T H E
G U I D E
‘1 6
S I R H C Y E S RAM FE AT U R E
L I V E
P A R T Y
S T U D Y
DEC 2015 ISSUE 4 THE LOW DOWN ON THE BIGGEST STUDENT LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY!
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STUDENT LIFE: THE GUIDE 2016
INTRODUCTION
To bring you this year’s student
We are also delighted to be
guide we have assembled a team
working the Chris Ramsey and are
of 50 students from around the UK.
grateful that Chris took some time
Each member of our team is a tal-
out from promoting his new DVD and
ented and passionate writer, who has
forthcoming tour to talk to us about
a unique knowledge of their city.
his time at University, housemates
Our aim is to bring to life the major
and moving away from home. Chris
student cities, to give new students a
has also been kind enough to give
heads up on what to expect and help
us some tickets to his shows in the
current students uncover the hidden
New Year and you can find details
gems they may have missed so far.
of how to enter the competition in
We have published a selection of
this guide.
these guides in this e-book and you
We have also include tips on
can read the rest of them and much,
finding the right place to live and
much more on our new website
also a comprehensive guide for
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
International Students.
SIMON THOMPSON
INTRODUCTION
3
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CONTENTS
8
COMPETITION
CHRIS RAMSEY W E TA L K T O T H E S TA R COMEDIAN ABOUT HIS T I M E AT U N I , A N D H I S UPCOMING TOUR!
1.
13
TEN TOP TIPS
O U R F R I E N D S AT T H E U K ’ S C O O L E S T F E S T I VA L H AV E G I V E N U S 2 V I P T I C K E T S T O G I V E A W AY Running throughout Sheffield in late July you and a friend could win VIP tickets to the Tramlines Festival 2016, giving you access to the VIP bar at the main stage and queue jump at the major outdoor stages!
ENTER HERE
S T U D E N T L I F E TA L K S TOP TEN TIPS FOR RENTING STUDENT A C C O M M O D AT I O N
CONTENTS
5
CITY GUIDES
1 2 2 16 B-E 18
BANGOR
22
BIRMINGHAM
30
BRADFORD
34
BRISTOL
40
CAMBRIDGE
46
C A N T E R B U RY
50
CARDIFF
56
CHESTER
60
C O V E N T RY
62
DERBY
66
DUNDEE
70
EDINBURGH
75
EXETER
6
CONTENTS
G-L
80 GLASGOW
DISCOVER SCOTLAND’S BIGGEST CITY IN THE SL GUIDE TO GLASGOW
2.
80
GLASGOW
92
HULL
96
HUDDERSFIELD
98
KINGSTON
102 LANCASTER
22 BIRMINGHAM
A HUGE STUDENT HUB, THE MIDLANDS POWERHOUSE HAS E V E RY T H I N G Y O U NEED FOR UNI LIFE
106 LEEDS 126 LEICESTER 132 LIVERPOOL 144 LONDON 160 LOUGHBOROUGH 164 LUTON
144 LONDON
GET THE LOW DOWN ON STUDENT LIFE I N T H E C A P I TA L E V E RY T H I N G F R O M T H E P L A C E S T O E AT, TO THE EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR!
m-Y
4.
167 MANCHESTER 1 7 2 NEWCASTLEU N D E R - LY M E 176 NEWCASTLE 186 NOTTINGHAM
2 2 2
194 PRESTON
3.
1 9 7 P LY M O U T H 200 SHEFFIELD 2 1 4 W O LV E R HAMPTON
F E AT U R E :
B R I TA I N S W O R S T STUDENT NIGHTCLUBS EXPOSED!
218 YORK
int’l
113 VISA 101 1 1 6 T O P T I P S 1 1 8 CHOOSING STUDENT A C C O M M O D AT I O N 1 2 2 ARRIVING IN THE UK: NEXT STEPS
3 2 1 2 11 T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L S T U D E N T G U I D E
CONTENTS
7
S T U D I E D AT
SUNDERLAND UNIVERSITY
STUDENT LIFE WERE LUCKY ENOUGH T O C AT C H U P W I T H C H R I S B E F O R E HIS NEW ‘ALL GROWED UP’ TOUR. C H R I S TA L K E D T O U S A B O U T H I S
N E W T O U R , G R O W I N G U P, B E I N G A S E C R E T H O U S E M AT E A N D T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F C O N D O M S .
CHRIS y e s Ram
SL: CHRIS, YOUR NEW D V D C O M E S O U T AT THE END OF NOVEMBER AND IT’S ALL ABOUT GROWING UP?
not an age thing, it is about when
not, it is really just me discussing
you class yourself as a grown up.
parts of me life and things that
It’s this thing that when you are
have happened to us.
younger you always hear things
S L : W H AT D I D Y O U S T U D Y AT U N I V E R S I T Y ?
like, ‘you will understand when
Yeah, it’s not even about
you are a grown up’ or ‘I’ll tell
growing up. It’s about being
you when you are a grown up’. It
dragged kicking and screaming
just dawned on us recently and I
into an adult world. You have to
thought, ‘Am I a grown up? When
be really careful, because you get
are you supposed to be a grown
30 something comedians going,
up?’ Like how do you know? And
‘I’m really old’; but you are aware
it’s weird, when you do show or a
that there are pensioners in the
DVD the title can sound a bit like
crowd going, ‘shut up just shut up,
it’s going to be a lecture, but it’s
you are NOT getting old’. So it’s
8
F E AT U R E
CHRIS RAMSEY
I studied Film and Media and this is honestly true, I packed in the course about eight weeks before the end. When I sat down to tell them, they were like, you are in the third year, you literally have hardly any time left, why are you quitting now? It was just that comedy lit a fire underneath me and I thought I am just going to do that now.
CHRIS RAMSEY
F E AT U R E
“comedy lit a fire underneath me and I thought, I am just going to do that now.”
F E AT U R E
CHRIS RAMSEY
F E AT U R E
C H R I S R A M S E Y: O N T O U R
“You are as as you feel. outlook on
1.
I mean, I loved being at Uni, but
studying medicine or I wasn’t
drive up the coast road and I really
there was no point when I thought
doing engineering or something.
used to enjoy driving to Uni in the
I was working towards something.
When I started doing comedy,
morning – I got up for lectures,
Film and Media is very broad and
everything narrowed and literally
weirdly. Because I didn’t live in
I didn’t know if I wanted to be in
after the first gig I was like, THIS
halls, me mam was like knocking
front of the camera, behind the
is my job, this is what I want to do.
on the door going, ‘Get up!’ I did
camera… I even toyed with the
SL: W HERE DID YOU LIVE?
put a £200 deposit down to live
idea of lecturing; you know, that self-serving circle where all the students come back and teach what they have just learnt to new students who then teach. I just never had a clear idea of what I wanted to do. You know, I wasn’t
10
F E AT U R E
I didn’t even live away. It’s one of my biggest regrets; in fact it’s my one regret of my time at Uni. It was Sunderland Uni and I live in South Shields. It’s like a five-minute
CHRIS RAMSEY
in halls in me second year, but I bottled it and lost the money; it came straight out of my student loan and I was gutted. So yeah, its one of me main regrets, but at the same time I had mates at Edinburgh Uni, I had mates that
went to Leeds and I used to regularly go and stay with them, so I sort of got my Uni fix. But then I could go home and get proper
SL: W ERE YOU A GOOD OR BAD ‘SECRET’ H O U S E M AT E ?
Yeah, I am alright, me. I’m quite
meals from me mam!
particular on cleanliness and stuff
SL: S O WERE YOU LIKE A SECRET H O U S E M AT E T H E N ?
like that, so I am careful with other
Yeah, I stayed with people a lot. I mean, retrospectively, I would have been really annoyed had I
grown up . It’s your n life”
people’s stuff. You won’t catch me wiping me arse on your curtains and stuff.. because I wouldn’t want anyone to do that to me! SL: S O PEOPLE WOULD JUST WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND THE LIVING ROOM WOULD BE TIDY?
Yeah right, it would be really tidy. Me stuff would be folded up and I’d be sat there on the couch having a cup of tea. So I was
been at Uni and me arsehole mate
alright, I wasn’t that bad. Unless
kept coming down and getting
I was hungover, in which case I’d
drunk and being sick in me toilet
be lying there crying!
and that. So that was me; I was the
S L : I S Y O U R N E W B A B Y THE WORST PERSON Y O U H AV E E V E R LIVED WITH?
guy that just showed up and was like ‘yeah, here I am’.
Yes. He does shit himself quite a lot and when he has a problem he is very vocal about it! I have only been a dad for two weeks; he’s 15 days old now and it’s amazing. It’s like this feeling that you can’t get enough of this thing … But yeah, when you put it down on paper, he is a terrible housemate. He shits himself, he cries, he’s sick – he’s just been sick on the sofa. Yeah, 2. ALL GROWN UP
F E AT U R E
it’s not good!
CHRIS RAMSEY
S L : I S T H E R E A N Y T H I N G N O W T H AT Y O U D O H A V E A B A B Y T H AT YOU’VE HAD TO STOP DOING?
I haven’t built as much Lego, annoyingly, since he was born. I’ve got a few sets that I haven’t had chance to build. I’ve got the Simpsons Kwik-E-Mart mart that I need to build, I’ve got the sand crawler – the Star Wars sand crawler - and I have got The Big Bang Theory set. It’s like the little room and sofa and all the characters. I need to build them, but I just haven’t had the time. You sort of get three-hour stints when he’s asleep….so you do get three hours, so I’ll get the Lego back on the go shortly. At the moment though, sterilising bottles is me new thing. 3 am in our house and it’s like Breaking Bad. I’ve got a mask on and I’ve got tongs, there’s things going on – I’ve got potions bubbling, microwave bubbling. So yeah, sterilising bottles is me new thing. I love it. SL: A T W H AT P O I N T D I D Y O U S AY T O Y O U R S E L F, I ’ M O L D ?
Not old, grown up. I have spoken to people in the crowd who are like 70 who say they are not grown up and I have spoken to 18 year olds who say I am definitely a grown up. It’s a state of mind thing. There’s not really a moment and that’s what I discuss in the show.
11
There are a few different moments and they can be overcome by the
S L : A N Y A D V I C E F O R O U R S T U D E N T S ?
fact that if you go in your head that, yes I have got a baby, or
The best advice I can give to
yes I have got an accountant or
students is on the first day you will
I have got a mortgage, but you
lower your friend-making standards
know what, I’m not a grown up.
drastically, right. You will borrow a
You are as grown up as you feel.
pen off someone on the first day and
It’s your outlook on life and even
that prick will follow you round for
though I am talking about grown
three years, right – so careful who
up things in the show, I like to
you hitch your wagon to on the
think that people will be able to
first day…play it cool…maybe a bit
tell. They will say – he’s definitely
aloof until you find what’s going on.
not a grown up!
Don’t spot someone who went to
win N
WI WIN
your school or your town and latch on to them, because that’s not what you are there for. You are there to TICKETS TO SEE CHRIS RAMSEY ON TOUR!!
inos vouchers – 2for1 – you can’t say no to that and, er, condoms!
and we have tickets for you and your housemates to see Chris at one of his upcoming gigs. To enter all you need to do is answer the question....
WHERE DID CHRIS GO TO UNI? You can submit your entry at www.studentlifeguide.co.uk Enter today to see one of the UK’s most exciting comedians! * Terms and conditions apply – see website for details
F E AT U R E
Do your washing up, right, because it’s irritating as anything. Dom-
In 2016 Chris is touring the UK
12
meet new people and stuff like that.
COMPETITION
There’s nothing worse than having a stingy wee!
the top ten
t n e d u t S l a v i v r su
S L’ S T O P T I P S F O R R E N T I N G S T U D E N T A C C O M M O D AT I O N
1
Once a Tenancy Agreement
also that while Full-Time students
is signed, it can be difficult and g n i s o o Ch costly to change your arranges e t a ments, so don’t rush into deciding Housem
are exempt from Council Tax,
who you want to live with in your
to make specific arrangements for
second year. Take time to make
dealing with this if you decide to
Part-Time students are liable to
pay a reduced rate; you’ll need
sure you’re compatible, and think
share with someone on a different
about a few different options in case
study schedule.
things don’t work out. Remember
STUDENT ADVICE
A C C O M M O D AT I O N
13
2
g plannin ahead
When you’ve decided who you want to live with, start looking around the market as soon as pos-
sible. Arrange plenty of viewings to get an idea of what’s out there, and if you happen to bump into
SL ON LETTING FEES:
N O R M A L LY T H E Y WILL CHARGE YOU A REFERENCING FEE OF AROUND £20 TO £100 PER PERSON
the current tenants, don’t be afraid to ask them how their experience has been with the landlord and the property itself. Their answers will often give you an insight that you can’t get anywhere else.
3
the deposit
4
inventory
A landlord will often show you an inventory before you move
in, which allows them to monitor the condition of property over
the course of your tenancy. This Once you’ve handed over your
usually makes for a stronger and
deposit, the landlord has a legal
more straightforward relationship
under the terms of the Tenancy
landlord hasn’t produced one
within 30 days. It is important to
and send it over to them as soon as
obligation to protect your money
between the two parties, so if the
Deposit Scheme and must do so
already, produce one yourselves
be aware that this scheme covers deposits on Assured Short-Hold Tenancies. Some other forms
of tenancy agreements do not
possible. Take some photographs of the various rooms and make a
few notes about any pre-existing signs of damage or wear.
require the landlord to protect the
You should try to get the Tenancy Agreement signed by the landlord as soon as a deal is agreed in principle. Otherwise, they are under no legal obligation to rent their property to you
when it comes to move-in day – the deposit.
checking this.
STUDENT ADVICE
5
even if you’ve already handed over
deposit and it is therefore worth
14
y c n a n e t agreement
A C C O M M O D AT I O N
6
9
letting fees
tv license
When going through a letting
If you’re renting a property on a
agent, they will normally charge
shared basis, remember that one
you a referencing fee of around
TV License will cover all tenants.
£20 to £100 per person. You
PLAN AHEAD!
should try to negotiate this fee down, as the average cost of a reference for the agent is about £20, and they won’t want to miss out on the whole deal for the sake of a few extra pounds from the tenant. Be aware also that agents are not
8
Burglaries
legally allowed to charge you for looking around a property.
7
Police report consistently high
accreditation
levels of theft in student areas, as a plentiful range of electronic goods (iPads, laptops, consoles, TVs) are made into easy targets by lax home security (unlocked doors, opened windows, etc.). You should
Look out for confirmation that the properties you’re considering have been accredited under the AFS/Unipol code. These properties and their landlords have
arate rental agreement, then one license will be required for each
person that has a TV in their room.
10
moving out You should plan for moving
ask your landlord to fit key-oper-
out a few weeks in advance.
5-level deadlocks on all external
in the condition that you found
ated locks on windows, as well as
The property needs to be left
doors. It’s a good idea to look into
it, so you’ll probably need to
annual crime figures for an area before moving there.
been through a rigorous, independent, and reliable scheme of assessment, so you can be assured in advance about the quality of the property and the standards to which it has been maintained.
STUDENT ADVICE
However, if each tenant has a sep-
replace a few light bulbs and run the mop around. Just a little bit of foresight can save you a costly cleaning fee further down the line, and ensure that you end the tenancy on good terms with the landlord (don’t forget, you might need a reference from them in future!).
TOP TEN TIPS
15
city guides Welcome to your ultimate guide
LOW LIVING COSTS
to uni life and city living. To help
you find your way around we’ve
stamped the pages with badges
showing what each city does best, from cheap eats to culture and everything in between…
CHEAP DRINKS
TRANSPORT LINKS
SPORTS & LEISURE
EVENTS & GIGS
16
CITY GUIDES
HAPPY STUDENTS
M U LT I C U LT U R A L
PUB CRAWLS
N AT U R E & G R E E N E RY CHEAP E AT S
VA R I E T Y STUDENT HUB
CITY GUIDES
17
student life in
bangor W H AT Y O U N E E D T O K N O W A B O U T B A N G O R
KNOWN FOR
WITH A COLLECTION OF ECLECTIC AND QUIRKY
E S TA B L I S H M E N T S D O W N E V E R Y S T R E E T, B A N G O R IS THE UNCONVENTIONAL STUDENT CITY!
Location, Location, Location For the most part any promotional material for Bangor you’re likely to see will contain, at its core, an inadvertent backhanded compliment. Whether you’re a new student or an old student, you will at some point hear the answer to the question: ‘Why Bangor?’. And that answer is almost always: ‘It’s Location.’ Yes, its location. Not its bars,
WHERE
1. KYFFIN - BANGOR
or its cafes: its location. Almost all promotion includes in itself an implication that Bangor is only as good as what is near. This was first shown to me by a head of department at the University who jokingly pointed to a picture in their brochure and said: “I don’t even know what country this was taken in.”
18
CITY GUIDES
A sideline to the main event ? But why is this? The reason is that to most new students - who are almost always situated far from the town centre - Bangor city serves as a sideline to the main event, and for the old students - who are
BANGOR
peppered all over - Bangor serves as a hub for exploring the rest of North Wales. Both of these options leave little room for Bangor as a fully realised space to explore. Whether you are a new student or an old student, or even local to the area, Bangor has countless
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and conditions. CITY GUIDES
XXX
19
opportunities around the year to
NOT TO MISS IN BANGOR
explore local and international food, art, music, and theatre. I am going to take you through some of the more obscure, and yet homely
North Wales International Poetry Festival Blue Sky Cafe also put on some of the events of The North Wales International Poetry Festival, which has multiple readings and installations all over Bangor and takes place every October. Organised by poet and professor Zoë Skoulding, the festival holds host to a number of international poets whose performances range from skulking around Blue Sky Cafe, pretending to retrace their steps from their house to their family graveyard, painting over (or blacking out) pages of books brought by the public, shouting in translation and banging staffs. All bound to surprise you after having a few ciders and no doubt different from what you’ll be used to by the end of freshers week.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON LIVING IN BANGOR
20
CITY GUIDES
of Bangor’s offerings.
Kyffin Sat across from me, is none other than Jo Pott, owner and manager of Kyffin, a charming little cafe in Bangor, as well as two neighbouring shops: Jo Pott Mercer Interiors and Clothing. Jo happens to agree with me that Bangor is not only as good as the places that surround it. She goes as far as stating that Bangor is in itself an “unconventional place, where one can plough one’s furrows.” Meaning that whilst you are
Blue Sky Café
here, it is a chance and a place
Also on the high street, Blue Sky
to carve a way for yourself, find
Café is a favourite of many locals
the unconventional places you
and students, as well as musicians
wouldn’t normally know to look
and poets. With an open canteen
for. Kyffin is one of those places.
setting, skylights, and artwork
It took me about a year of
hanging from the walls, it is clear
eating there before I realised it
that Blue Sky is bound to be loved
was Vegetarian and Vegan food.
by everyone, it has an easy nature
It is all so very casual and confi-
about it, great food and plastered
dent, the type of cafe that attracts
all over the side wall as you walk
people based on its shy acknowl-
in are advertisements for concerts,
edgement of honesty. Situated
dance classes, book and poetry
right on the high street, the cafe
readings. Many of these events
houses an eclectic group of cus-
are put on at Blue Sky which also
tomers; from professors, students,
happens to have a liquor licence.
and locals, to knitting groups and
Art Trail
creative writers - all in a chocolate, coffee and world music infused atmosphere.
BANGOR
On the subject of art, there is the Art Trail, art spots dotted around Bangor for the public’s
CITY GUIDE: BANGOR
2. PONTIO
Up and coming over the next few months are a wide selection of films and ‘Wallpaper,’ a digital fiction installation coming in April, that will no doubt appeal to those of you interested in video games and interactive media.
A pub for every week of the year As students you are likely to find out all the obvious places to go, the places that facilitate the experience rather than be it: pubs, bars, clubs, fast food restaurants, and societies. Yet down almost every street in Bangor is something to be seen. Don’t rush your way through Bangor’s
“down almost every street in Bangor is something to be seen.” viewing pleasure. Also, tucked behind The Antelope Pub, near
“Pub for every week of the year”, take your time, explore, and if you’re nervous about experiencing these little oddities that Bangor has to offer, you can always pretend you’re being ironic. Works like a charm.
Pontio Pontio will for the foreseeable
the Menai bridge, is a very well
future be the absolute centre of
kept secret in Bangor: The Old
arts and media in Bangor and the
Goods Yard. This is a collection of
surrounding areas. With its state
artist’s spaces filled with the weird
of the art theatres, cinema, con-
and wonderful, where you may get
ference rooms, Pontio presents
a chance to see some of the most
students and locals an easier and
intriguing, grounded, and down-
cheaper alternative to travelling
right confusing art pieces in and
around to multiplexes.
around Bangor.
CITY GUIDES
BANGOR
21
student life in
B’ham W H AT Y O U N E E D T O K N O W A B O U T B I R M I N G H A M
KNOWN FOR
IT’S BELIEVED TO BE THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE B A LT I , A T Y P E O F C U R R Y S E R V E D I N A L A R G E W O K - L I K E M E TA L B O W L
So, you’ve made it to England’s
second city, welcome! With over 65,000 students studying
in Birmingham, you’ve come to the perfect place for nightlife,
culture, food and more. If you’re
a ‘Brummie’ veteran, you might think you’ve got it covered, but
I’ve done some digging and there are a few hidden gems which I can let you in on.
Eating Birmingham is absolutely full of places to eat. If you’re a UoB student, campus has lots of lunch options including Joe’s Bar (check out their infamous University Challenge dessert). Plus, there’s the farmer’s market on campus once WHERE
3. THE BULLRING
a month where you can try exotic food such as ostrich burgers.
22
CITY GUIDES
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CITY GUIDES
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My hidden gem for a cheap lunch in the centre is a shop called ‘Meal Deal’. It’s a two minute walk from New Street Station, and you can get jacket potatoes, baguettes and paninis in a lunch deal (including chips and a drink) for under £2. If it’s a Birmingham balti you’re after, you don’t have to travel very far. With many curry houses in Selly Oak offering amazing deals and a BYOB alcohol policy, you’re guaranteed a full stomach for under a tenner. If you want to try somewhere a bit fancier in town (perhaps with the parents in tow) Puskhar on Broad Street is my favourite.
Nightlife Lots of big-name clubs are on Broad Street such as 6, Popworld, Walkabout and Players, but the most popular club with many
WHERE
4. LOST AND FOUND
students is Snobs, located near New Street. Snobs reopened in 2014 after a revamp, but kept its ever-popular combination
Culture: ART
JAZZ
of cheap drinks, quirky decor
If you fancy something more
If you’re an Ella Fitzgerald or
(including a disco ball and a wall
cultured, Birmingham is full of
a Louis Armstrong fan, you’re in
of faces) and throwback music.
inspiring (and free!) art galleries
for a treat! Every Friday in the
If it’s a more chilled out night
for you to check out. There’s the
Symphony Hall Cafe-Bar in town
you are after, there are also some
Birmingham Museum and Art
there is a free jazz gig. It’s the
great cocktail bars. Highlights
Gallery and the contemporary
perfect way to unwind after a
include the sweetie jar cocktails
Ikon gallery in Brindley Place. If
week of lectures - and you’ll have
at Jekyll & Hyde, the two cocktail
you’re a University of Birmingham
more money to spend on a drink
menus at Lost and Found, and
student, you’re in luck; the Barber
at the bar.
happy hour between 4-7pm at
Institute of Fine Art is right on your
Bodega Mexican where cocktails
doorstep on campus.
are £4.50.
24
CITY GUIDES
BIRMINGHAM
For more information or to book a viewing... 0121 472 7071 primestudentliving.com
Athena Studios from
£174 per week
Ensuite Studios 100Mb broadband and free Wi-Fi Common room All utility bills included
Athena Studios is set in the heart of the buzzing student district of Birmingham
Free contents insurance (Up to £5,000) 32” Smart TV with Freeview Spacious studios Large 3/4 beds 24/7 Security with key fob entry En-suite shower room On-site management and maintenance Cycle stores Inbound parcel distribution service
Prime Student Living
@Prime_Student
Directly opposite Birmingham University’s Edgbaston campus and the brand new state of the art University sports centre (opening in the spring), Athena Studios is also less than 5 minutes walk to the outstanding Business school and student union
What’s On? Your guide to the unmissable
events coming to Brum in the
next few months! We’ve picked a different aspect of this amazing
city each month for you to enjoy. WHERE
WHEN
jan
5. B’HAM MUSEUM
Comedy January can be a bit of a downer (thanks to essay deadlines and post-Christmas blues), so I’ve picked out a couple of comedy gigs to cheer you up! O N A B U D G E T:
BRAMALL COMEDY N I G H T F E AT. E L L I E TA Y L O R ( 1 4 T H J A N U A R Y )
Fresh from his sell-out tours
the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats)
of Australia and New Zealand,
is coming to the Bramall music
Stephen K Amos is back with a
building on the UoB campus.
new show full of spiky-wit and feel-
She will be joined by Aussie mas-
good comedy. Check him out at
ter-of-improvisation, John Rob-
the Old Rep. Tickets £17.
by the brilliant African comedian Daliso Chaponda. Tickets £5.
CITY GUIDES
STEPHEN K AMOS: THE LAUGHTER MASTER (16TH JANUARY)
Ellie Taylor (seen on Mock
ertson. The night will be compered
26
U P M A R K E T:
BIRMINGHAM
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION @ SELLY OAK COURT
15 MIN WALK TO UNI SELLY OAK CAMPUS
All inclusive utility bills
40Mb WiFi available throughout
Communal area, games room & gym
FREE contents insurance
C l i c k t o v i s i t crm-students.com/sellyoak
0844 371 5618*
sellyoak@ crm-students.com
Sturge Close B29 6GH
* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.
@CRM_Students
facebook.com /sellyoakcourt
WHEN
FEB
Music O N A B U D G E T:
L U N C H T I M E G U I TA R C O N C E R T AT @ B M A G (5TH FEBRUARY)
Fancy something different? Head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for a free lunchtime classical guitar concert at 1.10pm. No booking required.
WHEN
Mar
World O N A B U D G E T:
ASTRONOMY IN THE CITY (9TH MARCH)
For all those budding Brian Coxes. Astronomy in the City is a free public event on UoB campus packed with astrophysics talks, stargazing, tea and biscuits. Click here to check out the event website for more details.
U P M A R K E T:
HOZIER @ O2 ACADEMY (2ND FEBRUARY)
This star just keeps on rising! With two Billboard Awards, a coveted Ivor Novello award, and festival sets under his belt, Hozier is coming to Brum for one night only. It’s not one to miss! Tickets from £26.25.
U P M A R K E T:
B A N F F M O U N TA I N F I L M F E S T I VA L W O R L D T O U R (5TH MARCH)
Do you like adventure and outdoor sports? Head over to Symphony Hall for an extraordinary collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. You’ll see inspiring footage from far-flung reaches of the world and heart-racing action sports. Tickets from £12.50.
