine Bar is a cute spot for date nights. When all-night partying is on the agenda, go to one of Nottingham’s many clubs. Rescue Rooms, Ocean and Rock City are favourites for their drinks deals and regular student nights. For live bands and DJs, check out The Level, Unit 13, Rock City and Stealth – these venues regularly host some of the biggest names in music.
Shopping in Nottingham
You’ll find everything you need for student life, from books to clothing, in Nottingham’s shops. The city centre has high-street brands, department stores and small boutiques where you can pick up unique gifts, lifestyle products and more. Alternatively, you can shop sustainably and get thrifty at vintage boutiques such as Cow, Garms Nottingham and the six White Rose locations throughout the city. When it comes to your weekly food shop, the supermarkets and convenience stores near our student accommodation mean you won’t have to go far to stock up on essentials like groceries, toiletries and household items.
Fitness and Wellbeing
Previously crowned as the ‘Home of English Sport’, Nottingham has renowned facilities such as the National Ice Centre, the National Water Sports Centre and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. So, there’s plenty of opportunities to attend sports events or try your hand at something new. The University of Nottingham and NTU have on-campus gyms and sports centres, providing access to health and wellbeing facilities via discounted student memberships. Whether you’re new to working out or a fitness enthusiast, you’ll find classes, programmes and more to suit your skill level.
Nature and Outdoor Spaces
When you want some peace and quiet away from the buzz, head to one of Nottingham’s public parks. Arboretum (next to NTU) and Forest Recreation Ground provide green space and walking trails near the city centre. Meanwhile, Wollaton Park and Colwick Country Park offer more expansive outdoor spaces for spending time in nature. Outside of the city lies the legendary Sherwood Forest. Celebrated for its association with Robin Hood, this ancient woodland is a National Nature Reserve covering over 1000 acres of lush countryside.
Nottingham’s Cultural Attractions
Discover new passions and inspire your curiosity at Nottingham’s abundance of cultural attractions. The city has its fair share of historical landmarks, such as Nottingham Castle, the City of Caves and Wollaton Hall, offering a unique day out. If you’re interested in visual arts, make sure to check out Nottingham Contemporary. It’s one of the largest modern art galleries in the UK and puts on free exhibitions. For performing arts, discover what’s on at the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall. It’s the leading venue for touring productions spanning drama, opera, ballet and more.
If you’re considering studying in Nottingham, rest assured you’ll find the perfect home for your student life with Fresh. Explore our locations to discover the perfect place for your new adventure.
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