Although it may not be the largest city in the UK, Nottingham has plenty to offer students, locals and visitors passing through the city. Across Nottingham’s two universities, the city has a student population of around 65,000 students so it’s safe to say the city caters to students.
Along with the many things to do in the city, you can also explore the great outdoors such as the enchanting Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire and the UK’s largest network of caves hidden beneath Nottingham’s streets. We’ve compiled a list of the top things to do for students in Nottingham:
- Visit Nottingham Castle
Nottingham Castle is a top attraction and must see in the city. Full of history, art and special events, the medieval castle has been home to royalty, the site of civil wars and now a major tourist attraction. The castle’s programme is always changing, but some activities include yoga, family fun days, DJs and even a reggae night at the castle.
- Drink a coffee in the Kitty Café
If you’re a lover of cats and good coffee – you won’t be a stranger to the increasing number of ‘kitty cafés’ sweeping across the globe in recent years. Enjoy a pizza, a jacket potato, or an afternoon tea in the company of a host of cute kittens. The cat café is a great place to relax in the presence of some new furry friends and there is a cosy and inviting atmosphere to the Kitty Café that will keep you coming back again.
- Feel like you’re part of the ‘Dark Knight’ movie at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
In 2012, Warner Bros picked the Elizabethan manor at Wollaton Hall as the set for the Batman film The Dark Knight Rises. Visiting the castle, you will feel as though you are part of the Batman’s crime-fighting tale and you can even spot where certain scenes in the film were shot. Nottingham has further connections to the world of Batman, with the link between the nearby Gotham village and the fictional city of Gotham in Batman.
- Relax and unwind at Highfields Park
Near to Nottingham’s campus, the 21-hectare park is filled with beautiful trees, exotic plants and a boating lake. Spend an afternoon walking around the lake or play a game of adventure golf or croquet. You can also rent out the park if you would like to host an event.
- Stop in by Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem
While in Nottingham, why not have a pint at England’s oldest pub? The pub was built in 1189 and is part of England’s oldest surviving inn. Aptly christened when King Richard the Lionheart and his men congregated here before embarking on the Crusades in Jerusalem, the pub has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. A cross between a pub and a museum, you’ll find many curiosities telling the tales of Nottingham’s history dispersed throughout the pub and you can enjoy the large garden area when Nottingham’s sun comes out.
- Experience Nottingham’s buzz at Pitcher and Piano
Although Pitcher and Piano is a chain of bars, the Nottingham venue is a particularly attractive and unique location. Based in an old church, Pitcher and Piano has a stylish and sophisticated feel to it with beautiful stained-glass windows and a grand piano on display. The perfect spot for a bite to eat with friends or a place to bring guests when they visit you, Pitcher and Piano is a must see in Nottingham.
- Watch a film at Broadway Cinema
An independent cinema in the Hockley area, Broadway Cinema was rated as one of the best cinemas in the world by Total Film magazine. In 1993, the cinema hosted the UK premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, after its screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Today, Broadway Cinema continues to screen popular and independent films for Nottingham locals and visitors.
- Improve your ice skating at the National Ice Centre
The rink is located next to the Motorpoint Arena and you can come here to learn how to skate, play ice hockey or watch competitions. This is a great way to socialise with your classmates and get some exercise regardless of your skating ability. You can also go to foam parties or club nights if you’re looking for a more exciting way to skate and enjoy the ice rink.
- View some art at Nottingham Contemporary
Nottingham Contemporary is a popular art gallery filled with modern and inspiring art. The building is sunk into sandstone cliffs giving it an irregular structure and contributing to its reputation as an architectural triumph. One of the best things for students is that the gallery is free to visit!
- Watch a Nottingham Forest football game
Nottingham Forest Football Club is Nottingham’s local club, based in West Bridgford. Since Nottingham Forest have now entered the premier league, there are lots of affordable games for students to watch. Buy a ticket for The City Ground stadium on the banks of the River Trent and get a feel for what an English football match is like.
Ready to explore Nottingham?
These are just a few of the things you can do as a student in Nottingham, but the city has so much more to offer. If you spend time in Nottingham you will start to discover your own gems in the city and in the surrounding cities.
Additionally, if you feel you’ve seen most of the things to do in Nottingham and want to travel to different cities in England there are many places to visit around England. If you’re a student in Nottingham, you are likely to feel at home quickly as the people are very welcoming and the city is not so large that you can’t get to grips with the place quickly.