WHEN
apr Jun
Exam StressBusters O N A B U D G E T:
THE ELECTRIC CINEMA
Fancy something lighthearted? A new adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies is
during exam season, the Electric
coming to the Rep, featuring
is one of Birmingham’s best-kept-
romance, satire and hilarious mis-
secrets and is England’s oldest
taken identity. Tickets from £13.50
working cinema. With a bar, vin-
life in the second city visit
tage decor and student tickets at
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
£5.40, you’d be mad to miss it!
CITY GUIDES
TWELFTH NIGHT @ THE REP (12-16TH APRIL)
The perfect way to unwind
To read more about student
28
U P M A R K E T:
BIRMINGHAM
Birmingham student living. Just better. 800 Bristol Road Brook Studios Edge Apartments
www.collegiate-ac.com
student life in
BRAD FORD
KNOWN FOR
NOT TO MISS IN BRADFORD B R A D F O R D F E S T I V A L - A T H R E E D AY B O N A N Z A I N J U N E , F E AT U R I N G L I V E M U S I C , S T R E E T S H O W S A N D F O O D S TA L L S !
Whether you’re already studying in Bradford or considering it for
the future, knowing what’s on for students and where to go is always
handy. This guide is designed to
do just that. From pubs and clubs, places to eat, coffee shops, entertainment and places of interest,
our student guide to Bradford has
everything you need to explore the city and make the most of its facilities.
Centenary Square One of the first ports of call for students straight from campus is to head to Centenary Square and
formed into a lightshow and is often the venue for various forms of entertainment throughout the year.
This stunning pool and fountains
Bradford Festival and PRIDE!
with its surrounding grassy area provides a great meeting place, and with Starbucks, Wetherspoons, Nando’s and Chinese Buffet just two minutes away, it is a great focal point and by far one students and families alike. Not
CITY GUIDES
draws in, the Mirror Pool is trans-
the fantastic Mirror Pool fountains.
of the city’s most popular areas for
30
just a daytime attraction, as night
BRADFORD
Bradford Festival is held over three days each June, featuring street shows, live music, food stalls and more. Showing the ethnic and multicultural side of Bradford is
”the alhambra is the place to go for a more cultured night out”
Just want to enjoy a quiet drink in a friendly atmosphere? Then The Beehive Inn is the place to be. A warm welcome, a roaring open fire and the occasional live band. Just the place to sit and chat, and yes, you can actually hear yourself think.
something that always proves
alternative events? Check out
popular in the city, and with the
‘Trap Door’ at The Mill, where the
addition of a huge Mela, this
party never ends.
Theatre and Entertainment
time-honoured festival is a great
Looking for a decent pub
The Alhambra Theatre, located
showcase. Like most cities, Brad-
with some live music? The Black
just five minutes from campus, is
ford has an active and very proud
Swan has live rock bands, DJ
the venue for touring shows from
LGBT community, and each year
nights and, for those with an
the West End. Showing everything
Bradford PRIDE attracts massive
exhibitionist streak, there’s Friday
from The Lion King to The Rocky
crowds for its live music, street
night Karaoke! Active in the LGBT
Horror Show and the well-loved
shows and strong sense of ‘family’.
community and looking for a gay
pantomime, and with generous
Where to Eat
bar? Then check out Candy and
student discounts and a bar/bistro,
the fabulous Sun Hotel.
The Alhambra is the place to go
Bradford has some of the best
for a more cultured night out.
curry houses in the north, no question. One of the most popular with residents of the city and visitors
WHERE
6 . T H E A L H A M B R A T H E AT R E
alike is The Sweet Centre. Established in 1964, The Sweet Centre, Manningham (five minutes from the city centre) was one of the first Indian restaurants to open in the UK. For a great way to start the day, turn up early for a traditional Chickpea curry breakfast.
Pubs and Clubs Night life! Does Bradford have one? Yes, it does! You want clubs? We have clubs. If you’re a fan of the metal scene, you can’t go far wrong with ‘Trash’, Bradford’s only remaining rock club. Love your
CITY GUIDES
BRADFORD
31
THE STUDENT VERDICT
Kirkgate Centre Student Lockdown Right in the heart of Bradford is the Kirkgate Shopping Centre
Bradford College student Dee
and market; home to all of the
is undertaking a University course
major stores you would expect.
in Games and Digital Media, and
Each year, the centre offers huge
has set up a small games design
discounts to students in partici-
company in order to gain extra
pating stores as part of its Student
experience, and to help fellow
Lockdown Promotion, with some
students put their newly-acquired
stores offering 20% off and many
skills to practical use.
more special offers. Download
has long been an interesting
the app and add an extra 5% to
attraction for both residents and
purchases for even better student
visitors alike. Home of the giant
savings!
Imax screen, the Media Museum
“We set up the company with
Places to Visit Bradford’s Media Museum
the main intention of creating
features galleries to suite all tastes.
games while in Uni to give us the
Whether retro TV, the history of
experience we need to make it
moving pictures or the future of
in the industry. We are currently
technology are your thing, Brad-
working on several ideas for app
ford’s Media Museum has it all;
games and one for the PC; maybe
moreover, entry to the galleries
we will even earn a few bob on the
is free. Looking for somewhere to just
app store from our extracurricular
kick back and relax? Then a visit
venture.
to Lister Park is a must. Just 10
The course we are on has been
minutes out of the city centre,
good and we have all learned so
7 . K I R K G AT E
much over the modules. For a relatively small place, Bradford has a surprising amount to offer people choosing to study here, both educationally and as a city
this large park is home to Cartwright Hall Museum, rolling fields,
To read Sunday’s full guide to Bradford visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
in general.”
and the pedalo lake if you fancy spending a chilled out hour on the water. An island of green in a city scene, and one of the most popular places to escape the bustle for a few hours, Lister Park has everything you need for a quiet afternoon away from it all.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON LIVING IN BRADFORD
32
CITY GUIDES
BRADFORD
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION @ FORSTER HALL
2 MIN WALK TO UNI OF BRADFORD
All inclusive utility bills
100Mb WiFi available throughout
Communal lounge & gym
FREE contents insurance
C l i c k t o v i s i t crm-students.com/forsterhall
0844 371 5650*
forsterhall@ crm-students.com
135 Great Horton Rd BD7 1QG
* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.
@CRM_Students
facebook.com /forsterhall
student life in
bristol NOT TO MISS IN BRISTOL...
KNOWN FOR
B R I S T O L B A L L O O N F I E S TA - E U R O P E ’ S B I G G E S T
HOT AIR BALLOON EVENT WITH OVER 100 BALLOONS F LY I N G A R O U N D A C R O S S F O U R D AY S
Bristol has the highest number of students that chose to stay on in the city after they graduate out of all UK cities. Why’s that? Because once you come to Bristol you will abso-
lutely fall in love with the city and everything it has to offer.
Nights Out Bristol has a great nightlife scene and there’s something for everyone. If you just fancy a few drinks then Roo Bar, The White
I am a third year Geography student at the University of Bristol
Bear and Highbury Vaults are
you can be certain that you won’t ever find yourself sitting around
dents. Alternatively, if you’re after
and I never want to leave. With so much to do and see in Bristol
popular choices amongst stu-
twiddling your thumbs!
a taste of West Country life then the Cori Tap and The Apple offer some pretty tasty ciders, which are sure to leave you more than a little sozzled. There are also several secret cocktail bars, but if I told you about them, they wouldn’t be secret would they? You’ll have to come to Bristol and discover these hidden gems for yourself!
WHERE
34
8. CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE
CITY GUIDES
BRISTOL
Bristol student living. Just better. College Green Water Lane Apartments William and Matthew House
www.collegiate-ac.com
A D I S T I N C T, C R E AT I V E AND EDGY CITY
Bristol has become a distinct, creative and edgy city, so if you’re looking for a night out that’s a bit out of the ordinary then places like Lakota and Mr Wolfs on Gloucester Road are the places to go for a unique Bristol experience. There’s also Thekla (the club on a boat) and Motion (the club in an old skate park warehouse). For something a little more familiar then Bunker, Mbargo and Lizard Lounge on the
WHERE
Triangle offer a great night out,
9. THE BURGER JOINT
with cracking tunes and cheap
TOP EATS
drinks (Lizard Lounge’s £1 toffee vodka shots being a top choice).
You are absolutely spoilt for
choice when it comes to eating out in Bristol. Here are a few places that can’t be missed…
Once you’ve danced until you T H E B U R G E R J O I N T The Burger Joint definitely can dance no more then Jason Donervan will be sure to provide does the best burgers in Bristol, you with the best kebab/burger/ and I wouldn’t hesitate to say the chips you will ever come across. best ever. You design your own In a perfect location just a few burger: picking your favourite top-
stumbling steps from the clubs pings, sauces and sides to make on the Triangle it is an ideal stop sure your Burger Joint experience off before you head back home. is sensational!
WHITE LION BAR
This pub offers a huge range of delicious food in a spectacular setting overlooking the Avon
CITY GUIDES
Bridge. This is one of my favourite spots in Bristol – what’s better than enjoying delicious food, for great prices, with an incredible view? Not much in my opinion!
J A S O N D O N E R VA N
36
Gorge and Clifton Suspension
BRISTOL
CAFES/SANDWICH SHOPS
If you’re looking for a quick bite in between lectures then there’s plenty of choice in this department too. Sandwich Sandwich is a great shout with big portions for little prices! Friska is another awesome café serving healthy (and delicious) fast-food. Alternatively, the Red Tent is right in the centre of the university and offers ciabattas, flatbreads and traybakes.
For more information or to book a viewing... 0117 927 9242 primestudentliving.com
St. Lawrence House from
£170 per week
En-Suite Studios Free On-site Gym Free Group Study Rooms 250Mb Broadband and Free Wi-Fi All Utility Bills Included 32” Smart TV
St. Lawrence house offers contemporary studios with fully inclusive rents
Washer Dryer in every apartment Free Contents Insurance (Up to £5,000) 24/7 Security with Key Fob Entry On-site Management and Maintenance 3/4 Beds Spacious 23m2 Studios Cycle Stores Inbound Parcel Distribution Service Printing Service Car Parking
Prime Student Living
@Prime_Student
If you’re studying at the University of Bristol, you can be on campus in 5 minutes, and students at the University of the West of England are only 20 minutes away on the bus.
Festival fever
E V E RY O N E L O V E S A F E S T I VA L , AND IN BRISTOL THERE’S PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM...
Love Saves The Day
Tokyo World kick starts the academic year in September and is hugely popular amongst students. What was once a low-key rave has become an explosion of great music and funky vibes. It’s the perfect way to see off the summer holidays before you start a new year at Uni.
takes place in May and is another cracking festival, popular amongst the more carefree students who aren’t stressing about impending exams and deadlines. This “bumper weekend of love” is the perfect combination of fantastic music and an incredible atmosphere.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta graces the city in August. With mass balloon take offs, two “night glows” and a funfair this 4 day fiesta is not one to miss. Set in the stunning Ashton Court Estate this fiesta is a perfect way to spend a sunny August weekend. And it’s completely free – bonus! There’s also the Bristol Harbour Festival, St. Paul’s Carnival, Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, Taste Chocolate… the list is endless. There’s always something going on in this vibrant city.
This huge expanse of green at the top of Whiteladies Road is perfect for jogging, playing footie with your mates, or gathering for
BRAND NEW FUSION TOWER
a picnic or a BBQ. There’s also
1 0 . F I E S TA
And breathe… BRISTOL STUDENT LIVING. JUST BETTER. 11. ROCK SLIDE
One of the amazing things
about Bristol is that you can be enjoying the buzz of city living one
minute, and then after a short walk
Ashton Court Estate with rolling hills and beautiful woodland. This is a stunning place to go for
choice, with a natural rock slide
a peaceful walk, with the herd
and a cave that leads down to
of resident deer making it feel a
an observatory in the face of the
million miles away from the rush
Avon Gorge. However, there are
of the city. Blaise Castle Estate is
also a number of lesser-known
another magical place with plenty
of open green spaces, enchanting
places that are equally beautiful.
of opportunities for adventures
woodlands or peacefully trickling
Perfect for a BBQ
you can find yourself in the serenity
rivers. The famous Clifton Suspension Bridge is obviously a popular
Durdham Downs are rarely
given the recognition they deserve.
Powered by
38
CITY GUIDES
and exploration! And how many cities can say they have a castle? More on Bristol at www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
collegiate-ac.com | fusionstudents.co.uk fusion-twr@collegiate-ac.com BRISTOL
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION @ KING SQUARE STUDIOS
12 MIN WALK TO UNI OF BRISTOL
All inclusive utility bills
WiFi available throughout
Study room, gym & cinema Room
FREE contents insurance
C l i c k t o v i s i t crm-students.com/kingsquare
0844 371 5612*
kingsquare@ crm-students.com
King Square BS2 8AU
* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.
@CRM_Students
facebook.com /kingsquarestudios
student life in
CAMB RIDGE
KNOWN FOR
NOT TO MISS IN CAMBRIDGE... P U N T I N G D O W N T H E R I V E R C A M O N A L A Z Y S U N D AY AFTERNOON TO SEE A DIFFERENT SIDE TO THE CITY
”CAMBRIDGE IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO STUDY AND LIVE AS A STUDENT” WHERE
40
CITY GUIDES
CAMBRIDGE
12. CAMBRIDGE CITY
CONTEMPORARY STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE 342 Stunning Studio Apartments
All bills included 24/7 security Smart TV On-site management team Big beds Free contents insurance Laundry Cycle storage Superfast Wi-Fi throughout Games room great social space
RAILYARD STATION PLACE, CAMBRIDGE
CALEDONIA STREET, l universities m alLIVERPOOL ents fro For all stud
Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com
downingstudents.com STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE / LEEDS / LIVERPOOL / LONDON / NEWCASTLE / GLASGOW / EXETER
to look at. Just a glimpse of the
13.
Kings College Chapel, which took over one hundred years to build, is enough. The global reputation
One of the UK’s genuinely
of the University ensures that the
iconic student cities, Cambridge is
city ‘punches above its weight’
one of the best places to study and
and hosts major art collections,
live as a student. Growing from the
huge libraries and an array of fes-
handful of academics who came to
tivals. Folk, Rock, Comedy, Food
study in Cambridge over 800 years
or Dragon Boats. Take your pick
ago, the city is now home to around
D R A G O N B O AT S
30,000 students during term time.
of these festivals and more. There as so many super smart, driven people in Cambridge resulting in
As you might expect around 20,000 of these are studying at the University – which as an 800 year old global leader in education - really needs no introduction. However, the city is also home to Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and while ARU only gained that name in 2005, it also has a
the campus There is little point, here, in offering a guide to life on campus.
and the ins and outs of studying at one of the world’s most renowned Unis – you won’t need
Given the relatively large num-
the Union is pretty well organised
general population) you won’t
you are studying at Anglia Ruskin,
and it won’t take you too long to work out how it ticks. What of life on the ‘outside’.
be surprised to find a student focused and friendly environment. Furthermore, whilst the image of Cambridge as a peaceful, friendly city is personified by the image of students punting up the River Cam, its hidden depths of diversity offer enough to keep the most
CITY LIVING
demanding students happy.
Big City Benefits
42
CITY GUIDES
from every night of the week.
covering the 700 plus societies
another one here. Furthermore, if
considered in proportion to the
and so many events to choose
There are so many such guides
rich history dating back to 1858.
bers of students in the city (when
a diversity of interests and tastes
Clubbing Despite rumours to the contrary there are clubs and bars in Cambridge. Kuda, right in the city centre (near the market) runs its legendary student night on a Sunday – so be careful if you have lectures first thing on Monday. Ballare, at the Lion Yard, normally runs its student night on a Tuesday, while, Lola Lo positions itself as a
Cambridge might not be the
student friendly venue which runs
biggest of places, but it is gorgeous
regular students nights and has
CAMBRIDGE
Student accommodation at its best in Cambridge We’re right in the thick of things, just a few minutes’ walk from Jesus Green and the neighbourhood’s coffee bars, cafes, shops and museums.
Facilities include 24/7 security Gym Laundry Ultra-fast WiFi Common room Free bike use
#BigOnLittleThings 0333 344 1655 | cambridge@studentcastle.co.uk | studentcastle.co.uk CITY GUIDES
XXX
43
a loyalty card, with some pretty attractive savings. Finally Fez, over
Kettle in Kings Parade, which specialises in reasonably priced
shops around ARU and also on Burleigh Street. Check out Mill
Road, which is apparently home to
on market passage runs a student
and great tasting Mediterranean
night on Monday and if you have
food. Clown’s on king street offers
had your fill of the standard cheese
Italian cooking and the £10 set
cheap groceries on offer as well as
a pretty credible indie night every
menu is relatively in tune with stu-
a plethora of vintage shops
Friday called propaganda.
dents pockets. Meanwhile, Nanna
Street. It’s an underground (lit-
on offer for around £6. Lovely stuff
erally) venue that does amazing
and there are two of them in the
For drinks try Vaults on Trinity
Mexicos has great tasting burritos
the first internet café, has loads of
Getting around Simple. Buy a bike. And a lock for your bike.
cocktails and has recently opened up a Gin Laboratory, after teaming
TO GET AROUND JUST BUY A BIKE... AND A LOCK!
up with the team at Cambridge Distillery. They also serve amazing hotdogs and have a happy hour on cocktails every night, so it’s pretty easy on the student loan.
Cheap Drinks For really student friendly prices go to the ADC theatre bar. You don’t need to be seeing a show NANNA MEXICO
and it regularly stays open until the small hours. In addition to refreshingly cheap prices, the bar has great booze, supplied by the Cambridge wine merchants and Milton brewery.
14.
city, one on Petty Cury and one on Hills Road. Other places to try include Afternoon Tease on Kings
Street and Espresso Library on
TOP EATS
East Road. Not so much a library, more part cycle shop, part art gallery and restaurant and bar and oh yes, specialist coffee shop.
Shopping As you might expect Cambridge is home to all of the mainstream shops that you might expect to find and are probably useful. If you
Places to Eat If you want to escape campus (and you probably will), try Copper
44
CITY GUIDES
are looking for something a little more budget and vintage is your thing, you can find loads of charity
CAMBRIDGE
To To read read more more about lancaster visit about Cambridge visit
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION @ CHESTNUT HOUSE
SEMESTER LETS AVAILABLE
All inclusive utility bills
WiFi available throughout
Communal and study area
FREE contents insurance
C l i c k t o v i s i t crm-students.com/chestnuthouse
0844 371 5611*
chestnuthouse@ crm-students.com
3 Histon Road CB4 3BF
* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.
@CRM_Students
facebook.com /chestnuthouseCRM
student life in
canter Bury KNOWN FOR
N O T T O M I S S I N C A N T E R B U RY WORLDFEST - A COLLECTION OF WEIRD AND
WONDERFUL PERFORMERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE!
PRO’S...
card, so take some time to look
CON’S...
In the last decade, Canter-
around one of the most famous
bury’s student population has
historic buildings in the world (this
ical considering the way students
almost doubled. Not only has this
is also probably where you and
invade the city during Freshers
made for a vibrant and thriving
your classmates will graduate).
Week, but: tourists. Once the
This might sound a bit hypocrit-
local economy, but it also means
springtime comes, be prepared
that every time you go out,
to share Canterbury with hundreds
you’re bound to meet plenty of
of visitors, including French school
likeminded, young, fun-loving
trips that, on some days, will liter-
people. Canterbury is one of the
ally take over the streets! The only
warmest places in the UK, so once
other thing to mention is that Can-
summertime comes around, you’ll
terbury is pretty small – an advan-
be able to spend hours lounging
tage in lots of ways, but when you
around in the greenery of Dane
need something specific (from a
John Gardens – and, if you fancy a
big supermarket or DIY store,
quick change of scene, London is
for example), you might have
only an hour away by train. CCCU
to take a bus.
students get into the Cathedral for free with their university student
46
CITY GUIDES
CANTERBURY
15. WORLDFEST
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What’s On? WHEN
JAN
Bring in the New Year in style at Club Chemistry, a popular, three-storey venue that plays all sorts of music. It’s worth visiting in advance to get an Early Bird ticket, which are available now at £10 each. For something a bit
your mind off things? Go and see Derren Brown’s new show at The Marlowe Theatre and you never know, he might make you forget you’re a student altogether (along with your name and home address, but never mind that). Tickets are available at around £40. If hypnosis isn’t your thing, then maybe book at a table at Tacos Locos, a bustling Mexican restaurant that’s popular with locals and students (tell them you’re doing your exams and you never know, you might
X2
“In the last d Canterbury’s population ha doubled!”
even get a free shot of Tequila…). WHEN
different, try The Old Brewery
MARch
Tavern, a contemporary pub and
March brings with it Canter-
If you’re after some more
bar which is renowned for its late
bury’s annual, week-long multicul-
musical magic, why not pick up
night parties (advance tickets are
tural feast known as Worldfest.
some tickets for Wolf Alice’s gig
available for £10, from the ABode
Expect a big tent full of amazing
at the Leas Cliff Hall on Monday
Canterbury Hotel around the
musicians, dancers, and fellow
21st (from £20).
corner). If you find yourself nursing
students for a unique celebration
a few early-2016 hangovers, it
of cultures from all over the globe.
might help to wrap up warm and take a scenic walk down the canal; the local council has a number of routes available to download from their website. WHEN
FEB
It’s term-time again, and you’re likely to be buried under a stress-inducing mountain of coursework and exam revision. So why not treat yourself to a bit of the cultural high-life to take
48
CITY GUIDES
WHERE
CANTERBURY
1 6 . T H E O L D B R E W E R Y TAV E R N
More on Canterbury at www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
decade, s student as almost WHERE
WHEN
apr
WHEN
1 7 . C A N T E R B U R Y C AT H E D R A L
MAY
Spring is here, and finally you
OK, so there are more exams
can start to make a bit more of
and essay deadlines ahead, but
Canterbury’s stunning natural
you really shouldn’t miss out on the
beauty. Beer gardens will fill up,
various end-of-year celebrations
and tourists will crowd the streets,
that are hosted by the University
but fear not: with just a bit of local
in May. A particular favourite is
know-how, you can plan around
Keynestock, a music festival held
the mayhem. First of all, spend
in the grounds of Keynes College.
a chilled afternoon taking in the
Traditionally, a number of up-and-
gorgeous Westgate Gardens
coming musicians will battle it out
(and learning a bit about the city
to decide who gets to play at the
you’re studying in!) on one of Can-
University’s main summer ball.
terbury’s Historic River Tours. Stu-
The atmosphere is friendly but fun,
dent prices are £8. Then take a bus
with a BBQ and several bars, and
to one of the local beaches – try
the music is usually pretty amazing
Broadstairs, a lovely seaside town
– when she was a student here a
where you can have a game of
few years ago, Ellie Goulding was
mini golf before enjoying a more
in the line-up. Advance tickets are
relaxed night in the local bars.
around £5.
CITY GUIDES
CANTERBURY
AFS TOP TIP
The city’s accommodation is more or less divided into two areas, depending on which University you attend. If you go to CCCU then you are generally better off living in the south of the city towards Sturry or Wincheap, which are very close to the campus. On the other hand, UKC students should look for housing around Hales Place, as it means you won’t have to trudge up the dreaded Hales Hill on your way to every lecture.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON LIVING I N C A N T E R B U RY
49
student life in
cardiff NOT TO MISS IN CARDIFF
KNOWN FOR
THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS - OFFERING UP ALL THE
B E S T F E S T I V E T R E AT S A N D W I N T E R W A R M E R S I N T H E HEART OF CARDIFF’S CITY CENTRE
As 2015 comes to an end, there
are plenty of upcoming Christmas
and New Year events. Then, in March 2016, the 6 Nations will
see every Cardiffian donning their
Welsh rugby shirt with pride. But what about those lesser known
events? Well, Cardiff has many
hidden shopping gems, must-try street food stalls, intimate theatre productions and alternative club nights.
WHERE
50
18. CARDIFF CASTLE
CITY GUIDES
CARDIFF
Cardiff student living. Just better. Alwyn Court Northgate House Apartments Summit House
www.collegiate-ac.com
WHERE
CITY CENTRE
Places to Eat
VDeli stall, which sells a Welsh
For alternatives to club
Cardiff city centre has masses
favourite: homemade Glamorgan
nights, Cardiff has some amazing
upon masses of restaurants; from
sausages – 100% vegetarian and
theatres that put on productions
the classic chains in St David’s 2,
100% mouth-wateringly good.
of musicals, ballets and plays all
to the independent cafes in the
Nights Out
year round. From the 2nd-12th
shopping arcades. There really is something for all tastes. That goes without saying of course. And what about those pop-up restaurants and street food vendors that are only there for a short while? My annual favourite is Cardiff’s Christmas Market, which is located primarily in The Hayes, but spans to St John Street, Working Street, Hills Street and Trinity Street. The market has all the Christmas foods you could want; from a French crepe filled
Cardiff has a music scene that is second to none. With a wide range of mainstream bands playing at the Motorpoint Arena and Cardiff University’s Student’s Union, it can be easy to overlook the smaller, independent venues. Gwdihw (Welsh for Owl, in case you were wondering), which is located just behind the Motorpoint Arena on Guildford Crescent, puts on a wide range of events every month; for example, Folk in the Owls Nest, an Acoustic night on the 1st Wednesday of every month, Fat
T O P T I P. . .
City, a Soul and Hip-Hop night on
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the 2nd Saturday of every month, and an Open Mic night on the 4th
December, Cardiff’s Royal
College of Music and Drama will be staging a performance
TOP NIGHT OUT TRY SMACK! - HELD E V E R Y F R I D AY N I G H T AT G L A M I N T H E C I T Y CENTRE
of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, but with a 60s’ twist to the tale. And the Sherman Cymru will be showing a performance of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe between the 4th and 31st of December.
Monday of every month. Buffalo Bar on Windsor Place, conven-
iently located between Cathays and the city centre is home to
to the brim with sugar and lemon, to delicious pulled-pork and stuffing rolls, and a must-try German bratwurst hot-dog. The market also has several vegetarian and vegan stalls, such as Mr Nice
Pie, which sells some of the tastiest vegan pies going (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it), and the
52
CITY GUIDES
some of the best student nights, including Bump & Grind, an RnB and Dance party held every Monday, and Knee Socks, an Indie Pop night every Tuesday. For more mainstream music, try Glam’s hugely popular Smack club night, which is held every Friday and has featured some of the biggest DJs over the years.
CARDIFF
19. XMAS MARKETS
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CITY CENTRE
Shopping Aside from the high-street giants and designers situated in St David’s 2 and Queen Street, Cardiff really does have some hidden-gems when it comes to shopping. There are six Victorian
To read more
Arcades in Cardiff city centre,
SPILLERS RECORDS
which are full of vintage clothing shops, craft shops and jewellery stores. One shop in particular that
about Cardiff visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
20.
is a must for all students is Spillers
Records in Morgan Arcade; the oldest record shop in the world.
