The ultimate student guide to Nottingham

Nottingham’s city centre is compact, lively, and full of things to do. Independent boutiques sit just minutes from big-name brands, and there are cafés, pubs, and cultural venues around every corner. You can admire stunning Victorian buildings alongside modern ones, and with so much within easy reach, you won’t need a car to get around either!

At the heart of the city is Old Market Square – home of the Left Lion – that often hosts markets, outdoor screenings, and seasonal events. A short walk takes you to Hockley and the Lace Market, known for its independent shops, cafés, bars and creative spaces. For history and views, Nottingham Castle stands on Castle Rock overlooking the centre. If you need some quiet, the Green Heart and the Arboretum offer green spaces to relax. Together these areas give Nottingham a distinctive mix of culture, community and convenience.

The city centre is easy to navigate either on foot, of via Nottingham's tram network (Nottingham Express Transit) or the Nottingham City Transport bus routes. Both have student rates and offers to make travel more affordable across the city centre and beyond.

Bag a discount
Your guide to what's on
Nightlife and student nights
Laid-back nights out
Student Unions at UoN & NTU
Where to eat
Culture, shops and theatre
Our top tips

Bag a discount at our Student Village Event – Thursday 2 October

One of the best parts of being a student here? The discounts. Many shops, cafés, bars, and attractions offer 10–20% off when you flash your student ID, UNiDAYs or Student Beans card. From high-street names to local gems, there are plenty of savings to be had on tech, clothing, food, drink, and more.

Dive headfirst into the best discounts with our Student Village Event in Victoria Centre and Clumber Street. Businesses from across the city will be coming together for a night of games, competitions, giveaways, and more – with live DJs and a chance to meet Robin Hood himself! It's taking place on Thursday 2 October from 4pm-8pm – find out more and book your free ticket here!

And once the event's over, you can keep up with the latest student discounts and offers via our free It's in Nottingham app.

Your guide to everything happening in Nottingham

If there’s one download you make during your first week, make it the It’s in Nottingham app. This free app is your pocket guide to the city centre:

• Discover what's on – from food festivals to comedy nights and pop-up markets
• Access exclusive discounts at restaurants, cafés, shops, and bars
• Find your way around with integrated Google Maps, showing you where to go and how to get there
• Keep up with the latest news, like seasonal shopping guides, food events, and cultural highlights

Whether you’re looking for your next night out, a hidden coffee spot, or the best place to shop for gifts, the app brings Nottingham to your fingertips.

Nottingham's nightlife and student nights

Nottingham has a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of live music events and student nights. Highlights include:

• Rock City: Legendary live music venue and home to Crisis, the massive 'Tuned' Thursday student night with over 2000 attendees every week
• Rescue Rooms: A more intimate gig and club space with regular themed nights
• Ocean: This must-visit club is popular for fancy dress – Wednesday nights for NTSU and Friday nights for UoN
• The Palais: Previously PRYZM, this multi-room nightclub is home to Monday night student night Ducky Fuzz with drinks from just £2 and the best of the 80s, 90s, and 00s
• Stealth: The Tuesday student night, Bubblin' Tuesdays is popular with drum n' bass or dance music enthusiasts

And the best part? Everything is within walking distance – so no need for late-night buses or taxis unless you’re heading home further afield.

We're proud that Nottingham is a Purple Flag city, which recognises our city centre as a safe space to enjoy a great night out.

Laid-back nights out

For a more relaxed evening, Nottingham’s vibrant pub and bar scene has you covered. Here are a few favourites:

• Canalhouse: Famous for its indoor canal, this quirky pub offers great beer and student-friendly discounts on food and drink
• The Playwright: Right on the edge of NTU’s City Campus, with regular food deals and freshly baked pizzas
• Hockley and Lace Market: Visit the heart of Nottingham's indie scene for an eclectic collection of craft beer specialists and hidden cocktail lounges

Student Unions at UoN & NTU

Your Students’ Union is your go-to for community, support, and fun.

• University of Nottingham Students’ Union (UoNSU) is based in the Portland Building and is home to more than 300 societies and 70 sports clubs. From A Cappella and Airsoft to Tennis, Travel, and Wild Swimming, there's something for everyone.
• Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) is right on the NTU City Campus and hosts over 100 societies. You can get stuck into AI Robotics, Bellydancing, Ice Skating, K-Pop, or even the in-house TV station Trent TV – and much more! The SU also runs gigs, club nights, volunteering projects, and welfare services.

Both unions collaborate through the Nottingham Students’ Partnership to represent the 70,000+ students across the city.

Where to eat: cafés, budget bites & hidden gems

Foodies will feel right at home in Nottingham. Alongside well-known chains like Nando’s, TGI Fridays, and Turtle Bay (all offering student discounts), the city centre is packed with independent gems:

• Fox Café: A relaxed café on Pelham Street with hearty breakfasts and specialty coffee
• Warsaw Diner: Just on the edge of the centre, it’s a retro American-style spot known for its fry-ups
• Pizza Punks: Build-your-own pizzas with unlimited toppings for one set price
• Hungry Pumpkin: A family-run Italian café and deli in the Lace Market, perfect for a breakfast, light lunch, or cake

Lively, varied and full of character, Nottingham’s cafés and eateries are the perfect spot to catch up with friends or squeeze in some study time.

Exploring Nottingham's culture, shops and theatres

Nottingham isn’t just about eating and nights out (though let's be honest, you'll probably sample plenty of both) – there’s plenty of culture to enjoy too.

• Shopping: Visit Victoria Centre (known locally as the Vic Centre) for big-name brands, or explore indie shops in Hockley and the Lace Market. There are plenty of hidden gems and arcades across the city centre to discover - take a look at our round-up of where to go.
• Theatre and entertainment: Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham Playhouse, and the Motorpoint Arena are all well known - but there's also plenty to explore at smaller venues, including the Lace Market Theatre and Nottingham Arts Theatre. If film's more your thing, be sure to check out Broadway Cinema in Hockley for independent films, or Vue Cinema in the Cornerhouse. And for a musical interlude, keep an eye out for the free lunchtime concerts regularly hosted by each university.
• Cultural highlights: Nottingham's not short of history to explore. Discover Nottingham's most famous folk hero, Robin Hood, at Nottingham Castle (and pop to see the nearby Robin Hood statue while you're there). Wander through part of the UK's largest network of caves at City of Caves, and go back in time at the National Justice Museum.

Our final thoughts and tips for making the most of Nottingham's student life:

• Always carry your student ID – it’s your ticket to discounts everywhere
• Download and use the free It’s in Nottingham app for daily offers, events, and fun things to do
• Pre-register for the It's in Nottingham Student Village event to bag freebies and vouchers
• Join societies, sports teams, or volunteering projects to make friends and settle in
• Most of all – embrace the city. Nottingham’s compact centre means you’re never far from your next adventure!