WHERE
C AT H AY S
Places to Eat
“Music and pizza; what more could you want ?” of Cardiff University’s societies
For live music, go to The Globe
Cathays is one of the biggest
get together for an end-of-year
on Albany Road, where you will
student areas in Cardiff, so there
meal. For some amazing breakfast
get the chance to listen to some
are plenty of cheap cafes and
cafés, go to Salisbury Road, where
upcoming bands, such as Lonely
takeaway restaurants. But don’t
Café 37 and Ramones Café are
and the Brave, older bands like
just log on to Just-Eat, take a trip
situated.
The Zombies and Exodus, as well
there for yourself. I would strongly
Nights Out
as some cover bands such as
recommend going for a walk down City Road to discover cuisine from all over the world and some brilliant independent restaurants. For something a bit different try Milgi, a plant-based restaurant, which has some really innovative recipes. Or on Woodville Road, there is a wonderful Caribbean restaurant
There are many student favourites in Cathays, such as The Vulcan, Gassy Jacks and Koko Gorilaz. As a student, I can guarantee you will visit all of these locations at least once. But make sure you discover some of the other great venues in Cathays too.
called Irie Shack, where many
54
CITY GUIDES
CARDIFF
Atomic Blondie and The Bowie Experience (all playing at The Globe between November 2015 and March 2016). Or go to Face
11 on Cathays Terrace, where an Open Mic night is held every Thursday. While you’re there, why not try their amazing stone-baked pizza? Music and pizza; what more could you want?
BRAND NEW WINDSOR HOUSE
CARDIFF STUDENT LIVING. JUST BETTER. Powered by
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student life in
CHEST’R NOT TO MISS IN CHESTER
KNOWN FOR
CHESTER RACES - WITH MEETS THROUGHOUT THE
SEASON, BOTH THE RACECOURSE AND THE CITY IS
B U S T L I N G , W I T H B A R S A N D R E S TA U R A N T S O F F E R I N G DISCOUNT DEALS TO PULL IN THE PUNTERS.
There’s an old Tudor by-law that says that it’s legal for a Chester
resident to shoot a Welsh person
with a bow and arrow if they’re
in the city walls at night. Now this law is, of course, no longer in place but it is the history sur-
rounding this that makes Chester an absolutely fascinating city that
is becoming increasingly popular for both students and the general
public alike. With its gorgeous
pubs, restaurants and events WHERE
21. CHESTER RACECOURSE
that happen all year-round it is no wonder that more and more
students are flocking to this his-
“a magical city and one that is easy to fall in love with.” 56
CITY GUIDES
CHESTER
toric city.
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Hickory’s
of Morrissey will be sure to love
is also an amazing pub with an
Since it’s close to the Bus Sta-
this and with a sound that’ll take
even better bar so it makes for
tion, going to Hickory’s is a great
you back to one of the golden
an amazing night, just don’t fall
way to end (or begin) any day.
ages of music, the 1980’s, it’s a
in the canal.
You can find it down by the River
must-see. Even though many of
Dee and is one of the best places
us weren’t born when The Smiths
in Chester for American and bar-
where at their peak, The Smiths
becue food, always guaranteed to
Indeed offer an amazing oppor-
warm you up on a cold day. From
tunity to witness what it might
pancakes to ribs, there is amazing
have been like to have seen them
food at great prices but the Baby
live. Since their formation in 2005
Romantic Lunch
If you fancy a romantic lunch
for Valentines Day, Beatons is perfect. It’s a really quaint teashop overlooking the Cathedral. Saying that Beatons is a tearoom is an
Back Ribs are really incredible, they are sticky and succulent and it’s a good size portion. Even though it’s a steakhouse there are plenty of options for vegetarians, from Mac and Cheese to Vegetable Chili there are plenty of options for everyone.
The Smiths Indeed
Chester is the best preserved, walled city in England they have gone from strength to
For music lovers, The Smiths
strength and for only £12 you’ll
Indeed will be playing Telford’s
get to experience a performance
Warehouse on the 11th February.
that even Morrissey himself would
As a Smiths cover band, any fans
be proud of. Telford’s Warehouse
understatement, the large variety of teas, coffees and food available means that there is little room to go wrong. The Strawberry Kiwi tea alongside the Bacon Bagel is always a winning combination in my book and the fact that it’s super affordable makes it even better.
Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival
Chester’s Food, Drink and
Lifestyle Festival will be taking place during 26th– 28nd March at Chester Racecourse and is an event loved by residents and WHERE
58
2 2 . M E D I E VA L C I T Y WA L L S
CITY GUIDES
CHESTER
students alike. From crepes to chilli, there is an ample variety of
regional and national food and
visit. There are two places that
drink on offer. There’s also a Cock-
are guaranteed to put a smile on
tail Bar, Coffee, and Wine Tasting!
any parent’s face: Hanky Panky
Looking After Mum and Dad
Pancakes (HPP) and Café at the
While you’re at Chester it’s
Walls (CatW). HPP is a cute little
inevitable that at some point
restaurant in the City Centre that
you will be playing host to family
specialise in, you guessed it, pan-
members, therefore you will need
cakes. They have both sweet and
places to take them during their
savoury pancakes, but if you ask me sweet pancakes are the way to go! It’s down an alleyway on Bridge Street, so it’s easy to miss but it is truly one of Chester’s hidden gems. For something more traditional, CatW have a wide variety of sandwiches, Paninis and cakes available. You can find them by either going along the Walls or by going down the River Dee to see their charming café overlooking
2 3 . H A N K Y PA N K Y
the river.
THE WALLS If you’ve still not had your fill, head on over to The Architect. Overlooking the racecourse, it’s hard to miss. It’s best to follow the Walls around to get there, not only would you be getting a tour of the Walls but you’ll be able to treat yo’ self with a drink afterwards and besides, it saves you from doing the Walls in your final year when you feel guilty for not doing it sooner. If you decide to go for a bite here it may be best to book as with it being near the racecourse it’s very popular, especially on race days, but if you’re just after a drink then you should be fine. With some of the Georgian architecture still intact it’s easy to see why it’s popular, and even though it’s a bit more
A truly magical it y
out of the way than the SU, the classic British and exotic influences of beers, wines and food help to appeal to any pallet.
c
Yes Chester is small when com-
It truly is a magical city and one
pared to Liverpool or Manchester.
that is easy to fall in love with.
There’s no getting away from it
If there is something that you
unfortunately. But that doesn’t
can’t find in Chester, Crewe is
mean that there is not as much
only a 20 minute train ride away,
going on, I’ve only touched the sur-
Liverpool a 45 minute train ride,
face on what Chester has to offer.
and Manchester 1 hour.
CITY GUIDES
CHESTER
More on Chester at www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
59
student life in
COV
KNOWN FOR
N O T T O M I S S I N C O V E N T R Y. . .
U N I R I VA L RY - W I T H A C L O S E R I VA L RY B E T W E E N C O V E N T RY U N I , WA R W I C K U N I A N D L O U G H B O R O U G H U N I V E R S I T Y, S P O R T S C L A S H E S A R E S O M E O F T H E M O S T TA L K E D A B O U T E V E N T S A M O N G S T C O V E N T R Y S T U D E N T S !
Coventry is a vibrant and forward looking city whose outstanding history and unrivaled heritage makes the perfect student spot.
Eating out
spots where you can that you can
classics at decent prices such as
be well fed and watered for very
chicken pesto pasta or chicken
little money.
salad for those on the diet.
There are two main pubs that
If you fancy grabbing a sand-
always draw student’s attention
wich or jacket potato when on the
to their competitive 2 for 1 deals.
way to library, you should go to
The Phoenix is located on the Far
the Deli. The family run sandwich
Gosford street and it is popular
deli located in Coventry’s student
For a quick rest after night of studying during exam week or posh evening of fine dining and entertainment, Coventry provides an outstanding variety of eateries and captivating night life. Serving food from around the globe, restaurants in the city will tickle
“FANCY GRABBING A SANDWICH ON THE WAY TO THE LIBRARY? HEAD TO THE DELI”
your taste buds with their delicious, tasty dishes, Michelin star
among students, hosting comedy
quarter offers fresh food, aromatic
dining experiences and popular
and karaoke nights - and showing
coffee and snacks.
takeaways.
live formula 1, football, rugby and
Nights out
Coventry isn’t the most expensive place to grab a meal or a cheeky drink. Here are the top 3
60
CITY GUIDES
all range of sports. The Flying Standard, based on Bayley Lane
offers a variety homemade pub
COVENTRY
Coventry and its locals know how to party so if you want to have
that special evening or night for
inside the Skydome and offers the
you and a friend, these modern,
ultimate party experience and is
spacious bars and clubs are per-
open 5 nights a week offering
fect venues.
students themed parties from Where’s Wally to Jungle.
WHERE
TOP TIP GET A ONE MONTH OR A TRIAL MEMBERSHIP FIRST TO SEE IF YOU USE IT
2 4 . C O V E N T R Y C AT H E D R A L
to sport facilities such as gym, personal trainer, fitness and swimming pool. The Coventry University stu-
dent sport club is a well-equipped facility that keeps you active. From squash to volleyball, it is your unique pass to staying fit and healthy. The Coventry Sports & Lei-
sure centre is a great club for you and your friends. With all in one membership you get all you need Kasbah Night Club, located on the Primrose Hill street is an exciting venue which has served Coventry students for well over a decade. The regular nights include Poptastic, Kinky and Groovy on Saturdays. JJ’s Night Club is based
Sport and Leisure Coventry has two main sport centers where you can purchase your month or year membership
to relax and unwind. So if you want to experience thrill seeking activities, take part in sport competitions, Coventry is the right place to be.
giving you an unlimited access
To read more about Coventry visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
MODERN UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR
Coventry has been named the
satisfaction levels as a significant
High employment rates in
Modern University of the Year and
factor in the University’s rise,
undergraduate placements and in
was shortlisted for this year’s Uni-
alongside its innovative approach
graduate-level jobs together with
versity of the Year award in The
to delivering affordable, alterna-
strong ratings in teaching quality,
Times and The Sunday Times
tive routes into higher education in
academic support and personal
Good University Guide 2014.
Coventry through its college and
development also contributed to
The Times and Sunday Times
also in London through the Cov-
the University’s upward movement
guide highlights the student
entry University London Campus.
in the rankings in 2014.
CITY GUIDES
COVENTRY
61
student life in
derby NOT TO MISS IN DERBY
KNOWN FOR
SHOPPING OPTIONS GALORE. FROM QUIRKY
SPECIALIST SHOPS TO CHEAP AND CHEERFUL ONES, T H E R E ’ S S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E RY O N E .
It may not be a University City which immediately springs to
mind when you are planning your academic career, but Derby will surprise you in so many ways. Sur-
“DERBY WILL SURPRISE YOU IN SO MANY WAYS”
rounded by some the UK’s most stunning countryside, Derby is compact and centrally located city,
with plenty on offer for students. One of the best things about studying here is the ‘cosy’ feel of the
University. While there are well over 20,000 students enrolled at
the Uni, class sizes are generally small and compact, which makes for a great learning and social environment.
25. DERBY CITY
62
CITY GUIDES
DERBY
Derby student living. Just better. Roman House
www.collegiate-ac.com
NIGHT life
downstairs and an intimate gig venue upstairs. Not far from the Hairy Dog, The
gig venue (100 or so people) and
draft too much.
serves some pretty hearty food –
everyone in Derby. Yes, we have
favourite – the only meal you will
a Popworld, if you really must go
need all day.
there. Personally though I’d rather
Shopping
over three floors, with a legendary student night each Monday, where the fun is pretty much fuelled by extremely cheap drinks. If you are a fan of live music you’re not going to get too much in the way of major acts coming to town. However, there are a few places where you can watch some more up and coming bands and enjoy a drink or two. The Hairy
Dog is very central, has a cool bar
Primark to vintage, this is the place to go that won’t damage the over-
the train drivers stew is a particular
gate. It’s a Derby institution, built
market is the place to shop. From
Victoria Inn has a similarly petite
There’s a bit of something for
head over to Mosh, over on Friar-
When the loan dries up, Corn-
If you look around there is some pretty decent shopping to be had in Derby. The Intu centre generally prompts existential what
Countryside
were they thinking feelings and is
One of the most amazing
best avoided, particularly at the
things about Derby is the stunning
weekend. Babington Lane offers
countryside that surrounds it. It’s a
and altogether different shopping experience and is home to a wide
truly beautiful part of the world. If you fancy a day out, Ashbourne,
range of specialist shops. The
Buxton and Bakewell are within
Cathedral Quarter is a pleasant
easy striking distance – with easy
cobbled area, which specialises in
access to the Peak District’s
swankier retailers, with plenty of
breathtaking scenery.
bars and café’s dotted in between. To find out more about Derby head to www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
WHERE
64
26. QUAD
CITY GUIDES
DERBY
Festival CENTRAL
E V E RY O N E L O V E S A F E S T I VA L , AND IN DERBY THERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST AROUND...
27.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION The combination of the central location and surrounding countryside makes Derby and the immediate area ideal for festivals.
bearded theory
Download
y not
You might not have heard of
Equally close by, but on a totally
My favourite though is the
Bearded Theory, but this cool
different scale is the Download
lovely Y Not festival. It’s over near
event has been named as the best
Festival, Derby’s annual rock event
small festival in the UK. It is set in
which attracts pretty much anyone
its own special charm) in a village
the grounds of Catton hall (about
who is anyone in the world of rock.
called Pikehall. The stunning
15 miles from the University)
Download Festival
scenery compliments the quality
a place called Matlock (which has
and takes place in mid May. Past
line up and it is a worthy winner
headliners at this boutique festival
of the best medium sized festival
include UB40, Reverend and the
event.
Makers, British Sea Power and the Levellers. It has a nice laid back, easy going charm about it.
28.
Y N O T F E S T I VA L
AWARD WINNING F E S T I VA L S
CITY GUIDES
DERBY
65
student life in
dundee NOT TO MISS IN DUNDEE
KNOWN FOR
T H E B O TA N I C A L G A R D E N S A R E A N I C E E S C A P E F R O M THE BUSTLE OF CITY LIFE AND FREE FOR STUDENTS
Dundee is a great place to live and study, but don’t just take our word
for it! In 2011 Dundee came first in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, and has consistently featured in the top twenty
since, ranking in at number twelve this year. In a separate survey for AFS, Dundee ranked number ten in the UK, with a score of 62%. The
city combines cheap housing and nights out with hidden spots of peace and quiet, as well as countless sports facilities to provide an environment that caters for everyone. Our guide gives you the ins and outs of this underrated student hub.
Nights Out We students know the importance of preparing for a night out, so you should start the night right: with a takeaway from Istanbul. This place is cheap, cheerful, and, most importantly, gives you massive portions for your money. If you’re looking to upgrade your pre-drinks session, Medina is a great spot for a decent cocktail and a burger to go with it. The Art
Bar is tucked away on Perth Road, and offers a dimly lit atmospheric treat. Sit and watch some great live music or a DJ set, and enjoy an evening that’s a little closer to WHERE
66
29. DUNDEE & FIRTH
CITY GUIDES
DUNDEE
home than a night out in the big clubs.
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Keiller Court lies right in the heart of Dundee’s thriving student community, within 5-minutes walk of Dundee University, Abertay University and Dundee College. With Dundee nightlife and amenities similarly on your doorstep, by staying at Keiller Court, you’re in prime position to enjoy the complete student living experience.
Free 20mb WiFi
Cleaning Pack worth £30
Keiller Court Double Bed
Bluetooth Music System
Flatscreen TV & TV License
Washer/ Dryer
TOP EATS
If pub life is the one for you, Braes does a decent quiz night and people tend not to cheat that much! Their chips are also pretty great for fuelling that competitive appetite. For city-centre live music, the Doghouse is the place to go for great up and coming
off the beaten track, and is much quieter on a weekday if you want to miss the family crowds. Feeling really fit, or wanting to burn off that big lunch? Then the war memorial on top of Dundee Law is well worth a visit. As well as
brushing up on your history, you
WHERE TO EAT
can enjoy some stunning views of
Now, Dundee wouldn’t be
is a solid choice for some cheap
Angus.
Dundee without a trip to the infa-
and hearty food, making it a great
STUDENT DIGS
local bands. The vibe is friendly and the acoustics are brilliant.
mous Liquid, or the ever cheap and cheerful Fat Sam’s. Fat
The Liar at the Students Union
place to take a procrastination break after a shift in the library or
Sam’s entry price is particularly
lectures. If you’re looking to go
decent, their theme nights are
further afield and try something
constant and laden with cheese,
a little more exotic (marshmallow
and with its multitude of floors
burger, anyone?) then Tonic is
there’s something for everybody. If you’re after a more alternative clubbing experience, then Kage nightclub could be to your liking.
Take a break from the bigger clubs and their mainstream hits, and get
the place to go. There are over 50 types of burger, so good luck choosing! For a little taste of lunchtime From cakes to falafel to chowders, everything is top notch, making
more intimate venue.
this a perfect place to impress your parents with if they’re in town too.
HIDDEN GEMS
THE DOGHOUSE IS THE PLACE TO GO FOR UP AND COMING LOCAL BANDS
The city boasts a wide variety of accommodation types in a host of locations, with a huge range of private and university-owned accommodation. Rents are also amongst the lowest in the UK, with the cost of living being approximately 14% lower than the average city in the UK.
heaven, pop into The Parlour.
dancing with a lively crowd in a
T O P T I P. . .
the River Tay and nearby Fife and
The botanic gardens are the
living costs
14%
lower than avg.
perfect place if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet. Owned
This year Dundee also came in the
by the Uni, this place looks great,
top twenty for good accommoda-
smells great, and is completely
tion in the Times Higher Education
free for students. If you want to
Student Experience Survey. The
take a quick break from the bustle
cheap rent and friendly atmos-
of city life, head down to the
phere combine to make this a
Camperdown Wildlife Centre.
great place to live for students.
For a fiver, this is a great afternoon For more about Dundee visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
68
CITY GUIDES
DUNDEE
T S E B E TH
THING ABOUT DUNDEE The atmosphere. Unlike other
30. DUNDEE NIGHTLIFE
cities, there is nothing preten-
tious about Dundee, and most people out on the town are just
looking for a good time. There is something for everyone to
do, from nightlife to sport to the
arts, so you’re guaranteed to find
a part of Dundee that suits and welcomes you!
T S R O EW THTHING ABOUT DUNDEE Quite simply: hills and stairs.
be a bit of a problem. It’s especially
Walking from the train or bus
annoying if you’re struggling up to
station to campus is a long uphill
the fifth floor with heavy bags of
struggle! Be sure to invest in a
shopping, and getting either up or
comfy pair of shoes and minimise
down those stairs whilst tipsy with
those blisters. Most of Dundee’s
heels on could be a nightmare.
buildings are a tad ancient, and it
Make sure you’re keen on fitness
shows – there are just no lifts any-
to accommodate this element of
where. As most student flats are
the Dundee lifestyle!
high up in old buildings, this can
CITY GUIDES
DUNDEE
69
student life in
EDIN BURGH NOT TO MISS IN EDINBURGH
KNOWN FOR
T H E E D I N B U R G H F R I N G E F E S T I VA L I S L E G E N D A RY AND THE CITY IS BUZZING WITH PEOPLE, P E R F O R M E R S A N D E S TA B L I S H M E N T S !
“ALL THE BENEFITS OF LONDON WITH NONE OF THE DOWNSIDES”
In addition to being regularly
voted the best place to live in the UK, as a capital city Edinburgh has all the benefits of London with none of the downsides. Home to an extinct volcano, Calton Hill, a
castle, Portobello beach, Murrayfield Rugby Stadium, as well as
vintage fairs, one of the best club-
bing scenes in the country and, of course, the Fringe Festival, there’s not much more you can pack into one city.
70
CITY GUIDES
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh student living. Just better. Buccleuch Street Gateway Apartments McDonald Road
www.collegiate-ac.com
A Great Night Out
as it’s the perfect night to visit the
To have the great night out in
jewel of Edinburgh: Hive. Unlike
Edinburgh, it really depends on
the weekend, it’s free entry, with
what you want. Undoubtedly, on a
no queue and yet a packed club.
student budget, you’ll be starting
Thursdays are usually for Silk, a
your night with Glen’s vodka and
maze of a club which is scarily easy
the rest of your friends in some-
to get lost in, but is super cheap.
one’s flat before heading out.
On Saturdays, you’ll probably be
Clubs and bars are divided mainly
forced to Big Cheese – Students’
into two areas; Cowgate and
Union nights tend to be a night-
parents visiting or missing your mum’s cooking? U P M A R K E T:
George Street. For a guaranteed
mare and this is no exception; you
fun and cheap night out, Cowgate
can expect to queue for at least an
If your student loan has just
is the place to be, with bars such as
hour, but hundreds turn out every
arrived, or your parents are visiting,
Pilgrim, BrewDog and the Three
week.
try Mother India, an Indian tapas
Sisters. If you’re looking for some-
thing a little classier, take a taxi to George Street for the likes of Why Not, Opal and Lulu’s.
T O P T I P. . . THE THREE SISTERS IS A PERFECT SPOT TO W AT C H T H E R U G B Y
TOP EATS O N A B U D G E T:
There’s so much choice for likely find your student loan receding at an alarming rate. For
Especially in first year, what kind of night you have will usually be dictated by what day of the week it is; on Mondays, you’ll inevitably be dragged to Why Not, with its £1 tequila and an abundance of people you know (but get there early or you’ll queue for hours). If you’re into dark, smoky spaces and techno, Tuesdays are for
a quick lunch on the move, Rotato sells delicious jacket potatoes, and
situated in Newington - they slow roast their meat for 12 hours before serving the best burgers for student prices. You’ll be lucky to get week, but it’s perfect a big lunch. Furthermore, if you’re missing your mum’s cooking, Howies and
the Sailsbury Arms both do giant Sunday Roasts. When it comes to 3am on a Thursday morning and you’re stumbling out of Hive, Pizza Paradise, a sit-down Italian restaurant (complete with bouncers on
side the Hugh Robson building in
the door), is open till 5am, while
Bristo Square - serves the best Brat-
Edinburgh Bakehouse, which won
wurst in the city. For something a bit more substantial, try Ting Thai
Caravan opposite George Square; the constant queue out of the door says it all, but it’s definitely worth it.
arguably the best day of the week,
CITY GUIDES
Street. Clerks Bar is a hidden gem,
On the Roll - always parked out-
Cabaret Voltaire. Wednesday is
72
has spectacular views onto Princes
a table after 7pm any day of the
eating out in Edinburgh, you’ll
Monday to Saturday
restaurant, or Viva Mexico, which
EDINBURGH
Scottish Baker of the Year 2012, is open 24 hours on a Friday and Saturday.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN EDINBURGH 24 min
24 min
13 min
12 min
20 min
9 min
UNI OF EDINBURGH
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73
best Places to drink There’s so much choice for eating out in Edinburgh, you’ll likely find your student loan receding at an alarming rate. For a quick lunch on the move, Rotato sells delicious jacket pota-
toes, and On the Roll - always
3L1I .B R TA I NRG Y TS H ES ASI I O N S
parked outside the Hugh Robson building in Bristo Square - serves
Andrews Day, Christmas and
the best Bratwurst in the city. For
Hogmanay are all massive events.
something a bit more substantial,
Furthermore, most Uni subjects
try Ting Thai Caravan opposite
will have a ball, the Christmas
George Square; the constant
market is here and there’s even a
queue out of the door says it all,
Celtic ritual known as Samhuinn,
but it’s definitely worth it.
pronounced ‘sa-wain’, which is
the BEST THING ABOUT EDINBURGH
performed by the Beltane Fire Society in the Grassmarket to celebrate the death of summer
For me, the best thing about
and the start of winter.
Edinburgh is the festivity of winter and build up to Christmas.
What’s On? six …next months
Expect a lot to happen over the next six months; Burns Night takes place on the 25th January, when people eat haggis, drink whiskey and Ceilidh to celebrate the life of the poet Robert Burns. The Six Nations Rugby takes place in February, with Scotland playing at home on the 6th and 13th, so the
Halloween, Bonfire Night, St.
city is bound to come alive. From the 6th to the 9th March, the Wee Dub Festival comes to some of Edinburgh’s best venues, including
JAN
25
the Liquid Rooms, The Caves and
BURNS NIGHT
La Belle Angele, bringing with it a FEB
FEB
06
reggae and soundsystem culture.
13 SCOTLAND HOME GAMES S I X N AT I O N S R U G B Y
To read more about Edinburgh visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
74
CITY GUIDES
EDINBURGH
student life in
EXETER NOT TO MISS IN EXETER...
KNOWN FOR
L I V E M U S I C I S AT T H E H E A R T O F E X E T E R ’ S N I G H T SCENE, SO GO OUT AND DISCOVER A NEW BAND O R T W O AT A L O C A L P U B !
A Great Night Out
emptying your wallet. Exeter is one
crazier mood, Timepiece burgers
Your first tip for a fantastic
of the more expensive cities in the
are absolutely delicious, and the
night out in Exeter is to start some-
UK, so students have to be smart
club’s Thursday night R&B theme
where low-key. The majority of
about how they spend money
is perfect to really show off your
students have a couple of drinks
on a night out.
moves. Places like Vaults, the local
For a really fun and stress-free
gay bar, do an incredible karaoke
night out, head to Cheesy Tuesdays
extortionate and you can get a
at Unit 1, followed by some chips
night on Saturdays and the Exeter
head start on your night without
from the van outside. If you’re in a
with guest DJs from around the
at someone’s flat, or in a local pub where the prices aren’t too
Phoenix have legendary events country coming in to make you dance till you literally drop. That being said, Cavern is just around the corner from both of the last two and over the last two years has seen an increase in local artists and awesome acts coming in to do one-night sets for students. They run some really awesome and diverse themed nights, such as hosting the EDL, or, ‘English Disco Lovers’, to come in and run 80s themed nights, complete with ridiculous wigs and ‘funky shades’.
WHERE
CITY GUIDES
3 2 . E X E T E R C AT H E D R A L
EXETER
75
breakfast, you want to check out
RELAX AND CHILL
Brody’s, a breakfast buffet bistro serving the best pancakes ever. If you’re spending your day on campus working hard, then you should definitely try the old
Being someone that enjoys a
favourite, the Ram. But what a lot
more relaxed evening, I personally
of students don’t know about is
spend most evenings either down
La Touche, a pasta/pizza restau-
at the Old Firehouse with their
rant down in the Business School
legendary pizzas and local ale,
on campus, serving some of the
or at Artigiano’s, a trendy coffee
33. OLD FIREHOUSE
best carbonara you will ever have,
shop that doubles as a wine bar
for incredibly good prices. Other
at night. Boasting some incred-
great places to eat on campus
TOP EATS
ible plank pizzas, an assortment of wine and craft beer and the jazziest decor, Artigiano’s has stormed the scene of Exeter’s nightlife and become one of the most popular locations for students and locals alike. Another great place to head to is On The Waterfront for their delicious burgers and great views, or any of the other pubs around the Quayside or Cathedral. The Quay is one of Exeter’s most gorgeous locations and it’s one that often gets missed out. If you’re looking for a cheaper and more rustic option, head to the Ship’s
Inn for delicious pub food and a chance to prove your worth at one of their open mic evenings.
lish breakfasts every morning. 34.
a branch of Artigiano’s serving homemade sourdough pizza and craft beers. Their stylish design and down-to-earth approach to food and alcohol is exactly what’s drawing students in. Another great place to get a bite to eat is Tea on
FA R M E R ’ S M A R K E T
the Green, a restaurant/café by the Cathedral boasting an incredible array of breakfast, brunch, and
Cheesy’s. Favourite thing on the
CITY GUIDES
awesome hot dogs and Full Eng-
to eat in Exeter is Base & Barley,
hangover cure for after a Tuesday
76
an American-style diner boasting
One of the best new places
lunch items that are the perfect
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON STUDENT LIFE IN EXETER
include the new Grove restaurant,
menu is probably the Wells Cream Tea, with two enormous scones and a mound of clotted cream and jam. If you want an all-you-can eat
EXETER
And of course, don’t forget to check out the Farmer’s Market on campus every Friday, with everything from paellas to Greek souvlakis, vegetarian delis, and curries.
NEW GENERATION STUDENT LIVING IN EXETER 203 Stunning Studio Apartments
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KINGFISHER WESTERN WAY, EXETER
r 2016 mbe g Septe STREET, LIVERPOOL OpeninCALEDONIA Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com
downingstudents.com STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE / LEEDS / LIVERPOOL / LONDON / NEWCASTLE / GLASGOW / EXETER
n o s ’ what Exeter’s music scene is really waking up when it comes to awesome gigs. English Disco
Lovers are coming back with a 80s themed night at Cavern, which should prove to be a huge success as ever. Exeter University Jazz Orchestra have started hitting up The Monkey Suit bar every Sunday with their incredible sets. Alt-j are making an appearance
at Westpoint near Exeter in December for a special set with The Horrors. One of the biggest happenings of the year is the annual Vibraphonic festival, happening in March, and showcasing everything from reggae to hip hop to dubstep. If music isn’t really your thing, take a look at Exeter Northcott,
the RAMM, and the Exeter Phoenix. The Northcott is a theatre that puts on some of the
WHERE
most incredible shows, including
35. GANDY STREET
student productions such as the upcoming Phantom of the Opera and Avenue Q. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a brilliant
place to spend a lazy afternoon, strolling around and admiring the beautiful and ever-changing exhibits, such as the recent Whatever The Weather exhibition. At the Phoenix, come to monthly
78
CITY GUIDES
Taking the Mic nights to hear
Mary, held every year in November,
some of Exeter’s best local/stu-
where you duck for your life as
dent poets, and then follow them
people throw burning barrels
right on up to The Bike Shed,
towards each other like they weigh
another venue to see small-scale
nothing.
productions and individual acts. If you want to live a little on the
To read the full
wild side, you have to go for the
guide to Exeter visit
Flaming Tar Barrels at Ottery St
EXETER
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
Student Apartments THE PRINTWORKS
EXETER
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student life in
glas gow
KNOWN FOR
NOT TO MISS IN GLASGOW
T H E G L A S G O W I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M E D Y F E S T I V A L W I T H O V E R 3 5 0 S H O W S , I N 4 0 V E N U E S A C R O S S T H E C I T Y, T H E R E ‘ S S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E R Y TA S T E A N D B U D G E T.
“the best way to experience Glasgow is just to get stuck in”
WHERE
80
36. GLASGOW SKYLINE
CITY GUIDES
GLASGOW
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Eating
students and locals alike, such as Jellybean and Propaganda;
Glasgow has a deserved reputation for great vegan food, so
while Neverland at The Garage
why not take the opportunity to
on Thursdays caters to you if you
give the animals a bit of respite
love bouncy castles, candyfloss
and get in touch with your inner
and cheap vodka. If you’re at a
vegan? Stereo, tucked away down
loose end on Monday, then Viper
Renfield Lane, serves a variety
in the West End is an option for Monday Night Heat.
of vegan tapas with a live music venue downstairs, while directly across the lane, The Old Hair-
37. STEREO
dresser’s is also worth popping in for a quick drink. If you’re up on Sauchiehall Street, head to the Centre for Contemporary Arts. Its relaxed café/bar, Saramago,
Nights Out There is no shortage of ways to
serves delicious vegan food and
blow your student loan. Sauchie-
has outdoor seating for those rare
hall Street is a popular first port of
sunny days (check their website
call in Glasgow and the O2 ABC
for a list of gigs and events too).
do ever-green favourites with
Something a little different For something a bit different, try café/bar/club, the Flying Duck, for its eclectic mix of music and events, and a bit of free toast while you drink (crucially, they offer a 20% student discount). You can’t go too far wrong in Glasgow for clubs and dance venues. If you’re
PIZZA AND ICE CREAM If you’re in the mood for pizza
going to break the bank. If you’re
and ice cream (any why wouldn’t
out in the West End and strug-
you be?), head down to new-
gling to fend off the crowds, then
ly-opened Paesano Pizza. The
head to Pena on Eton Lane for
pizza is cooked in wood-fired
a £4 cup of coffee and a toastie.
ovens and the ice cream comes
The portions aren’t massive but
in cones with gooey sauce drip-
they’ll sprinkle some popcorn on
ping down the side; pizza costs
the side, the coffee is great and
between £5 and £8, so it’s not
the atmosphere cosy.
82
CITY GUIDES
GLASGOW
serious about music, you should check out the up and coming local DJs and big name guests at the likes of Sub Club (with student
night, Sub Rosa, on a Wednesday)
or The Art School (by day the food’s pretty good there too). For other live music, King Tut’s is obvious but a goodie: a small (300 capacity) venue that most other cities would kill for, while Bloc+ is another great live venue where you can catch local acts for whatever you’re prepared to pay at the bar.
Love Glasgow. Live Different.
WHERE WE ARE 10 minute walk from University of Glasgow 2 minute walk from supermarket 10 minute walk from city centre WHY VITA STUDENT All-inclusive bills Superfast 250Mb speed broadband with Wi-Fi Kitchen and bedding pack included Free daily grab and go breakfast The best student experience in the city
V I TA S TU D E N T GLA S GO W BE I TH S TR E E T GLA S GO W
V I TA S TU D E N T. C O M
WHERE
3 8 . G L A S G O W F I L M T H E AT R E
Megabytes Megabytes is one of those rare occasions when a conversation between friends in front of the telly actually comes to something. To finance it, Nav, his girlfriend Amber Grant, and brothers John and Danny Corbett set up a campaign on crowd funding site Indiegogo. “It seemed like a pipe dream at first,” Nav said when I grabbed a
quick word with him, “but we love
computer games, so we thought, ‘why not?’” And, after securing
FANCY GIVING YOUR LIVER A NIGHT OFF? Non-alcoholic Nights Out
nights is just £2 to see the unpredictability of the open mic night
Glasgow has plenty of alternatives if you want to give your liver a night off. If you’re into films, head
(it gets busy, so go early). Another potential avenue for comedy is a night of Ceilidh. Sloans on Argyle
down to the excellent Glasgow
Street do a Ceilidh night on Fridays
arthouse, cult and international
feet. For something a bit different,
Film Theatre to see the kind of
films you’d expect from an independent theatre; in particular, keep an eye out for the late-night cult screenings. Or go and see a bit of comedy. Personally, the only comedy I need is to stand back and watch the myriad silly walks on display in Glasgow Central Station on a Friday night, but if you’d prefer to watch the professionals
if you want to test out your two left try the new gaming centre, Meg-
abytes, on Howard Street. Set up in summer 2015 by ex-University of Glasgow student, Nav Saran, it’s full of retro arcades and has a variety of consoles you can rent for £1 an hour. For the real hardcore, there are monthly gaming tournaments, anime screenings and even a cosplay school.
then head down to The Strand. Even better, Red Raw on Tuesday
84
CITY GUIDES
GLASGOW
the funding, a little publicity via STV and some advice from the Prince’s Trust, things started to take off. “Day one with the
Prince’s Trust was when it started to seem possible,” Nav said. “I’d definitely advise any new business to seek their help.” Since
opening in the summer the business has been growing steadily and when I visited to watch one of the tournaments there was a real welcoming atmosphere. If you’re into gaming or anime and fancy meeting a group of like-minded people, head down there or get in touch via their Facebook page (a website is on the way shortly). There’s also a café that offers a 15% discount for students.
Glasgow student living. Just better. 333 Bath Street Claremont House Woodside House
www.collegiate-ac.com
What’s On? Your guide to the unmissable
events coming to Glasgow in the
next few months! We’ve picked a different aspect of this amazing city each month for you to enjoy.
WHERE
WHEN
DEC JAN
3 9 . T H E R I V E R C LY D E
You can’t really avoid Christmas
Also open for viewing between
in December. There’s the big
October 2015 and 17 January
market on St. Enoch Square (plenty
2016, is the Turner Prize at the
of fresh food and mulled wine to be had) and Glasgow on Ice down
Tramway; the first time the prize has come to Scotland.
on George Square, a festive ice rink with associated food and drink under twinkling lights.
WHEN
FEB
Glasgow Film Festival is held
Alan Rickman and, ahem, some-
in February (17-28 February 2016).
thing called a Cat Video Festival—
Based in the aforementioned
which depending on your point of
Glasgow Film Theatre, you should
view sounds either like the best
try and catch at least one show.
thing ever or an absolute fluffy
Last year, there were more than
nightmare.
50 premieres, an appearance by
86
CITY GUIDES
GLASGOW
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s For all students from all universitie Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com
downingstudents.com STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE / LEEDS / LIVERPOOL / LONDON / NEWCASTLE / GLASGOW / EXETER
MAR
WHEN
March sees the arrival of the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (10-27 March 2016). Shows take place in venues all over the city, so you can pretty much take your pick: big names in places like King’s Theatre and The Stand, or something a little different in one of the smaller venues.
MARCH
24 TOP TIP C AT C H C H R I S R A M S E Y ON TOUR CLICK HERE T O S E E O U R F E AT U R E
WHERE
88
CITY GUIDES
GLASGOW
4 0 . K I N G S T H E AT R E
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN GLASGOW 2 min walk Glasgow Caledonian Uni
1 min walk to a supermarket
2 min walk to a supermarket
3 min walk to a supermarket
2-3 min bus to Universities
10 min walk to Uni of Glasgow
10 min walk to Uni of Strathclyde
10 min bus to the city centre
20 min walk to the city centre
GALLERY APARTMENTS
CLIFTON & STEWART HOUSE
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THE BALLET SCHOOL
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W W W. C R M - S T U D E N T S . C O M / G L A S G O W
GALLERY APARTMENT S
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0844 371 5635*
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2 Port Dundas Place | G2 3LD
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* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.
EVENTS G / SUMMER
O U R G U I D E T O W H AT ’ S O N A N D WHERE TO GO WHEN THE SUN IS ( H O P E F U L LY ) S H I N I N G
SPRIN
In spring, head south of the
Café. The café itself is worth a visit
Burrell to the city, which has
river to check out one of the
just for the food, but there’s also
free entry); however, personally,
events at the Southside Fringe
loads of stuff going on for artists,
I prefer wandering around the tree-
Festival. It’s a relatively new fes-
writers and musicians, with film
lined pathways and kicking dead
tival that runs in May (exact date
screenings, gigs, and writers’
leaves about like I’m some sort of
for 2016 TBC) and features local
events: just check the website.
tortured artist.
comedy, music and events. It’s
And since I’m banging the drum
a real mix of stuff, but to those
for the Southside, I recommend
unfamiliar with the Southside,
at least one trip to Pollok Park, a
it’ll be a great chance to expand
huge country park that’s perfect
your knowledge of Glasgow and
for clearing your head on a sunny
check out some new venues. One
day. It’s usually more famous for
Southside venue you should check
the Burrell Collection (a collec-
out at any time of year is the Glad
tion of art donated by Sir William
4 1 . P O L L O C K PA R K
WHEN
JUN JUL
Later on in the summer, there are two more established festivals: the West End festival in June, fea-
Basically, though, the best way to experience Glasgow is just to get
based around Byres Road and
stuck in. Enjoy.
about Glasgow visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
CITY GUIDES
Merchant City Festival in July.
turing events, music and comedy
To read more
90
the Botanic Gardens; and the
GLASGOW
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Bells Pottery , 171 Kyle Street, Glasgow G4 0DS
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student life in
hull NOT TO MISS IN HULL
KNOWN FOR
N E W L A N D AV E N U E I S N O T F A R F R O M T H E S T U D E N T C A M P U S A N D P R I D E S I T S E L F A S A C U LT U R A L
S T U D E N T H U B T H R O U G H T H E D AY A N D N I G H T
“Hull is cheap, cheerful, friendly, down to earth, fun and easygoing.”
When searching for a University that did joint courses in Film and Creative Writing there weren’t a great deal of options. A handful
in fact, but one of them was Hull.
My Mum and uncle had already studied here, so it was a weird family tradition already and my
Mum insisted I put it as my first
choice and told me how much of “a laugh” it was studying there.
She was right, Hull is cheap, cheerful, friendly, down to earth, fun and easygoing. And yet, I’ve seen a lot of prejudice towards
Hull, 9 times out of 10 coming from people who have never been here.
WHERE
92
42. HULL CITY CENTRE
CITY GUIDES
HULL
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WHERE
4 3 . B E V E R LY X M A S M A R K E T S
buffs and Film students like me who wanna write it off as studying (It counts, alright?).
Beverly Christmas Fair Nearby picturesque town Beverly, only a short train or bus
ride away, puts of an annual festive
extravaganza with stalls, mulled wine, baby reindeer for cryin’ out loud, street performers and plenty of local food and drink on offer. The fair generally takes place in mid- December, but Beverly isn’t a one-trick pony. It hosts a firework My friends from home who
you study here. It’s untouched by
seem to think studying in New-
concepts of ‘cool’, it has no grand
castle or Manchester is like swan-
illusions about itself, it is what it
ning round Cambridge or the
is. This is a big time for us too,
Sorbonne tell me Hull is nasty, dull
with the upcoming City of Culture events in 2017. But you don’t have to wait until then, there is already
display and bonfire every year on
the 5th November, with fairground
“AFTER ALL, IT NEVER DULL I
plenty of stuff to do and, uniquely, most of is cheap as chip spice. After all, it’s ‘Never Dull in Hull’.
Cult Cinema Sunday at Fruitspace On the third Sunday of every month Fruitspace on Humber street hosts a movie night. They
44. THE ADELPHI
rides, food and drink, and is simply a lovely town to escape to if you fancy a bit of peace and quiet away from the city. Hull is also close to Goth paradise Whitby
and historical York, Yorkshire is your oyster! (Especially Whitby, they love seafood over there).
screen the movie, host a quiz, sell unique movie posters by local art-
and dangerous. And yet everyone
ists and usually have some food
TOP TIP
who lives here says the same: they
from Thieving Harry’s on sale, as
love it! Hull is our hidden gem,
well as a bar. Movies are generally
a secret place. No one ‘ends up’
£4 in advance and £5 on the door,
IN 2017 HULL WILL
here, you’re either from here or
definitely a must-do for movie
BECOME THE EUROPEAN C I T Y O F C U LT U R E !
94
CITY GUIDES
HULL
Hallowed Ground For Music Fans Hull gets its cool from places like The Adelphi, the bar and venue that was the first home of The Housemartins/ The Beautiful South and has hosted acts as big as Green Day and Pulp. It’s hallowed ground for music fans and has quirky features like a bar that is literally the back of a bus. Hull boasts a Museums Quarter that makes for a day out on its own
social hub for the discerning stu-
All in all, Hull is a misunder-
dent. Home to student favourites
stood city with plenty to offer that
like Pie 2, Planet Coffee and
is beloved by students and locals
Roots Jamaican Bar, it’s the place
for its unique, laid-back vibe and
to get everything from a flavoured
cheap and cheerful appeal. This is
latte to a flaming zombie cocktail.
a place where strangers help each
It’s also home to vintage shops,
other, taxis are dirt cheap, chips
charity shops, greasy spoon cafés,
are spicy, ferries to Amsterdam
cool cafés, The Piper club and
run regularly and people are truly
a multitude of takeaways. All of
made to feel at home.
these in one place makes it the perfect place for students, with
Just because it rhymes, doesn’t mean it’s dull!
most living just a hop, skip and a jump away. To read more
and The Deep, the hugely popular
about Hull visit
Aquarium that became a must-visit
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
when penguins were introduced.
T’S IN HULL” Hull also has two major shopping centres, Princes Quay and St Stephens, both with Cinemas and
regular student lock-ins offering major discounts.
‘Olde-Fashioned’ It isn’t all shiny and new, Hull also has ‘old town’, the olde-fashioned section of the city with cobbled streets and ancient pubs for when you fancy a more refined night out. Newland Avenue, just a short walk from campus, is the centre of cafés and nightlife and an essential
CITY GUIDES
HULL
WHERE
4 5 . N E W L A N D AV E N U E
95
student life in
HUDDERSFIE NOT TO MISS IN HUDDERSFIELD D I S C O V E R A N A R R AY O F A L E H O U S E S ,
OFFERING THE TRUE
Y O R K S H I R E E X P E R I E N C E ! TA K E A T R I P D O W N T H E A L E T R A I L TO SAMPLE A PINT FROM LOCAL INDEPENDANT BREWERS.
A guide to Huddersfield: The UK’s biggest town that isn’t a city, apparently.
Pubs and that Somewhat sardonic summary aside, what does Huddersfield have to offer for a wide-eyed young student? The answer, for-
Huddersfield is a multicultural
tunately for me, who has a few
place, home to sizeable Asian,
hundred words to fill, cannot be
Caribbean and Eastern European
summarised in a single paragraph.
communities, which combined
So let’s begin with the important
with the large student population
stuff; pubs and that. If you’re in
and native Yorkshire folk, gives
your first year, you’re likely to
the town an enigmatic, slightly
be living at Storthes Hall - the
bizarre character. According to the
former psychiatric hospital (seri-
Huddersfield tourist board/local
ously) turned halls of residence
scuttlebutt/that bloke outside The
situated bloody miles away from
biggest town in the UK that isn’t a
on campus, but the English lan-
city, apparently. Minimal research
guage has yet to create an adjec-
Jolly Sailor, Huddersfield is the
suggests this isn’t true; it’s the
bloody anywhere. There is a bar
tive that accurately describes ‘The
11th biggest, but we’re a proud
Venue’, so you’ll have to discover
bunch here, so it’s best to stick to
it for yourself.
the party line. Huddersfield is a unique town, combining heritage with contemporary culture, vibrant people, and around six takeaways per capita.
96
CITY GUIDES
HUDDERSFIELD
CITY GUIDE: HUDDERSFIELD 46.
IELD KNOWN FOR
For second and third years, student accommodation is spread all over town, meaning there are plenty of local pubs bustling with oddballs ready to compare you with a Hairy Biker, or play dominoes with you in a slightly threatening manner.
The Student Connoisseur I’m painting quite the picture
47. THE GROVE
here, aren’t I? Let’s talk about some of Huddersfield’s finer
The Grove’s bar snack of choice
establishments, as the town plays
is elk jerky, and the walls are filled
host to some of the best alehouses this side o’ the Pennines. Don’t
with artistic portraits of portly naked folk. Yep.
let the ‘ale’ tag conjure images of
While Huddersfield is home to
flat-capped old fellas with whip-
some slightly unusual places, it is
pets – Huddersfield’s top trio of alehouses are ideal for the student connoisseur. We’ll begin with The
Rat and Ratchet, which, to be
more than just an odd town filled with odd people. Huddersfield is bafflingly unique - a place of strange and exciting experiences,
perfectly honest, is the type of pub
distinctive people and places, and
likely to be frequented by a flat-
just enough of the good stuff to
capped old fella with a whippet.
make it a great location for stu-
Nevertheless, The Rat has a huge
dents. What else would you expect
selection of ciders and beers to
from the biggest town in the UK
sample, including ale from its own
that isn’t a city (apparently)?
brewery. For a more contemporary, less flat-capped experience, The Sportsman is a great spot for a craft beer and a pork pie. Finally, The Grove completes
To read Rob’s full guide to Huddersfield visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
the holy trinity of Huddersfield alehouses, and boasts a lengthy menu filled with liquors, ciders and beers from across the world.
CITY GUIDES
HUDDERSFIELD
97
student life in
KING STON
KNOWN FOR
NOT TO MISS IN KINGSTON...
W I T H M O R E T H A N 5 0 0 S H O P S , K I N G S T O N I S A S H O P P E R ’ S PA R A D I S E W I T H
E V E R Y T H I N G Y O U N E E D , F R O M T H E F A M O U S B E N TA L L S T O T H E O U T D O O R M A R K E T
Shopping Kingston is well known for its range of high-street and designer stores, both on the main street and in the Bentall Centre. For us students, this is both a good and a bad thing. It’s great to have so many amazing shops only a fiveminute walk from Uni, and it means we don’t have to head into Central London every time we fancy a nosy in Topshop, yet it maybe isn’t so great for our bank balance... WHERE
48. KINGSTON TOWN CENTRE
At Christmas, Kingston goes all out, with markets and twinkling lights lining the town centre. The markets attract huge crowds each evening, with stalls selling
98
CITY GUIDES
KINGSTON
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everything from knick-knacks to
day at Uni. Grab a few friends and
every Friday before 11pm. It opens
Christmas decorations, hot choco-
have a pint or two in the heated
at 5pm and serves really good
lates to mulled wine, and hot food
outdoor seating area, which is
cocktails at a reasonable price.
to sweet treats. Even if you don’t
draped in fairy lights.
So if you’re after a classy evening,
buy anything, it’s nice to wander
The Knights Park student bar is
head to Viper’s Bourbon Bar and
around and get into the Christmas
the best campus bar in Kingston,
enjoy a cocktail with a stunning
spirit.
and the only place you’ll get a
view of the Thames.
Pubs
double vodka for £2.50! They host
Hippodrome hosts Old Skool
live music nights, karaoke, society
Club Classics every Friday night,
socials and loads more seasonal
so if you feel like dancing to a bit
events. It has a cool atmosphere
of R Kelly this is the place to be.
and it’s a bar for Kingston Univer-
In connection with Kingston’s Ban-
sity students only; thus making
quet Records, it has regular live
it the best place for a few cheap
music, hosting a range of artists
casual evening drinks after Uni or
from international touring bands
for pre-drinks before a big night
to local singers, such as Gabrielle
out.
Aplin, Scouting for Girls, Foals and
Clubs
Bring Me The Horizon.
The Ram is a pub located along
the Thames, near Kingston Bridge. Its chilled atmosphere makes it a great place to go after a stressful
There is a handful of great nightclubs in Kingston, which
Kingston University has a great
means you don’t have to head
catering service that provides
into Central London every time
the food for all the cafes dotted
you fancy a night out.
around the different campuses. If
49. LONDON
One of the main reasons I chose Kingston University, rather than one located in Central London, was because I could have the best of both worlds. Kingston is a student-friendly town, with students making up more than half of the population. It has a very chilled atmosphere yet is close to Cen-
tral London and all its amazing opportunities.
you just need a quick bite of lunch Pryzm is definitely the big-
between lectures, there are sand-
gest club, but it is also the most
wiches and salads to grab on the
expensive. If you want something
go, but they also do hot food like
more chilled and cheaper, The
pizzas and curries.
Library is the place to go. It may
Lana’s Coffee House on
be small, but it is brilliant. It prides
Wheatfield Way offers really good
itself on being Kingston’s only bar and nightclub, and is open Monday-Friday from 5pm till late. The drinks are cheap and the music is good; what more could you ask? Clear your Monday nights for Jager Rocks; £3 entry and 3 Jager Bombs for £4.50 all night.
L O C AT I O N
100
CITY GUIDES
Food
The Viper Rooms is another student favourite, with free entry
KINGSTON
“it has the be close to lon town, studen
what’s going on
W H AT T O W AT C H O U T FOR IN KINGSTON, 2016!
The Library continues to host
Savages, Irish 5-piece Walking
Kingston University hosts at
parties throughout 2016, such
on Cars and indie-rock band The
least one “An Evening with…”
as the Great Gatsby Party, Mas-
Crookes are all booked to appear
event every month, where they
querade Party, and Ladies Night.
in 2016.
invite a range of guest speakers
More live music is also planned for
to the university. In the past,
their Library Sessions.
they have had Katie Piper, but
The Hippodrome has more
coming up they have novelist Francesca Kay and non-fiction
Indie Club Nights, and a Ministry of Sound Takeover coming up. For
writer Tom Sperlinger, to name
gig-goers, London-based band
a few.
cheap food. Their all-day breakfast
Sports
for under a fiver is a must after a big night out. When you’re missing home and craving a home-cooked meal, Wetherspoons do Sunday Lunch with a pint of your choice for only £7. It may not be as great as my mum’s roast, but it is definitely better than anything I could ever make.
50. KINGSTON UNI
If you fancy a night in, but can’t
If playing sports is your thing, there is no better place to take up rowing than when living in
be bothered to cook, the London
Kingston Upon Thames. The King-
with enough food to feed your
of different squads, catering to
Pizza Experts has a super offer entire flat for only £10. There is also a Domino’s in Kingston that delivers till 5am 7 days a week and always has offers for students.
ston Rowing Club has a number newbies and experts of all ages. The students at the club host parties throughout the year, so if you fancy not only learning to row but also attending a boat party, grab an oar and get rowing!
est of both worlds ndon with a small nt-friendly vibe” CITY GUIDES
KINGSTON
To find out more about Kingston visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
101
student life in
lancaster NOT TO MISS IN LANCASTER
KNOWN FOR
G E T Y O U R H I S T O RY F I X W I T H A T O U R
OF LANCASTER CASTLE COMPLETE WITH STORIES OF WITCHES AND PRISONS
Hi, I’m Alice, a first-year English
Literature and Creative Writing student at Lancaster University. If
you’re looking for a suntan, Lancaster is probably not the city for you. But if you want to study at a
small city packed with entertainment, history and culture, it’s the
perfect place for you to come to university.
WHERE
102
51. MILLENIUM BRIDGE
CITY GUIDES
LANCASTER
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Cable Street makes an ideal student home located right in the heart of Lancaster city centre with easy access to everything you might need.
GO > SEE > DO WHEN
DAY
Go
hall, it hosts a cinema, a theatre,
Eat
Williamson Park is the most
and an art gallery. The cinema
picturesque spot in town, its
is always showing a mixture of
students’ Wednesdays and Sat-
impressive Ashton Memorial vis-
blockbuster new releases such
urdays is heading to the Charter
ible from all over town because
as the awaited ‘Brooklyn’, and
Market in the centre of town.
of the impressive Ashton Memo-
‘Star Wars’, and seasonal classics
Whether it be the Veggie Man’s
rial on top of the hill. You can go
like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and ‘A
wraps, Dolly’s Delicious Donuts,
simply to eat a picnic and admire
Muppet Christmas Carol’ as well
the Yummy Cupcake Company’s
the view, or to visit the butterfly
as a host of black and white and
sweet treats, Supper by Sanah’s
house, reptile house, animal garden and aviary, look inside the Memorial building, and have afternoon tea at the greenhouse Pavilion café. You might catch The Dukes’s ‘Incredible Moving Picturehouse’ while it shows classic
films at the bottom of the park. The park hosts special events all year round, including its Christmas Carol Concert, Meet the [Animal] Keeper days and Art in the Park shows.
bananallama will be putting on a crazy performance of Beauty and the Beast as a cabaret.
Do
Privately hiring one of Budgie
Transport’s barges for a day with friends or family on the canal is one of the best ways to get to know the city and its surrounding villages. If you prefer a faster pace you might want to try the Way of
the Roses cycle route starting in
See
Morecambe and passing through
The Dukes is Lancaster’s cul-
tural hotspot. Next to the town
104
animated oldies. In the 2016 Red-
CITY GUIDES
Lancaster’s Lune Millenium Bridge.
LANCASTER
The highlight of most Lancaster
Indian curries and snacks, Holland House waffles, Fleetwood Fresh Fish or the wide range of other stalls selling fresh global cuisine, no one will walk away from the market with an empty stomach. As well as plenty of branded café chains, Lancaster offers a multitude of (often well-hidden) unique places to eat and drink. Bibbi’s, Vincenzo’s, The Old Bell Coffee House and Roots vege-
tarian café are just some of the tastiest and most popular.
WHEN
Go
NIGHT
After pre-drinks on (if you really wanted to!) every night of the week, Lancaster’s a fairly small but perfect place to go on a night out. By the end of Freshers’ week most students are surprised by how diverse and vibrant the night-life of Lancaster really is. If you pick up a Purple card or some other form of student ID, you’ll find two-for-one and cheap shot drinks deals all over town. Start your night out at one of Lancaster’s two Wetherspoons
pubs (The Sir Richard Owen or The Green Ayre) or The Sun Hotel. Bars like Mint, Apothecary,
Dalton Rooms and Oscar’s offer popular music and a more relaxed atmosphere- you could even come to these for a more chilled out,
WHERE
classy cocktail evening. Then
and locals alike in Lancaster. In
the end of your night will most
summer especially, there’s nothing
likely be spent in Lancaster’s
better than a drink outside one of
clubs like Glow Rooms, Hustle,
the many canalside pubs such as
the lesser-known Bentley’s and
The Three Mariners, The White
“there’s nothing better than a drink outside one of the many canalside pubs” newly-opened Mojo, and of
course Sugarhouse, Lancaster’s student-only club.
Eat If you prefer a quiet meal on an evening, your Purple card will get you and your friends loads of
Cross and The Water Witch. If you’d rather stay on campus and order a takeaway to your door, Bombay Balti or Delhicious are the student favourites and offer great discounted deals as well as gorgeous food.
great deals. The Plough pub is an absolute favourite with arguably the friendliest service for students
52. THE PLOUGH
To To read read more more about lancaster about lancaster visit visit
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
CITY GUIDES
LANCASTER
105
student life in
LEEDS NOT TO MISS IN LEEDS
KNOWN FOR
THE CHEAP DRINKS! AS A NORTHERN POWERHOUSE F O R U N I S T U D E N T S , T H E AV E R A G E P R I C E O F A P I N T I N L E E D S S I T S AT A S AT I S F Y I N G £ 2 . 5 0 ! !
largest museums of its kind. DisI am Nina, a second-year student
studying International History and Politics, and loving life at Leeds University!
Culture Without a doubt, Leeds is a cultural hotspot in the North. The grand buildings of the Leeds
Art Gallery and the Henry Moore Institute are impressive in themselves, let alone the artwork they house. A gallery with a less elaborate exterior, but an equally impressive interior, is the White Cloth Gallery. Not always known to students, this gallery is a unique space for emerging visual artists and is truly supportive of the artistic community. Likewise, a museum really known only by medical students is the Thackray Medical Museum, one of Europe’s
106
CITY GUIDES
LEEDS
playing artefacts from Leeds in the
The Unexpected Unexpected venues in Leeds
Victorian era to recent scientific
are full of hidden cultural gems.
breakthroughs, the museum com-
The LS6 bar in Hyde Park, for
bines culture with education, so it
example, puts on topical docu-
is certainly a good procrastination
mentary and film nights, charity
trip!
exhibitions and has a weekly jazz
Venturing Outdoors
evening. At their documentary
Venturing outdoors a little, Roundhay Park is a tropical sensation in the middle of Yorkshire. Explore the butterfly house, aquarium and gardens - even take a look at the meerkats! Although you’ll have to brave the cold again, Kirkstall Abbey is definitely worth a visit. Situated not far from Headingley, it has recently started hosting outdoor screenings of films such as Harry Potter, Alice
nights, they even provide free unlimited popcorn, cushions and quilts. Likewise, culture can be found tucked away in city centre side streets in bars such as Wharf
Chambers. Run by a workers’ co-op, this space brings together people from different communities across Leeds to share art, politics and discussion.
Leeds Film Festival Leeds is also home to the
in Wonderland and it even holds
largest film festival in England
Halloween and Christmas movie
outside of London, showing over
specials.
300 hundred films and shorts
NEW GENERATION STUDENT LIVING IN LEEDS 75 Studio Apartments
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CITYSIDE CALVERLEY STREET, LEEDS
nts from all universities For all stude CALEDONIA STREET, LIVERPOOL Opening September 2016 Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com
downingstudents.com STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE / LEEDS / LIVERPOOL / LONDON / NEWCASTLE / GLASGOW / EXETER
from around the world, commercial and independent. Hosted at various impressive venues across the city, such as Leeds Town Hall and Leeds City Museum, locals
always recommend the 15-day festival to students.
The quirkiest food in Yorkshire A newly-opened addition to student-centric Headingley is the charismatically named Cat’s Pyjamas; an independent Indian
street-food restaurant that also boasts craft beer and good vibes. With mouth-watering desserts, like Indian style spiced chocolate pudding, it goes beyond the menu of the renowned Bondobust Indian
street-food joint in the centre of town. WHERE
IN THE KNOW Fancy a cuisine with a bit more groove? The Soul Kitchen at The
Wardrobe serves Caribbean and Creole grub with an atmosphere as soulful as the food and an abundance of authentic dishes.
5 3 . L E E D S F I L M F E S T I VA L
The décor is just as elaborate as the flavours of the food and you can even eat inside tuk tuks.
(Real) Junk Food Not your usual kind of café, Leeds is home to the first ever Real Junk Food Project that
Having travelled around
now serves food in Santiago Bar
Thailand last summer, I was
in town. Turning food that was
dubious about Zaap, the new
destined for the dustbin into tasty
Thai café on the bloc. Tucked
meals, the incredible ethos of the
inside the Grand Arcade, it took
project allows you to combine your
me back to the ambience of
foodie habits with a worthy cause.
the bustling streets of Bangkok.
108
CITY GUIDES
LEEDS
The edgy venue Canal Mills hosts the monthly Brandon Street Food
Market. A venue not necessarily known for cultured and cosmopolitan vibes, Canal Mills transforms into a haven of good food, cocktails, live art and DJs. Even a quick lunch on the Uni Campus can be an elaborate affair. A beacon of glory for Leeds students is the talk of the town, Bakery 164; dishing up the best focaccia and rocky roads you’ll ever see. Although I was sceptical about the overly
Leeds student living. Just better. Algernon Firth Pennine House St Marks Court
www.collegiate-ac.com
NIGHTS OUT The city’s reputation for its nights out has not been overstated. As unbearable as it is on your Uni work, there are countless venues for every day of the week. Alongside classics such as Mint Club, Warehouse and Hifi, Leeds
is known for nights like Regres-
sion Sessions and Cirque Du Soul that take place every few weeks. Popular with second and third years, Wire offers the crowds fresh electro and alternative tunes from up-and-coming DJs. A venue that would not be caught dead playing chart music is the Leeds West
Indian Centre, which is situated just outside the city. This is where the sell-out night Subdub lets you WHERE
54. LEEDS CITY CENTRE
get down to Reggae, Dubstep and Jungle music. Not a massive Dub fan and just fancy a classic and
healthy name, the Salad Box in
unappealing packed-lunch. When
predictably good night out? Hifi is
the Students’ Union is actually
it comes to food joints, Leeds has
definitely a student favourite and
really filling, offering a nutritious
it covered.
unless you have a 9am on Monday,
and delicious alternative to your
even try it out on a Sunday, when you can hear live bands playing To read our full
some of the Soul, Funk and Salsa
guide to Leeds visit
classics for free.
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
BEST THINGS
The size and layout of Leeds
picturesque, especially the tree-
a laid back atmosphere with stu-
lined route from Hyde Park to Uni
dents enjoying BBQs, playing
and overwhelming, but certainly
campus. Hyde Park in summer
guitars, eating ice-cream and
big enough to have a variety of
is the epitome of the University
forgetting about their workload.
activities. Leeds is extremely
experience you see in the movies:
is ideal for a student: not too big
110
CITY GUIDES
LEEDS
www.urbanstudentlife.com
DON’T SNOOZE..
. .We all know how RBOOOOMK YNOOUWR F2O01R6 the saying goes! JUST £20
*
T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F S T U D E N T A C C O M M O D AT I O N I N L E E D S At Urban Student Life we pride ourselves in providing the next generation of student accommodation, where you’re treated as a client, not a lodger. ALL BILLS INCLUDED
ON-SITE MAINTENANCE
UNLIMITED WIFI
CONCIERGE SERVICES
*Offer applies between the dates of 23rd November 2015 and 26th February 2016. Offer only valid on Tenancies of a minimum of 44 weeks.
PRICES START FROM
£120.00 PER WEEK
Subject to availability
BOOK ONLINE NOW www.urbanstudentlife.com or for more information call:
See website for full terms and conditions.
0843 508 2018
enquiries@urbanstudentlife.com
student
inte Therefore, for those interna-
tional students who consider themselves to be in the same position as me when it comes to applying to universities in the UK, the following section of this guide stands as a starting point in their research. Reading through the articles would hopefully clarify some of their uncertainties with regards to any difficulty they would encounter throughout the application process and afterwards. The guide firstly looks at the reasons that could reinforce their motivation to study in the UK and SL
T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
Dear International Students,
proceed to make my dream come
The prospect of applying to
true and no timeline or deadlines
study at a university in a foreign
to measure my efficiency and
country can be quite daunting. As
prospects of studying in the UK),
an international student, I should
I realised that as an international
know this very well: all I had was
student, one does not require a lot
the dream of studying in the UK
of information at the beginning.
but nowhere to start and increase
However, it is important for the
the chances of making it a reality.
information to be concise and to
Having consulted several guides
tackle the major challenges which
for international students (and I
could deter the student from
mean several because none gave
applying to study in the UK in the
me a good grasp of how I could
first place.
112
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
afterwards tackles any struggles that international students may go through, such as getting the Student Visa in time or choosing the most suitable accommodation. Speaking from my own experience, this kind of guidance helped me achieve so much in terms of my academic studies and dream to study in the UK: I am currently a third and final year student at University of Manchester. I can only wish you good luck with your applications! Kindest regards, Denisa
t life’s
ernational guide Having gone through the appli-
cation process and the nerve-
wracking period of waiting for a
response from your chosen uni-
versities, it is time to think about the formalities of moving to the
UK; the first of which is applying for a student Visa.
Who requires a Visa?
T N E D U ST 1 0 1 a s i v
Anyone from outside the European Economic Area or Switzerland should apply for a Visa. However, there are a few eligibility conditions that each student must meet:
• You should have an unconditional offer from a qualified university. • You should have enough money to cover your expenses. • You should be able to read, speak and understand English. • You should meet all the other eligibility requirements listed on the www.gov.uk website.
CLICK HERE
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
113
HOW MUCH DOES A VISA COST?
The Student Visitor Visa costs between £83 and £150,
while the Tier 4 Student Visa costs £310 if applied for from outside the UK.
What type of Visa do I require?
• Student Visitor Visa
Depending on your circum-
• Tier 4 (General) Student Visa:
This is for students undertaking a short course of study
stances, you should apply for one
in the UK (six months if you
of the following:
come do study a semester in the UK or 11 months if you
This is for students over the age of 18 who are planning on taking a full-length course in the UK.
are taking an extended English Language course) • Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
This is required by international students who are aged between 4 and 17 and are studying in the UK. You must
W H AT Y O U CAN’T DO WITH A STUDENT
VISA
STUDENT VISITOR VISA
be enrolled on a course and have the permission of your parents or guardian.
Student Visitor Visa: this Visa is strictly for the purpose of undertaking a short language course or studying for one semester in the UK. You cannot work, start any business, obtain public funds or bring dependents to the UK.
TIER 4 STUDENT VISA
Tier 4 Student Visa: with this Visa you would be studying at your chosen university/college. Moreover, this Visa allows you to work part-time and full-time during vacations. You are still not permitted to bring dependents, obtain public funds or work as a professional sportsperson.
114
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
SL ASKS
the important stuff When can you apply for a Student Visa?
How does the application work? To apply for any of the Visas
After completing the online por-
For all three student Visas, you
mentioned, use the online appli-
tion of the application, you must
can apply up to three months
cation that can be found on the
go to a Visa application centre to
before your course of study com-
www.Visa4UK.com
have your biometrics taken.
mences. On average, you will
website.
receive a decision on your Visa within three weeks.
CLICK HERE
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International student living. Just better. Birmingham | Bristol | Cardiff | Derby | Dundee | Durham | Edinburgh | Exeter Glasgow | Leeds | London | Newcastle | Plymouth | Reading | Southampton
www.collegiate-ac.com
TOP TIPS for a successful application
116
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
• Apply early enough, as it is a multi-step process. Start gathering the required docu-
• Provide all required supporting documents.
• Contact UK Visa services or
your university if you have any questions. You can do so by live
mentation and completing the
• Provide translations of docu-
webchat, telephone or email.
application three months prior
ments that are not in English.
No matter how confusing the
to the beginning of your course.
•
process, there are people to
Do not plan any interna-
tional travel while waiting for • Read the application form
carefully and check it twice for mistakes.
help you at every step.
your Visa approval, as when you mail your Visa application to the UK Consulate, you must include your passport.
Award Winning Student Accommodation in 15 locations across the UK
Why look anywhere else? Birmingham • Cardiff • Coventry Exeter • Glasgow • Leicester Liverpool • London • Manchester Newcastle • Nottingham • Oxford Plymouth • Sheffield • Wolverhampton Visit our website to find out more
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QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION
2015
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INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION
• Winners of ‘Best Value for Money Award’ as voted by students (National Student Housing Survey) • All sites are close to universities and colleges • Fully furnished studios and en-suite rooms available • 24 hour CCTV security • And much more
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION ISSU E Choosing which university you
decision consists of choosing your
type in which you would prefer to
would prefer to attend is definitely
preferred student accommodation
live: University Halls of Residence,
not an easy choice, but if you
type, at least for your first year.
Private Halls or a privately rented
believe that that is all you have
You should know that in order
house/flat. Below is a list of pros
to choose, then you are mistaken.
to ease the process of making a
and cons for each of these options
Perhaps the next most important
decision, you should look first at
to better help you make up your
which student accommodation
mind on this issue.
• Possibility of becoming
Cons:
WHERE
HALLS
UNIVERSITY HALLS OF RESIDENCE:
Staying in University-run Halls
a member of the JCR: a great experience to have
of Residence is usually the choice
when looking for a summer
for freshers, with most UK univer-
internship.
sities guaranteeing a place for first-year students.
Pro’s • Great place to make friends,
• All bills included and there-
the case of catered halls.
• Possibility of staying in skills required.
ised in University Halls by residents’ associations or junior common rooms (JCRs).
118
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
quiet study.
just unlimited heating.
sharing a flat with other
• Social events usually organ-
• Noisy and loud; bad for • Queueing for breakfast in
catered halls: no cooking
university.
flat sharing.
fore no extra expenses,
as you will be most likely students from the same
• More expensive than house/
• Shorter tenancy: no paying during the summer.
• Strict meal times in the case of catered halls. • Sharing the bathroom, unless paying extra for an en-suite. • Fire alarm drills to be expected, often during the night.
WHERE
Privat e
P R I V AT E H A L L S :
Private Halls offer a similar experience to living in Halls of Residence; the only difference is that they are run by a private company and (often) maintained to a higher standard than University Halls. As with University Halls of Residence, you could end up living by yourself if you prefer a studio room or sharing a flat with other students, who can, however, attend different universities and be in different years of study than you.
Pros:
Cons:
• Make new friends from
• The most expensive choice
various backgrounds and
of the three types of student
universities.
accommodation.
• All-inclusive, still no utilities bills to pay. • High-quality furniture, interior decorations and facilities. • The possibility of choosing catered and non-catered.
• Additional perks (e.g. gym membership included in the cost). • Shorter tenancy: not neces-
• Less support: no in-house pastoral care. • Possibility of having less in common with your housemates. • Noisy and, therefore, not very good for quiet study. • Location: Private Halls can sometimes be quite far away from University.
sary to pay for accommodation during the summer.
WHERE
house share
P R I V AT E H O U S E S H A R E :
Sharing a privately-rented
• The cheapest accommodation of the three. • More choice of utilities, such as Internet providers. • Noise is less of a problem
flat/house is the most popular
as long as you can reach
option amongst second and
an agreement with your
third-year students. In most cases,
housemates.
you choose with whom you will be living; however, if you are a first-year student or are new to the country, you could use the Find Housemates service on our
• Greater independence: taking on more responsibilities, such as cooking for yourself and paying bills.
website.
Cons
Pros:
• No in-house pastoral care.
• Choosing your housemates.
• Better choose your house-
• Longer tenancy agree-
ments: usually a minimum of one year.
• Risk of burglary: it is usually student houses that are targeted due to poor/less security measures. • Maintenance and keeping clean can be an issue as you have to do it yourself. • Location: finding a house/flat in proximity of the university can be challenging as they are limited in number and will be taken off the market quickly.
mates carefully!
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
119
www.urbanstudentlife.com
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USL International Early Bird AD.indd 1
STUDENT LIFE ASKS:
When is the best time to look for accommodation? 120
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
30/11/2015 10:48
Our research shows that there is no best time to look for accom-
modation as students confirm that they successfully found accommodation at the time they decided to
the end of winter/beginning of
spring and will be snapped up quickly. However, if you are interested in living in Private Halls,
you can only rent a room from
search for it. Nevertheless, there
mid-spring, when most Private
is a period of time when you can
Halls advertise their availability.
start to search for accommoda-
The same is true for University
tion, depending on whether you
Halls of Residence, which wel-
have received the (un)conditional
comes applications from students
offer from the university.
starting April/May. Thus, there is
If you are interested in sharing
no need to worry about the right
a house/flat, you could start
time to search for accommodation.
looking as early as January, as
You should firstly decide which
most houses in the proximity of
type of student accommodation
the university are advertised at
you would prefer.
ARRIVING IN THE UK S P E T S T X E N E H T
4.
Shopping for necessities
and groceries. Now that you know your way around and have figured out the transport, you can easily go shopping. If you require guidance on which supermarkets and retail chains to go to, a comparison of their pricing and quality of products can be found on www. comparethemarket.com.
Setting up all of the things
to make your life in the UK run
smoothly isn’t always easy, so let
us help! Read below about what you should consider doing once you have arrived in the UK.
1.
Moving to a new home. The
3.
Figure out your means of
transport. Unless you live close
5.
Register with a GP. Full-
time students are eligible for free
to university, you will use a bike,
healthcare. When you receive your
train or bus to get around. Invest
National Health Service (NHS)
in an annual student bus pass or a
number, find an NHS clinic near
SL ON RAILCARDS:
best thing to remember is that it will take a while to make your student accommodation feel like home, which is why we hope you packed some homey stuff to make your room cosy and welcoming. If you forgot to pack these or there was not enough space for them in your luggage, it is never too late
SNAPPING UP A YOUNG PERSONS RAILCARD W I L L S AV E Y O U 3 0 % ON ALL TRAIN TRIPS
to have them shipped to your new home.
2.
Get to know your route
and schedule. The worst way to
start the school year is getting lost on campus or being late to class. Map your route to school if you’re walking or cycling, so that you know exactly where you’re going. And be sure to print out your class schedule!
122
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
Railcard (which will save you 30%
you that is taking on patients. Your
on all train trips). If public transpor-
university will be able to help you,
tation isn’t your thing, cycling is a
or you can visit the NHS website:
great way to get from point A to
www.nhs.uk.
point B and stay in shape!
6.
Open a bank account. As
you will need to support yourself in the UK (as in, pay for all your expenses), the best thing to do is open an account with a local bank. The first step involves deciding which bank to choose by considering the following criteria: overdraft limit, various perks, annual fees, etc. Furthermore, you will have to visit the local branch and make an appointment to open an account. Finally, make sure you bring all supporting evidence when you go to your appointment. From there on, it is only a matter SL
T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
of days until you will receive confirmation that your account is up and running.
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124
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
7.
providers and choose the one Get a prepaid SIM/con-
that best suits your needs. How-
tract. Communication plays a
ever, bear in mind the price dif-
crucial role in your social life, be
ference between a contract and
it with your family abroad or new
a prepaid SIM.
friends in the UK. With so many
8.
options available, you will need to search for various types of contracts with different telecom
Make the most of your
freshers’ week and the weeks to come!
SL
For more information on our international guide Visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
Student accommodation at its best in Cambridge & York
I N T E R N AT I O N A L G U I D E
THE INT’L GUIDE
CLICK HERE
All our locations include 24 hour security Onsite gym Laundry Ultra-fast WiFi All-inclusive bills Easy payment
020 7183 7764 | students@studentcastle.co.uk | studentcastle.co.uk 125
student life in
LEICS NOT TO MISS IN LEICESTER
KNOWN FOR
O2 ACADEMY LEICESTER - THREE MUSIC VENUES
W I T H I N T H E S T U D E N T S ’ U N I O N , AT T R A C T I N G T O P A C T S F R O M A R O U N D T H E C O U N T RY
Leicester has recently been widely celebrated and recognised for the
discovery and subsequent reinterment of King Richard III – however,
it has a lot more to offer than just a dead king. With the biggest Diwali festival outside of India every October, big names constantly
headlining the De Montfort Hall stage, and two universities’ worth of students thrown into the populous, there are always new hidden gems to find, and plenty of fun to be had.
Oadby First year accommodation is further away from the University of Leicester than you would expect. Twenty minutes on the bus to Uni, thirty minutes into the city centre, the 80 bus service is a route any student will come to familiarise themselves with. Situated in the luscious surroundings of Oadby – which is also home to the Lineker family – first year accommodation may be out of the way but still has a lot to offer.
ASDA is within walking distance, something you come to miss in second and third year, as is Wetherspoon’s (The Lord Keeper of the Great Seal; points for most elegant sounding ‘spoons in the country). Oadby town centre also houses a few more local pubs and WHERE
126
55. LEICESTER BY NIGHT
CITY GUIDES
LEICESTER
restaurants, as well as fast food, Waitrose and a Poundstretcher.
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places to eat
Clarendon Park
Clarendon Park boasts a plethora of local businesses and eateries. As student life dictates, breakfast time is almost non-existent, but brunch in Clarendon Park sees you frequently walking in to either Jones’ Bistro, Fingerprints or
Salvador Deli. Jones’ offers delicious American style breakfasts from pancakes with bacon, egg and maple syrup, to bagel burgers with parmesan fries, to the almost unbeaten ‘666 challenge’ (6 sau-
WHERE
56. LEICESTER CITY CENTRE
sages, 6 eggs, 6 rashers of bacon, 6 hash browns, 6 pieces of toast,
ciabattas, as well as salads and an
to try and viciously compete with
and 6 pancakes piled high with
array of hot drinks. Handily, both
each other. They’re all unique and
maple syrup – winners get their
Jones’ and Fingerprints offer stu-
each local businessman knows the
food for free, plus a 666 T-shirt).
dent discount.
importance of supporting one
Fingerprints has a simpler
Though all on Queens Road,
atmosphere, offering smaller
neither these two businesses,
at the annual Christmas market
dishes such as make-your-own
nor Salvador Deli – which offers
which sees the closure of Queens
bagels, paninis, sandwiches and
breakfasts and a salad bar – seem
Road; all businesses set up stalls,
2ND & 3RD YEAR Students move closer to
the city centre. Private Leicester
campus, either to the Highfields,
living is some of the cheapest in
Evington or Clarendon Park area.
the country with most students
All surround Victoria Park, which
paying between £55 and £75 a
is connected to the main campus,
week (excluding bills) for a shared
and are within walking distance of
student house.
128
CITY GUIDES
LEICESTER
another. This is most apparent
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live music buzzes down the street,
City Centre
for a simple shopping and dining
Leicester city centre is just as
experience, Highcross is the heart
diverse as its population. The
of Leicester. A comprehensive,
indoor market is the largest in
indoor shopping mall is sure to
Europe and offers much more than
quench any thirst for shopping.
famous for, it is also a great place
fruit and veg. Though it is possibly
Outside, there are bars and res-
for any student to go for dinner,
the cheapest fruit and veg you
and small fairground rides whizz along for children. It isn’t only brunch and breakfast goods that Clarendon Park is
and drinking. Barceloneta is an incredibly popular tapas bar, also situated in the hubbub of Queens Road, at which you can get 3 tapas and a drink for under £15 Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The adjoining bar, Bar Dos Hermanos, has a happy hour on its incredibly potent (but also incredibly tasty)
taurants galore, including Turtle
“Everything in the city centre is within five minutes of everything else”
cocktails every day. Just across the road is Babelas,
will find in Leicester (rivalled by
a small bar that epitomises the
Queens Road grocers), there are
Nando’s, and many, many more.
Clarendon Park community feel –
also stalls for home decoration,
There is also a Showcase cinema
and if you’re lucky, you might spot
fish, meat, even retro video games
that offers the chance to watch
Leicester band Kasabian in there
and consoles; be warned, you will
new releases on an IMAX screen.
(it wouldn’t be the first time!).
be tempted on more than one
Elsewhere in the town centre,
occasion to purchase an N-64,
there are great cocktail bars
or DVDs that you don’t need but
including Turkey Café on Granby
want because of some strange
Street and Firebug, a student
emotional attachment.
haunt that serves great cocktails
Just by the market are the
and holds regular gigs and shows.
Leicester Lanes. Home to a
There is, of course, the popular
plethora of vintage shops housing hidden bargains, independent cafes, niche shopping experiences,
57. THE LANES
Bay, TGI Friday’s, Wagamama,
Vodka Revolution on the picturesque New Walk. Just around the
corner from the latter is Hakamou,
and its fair share of pubs and bars,
a tiki themed cocktail bar where
the Lanes are a welcome, quiet
you can drink a cocktail from a
shopping and drinking experience
coconut and get a few laughs out
away from the usual buzz of the
of their cocktails amusing names
brimming city centre.
like the ‘David Gin-ola’.
Everything in the city centre is within five minutes of everything else, so if you’re looking
To read the full guide to Leicester visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
130
CITY GUIDES
LEICESTER
Award Winning Student Accommodation
LEICESTER
Why look anywhere else? • Winners of ‘Best Hall 2015’ (Student Crowd) & ‘Best Value for Money award’ as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey) • City Centre Location, minutes from the University • 100Mb Wi-Fi internet in every room • 24 hour Maintenance and security • Quality En-Suite accommodation • 2,3,4,5 and 6 Bedroom flats available 33 Castle Street, Leicester LE1 5WN
Call now or visit our website +44 (0)116 253 5700 www.victoriahall.com leicester@victoriahall.com
/VictoriaHallLeicester QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION
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BEST
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student life in
liver pool
KNOWN FOR
NOT TO MISS IN LIVERPOOL G E T Y O U R B E AT L E S F I X I N T H E H O M E O F T H E B A N D . C H E C K O U T T H E B E AT L E S S T O R Y AT T H E D O C K S , T H E W O R L D - F A M O U S C AV E R N C L U B A N D P E N N Y L A N E
In the centre of Liverpool there is a restaurant or café on practically
every street. Dinner at Yates or
Wetherspoons is always cheap but there’s also lots of great inde-
pendent spots worthy of support.
WHERE
132
58. LIVERPOOL CITY CENTRE
CITY GUIDES
LIVERPOOL
Five properties across central Liverpool From £82.00 per week All-inclusive bills
Book y room our only £for 1
On-site security Range of room types from singles to studios Excellent locations for John Moores and University of Liverpool Wi-Fi included
Visit www.sanctuary-students.com/liverpool Call: 0870 600 4777 CITY GUIDES
XXX
133
Top Picks
My go-to spot for a quick meal
is Leaf, an independent tea shop and bar. Their breakfast and lunch menus feature a variety of foods,
including vegetarian options, and their cakes for afternoon tea are
some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Ichi Noodle is always a good choice, with the option to eat in if with friends, or take out if you’re
WHERE
59. ALBERT DOCKS
in a rush. The meals start at £3.99 and are just the right size to fill you up! Café De Pearl is a relatively new place and their speciality is bubble tea, which is a sweet fruit or milk tea-drink with tapioca balls. I’m a big fan, and it’s worth going in just to try one, but they also serve really great Chinese food at unbelievable prices.
Nights Out
The centre of Liverpool is
Accommodation The average weekly rent for
really the only place anyone ever
Liverpool city centre is £84, not far
goes out, with everyone who lives
off the national average, but high
on the outskirts getting the train
compared with other locations in
into the city. Concert Square is
the city. However, with a satisfac-
where the majority of the bars are
tion level of 74%, you will receive
so it’s always a good location to
value for money, while going out
head to if you’re not sure where
and shopping both receive high
to start!
user scores of 7-8/10. You’ll also
The Krazyhouse is a great
be saving lots of money on travel
alternative venue, with three floors
costs with the ability to simply walk
featuring rock, indie, and dance
anywhere you need to go.
music, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy! There’s also a giant rideable rhino, which is always good for a laugh. As a 90s kid, PopWorld is a must visit, with its never-ending cheesy pop sure to keep you singing along and/or drive you insane. They even do 60. L1
events with members from classic 90s groups like Blue, which can really transport you back in time!
134
CITY GUIDES
LIVERPOOL
avg. rent
£84
per week
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ÂŁ80 per week 16/17
wavertree Wavertree is one of the most
A P O P U L A R L O C AT I O N TO THE EAST OF THE CITY
Cuffs is a café bar with good
popular locations for students
live entertainment, showcasing
from all three Liverpool universi-
acoustic nights and live music. It’s
ties to choose to live. It’s around
a converted police station but still
30 minutes from the centre by
has a pretty relaxing atmosphere.
bus.
There’s a wide range of drinks, but
Places to Eat
they can get a bit pricey. Chillies is the place to be if
The Richmond Tavern is a
you’re into sports, with pool and
sweet local pub with excellent
all the major sporting events
grub and an even better quiz.
showcased on giant screens. At
Food is served all day and the
6L1I .B R CA UR FY F SS E S S I O N S
menu is 2-for-1 on weekdays, making it the perfect location for sharing a meal. Another standout is The Pizza
Parlour, a takeaway after my own heart with its 23 different pizzas.
night, it turns into a club with a great atmosphere, so whether or
Nights Out Since Wavertree is very student orientated, there’s quite a few pubs and bars, mainly situated on
They also sell pasta, salad, and
the High Street. However, several
(most importantly) ice cream,
of these are currently occupied by
along with a wide selection of
the older generations.
wines and beers!
not you like sport, it will have its moments.
Accommodation Wavertree’s average weekly rent is £61, which is pretty low. It scores 62% for satisfaction, with high scores for shopping and transport links. Going out scores a 5 but a quick taxi to the centre quickly fixes that. Wavertree remains student-central, so you will get a good atmosphere but it depends on whether you’re willing to rely on public transport to save money.
WHERE
136
62. SMITHDOWN ROAD
CITY GUIDES
LIVERPOOL
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AIGBURTH
L O W C O S T, STUDENT AREA
Aigburth is popular with students but is also popular with families. It’s about 20 minutes from
the city centre by bus but is very close to Sefton Park, the place to
be on Bonfire Night.
Accommodation
With average weekly rental
rates of £61, Aigburth has a pretty low price tag. It only scores 60% on satisfaction though, with going-out and shopping scoring just 5-6/10. If you’re low on cash it’s a good choice, but you will find yourself needing to pop into the centre a fair bit; luckily, it scores a 7/10 for transport!
WHERE
63. AIGBURTH
“If you’re low on cash it’s a good choice, but you will find yourself needing to pop into the CITY centre a fair bit” 138
CITY GUIDES
LIVERPOOL
Love Liverpool. Live Different.
WHERE WE ARE 5 minute walk from LJMU and 15 minute walk from University of Liverpool 5 minute walk from supermarket 5 minute walk from city centre WHY VITA STUDENT All-inclusive bills Superfast 250Mb speed broadband with Wi-Fi Kitchen and bedding pack included Free daily grab and go breakfast The best student experience in the city
V I TA S TUD E N T LI V E R P O O L TH E C H A P E L, C R O S S H A LL & TI N LI N GS C R O S S H A LL S TR E E T V I TA S TU D E N T. C O M
To read more on
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A
student life in Liverpool visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
STUDENT shops opening and there really
or Maritime Museum. Liverpool
does seem to be something for
has a rich history and deep roots
everyone - I often find myself
with several art galleries so it
accidentally buying too many
seems there’s always something
Viennese truffles from Thornton’s.
new to see. Some recent exhibi-
We’d usually then ride the escalator up to the Odeon on the top
64. LIVERPOOL ONE
To start off an ideal day, I’d drag some friends for a breakfast wrap at McDonalds (how can something so unhealthy taste so good?). Our local one is inside L1, the huge
tions include art by Andy Warhol, so it’s definitely worth going in
level to see the latest blockbuster
to see what they have going on,
- there always seems to be a smash
even if it’s not really your scene.
Marvel film to see. Odeon is defi-
It makes for a nice trip out either
nitely the best place in Liverpool
way, so if you have a free day defi-
to go see a film. With three sto-
nitely explore the museums and
reys, it shows pretty much every
galleries.
recently released film and also has IMAX viewings and D-box, a weird chair that moves with the action of the film! After the film, Shakeaway has some great milkshakes made
“Liverpool has a rich history and deep roots with several art galleries”
6 5 . T H E TAT E
After picking up some cheap shopping centre, so we’d usually
with real chocolate bars that taste
drop into all the different stores,
like heaven: I’d recommend the
drinks before going out for the
Kinder Bueno!
night. There’s so many varied bars
from the Disney store to HMV,
drinks, we’ll go home for pre-
to waste some more of that stu-
If I’m feeling cultured, I’ll pop
and clubs, but we always end up
dent loan! There’s always new
down to the docks to visit the Tate
having a good laugh in Popworld!
140
CITY GUIDES
LIVERPOOL
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If you’re studying at Liverpool John Moores University, campus is right across the road, so feel free to hit snooze one more time! We are within walking distance of Liverpool University and are a few minutes’ walk to the city centre.
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Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com
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downingstudents.com STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE / LEEDS / LIVERPOOL / LONDON / NEWCASTLE / GLASGOW / EXETER
student life in
lONDOn NOT TO MISS IN LONDON
KNOWN FOR
T H E C A P I TA L O F F E R S S O M U C H T H AT I T C AT E R S T O E V E RY K I N D O F S T U D E N T - D O N ’ T M I S S T H E
S P I TA L F I E L D M A R K E T S , N O T F A R F R O M L I V E R P O O L S T.
Don’t worry, London students; London is far better than the
terrible clubs you visited during Freshers’ Week. Away from the
Tiger Tigers and Zoos, there is a
whole world of fantastic nightlife. Even if getting stuck to the
floor of The Piccadilly Institute has sworn you off of clubbing for life, the capital offers so much to do. Plus, despite its reputation
and what every parent tells you,
you can afford to do it all without
having to sell a single one of your kidneys.
London is a tricky city to write about. Not only because 1000or-so words is nowhere near enough to even really begin to say everything great about it, but because it is always changing.
144
CITY GUIDES
LONDON
WHERE
66. BRICK LANE
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN LONDON Just a couple of steps to a supermarket
3 min walk to Southwark Tube
1 min walk to a supermarket
3 min walk to Aldgate East
4 min walk to King’s University
7 min walk to Holloway Road Tube
Short commute to many Uni campuses
5 min walk to Waterloo Station
8 min walk to London Met
THE CURVE
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he T EXPLORE: Cit y
Cranes are constantly erecting one building while others are being knocked down, and new clubs, bars and restaurants are constantly opening and closing (R.I.P. Fastoche in the Brunswick, my undergrad student staple). Of these new developments, however, the most exciting is the Night Tube. Meant to open September 2015, but delayed due to industrial disputes, a date for its
Let’s make something clear
Still, if it intimidates you, first
straight away. ‘Exploring the city’
visit one of the capital’s beautiful
does not mean Big Ben, Oxford
parks. Regents and Victoria are
Street and a shopping bag full of
my personal favourites, but all of
stuff only slightly related to hard-
them are vital escapes from the
coated chocolate from M&Ms
city.
World. Instead, it means feeding
Apart from this tip, and my
launch has not been given. But by the end of the academic year, it seems inevitable that on Fridays or Saturdays your trip home will not have to involve two night buses and getting a crying girl’s mascara on you. The Central, Jubilee,
“‘Exploring the city’ does not mean Big Ben, Oxford Street and M&M WORLD...”
Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines will be first to go 24 hours
on the weekends, with the other lines to follow.
deer, climbing up the inside of
advice to find a high point like
stone pillars, seeing Da Vincis and
The Shard or The Eye at night to
Van Goghs, discovering rainfor-
see how beautiful your new home
ests in the heart of the city, and a
city is, the rest is up to you. The
thousand other weird and unique
joy of London is discovering it for
experiences that make London
yourself, and finding places that
the best city in which to be young
are off the beaten track. Some
and free in the UK, and possibly
of my favourites include Wilton’s
the world. (I am not going to tell you where you can find any of the above things. Consider it your first challenge to find them all.) The best way to begin
Music Hall, the Theatre and Performance section of the V&A,
and the Close Up cinema off
Brick Lane….now go and make your own list!
exploring the city is by bicycle. Cheap to rent from any of the
67. THE TUBE
many Santander-sponsored bike
All of which means ‘I have to get the last tube’ can no longer be an excuse not to visit any or all of the following.
146
CITY GUIDES
dispensers, cycling through the city is not as difficult as you might think (just avoid the terror-inducing Hyde Park roundabout).
LONDON
68. BORIS BIKES
London student living. Just better. Academic House Charles Morton Court Halsmere Studios
www.collegiate-ac.com
HTG I N LONDON: LIFE London has more than 300 clubs and 2000 bars. So, where to start? Well, that very much depends
what sort of night you want to
Electric Showroom and Ziegfried von Underbelly. There are
also some nice little food places, and it is mostly chain-restaurant
Your views on this Shoreditch experience inform where might be the best place for you to explore next. If you loved the quirky weird concept places like The Shoreditch, heading further east is your next step, to clubs like the Dalston Superstore, and club nights like those at Oval Space.
have, and what sort of people you
want do have it with. Gone are the days when you just had to make do with Wetherspoons and the
one OK nightclub in your city or town (though if you are looking
for a Spoons, there are 150 in London).
However, Shoreditch is a good place to start. East London has a (sometimes deserved) reputation for hipster nonsense, but for its sheer number of weird and
WHERE
69. SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET
interesting bars, it beats everywhere else. Hoxton Square combines great bars with live music, such as the Hoxton Square Bar,
free. Your night can then continue in clubs like XOYO, Cargo
and Village Underground.
If the whole thing left you craving a normal pint, first visit Shoreditch’s Barley Mow, which is the perfect antidote to its sur-
S T U D E N T L I F E TA L K S EAST LONDON:
rounding area. Then, explore more of the central area around
“its sheer number of weird and interesting bars, it beats everywhere else.”
Camden, Euston and Bloomsbury. As well as being real student
hubs (with prices to match), pubs like The Roebuck and clubs like
Koko offer great drinking (the former) and dancing (the latter). They also offer one or two goth bars if you want the polar opposite of the East London experience.
148
CITY GUIDES
LONDON
Student Accommodation
LONDON
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Great locations across London – Shoreditch, Bethnal Green, Kings Cross, Southwark, Vauxhall and Wembley Close to London’s major universities and colleges Fully furnished studios and en-suite rooms available 24 hour staff presence No hidden charges Fast 100Mb/s Wi-Fi throughout Extensive communal facilities and roof terraces Wide range of room types, tenancy lengths (including single semester) and payment types available
Call now or visit our website www.victoriahall.com london@victoriahall.com
Paul St. East 18 Paul Street London EC2A 4JH Tel: +44 (0)203 4755 980 paulsteast@victoriahall.com
Dashwood Studios 120 – 138 Walworth Road Southwark SE17 1JL Tel: +44 (0)20 3475 5960 dashwood@victoriahall.com
The Hive 65 Three Colts Lane London E2 6BF Tel: +44 (0)20 3551 2550 thehive@victoriahall.com
Kings Cross 25 Canal Reach London N1C 4DD Tel: +44 (0)20 3475 5970 kingscross@victoriahall.com
The Hub 21-23 South Lambeth Road, London, SW1 8SU Tel: +44 (0)20 3770 9120 thehub@victoriahall.com
Victoria Hall North End Road Wembley HA9 0UU Tel: +44 (0)20 3475 5952 wembley@victoriahall.com
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149
TOP EAT S
LONDON: Walking down many streets, one might be led to believe that London dining exists solely of combinations of Pret, Starbucks and Pizza Express. Conversely, other areas seem designed to make you think that only oligarchs and their immediate families can afford to eat out. However, it is possible to find good, affordable food without relying on faceless chains. The first eating destinations you have to visit are London institutions. Make the most of that first student loan payment with a culinary tour of the city. Start with a Brick Lane curry. Choosing between them is difficult (most display ‘best curry in London’ banners), but by and large they are all excellent, with Sheba a good place to start. Next, Borough. Its market is as much about the expe-
WHERE
70. BOROUGH MARKET
rience of wandering around as it is about any particular truck, so have a good browse before choosing your lunch. Make some time at some point, however, for the raclette stall and its deliciously oozy cheese over potatoes. Next, pie and mash, a Cockney staple that was all but dead a few years ago. Luckily, there are still restaurants hanging on, such as Manzes
“It is possible to find good, affordable food without relying on faceless chains.”
and Cockneys Pie and Mash.
150
CITY GUIDES
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7 1 . K E N S I N G T O N T U B E S TAT I O N
When you have tried London’s culinary past, try its present. Nothing if not a city of trends, London’s most defining current fad is upmarket fast food. Now, you are not a true Londoner until you have a favourite burger joint.
TOP 3 BURGER
joints
DIRTYBURGER B U R G E R & LOBSTER M E AT M A R K E T
“Mondays, Tuesdays and lunchtimes can see major discounts at even the fanciest restaurants” Once you are done with
You might dismiss these as being
burgers, try the chicken at Chicken
well out of your price range, but
Shop (Kentish Town), hot dogs at
Kensington’s Dirty Bones or even
do is be aware of the times and days
cereal at Shoreditch’s notorious
when restaurants are least visited.
Cereal Killer.
Most are desperate to boost their
For those times when you want
numbers on these days and offer
a little fine dining (i.e. when your
huge discounts or deals. Mondays,
parents take you out), London
Tuesdays and lunchtimes can
offers some of the world’s best res-
see major discounts at even the
taurants, with more than Michelin-
fanciest restaurants.
starred restaurants in the city.
152
CITY GUIDES
you’d be surprised. All you have to
LONDON
GREAT VALUE STUDIOS IN CENTRAL LONDON 209 Stunning Studios on Central Line opposite North Acton Tube Station
All bills included Smart TV Communal lounges Roof terrace Big beds Free contents insurance Laundry Cycle storage Superfast Wi-Fi throughout
NORTH ACTON, LONDON
CALEDONIA STREET, l universities m alLIVERPOOL ents fro For all stud
Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com
downingstudents.com STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE / LEEDS / LIVERPOOL / LONDON / NEWCASTLE / GLASGOW / EXETER
EVENT S
LONDON: One of the absolute best things
Music first. Festival season
about London life is that events
always marks the point in your
you go to are often national news.
student calendar where exams are
“Oh yeah, you know those fire-
over and all you have to occupy
works you saw coming off of the
your days is a vague sense of
London Eye at midnight on New
guilt over not having a summer
Year’s Eve” you say to your group
internship. Although other festival
of home friends who are silently
locations like Reading, Leeds and
judging you, “I was there. Well,
of course Glastonbury are better
not there, as I refused to pay for
known, London has its fair share of
tickets. But I saw them from a
great festival. Hackney’s beautiful
really high hill”. Those fireworks,
Victoria Park is home to two of the
Then there is British Sum-
mertime at Hyde Park. Although
technically a series of all-day gigs rather than a festival, this means there is more variety. Recent years have seen acts as diverse as Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire, Take That and McBusted headline a day. Plus, for the last two years, there has been an ‘accidental release’ of £1 tickets near the festival date, so fingers crossed someone is feeling equally clumsy this year. This is only a brief guide, to life
best, with Field Day (indie and
in London, without even touching
bledon…all of these and more
alternative) and Lovebox (dance,
are merely a tube ride away. Or
grime and hip hop), both costing
Pride, the London Marathon and
two tubes and a bus if you didn’t
about a third of the cost of a trip
choose your accommodation par-
to Worthy Farm.
the Notting Hill Carnival, Wim-
ticularly well.
on Chinese New Year, London
a hundred other great things that are happening every day in the city.
NEW YEARS FIREWORKS 72. NEW YEARS
Although I mocked people who
see them without paying and
go see the New Year’s Eve fire-
without a security guard confis-
works in the previous paragraph,
cating the cans you have stuffed
at least once. Free for years,
universally-agreed place to steal
they are really worth seeing live
into your bag. Primrose Hill is the
you now have to pay for tickets
a view of the fireworks, and the
to stand close to the display.
atmosphere is much better than
However, there are plenty of
on the crowded South Bank.
places in London where you can
154
CITY GUIDES
LONDON
LOOKING FOR A ROOM IN A SHARED HOUSE? Search spare rooms on www.accommodationforstudents.com. Visit the site to see hundreds of rooms advertised by students who are searching for housemates. Create a free ad and enable other students with spare rooms to contact you. • 3 million students visit the website each year • Use our city specific noticeboard • Enable students with spare rooms to contact you • Find great housemates to share with
Simple and easy to do Find a room today.
peter Tatchell When we discovered that the Australian-born, British Human
Rights campaigner was an alumnus of the Polytechnic of
North London (now London
SL: WAS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE OF S C H O O L T H AT L E D Y O U T O S TA R T Y O U R F I R S T C A M PA I G N ?
dead a warder while trying to escape from jail. I read about the autopsy report in a newspaper and worked out it would have been almost impossible for him to have fired the fatal bullet. But Ryan was hanged anyway. That destroyed my trust and confidence in authority; in the government, the police and the courts. It made me a lifelong sceptic of authority
I went to the Australian equiva-
and led me to campaign against
decided to head down to his
lent of a comprehensive school.
other abuses, like the mistreat-
foundation offices and ask him
My headmaster and American His-
ment of the Aboriginal people
some questions about his time at
tory teacher encouraged critical
and Australia’s role in the immoral,
Uni, how students can be better
thinking and social awareness.
unjust Vietnam War.
campaigners and whether going
They helped trigger my inquiring,
to Uni was still worthwhile.
dissenting mindset.
S L : W H AT M A D E Y O U DECIDE TO GO TO UNIVERSITY AFTER THE GAP IN YOUR E D U C AT I O N ?
Metropolitan University), we
S L : W H AT W A S Y O U R FIRST HUMAN RIGHTS C A M PA I G N ?
I was just 15 when I took my first foray into campaigning. It was 1967 in Melbourne, Australia. A prisoner, Ronald Ryan, was due to be hanged for allegedly shooting
I left school at 16, with a few O levels. My parents were poor. They needed me to go out to work to supplement the family income. When I came to London in 1971, aged 19, I was determined to finish my education. I was not very literate. I did my A levels at evening classes at West London College, 1972-74. Then, from 1974-77, I studied Sociology at the Polytechnic of North London, gaining a 2.1.
WHERE
156
7 3 . P E T E R TAT C H E L L F O U N D AT I O N
CITY GUIDES
L O N D O N : P E T E R TAT C H E L L I N T E R V I E W
Ad: Victorstone
“Getting a higher education helped improve my knowledge, literacy, research and writing abilities” SL: WERE THERE A N Y PA R T I C U L A R CHALLENGES FOR Y O U A S A ‘ M AT U R E ’ STUDENT? DID YOU ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE?
SL: WERE YOUR EXPERIENCES OF THE N U S C A M PA I G N S I N WHICH YOU WERE I N V O LV E D P O S I T I V E ?
I think I gained more by being a mature student than I would have gained if I had gone straight from school to higher education. It was a wonderful experience. To this day, I am the only person in my entire extended family who has
S L : H O W I M P O R TA N T WERE YOUR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCES IN SHAPING YOUR ACTIVIST CAREER?
I was active in the National
I was an activist long before
Union of Students Gay Rights
attending North London Poly-
Campaign from 1973, when the
technic. My prior experience
NUS passed its first ever policy in
helped me contribute effectively
support of LGBTI rights. In those
to NUS campaigns. Getting a
days it was quite a battle, with
higher education helped improve
some students on the right - and
my knowledge, literacy, research
the left - opposing LGBTI equality.
and writing abilities, which has
been lucky to receive a tertiary education.
benefited my campaigning ever since. SL: DO YOU STILL T H I N K T H AT G O I N G TO UNIVERSITY IS WORTHWHILE?
University education aids personal development and opens the doors to a wider, more interesting range of occupations. It is also vital for the economic success of the country. Plus, you get to meet a great variety of wonderful people from different backgrounds and cultures.
WHERE
7 4 . P E T E R TAT C H E L L F O U N D AT I O N
For more info about Peter Tatchell’s Human Rights campaigns: www.PeterTatchellFoundation.org
158
CITY GUIDES
L O N D O N : P E T E R TAT C H E L L I N T E R V I E W
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student life in
LOUGH BOROUGH NOT TO MISS IN LOUGHBOROUGH
KNOWN FOR
THE 45 GIN SCHOOL OFFERS YOU THE UNIQUE
O P P O R T U N I T Y T O T O U R A W O R K I N G G I N D I S T I L L E R Y. S E E H O W G I N I S P R O D U C E D & C R E AT E Y O U R O W N
place. Various inter-hall events and
Loughborough University has the
competitions occur during the
largest single-site green campus
year (overseen by the Hall Stu-
in the UK and is situated about
dents Federation) and culminate
a 20-minute walk away from the
in the award of the coveted ‘Hall
town centre. All basic clothing
of the Year’ trophy.
and feeding needs can be met by the wide selection of town centre
On Campus
bonus of the outdoor market on
campus for midweek nights out
shops and there is the added Thursdays and Saturdays.
Most students remain on and on Friday night too. Stupid 75. UNI CAMPUS
Tuesday (STuesday) offers retro and cheesy dance music in one
The majority of students tend to live on campus, in student halls. Loughborough University’s award-winning accommodation comprises 16 halls (seven catered and nine self-catered) where much of the student social activity takes
160
CITY GUIDES
LOUGHBOROUGH
room of the student’s union building. The drinks are very cheap and the dress code strictly casual. Hey Ewe! on Wednesday offers a broad selection of music in three rooms of the union building, and track requests can be taken
www.urbanstudentlife.com
DON’T SNOOZE..
. .We all know how RBOOOOMK YNOOUWR F2O01R6 the saying goes! JUST £20
*
THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN LOUGHBOROUGH At Urban Student Life we pride ourselves in providing the next generation of student accommodation, where you’re treated as a client, not a lodger. ALL BILLS INCLUDED
ON-SITE MAINTENANCE
UNLIMITED WIFI
CONCIERGE SERVICES
*Offer applies between the dates of 23rd November 2015 and 26th February 2016. Offer only valid on Tenancies of a minimum of 44 weeks.
PRICES START FROM
£119.00 PER WEEK
Subject to availability
BOOK ONLINE NOW www.urbanstudentlife.com or for more information call:
See website for full terms and conditions.
0843 508 2018
enquiries@urbanstudentlife.com
through Twitter. Wednesday night
FND in the union building on
is traditionally the time when sports
Friday claims to be the biggest stu-
teams really let their hair down,
dent club night in the UK. A wide
following afternoon fixtures. In
range of music is played and the
(Leicester) that attract some fan-
addition to dancing and drinking,
night draws in people from town
tastic musical talent.
there are often other activities laid
as well as students. Essentially this
on such as a photoshoot area with
is the same as Hey Ewe!, but none
props, inflatable gladiator arena
the worse for that.
The great outdoors
and paint or foam parties.
Off Campus
hiking, cycling and riding there is
On Saturday night you could try Echos on Biggin Street – renowned for being an enjoyable yet tragically messy night out with plenty of ‘morning after’ regrets. Round off the week with Wild
Sunday at Firefly on Swan Street:
smaller venues such as The Maze
(Nottingham) and Sound House
For students who love walking, lots of green space in and around Loughborough. The Outwoods,
Beacon Hill Country Park, Swith-
land Woods and Bradgate Park offer a range of outdoor experience, from the almost wild to the carefully managed. Each has their
different themes each week, offers
own distinct features and per-
on drinks and a good selection of
sonalities, but they all contain at
R&B.
least one rocky outcrop! The more
The Kelso (Ward’s End) and The
Orange Tree (Bedford Square) are 7 6 . B R O O K LY N B A R
O2 Arena, there are loads of
popular with students for quiet
maritime-minded might enjoy a visit to Pillings Lock in Quorn.
drinks and especially for first dates. The Brooklyn Bar on Baxter Gate is a popular choice with students on a Monday night. It describes itself as bringing ‘A taste of inner city New York to Loughborough.’ Their Monday night ‘PlayHouse’ features two floors of music with resident DJs playing a mixture of Hip-Hop, R&B, House and Disco. This is a fun night and features some non-traditional nightclub activities such as pingpong and Connect4. A G O O D N I G H T O U T, E V E RY N I G H T
162
CITY GUIDES
Live music, theatre and cinema Apart from open mic nights and the odd major act at LSU, there isn’t much of a live music scene in Loughborough. Acoustic groups and solo artists can be found in pubs such as The Priory, but you will have to do some digging as events aren’t widely publicised. Leicester, Nottingham and Derby however all have lots of live music on offer, so you don’t need to travel far to indulge. As well as Nottingham’s Rock City and Leicester’s
LOUGHBOROUGH
S L TA L K S : ECHOS ON BIGGIN ST
“its renowned an enjoyable tragically me out with plen ‘morning afte
Top Eats
The majority of restaurants in
Loughborough rely very heavily on student trade, so you should always find a warm welcome. The restrictions of the student budget make Weatherspoons pubs a popular choice. Lough-
DESPITE IT’S SIZE, LOUGHBOROUGH HAS A HUGE S E L E C T I O N O F R E S TA U R A N T S A N D C A F E S T O S U I T A L L B U D G E T S A N D TA S T E S .
slightly more expensive than the
chilled-out student vibe and Peter
Weatherspoons option, it is a busy,
Pizza offers both individual tables
friendly place and a popular choice
and a large communal table com-
with students for birthday parties
plete with board games – perfect
and other special occasions. This
for breaking the ice in a group
restaurant can occasionally be a
where you don’t know each other
little chilly though, especially at
very well.
lunchtime, so layered clothing is
The 300 Spartans on Derby
borough has two of them – The
recommended!
the Moon and Bell on Wards End
and Meet Burger (Ashby Square)
expect and more. If Mexican
are two really cool places to
food is more your thing, then try
grab a bite to eat. Both have a
the Cactus Café on High Street,
Amber Rooms in The Rushes and
– both serving cheapish pub grub with plenty of special offers.
Peter Pizza (Clay Pipe Jitty)
Road is an excellent traditional chippy serving all that you might
which also has live jazz on the first
The Basin on Derby Road
Wednesday of every month.
serves Chinese, Japanese, Sushi and Thai food. Although this is
An awardwinning University Loughborough University has been voted the University of the 77. PETER PIZZA
d for being yet essy night nty of er’ regrets.
Year 2015 by students through
Whatuni.com: it also won their top awards for its accommodation and student’s union. So much more than a sports academy, it is beloved by its alumni (including such prestigious names as Bridget Riley, Sebastian Coe, Tanni GreyThompson and Clive Woodward) and current students alike. To read more about Loughborough visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
CITY GUIDES
LOUGHBOROUGH
163
student life in
luton NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LUTON
KNOWN FOR
I T H A S A G R E AT R E P U TAT I O N F O R S P O R T S , A N D THERE IS A WIDE RANGE ON OFFER INCLUDING BADMINTON, BASKETBALL AND MORE
University is certainly a challenge
with endless lectures, countless assessments and assignments that never seem to end. At the
end of a long day or once you
reach the weekend when you have packed away your notes and
textbooks Luton is a great place
to be a student. Take some time out and away from your studies to
relax, unwind and enjoy yourself.
Luton is a vibrant, student friendly town with plenty to see and do both during the day, on an evening and at weekends and it is a thriving, multicultural hub with over 140 different nationalities. The town has a selection of clubs, bars and restaurants as well as the renowned Galaxy Leisure complex which includes WHERE
164
78. LUTON CITY CENTRE
CITY GUIDES
LUTON
an 11 screen cinema to enjoy the latest blockbuster movies,
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION @ HATBOX
7 MIN WALK TO UNI OF BEDFORDSHIRE
All inclusive utility bills
High speed WiFi available throughout
Games room & cinema with Sky TV
FREE contents insurance
C l i c k t o v i s i t crm-students.com/hatbox
0844 371 5688*
hatbox@ crm-students.com
Castle Street LU1 3AG
* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.
@Hatbox_Luton
facebook.com /hatboxluton
16 bowling lanes, a bingo hall, an
If you get bored during the
arcade and more. Students are
weekend or you’re looking for
spoilt for choice when it comes
something a little bit adventurous
to activities to keep them enter-
why not get out and have some
tained after a hard day at univer-
fun in Luton and the surrounding
sity whether you’d rather to relax
area. Try out your golfing skills at
Stockwood Park or fly a kite at
in the countryside, treat yourself to a day’s retail therapy or dance
Dunstable Downs. Football fan?
the night away, there is something
Why not support the local team
to suit every student.
and attend a weekend match? A
Luton Carnival
7 9 . C A R N I VA L
During the whit holidays in May of each year, Luton plays host to one of the largest events on the cultural calendar, the Luton Inter-
national Carnival. The carnival is
was launched to students. Sub2
was previously The Park on Park
students and it has been running
The bar was designed to address hosts everything from nightclub
largest, one day carnival event in
events through to tennis matches
Europe it attracts approximately
and training in kickboxing. Other
from the young through to the old and is a day packed with free entertainment as the town transforms itself into a lively carnival
popular places to go are Yates, Brookes and Liquid.
Places of Interest
Luton has an extraordinary his-
atmosphere.
tory which dates back over 7000
Pubs and Restaurants
post when it first featured in the
years. It was an emerging trading Doomsday Book and it gradually
Luton has a huge amount of
expanded becoming very popular
pubs with over 200 in total and
in hat trades and brewing. There
there are plenty of places to enjoy
are a number of places of interest
food and drink to suit all tastes.
for students, particular avid history
One of the most popular stu-
fans who can explore the ancient
dent bars was launched in the last
history of the town and learn about
five years, located in the centre of
its past in lace and hat making.
town it remained a secret until it
166
CITY GUIDES
LUTON
minutes drive from Luton.
the requirements of students and
in popularity every year. As the
is a carnival suitable for all ages
students at Go Ballistic, just 14
hosting a unique and interesting variety of events to suit all interests.
140,000 visitors to the town. It
also a fun day out and popular with
Street and is a student only venue
very popular with old and new each year since 1976, growing
dedicated paintballing facility is
8 0 . C A R N I VA L
From historical places of interest to fun days out, there’s something to cater for every interest in Luton. The cafes and restaurants also provide a diverse range of options to suit all tastes from a small snack through to a three course meal.
To read the full guide to Luton visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
student life in
mcr
KNOWN FOR
NOT TO MISS IN MANCHESTER...
M A N C H E S T E R P R I D E - T H E A N N U A L L G B T F E S T I V A L D O M I N AT E S T H E A U G U S T B A N K H O L I D AY, D R A W I N G I N T H E C R O W D S A N D I G N I T I N G T H E C I T Y W I T H C O L O U R F U L , OFTEN ADVENTUROUS, PROCESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE!
Hi! I’m Azraa, and I’m currently
in my final fear studying French Studies and Arabic Studies at the University of Manchester.
Manchester is bustling with cultural and creative activities and events. As the only place in the UK featured on Lonely Planet’s list of best places to visit in 2016, Manchester has so much to offer, not only for locals, but for students in particular. Hailed as a ‘dynamo of culture and the arts’ – Manchester has so much to offer.
WHERE
CITY GUIDES
81. THE MANCHESTER WHEEL
MANCHESTER
167
Arts & Culture
The Jewish Film Festival is
Farewell Cornerhouse, hello HOME!
currently taking place and is definitely not to be missed!
The Whitworth is the place to be. exhibitions as well as talks and film
A recently-opened Arts estab-
showings.
lishment - “For curiosity seekers,
K E Y D AY S Y O U S H O U L D REMEMBER ARE:
for lovers of the dramatic, the digital and the deeply engaging;
Tuesday Talks – where discus-
for radicals and reciprocators”
sions are held by artists, curators
This 500sq metre establish-
Thursday Lates – film showings
ment offers students and visitors
Saturday Supplements –
2 new theatres, 5 cinema screens
and 3 contemporary art galleries. That’s not all; the food is exceptionally delicious. HOME hosts a number of exhibitions and film screenings, so remember to check their calendar.
CITY GUIDES
If you itch for creativity, then The Whitworth Art Gallery hosts
H O M E
168
THE WHITWORTH
MANCHESTER
informal talks, workshops by artists 82. HOME
For more information or to book a viewing... 0161 424 9671 primestudentliving.com
Cambridge House from
£141 Ensuite Rooms & 4/5 bed flats 20MB Broadband & Free Wi-Fi Free Contents Insurance (up to £5,000)
per week
Offering luxury student accommodation in a prime location!
All Utility Bills Included Spacious En-Suite Rooms Flat screen TV Washer/Dryer Double Beds 24/7 Security with Key Fob Entry Microwave Oven Fridge Freezer
Prime Student Living
@Prime_Student
Situated directly across the road from Manchester Metropolitan University and a few minutes’ walk from The University of Manchester, Cambridge House is firmly placed at the heart of the city.
FILM Manchester has a number of cinemas, ranging from various prices. The most student-affordable one I have found is the AMC Cinema, with tickets priced at just £5.
MUSIC
Manchester Academy is also
worth checking out, as it hosts concerts from various music genres ranging from indie to rock, to pop to international. Check out
WHERE
83. MANCHESTER ACADEMY
our Chris Ramsey competition
and you could win a night out to see him play live.
Relax.
750,000 Ad: NMC student rooms listed online!
NO. 1 STUDENT ACCOMMODATION SEARCH ENGINE SINCE 2000! SEARCH
You won’t have any problems finding your next home using AFS.
www.accommodationforstudents.com The home of student accommodation! CITY GUIDES MANCHESTER 170
FESTIVALS & EVENTS Manchester will never leave
large-scale festivals scheduled for
you bored. The city is always cel-
the summer: Parklife Weekender
ebrating something new. The New
is popular with students, as are
Year brings forth more exciting events. Celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Future Eve-
rything Festival. In spring 2016, Manchester will be celebrating the Irish Festival, ¡Viva! Spanish and
Manchester Jazz festival, and
24:7 Theatre Festival. Mancunians love every bit of sunshine, so in August come along to Manchester’s very own picnic in Piccadilly Gardens.
MCR: top eats Manchester has a vast array of restaurants, cafés and pubs. It is not wrong to say that Manchester could possibly feature all cuisines in the world. If an exotic curry or
Latin American Film Festival, the
a grilled kebab is something you
chester Day. There are also many
The Whitworth; a street filled with
Great Manchester Run and Man-
fancy, Curry Mile is located near cafés and restaurants from Asia and the Middle East. Prices can vary, but they are mostly student friendly. The Northern Quarter and Deansgate are a little more expensive, but also feature foods rich from different cultures. Kukoos – Street Food on Oxford Road is a student favourite.
To read our full guide to Manchester visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
WHERE
CITY GUIDES
8 4 . G R E AT M A N C H E S T E R R U N
MANCHESTER
171
student life in
new castLe
UNDER -LYME
N O T T O M I S S I N N E W C A S T L E - U N D E R - LY M E
KNOWN FOR
T H E S T O N E S M A R K E T D AT E S B A C K T O 1 1 7 3 !
N O W A D AY S I T ’ S O P E N S I X D AY S A W E E K A N D H A S O V E R 8 0 S TA L L S
As the largest campus university
in the country, you can expect to
find all you could want ‘in-house’ at Keele.
pub’ vibe you’re after, you don’t have to look further than The Scruffy Squirrel. But you probably know that already. And if you don’t, you soon will. The best advice is to follow @
Between them Munch, Blend
KeeleSU to keep up to date with
pretty much every culinary taste
and everything else in between
the 2 main venues on campus:
There’s really no reason to
and The Scruffy Squirrel have
the nightlife, clubs, charity work
covered. In terms of nightlife,
that is going on.
The Ballroom and k2 provide a varied programme of SU events and club nights to rival most universities. Blueprint offers cocktails and if it’s a more ‘traditional local
172
CITY GUIDES
leave campus is there? Well, while it is reassuring to know that you have so much on the doorstep on campus, the locality is worth discovering.
N E W C A S T L E - U N D E R - LY M E
on sit e
www.urbanstudentlife.com
DON’T SNOOZE..
. .We all know how RBOOOOMK YNOOUWR F2O01R6 the saying goes! JUST £20
*
THE NEXT GENERATION OF STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME At Urban Student Life we pride ourselves in providing the next generation of student accommodation, where you’re treated as a client, not a lodger. ALL BILLS INCLUDED
ON-SITE MAINTENANCE
UNLIMITED WIFI
CONCIERGE SERVICES
*Offer applies between the dates of 23rd November 2015 and 26th February 2016. Offer only valid on Tenancies of a minimum of 44 weeks.
PRICES START FROM
£119.00 PER WEEK
Subject to availability
BOOK ONLINE NOW www.urbanstudentlife.com or for more information call:
See website for full terms and conditions.
0843 508 2018
enquiries@urbanstudentlife.com
NIGHT life
layout with big tables perfect for large groups - and the best beer garden around. Now under new management, and determined to restore its status as the town’s favourite for those in the
Newcastle itself though is the
know, Bar Manager, Nikki said,
place to be. As a market town it
‘We do a lot of cheap deals for
benefits from having a selection
students, including 9” pizzas for
of bars and eateries on, or just off,
£2.50. House music nights are
the main square. Student Night Thursdays has just relaunched in the town. It’s a collaboration between several bars and restaurants. You will be bombarded with cheap deals and special offers on food and drink ranging from ‘Oatcake and a
T O P T I P. . . FOLLOW @KEELESU
TO KEEP UP TO D AT E W I T H T H E U N I GOINGS ON.
Bar Social and The Kiln are
both worth a visit on The Square
Day weekend. Across the second Spring Bank Holiday weekend you will find The Lymelight Festival. For both these events, it will be best to check listings nearer the time but as so many bars, cafés
brew’ deals to dirt cheap vodka shots.
8 5 . LY M E L I G H T F E S T
fortnightly on Mondays and we’ll
and local businesses get involved
be putting on more live bands in
you won’t be short of things to
the New Year.’
do. It’ll be well worth catching the Number 25 down the A525
but if you want something a little
‘Castle really comes alive over
bit different, a couple of ‘Castle’s
the two holiday weekends in
for though.
best are a short walk away just
May. When the pottery industry
off the High Street. Students and
was in full swing, bank holidays
locals mix freely and enjoy live
represented a welcome relief
Something a little different
music and club nights at The Full
from the daily grind and locals
Moon Alehouse and Music Venue
have a tradition of making the
on Liverpool Road.
most of them. The long-running
Around the corner is The
carnival has now been replaced
watch. Benefitting from a great
Blues Festival held over the May
Old Brown Jug. This is one to
by the annual Newcastle Jazz &
“NEWCASTLE HAS LOTS OF BARS ON OR NEAR THE MAIN SQUARE” 174
CITY GUIDES
N E W C A S T L E - U N D E R - LY M E
If you fancy something completely different, there’s the Aqua Park WaterWorld at Festival Park just 5 miles away from Keele campus. A tip would be to avoid the crowds on weekends
WHERE
86. THE GOLDEN LION
and school holidays. Stick to the
Stoke contains two very good
able to tell you what is going on
off-peak times of Thursday 10.00-
reasons not to dismiss the town
3.00pm and Friday 2.00-9.00pm.
completely. The first is The Glebe.
in Ember Lounge and LRV: the 2 main venues that Staffs Uni has
You’ll have the place to yourself.
Joule’s Brewery pubs are dotted
to offer, within walking distance of
If you want to experience rea-
around the North Staffordshire/
The Glebe.
sonably priced Premier League
South Cheshire area. They are
A stone’s throw away from
football, the SU sells tickets for
worth seeking out as you will
The Glebe, literally just down the
Stoke City matches. There are
always find them to be friendly and
street, is Sangams. Many locals
shuttle buses running to and
serving excellent beer and food in
will declare this as the simply the
from the ground and Stoke Town.
pleasant surroundings.
best curry house in the entire city.
Although the mood is boisterous, it’s safe and trouble free.
Around Newcastle Sandwiched between Hanley and Newcastle is Stoke Town
The Glebe is the pick of the bunch. Very busy on match
the country’ you will find lots to
phere on any day of the week.
keep you entertained and a place
It has live bands and as pub
that local residents are proud of
food goes you will find this place
and a welcoming and open com-
hard to beat. It also sells more
munity.
cheeses than your average sized
truth be told, there’s not a great
supermarket!
deal here! It gets very busy when
Here you’re likely to be rub-
Stoke City FC are at home, but
bing shoulders with students
otherwise it’s pretty dead.
from Staffordshire University. No
CITY GUIDES
outside of ‘the largest campus in
days, but there’s a great atmos-
itself. It’s easily missed and,
However, Glebe Street in
If you do decide the explore
bad thing, of course, as they’ll be
N E W C A S T L E - U N D E R - LY M E
To To read read more more about about lancaster visit Newcastle-Under-Lyme visit
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
175
student life in
newcastle NOT TO MISS IN NEWCASTLE
KNOWN FOR
T H E F O O T B A L L ! S T. J A M E S ’ S PA R K I S R I G H T I N T H E
C I T Y C E N T R E A N D O N A M AT C H D AY T H E C I T Y T U R N S COVERED IN BLACK AND WHITE
Newcastle is one of the most sought after cities in the UK. It is known for its bustling and
vibrant economic and social life
and is a student friendly kind of place, with Northumbria and Newcastle University central to the success of the city. While Newcastle is well known for
its flamboyant nightlife, some of
its other amazing assets are often overlooked – so I have started with some of those hidden gems.
WHERE
176
CITY GUIDES
NEWCASTLE
87. THE MILLENNIUM BRIDGE
Love Newcastle. Live Different.
WHERE WE ARE 10 minute walk from University of Newcastle 5 minute walk from supermarket 5 minute walk from city centre WHY VITA STUDENT All-inclusive bills Superfast 250Mb speed broadband with Wi-Fi Kitchen and bedding pack included Free daily grab and go breakfast The best student experience in the city
V I TA S TUD E N T N E WC AS TLE WE S TGATE R OA D N E WC AS TLE
V I TA S TU D E N T. C O M
hidden gems
TOP TIP NORTH SHIELDS Q U A Y S I D E I S G R E AT F O R A B I T E T O E AT
The coast You might not expect much of the coast line in the North East, so you are going to be more than pleasantly surprised. Firstly its very accessible as you can get
WHERE
88. TYNEMOUTH
the Metro from the city centre to places like Whitley bay, South Shields and Tynemouth. While
South Shields has an old school
charm about it, Tynemouth is genuinely gorgeous and the cost and beach between Tynemouth
and Whitley bay is stunning – particularly on a (rare) sunny day! North Shields is totally different from its southern neighbour, with its fishing port still active and the regenerated quayside has loads of great places to eat.
BEST FOR CHILLING
Jesmond
immediate surroundings are beau-
to explore. After a tough week of
If you want some relaxing
tiful and offer a relaxing escape
lectures I love escaping to mooch
time out of schoolwork and par-
from the bustling city. The park
around the river and the waterfall.
tying, Jesmond Dene park is the
is like a magical adventure, with
right place for you. The park and
walkways and nooks and crannies
178
CITY GUIDES
NEWCASTLE
BRAND NEW PLUMMER HOUSE
NEWCASTLE STUDENT LIVING. JUST BETTER. Powered by
collegiate-ac.com | fusionstudents.co.uk plummerhse@collegiate-ac.com
GUIDE:
T H G I N LIFE
89. NIGHTLIFE
Newcastle has a renowned reputation for being one of the best student night-out destinations.
It offers an array of student club
nights and cheap deals on drinks; most famously the trebles, some-
Possibly the most famous club
and a long list of drinks deals.
destination is The Diamond Strip;
Other popular student haunts
Perdu and many others. During
Headquarters, which presents
with Revolution, Madame Koos,
are TubTub, Riverside and World
the week, they all have student
nights like ‘Soul Jam’ or Itchy Feet’,
nights, each with a different theme
two of my personal favourites.
thing you will come to love.
“during the week there are loads of themed student nights” 90. THE SAGE
180
CITY GUIDES
NEWCASTLE
Prime Student Living
@Prime_Student
Studios & 5/6 Bed Ensuites
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£125 per week
Each shared apartment comes with large, modern kitchens and living rooms which are perfect for chilling out and relaxing with your friends.
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St James House offers the best location in the city, being the nearest private student accommodation to Newcastle University, less than a 5 minute walk away, whilst also being ideally located for Newcastle University Business School, Northumbria University and Newcastle College - all less than 10 minutes’ walk. 250mb Broadband & FREE WiFi
24/7 Security with Key Fob Entry
Ensuite Rooms
Ensuite Rooms
Ensuite Stu
dios
St James’ House FREE On-site Gym
All Utility Bills Included
Flatscreen TV Plus Freeview
Free Contents Insurance (up to £5,000)
EXPLORE THE CIT Y Eating Out Newcastle has an endless list of places to eat to suit everyone’s
FROM A QUICK GREGG’S S A U S A G E R O L L T O A FA N C Y M E A L O N T H E Q U AY S I D E . . .
Carluccio’s. Not only this, but
many shops within the Eldon
Nudo, a sushi takeaway that isn’t
offer discounts for students and
Northumberland Street now has
square shopping centre which
taste; whether it is a luxurious
too pricey, and a Gregg’s if you’re
it is a great place to shop. All
meal at the quayside or a take-
between lectures and need a quick
the usual high street chains and
away craving after a night out,
food fix.
department stores are here within
Newcastle has it all. Grey Street, one of Newcastle’s historical streets, is full of places featuring 91.
If you’re feeling fancy, head
walking distance. It is much better
to the quayside where there are
than the out of town shopping
restaurants, such as Pitcher and
centres and it is a decent place
Piano, La Tasca and Gusto. The
to hang out as there are various
outstanding views of the Millen-
eating outlets and bars around. It
nium and Tyne Bridge alongside a
even has free Wi-Fi!
lavish meal makes for the perfect special occasion. However, if you want a hidden gem, then The Quilliam Brothers Tea House is right up your street. It is situated near Newcastle University and has an extensive list of unusual teas together with delicious cakes. all different cuisines, such as Las
Iguanas, Zizzi, Café Rouge and
182
CITY GUIDES
Shopping For the shopaholics, there are
NEWCASTLE
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PITT STREET, NEWCASTLE PITT STREET, NEWCASTLE
s For all students from all universitie
downingstudents.com STUDENT LIVING IN CAMBRIDGE / LEEDS / LIVERPOOL / LONDON / NEWCASTLE / GLASGOW / EXETER
To read the full
E R U T L U C FIX Modern art The converted grain warehouse
shows with up-and-coming acts alongside more established names on the UK comedy circuit.
offers one of the biggest spaces
film
and inspiring exhibitions.
Science
Equally Tyneside Cinema is a
little off the beaten track; this particular hidden gem is a great form
The Centre for Life is a sci-
of entertainment if you want some-
ence-based attraction offering
thing a little different. Showing
insight into science’s most mind
movie classics, experimental and
boggling discoveries and helps to
foreign language films in art-deco
promote science. They often hold
surroundings, it offers a new kind
themed nights, with a memorable
of viewing experience.
one on Halloween called Frankenstein: Escape the Monster,
which involves free vodka shots and a special 4D motion ride.
comedy
History
Alternatively Newcastle Castle
Keep is the oldest structure in the city, dating back to at least the 11th century. So steeped in
If comedy is more your thing
Newcastle’s history it often gets
and you’re looking for a different
overlooked but is a great landmark
night out, The Stand comedy club
and an excellent way to spend the
in the city centre feature regular
day.
“A CITY FULL OF PLACES TO EXPLORE AND DISCOVER” CITY GUIDES
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
Baltic on the Gateshead Quays in Europe for thought-provoking
184
guide to Newcastle visit
NEWCASTLE
Newcastle student living. Just better. Grantham House Melbourne House
www.collegiate-ac.com
student life in
notts NOT TO MISS IN NOTTINGHAM
KNOWN FOR
G O O S E FA I R - H E L D I N T H E F I R S T W E E K O F O C T O B E R , F O R E S T F I E L D S T U R N S I N T O A FA I R G R O U N D
E X T R AV A G A N Z A F U L L O F T H R I L L S A N D T R E AT S !
“NOTTINGHAM IS THE PLACE WHERE YOU CAN HAVE A BIG NIGHT OUT OR A CIVILIZED CUPPA AND SLICE OF CAKE WHERE
186
CITY GUIDES
NOTTINGHAM
92. NOTTINGHAM CITY CENTRE
Student Accommodation
NOTTINGHAM
Why look anywhere else?
• 8 minutes from Nottingham Trent • • • • • •
University (NTU) Winners of ‘Best Value for Money award’ as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey) All inclusive of bills Fast 100 Mb/s broadband All en-suite rooms Free content insurance 24/7 security & maintenance
Curzon Street, Nottingham NG3 1DJ
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AFS TOP TIP
NIGHTS
Before we go out, me and my friends will always meet up at one
OUT
of our houses for pre-drinks, where we tend to stay ‘til about 11pm. This allows you some time to catch up, without spending an absolute fortune. After that we’ll head into town, and no matter what night of the week it is, there’s always something on offer in Nottingham.
WHEN
MON WED
Monday nights are unexpect-
the place for students to be is
edly brilliant thanks to ‘Liquorice’
‘CRISIS’ at Rock City, where you
at Coco Tang, a half-hidden,
can get Jagerbombs, and loads
decadent underground club that
of other drinks, for £1.50 – just
models itself on the back street
maybe don’t go there in your
bars of LA and New York. Look
favourite shoes (sticky floors
out for the red light above the
alert). For other great nights as the
entrance on Bridlesmith Gate,
weekend approaches, check out
and give their ‘Cut to the Chase’
the £2 drinks offer on Thursdays
cocktail a go (seriously, it’s good).
at Baa Bar.
Meanwhile, on Wednesdays,
WHEN
THU SAT
Indulge your guilty music
weekly Facebook event wall for
pleasures on Friday at ‘The Pop
free entry before 11pm. Alterna-
Confessional’ at The Bodega
tively, if your student loan has just
(discount for students before
landed, then you could head over
midnight, and for anyone in fancy
to Saltwater at the CornerHouse,
dress!).
which has delicious cocktails and
My favourite night on Saturdays is ‘Hey Hey Hey’, back at Rock City again – write your name on their
188
CITY GUIDES
NOTTINGHAM
a heated terrace overlooking the city.
TOP EATS For those who like to balance out
their night-time exploits with a nice, civilized cup of tea and a
slice of cake, then Nottingham is very much the place to be.
House on Haydn Road – try one of their incredible homemade cakes (and it’s vegan to boot). If you’re looking for an amazing to Capers in Mapperley – the choice on offer there is absolutely
The White Rabbit is a teahouse
mouthwatering.
located in a quiet little arcade in
M A LT C R O S S
the city centre, and has a unique,
If you’re after something a bit
Alice-in-Wonderland theme. Book
more traditional but still in budget,
afternoon tea with a few friends if
then check out Malt Cross. A
you’re looking for a relaxing few
Victorian music hall that’s been
hours away from your books.
converted in recent years, you
DIVINE COFFEE HOUSE
can find pub classics for under
Probably my favourite place, though, is the Divine Coffee
Junkyard is a bit secluded on
Bridlesmith Walk, but offers a
range of tasty, exotic small plates, which you can pair with a craft ale on draft (there are 15 beers on tap in total).
CAPERS
sandwich or panini, then head
THE WHITE RABBIT
J U N K YA R D
£10, plus a wide range of drinks at cheaper-than-average prices
hidden gems T I LT B A R
Not many people ever find out about Tilt Bar, and more fool them. This little bar is hidden above one of the many independent shops on Pelham Street, and has a quirky atmosphere paired with an equally quirky (but brilliant) cocktail menu – ‘Napoleon’s Nuts’, anyone? Don’t worry, though, their bar staff are talented enough to make whatever you want; they do a particularly good dry gin Martini, my favourite. W O O L AT O N P A R K
If you fancy getting out and about then you can try Wollaton Park, which is perfect for walks or having an afternoon picnic when the weather picks up. SHERWOOD FOREST
And, let’s be honest, anyone who’s planning to spend any length of time in Nottingham is duty-bound to pay a visit to the world-famous Sherwood Forest, where you can take a fab guided WHERE
190
93. SHERWOOD FOREST
CITY GUIDES
NOTTINGHAM
tour based around Robin Hood and his band of outlaws.
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Accommodation
BEST OF NOTT S
Another solution to the bus problem, as I’ve discovered in third year, is simply to fork out the extra £10-15 a week it costs to live in the city centre. This has
I never properly appreciated this
worked particularly well for me as
until my final year in Nottingham,
a Nottingham Trent student, as I’m
but it’s an incredibly interesting,
able to work at the nearby city
historical city – and I’m not just
campus every day; but even for
talking about Robin Hood. Underneath Nottingham city centre are
9 4 . C I T Y O F C AV E S
over 500 caves dating back to the
Nottingham University students, being in the city centre means you’re close to a variety of bus
Dark Ages, which have been used
WORST OF NOTT S
routes that will get you to campus more efficiently than I was able to get in from the suburbs. West Bridgford is very popular with students, and even though it’s a fairly leafy part of town, the
as homes, pub cellars, and even bomb shelters over the centuries. There are some brilliant tours of this so-called ‘City of Caves’, with discounts for students – look for the entrance inside Broad Marsh shopping centre. For something a bit more modern but equally fascinating, then spend a few hours at Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, which is renowned for its inventive exhibitions and
When I lived a bit out of the
rental rates are surprisingly reason-
city in first year, I’d have to say
able. What’s more, it’s only about
one of the very worst things about
ten minutes on foot from the city
Nottingham was waiting for a
centre.
bus to campus. Particularly when
But the true ‘student area’ –
it rained, you could stand there
where you’re guaranteed to bump
and watch three or four buses go
into about a hundred familiar faces
straight past your stop because
every time you pop to Sainsbury’s
they were already full of students!
Local – is Lenton. The rental prices
Never fear, however, because in
are a bit lower, and you’re only
second year I found a cunningly
about twenty minutes on foot from
simple solution: I got a cheap bike
the city centre, but I wouldn’t rec-
and a decent waterproof jacket
ommend trying to walk back there
and, soon enough, I was loving
after dark – it’s not got the best
my daily commute.
reputation for crime, so stick with
cutting-edge curation; this is also one of the few places in the city where you can take in a host of rare, art-house films from around the world.
192
CITY GUIDES
NOTTINGHAM
your mates, and pitch in together at the end of the night for a taxi.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN NOTTINGHAM 12 min
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2 min
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student life in
PREST’N NOT TO MISS IN PRESTON...
KNOWN FOR
T H E T H R I V I N G C A F É C U LT U R E W I T H N U M E R O U S
M O D E R N A N D V I N TA G E T E A S H O P S A N D C O F F E E
H O U S E S , P E R F E C T F O R A C AT C H - U P W I T H F R I E N D S
It’s easy to see why Preston is a popular city with students once you spend any amount of time in the city. It has a relaxed atmosphere which
is helped by everything being so close together – it sits somewhere
on the scale between a normal city university and a dedicated campus – you never have to travel far between accommodation and lectures, but all the amenities of the city centre are on your doorstep too.
Studying at UCLan
TOP TIP MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL AND BLACKPOOL ARE A SHORT (AND CHEAP) T R A I N R I D E A W AY
Anyone who chooses to study in Preston will find it to be an exciting city to learn in. Millions of pounds are always being invested in new facilities to offer courses with leading technologies, as well as unrivalled sports facilities such as Preston Sports Arena and the
Sir Tom Finney Leisure Centre (used as training facilities for nations before the 2012 Olympic Games) available to students for
194
CITY GUIDES
PRESTON
WHERE
95. PRESTON DOCKLANDS
Preston student accommodation From ÂŁ70.00 per week All-inclusive bills
Book roomyour only ÂŁfor 1
On-site security Range of room types available Excellent locations for UCLan Access to gym and common room
Visit www.sanctuary-students.com/preston Call: 0870 600 4777
recreational use. UCLan is known
THE NORTH WEST HUB
for excellent media, sports, sci-
Preston is also convenient for the rest of the North West, acting as a hub for anyone who fancies the occasional night out in Liver-
pool or Manchester, or a day trip to the coast to enjoy the fun of the Blackpool attractions, or even a more rural escape into the Lake
District for outdoor adventures. All of these are just a short (and
away by public transport.
it has a wealth of options for study available.
nights out
Socialising
venues catering to all tastes from
Preston has a great range of
Around the university campus,
dedicated student bars to dance
there are plenty of good quality
nights and rock clubs. In terms of
pubs for food when you’re looking
live music, there are many good
for somewhere to eat out. But with
quality bars showcasing local
the city centre just a short walk
talent, while the Guild Hall in the
away you’ve also got a number
city centre hosts bigger acts from
of restaurants and cafes available,
the worlds of music, theatre and
from famous national chains to
comedy. Preston has two major
range of cuisine. The same can be
so you’re never short of something
centres are less than an hour
ence and hospitality courses and
independents offering a wide
cheap) train journey from Preston,
(94.) or Liverpool One shopping
chain cinemas and a bowling
alley, all a short distance from the main university accommodation.
to do.
9
Not that Preston itself doesn’t
Source is the main Student Union bar. A popular venue during the
have lots to offer. Don’t let the
day and at night, it’s located at the
size of the city fool you – it has
heart of the campus and hosts a
everything you’d need for study
range of events.
and entertainment while the University of Central Lancashire
(UCLan) has exceptional teaching
Preston continues to grow in pop-
facilities including courses and
ularity with students, with great
lecturers that are at the top of
facilities and avenues available
their field. The central location of 96. TRAFFORD CENTRE
the university makes it very much a part of the city’s culture, with a of Preston made up of students.
said of shopping, with a packed
very good university that encour-
along with smaller shops selling
as much as learning from the
high street featuring major stores
more offbeat items around the indoor market and side streets. There’s enough variety to ensure everyone will find something they like. Plus if you want a major retail fix, the famed Trafford Centre
For more about Preston visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
CITY GUIDES
different and varied options for an active social life. It’s a city with a
large percentage of the population
196
for study as well as a number of
PRESTON
ages learning through experience
experts, where you’ll grow as a
person and have an exciting time doing so.
student life in
PLYM’TH N O T T O M I S S I N P LY M O U T H . . .
KNOWN FOR
R O YA L W I L L I A M YA R D I S F A S T B E C O M I N G O N E
OF THE SOUTHWEST’S BUZZIEST NEIGHBOURHOODS, WHERE STUDENTS HANG OUT WITH FOODIES
“a CITY DESIGNED WITH STUDENTS IN MIND.” 9 7 . P LY M O U T H H O E
From the moment you enter Plym-
outh, it’s easy to see that this is a city thoroughly designed with student living in mind. With the
University set at the very heart of the city centre, the panic of
sleeping through your alarm
and finding yourself with only 5 minutes to get to your lecture is a thing of the past. In Plymouth,
everything you need is just a short walk away.
CITY GUIDES
P LY M O U T H
197
www.plymouthstudentaccomodation.com
In need of student accommodation for the next academic year?
01752 600485
Rents start from
ÂŁ79
PW
All inclusive of bills, monthly cleaning, Internet, TV + Licence!
A Home After Halls have everything from 1 bed studios to 15 bed House-shares.
198
Booking now for 16/17 check out our website to see our available stock, or call the office to arrange a viewing. XXX
WHAT TO DO CITY CENTRE
enjoy as well. If you’re hoping to
If you’ve got a day free from
catch the new Star Wars film, or
lectures, there’s always plenty
the latest Marvel hit, Plymouth
of things to do. Wandering into
has two options for you to choose
the town centre, your lunch with
from! Choose comfort and style at
your mates could range from
the enormous Vue cinema, with
McDonald’s to Nandos, or newly
gigantic screens and luxurious
evening or if you want to be con-
seating, or, save a fortune and go
scious for your 9am lecture the
Diner. There are hundreds upon
instead to the Reel Cinema – what
next day, the nightlife can offer
hundreds of shops, including River
it lacks in looks it makes up for in
this as well. If you head for Carpe
Island, Superdry – and of course,
cheap prices.
Diem on North Hill on a Monday,
The Nightlife
you can join in the fun of the Plym-
opened American diner Ed’s Easy
our student budget saviour: Pri-
mark. But if you were hoping for more of an educational outing, Plymouth also holds one of the most esteemed aquariums in the UK.
THE NATIONal marine aqaurium A fun and interesting day out, and an incredible learning opportunity for any science or marine biology students. Plus, the aquarium offers and incredible deal in which you only have to pay for entrance once, and gain
North Hill is essentially a long stretch of road that is lined with bars and clubs, one after the other. The best include Cuba, Bang and the Skiving Scholar, all offer cheap drinks and a dancing mass of fellow students every night. Visit Fresher and Professor, however, and you will be forced to try their legendary “Terminator” concoction, a horrendous mix of god knows what that will have you stumbling and on the floor within the hour.
Bargain!
A more chilled evening
meet every week to chill out, have fun and just play some good old fashioned board games.
Plymouth offers all this and so much more to any student looking
to start their University experi-
ence. But, aside from things to do and see, Plymouth is simply a
friendly and welcoming city full of your fellow students, all hoping
to make friends, do well in their courses and get incredibly drunk – welcome home!
However, the inebriated night-
But if exotic fish don’t float your boat, there’s plenty else to
CITY GUIDES
outh Board Games Society, who
Bang, Mousetrap, Roundabout
free entry for the rest of the year.
Night at the movies
98. CITY CENTRE
P LY M O U T H
life is not for everybody. If you’re in the mood for a more chilled
199
student life in
SHEF FIELD
KNOWN FOR
NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHEFFIELD...
KNOWN FOR IT’S FRIENDLINESS, IT’S A POPULAR CITY WITH STUDENTS L O T S O F W H O M C H O O S E T O S TAY I N T H E C I T Y A F T E R G R A D U AT I N G .
Becoming a student is a huge turning point in life, as well as a
great chance to explore a new place. Sheffield is an amazing
city and I can comfortably say I’ve had the best three years of my
life here! It’s full of culture, has an ace nightlife, and is located in a
beautiful area. There’s no denying that as the years go on, you’ll end up spending more and more time
in the library, but at least you’ll be surrounded by a beautiful city. WHERE
200
9 9 . T H E S H E F F I E L D ‘ C H E E S E G R AT E R ’
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
Love Sheffield. Live Different.
WHERE WE ARE 5 minute walk from University of Sheffield 5 minute walk from supermarket 5 minute walk from city centre WHY VITA STUDENT All-inclusive bills Superfast 250Mb speed broadband with Wi-Fi Kitchen and bedding pack included Free daily grab and go breakfast The best student experience in the city
V I TA S TU D E N T S H E FFI E LD C H A RTE R R O W S H E FFI E LD
V I TA S TU D E N T. C O M
BEST LACES TO GO P
T H E R E I S A LW AY S PLENTY TO DO, REGARDLESS OF YOUR INTERESTS.
CULTUre If shopping isn’t your thing, then
the city has to offer.
outside of London, the theatre is
live music
Theatres puts on a wide variety of
If you love a bit of shopping, there’s Meadowhall, Yorkshire’s largest shopping centre, or if you’d like somewhere smaller, there’s always the city centre. Packed
visit, displaying all the best culture
never fear! With the largest area a must-do. Each year, Sheffield
Shopping
Park Museum are also great to
performances, ranging from classics such as The Lord of the Flies to West-End touring productions like West Side Story. Graves’ Gallery, Millennium Gallery and Weston
Sheffield wouldn’t be Sheffield without its illustrious music scene. There are an incredible amount of live music venues – including The Leadmill, Plug, The O2 Academy, Motorpoint Arena – all of which hold concerts throughout the year.
with all the usual chains as well as
With a transport system as devel-
unique boutiques, its one place
oped as Sheffield, comprising
to spend your time. If you like all
buses, taxis and, of course, the
things vintage, then Sheffield has
wonderful trams, it is incredibly
it covered. Cow Vintage on West
easy to get home from venues.
Street is the perfect place to find a few bargains, as well as Mooch Vintage and A New Shop.
100. CRUCIBLE
101. THE LEADMILL
202
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
Sheffield / Ad: Claypenny Ecclesall Road & City Centre Specialists
Quality Student Living
‘All Inclusive’ Options Available
Call: 0114 266 9900 Click: Claypenny.co.uk Visit: our office on the corner of Ecclesall Road and Collegiate Crescent
WHERE
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
100. THE O2 ARENA
203
NIGHTLIFE
SHEFFIELD:
WHEN
MON + tue
Monday nights offer up DQ,
(affectionately known as ‘Corp’)
while Tuesday nights see most
is the place to be on a Wednesday
people hitting either The Tuesday
night. Its famous ‘Skwl Disco’ is a
Club (TTC) or Spanked at Plug. If
WHEN
thu
you’re more into sticky floors and
shirt and tie out of the cupboard
cheap drinks, then Corporation
and go all out on school chic.
Thursday’s are best spent
Propaganda at Plug, GaGa at
Street, dipping in and out of bars
clubs like The Night Kitchen,
down Division Street and West like the Cavendish, Bungalows
and Bears, and The Hop. With
WHEN
204
sat
CITY GUIDES
great chance to drag your white
A Saturday at Pop Tarts at
the University of Sheffield’s Stu-
Leadmill, and various pubs and
Paris, and The Viper Rooms, there’s plenty of choice.
on Commonside in Crookes, is the city’s hidden gem, offering a
dents’ Union never disappoints,
comfortable atmosphere and pork
with cheesy classics to keep you
pies for dinner. Bungalows and
dancing all night long. And Sun-
Bears is another firm favourite, and
days? Sundays are for rest.
a place where you can get some
Once you reach third year, it’s
quality beers on-tap. Popollo, a
more about sitting down with a nice
cocktail bar in Leopold Square, is a
beer in the pub, of which there are
fabulous place to have a nice night
plenty. The Hallamshire, located
out with some incredible cocktails.
SHEFFIELD
Student Living at its best
ECCLESALL ROAD CITY CENTRE & BROOMHALL BROOMHILL & CROOKESMOOR www.capland.co.uk @caplandstudents
Capland Properties
Tel: 0114 268 7222
J70027 Capland Properties Individual Advert 162x270.indd 1
24/10/2014 11:40
Students of Sheffield: how
Queens Social Club and The
talents from around the country,
would you like to celebrate the
Harley, to more unusual areas like
such as Georgia, Loyle Carner,
end of January exams at the UK’s
the city’s roller rink – where artists
NZCA Lines, PINS, Oscar and
most exciting new music festival?
will perform while the audience
Kagoule.
Well, starting this year, you can.
skates.
On Saturday 27th February
2016, Outlines Festival will take place across a range of popular venues in Sheffield City Centre. Performance spaces range from
student hangouts like Plug,
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
And there are some unbelievable acts lined up already, including the huge post-punk band Gang
of Four and UK hip-hop pioneer
Roots Manuva. They will be joined by a number of the hottest new
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205
SHEFFIELD:
eating out
Where do you even start when it comes to eating in Sheffield? A city that has a total of three Nandos is bound to be a place
WHERE
1 0 2 . T W I S T E D B U R G E R C O M PA N Y
with a great taste in food. If you’re into your burgers, look no further than The Harley and The River-
side. Both places have the wellknown Twisted Burger Company serving up creative burgers, some of which have been designed by local musicians, Bring Me The Horizon and While She Sleeps. Ecclesall Road, where most Hallam students end up living, as well as being close to Endcliffe student village for University of Sheffield students, has a wide
To read our full
range of places to grab a bite.
guide to Sheffield visit
One of the many Nandos is down
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
here, as well as Mud Crab – a bar serving tasty burgers and pizza – and Café Rouge. The city centre has endless unique venues, including Blue Moon, which is a small but wel-
AFS TOP TIP
coming vegetarian and vegan café near the Cathedral. There’s also plenty of places within Broomhill, a popular student area of the city, including The York which has a decently priced happy hour menu.
103. THE YORK
Fancy a rockstar burger? Twisted Burger Company have burgers designed by bands including Bring Me The Horizon!
206
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
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WESTONESPACE.COM
What’s On? Your guide to the unmissable
events coming to Sheffield in the
next few months! We’ve picked out a few of the best for you.
WHERE
WHEN
FEB JUN
1 0 4 . O U T L I N E S F E S T I VA L
THE AGE OF ABSTRACTION: WOMAN ARTISTS, 6 FEBRUARY – 25 JUNE 2016
A new and exciting exhibition is due to arrive at Graves’ Gallery next February. Exploring the developments of women artists during the 20th Century, it will feature pioneering artists such as Hilma Af Kilnt.
WHEN
27 FEB
O U T L I N E S F E S T I VA L , 27 FEBRUARY 2016
The new one-day multi-venue festival will be coming to Sheffield this February. From the same people who organise Tramlines
208
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
Festival each year, Outlines will take place at venues including The Harley, Queens Social Club, and Plug. With a line-up that includes Roots Manuva, The Big Moon and Hey Sholay, it’s sure to be a success.
www.urbanstudentlife.com
DON’T SNOOZE..
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QUALITY STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
W.
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FOR GROUPS OF 2-25 SITUATED WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
BOOKING NOW FOR JULY
PROPERTIES
W. H. Properties is a well established business providing modern accommodation for Sheffield students. The company is managed by Lindsay Wiseman, the proprietor of the organisation who personally supervises every aspect of the business. We offer an unparalleled level of service. Our properties are inspected by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield City Council. We are also members of the University Green Impact Student Housing Scheme. Common features of our properties are:• Modern kitchens and bathrooms • Flat screen televisions provided • Curtains & blinds in all bedrooms and lounge areas • Quality furnishings including double beds in all rooms • Burglar alarm / fire alarm - all gas and electrical safety certificates • All double glazed • Kitchens come with washer dryers, microwave, fridge freezers (2 in larger houses) and dishwashers • Houses over 4 persons have 2 bathrooms Rents from £65 - £85 per week including full maintenance.
1 6 A P R I L - 2 M AY 2 0 1 6
Dram Shop
P.A. Jewellery
vale Pub Spring
Springvale
Road
side
CHAMPIONSHIP 2016,
Common
WORLD SNOOKER
PROPERTIES
Barber Road
WHEN
APR MAY
Co-Operative
W.
Tel: 07903 071618 Or: 07891 656783 Or: 0114 2668070 www.whproperties.co.uk 11 Commonside, S10 1GA
The greatest tournament in the world of snooker is held annually at Sheffield’s Crucible, and always attracts large crowds. Even if you’ve never shown an interest in sport, you’ll easily be drawn into the event!
WHEN
APR
GUYS AND DOLLS, 19-23 APRIL 2016
Straight from London’s West End, Guys and Dolls will be hitting the Sheffield Lyceum in the spring. It’s a perfect example of Sheffield’s rich theatre scene, and is the perfect way to spend an evening.
210
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
Crookesmoor Road
Bookings now being taken for July Contact us to book a viewing
Student Accommodation
SHEFFIELD
Why look anywhere else? • 10-15 minutes from both Sheffield
Hallam University and the University of Sheffield
• Winners of ‘Best Value for Money
award’ as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey)
• • • •
All inclusive of bills Fast 100Mb/s broadband All en-suite rooms 24/7 security and maintenance
61 Eldon Street, Sheffield S1 4GX
Call now or visit our website +44 (0)114 289 3500 sheffield@victoriahall.com www.victoriahall.com
/VictoriaHallSheffield QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION
2015
BEST
VALUE FOR MONEY
2015
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INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION
@Victoriahalls
WHEN
JUN
D O C / F E S T, 10-15 JUNE 2016
The Sheffield International Film Festival will return in June. Regularly drawing huge crowds of film
WHEN
JUL
T R A M L I N E S F E S T I VA L , J U LY 2 0 1 6
Ah, the festival to which we all look forward each year. In the past, it’s seen the various stages
WHEN
ALL YEAR
S O FA R S O U N D S , ALL YEAR LONG
If you’ve never heard of this, then be sure to check it out. The
212
CITY GUIDES
SHEFFIELD
fanatics, it is one for all you screen junkies. The festival was closed by none other than Michael Palin himself last year – does it get much better?
of Sheffield graced by Basement Jaxx, The Cribs, Public Enemy, Billy Bragg, and Slow Club, to name a few. Who knows what’s coming this year, but it’s bound to be out of this world.
unique music evenings take place at secret venues around the city that are only announced just before the performance. If you like a surprise, then this is for you.
SCAN ME
NO OBLIGATION VIEWING Beat The Rush - Call NOW For An Appointment Phone 07946 546 404 or 0114 2726041 Email info@jarvisstudentproperties.com Web www.jarvisstudentproperties.com 112 Weston Street, Netherthorpe, Sheffield, S3 7NQ
student life in
wolves N O T T O M I S S I N W O LV E R H A M P T O N
KNOWN FOR
H O M E T O W O LV E R H A M P T O N W A N D E R E R S F O O T B A L L C L U B , M O L I N E U X S TA D I U M H A S A F A N TA S T I C AT M O S P H E R E O N M AT C H D AY S A N D A
NEW MUSEUM.
“A great night out”
My idea of a great night out is getting my friends together for a pint in rock n’roll venue, The
Giffard Arms, laughing at them attempt drunken Karaoke at Irish tavern, McGhee’s (just off King Street), and ending the night with a chicken and bacon foot-long from Subway. Wolverhampton is the place to be. With its student-friendly nightlife and eclectic range of restaurants, pubs, clubs and bars, there is absolutely nothing that a student could not want. Across the road from the University entrance is the Royal London. This is the most student-friendly pub in the city centre. Every Tuesday, the Royal London hosts Piggy Tuesdays, where virtually all drinks are £1 between 7pm and
WHERE
214
1 0 5 . W O LV E R H A M P T O N
CITY GUIDES
W O LV E R H A M P T O N
3a.m...
Award Winning Student Accommodation
WOLVERHAMPTON Why look anywhere else? • Winners of ‘Best Individual
Accommodation Award’ across the UK 2014 & 2015 and also ‘Best Value for Money award’ as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey)
• 8 minutes walk from the University of Wolverhampton
• • • • •
All inclusive of bills Fast Broadband speeds of up to 100 M/b All en-suite rooms Free Content Insurance 24/7 security & maintenance
1 Culwell Street, Wolverhampton
Call now or visit our website + 44 (0)1902 504 320 www.victoriahall.com
/WolverhamptonVictoriaHall QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION
2015
BEST
VALUE FOR MONEY
2015
BEST
INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION
@Victoriahalls
have had time to think about the lesser-known quirks that make Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton. The people who live here
night out
would be first on the list and when walking down the High Street, the city comes alive. The High Street oozes cul-
CONTINUED…
ture and plays home to many a busker – and not just teenagers
Further to this, they host in-house discos, have a games room - complete with air hockey and pool – and they serve hot,
1 0 6 . W E S T PA R K
The city not only plays home
up one of their ‘More Cards’ for
to nightlife, but also to nature.
further savings during the rest of
Located on the outskirts of the city
the week! The Hogshead is also a
centre in Whitmore Reans is West
thriving hive of activity with its ‘2
Park. West Park, although free to
for 1’ deal. Home-cooked mains
enter during the day, is used for a plethora of events, such as The
events, seasonal drinks offers,
Classic Car show, funfairs and
sheltered beer garden and a pool
Bonfire Night celebrations. There
table are all on offer here.
is also a boating lake for those who
For those who prefer a more toned down approach to ending of Wolverhampton’s lesser-known
rious flower beds, a bandstand
pubs – The Lych Gate Tavern.
and many species of wildlife. The
The Lych Gate Tavern is sit-
park is an ideal outdoor venue for
uated in one Wolverhampton’s
photography and media projects
oldest buildings between the
if you are a student, or just if you
Man on the Horse (M.O.T.H) and
love long walks.
St. Peter’s Church. This traditional
High Street
ales (subject to change). It also boasts a function room, commonly rented out by University lecturers for group readings.
216
CITY GUIDES
ists; even Caribbean steel drums, pan flute players and bagpipes! During the run up to Christmas, the High Street also welcomes 107. XMAS
ordinary on their day off. The park is also home to glo-
specialising in traditional house
bourine players, organists, violin-
wish to try something out of the
their study-filled day, there is one
tavern has a homely feel as well as
extra couple of pounds on the weekends. Here, you’ll find tam-
West Park
delicious food. Be sure to pick
and desserts, televised sporting
with guitars trying to make an
the annual, much-smaller-thanBirmingham, German market,
There are a number of things
which features many traditional
Wolver-
Christmas German dishes. How-
hampton which are not just about
ever, the High Street would not
partying. It is impossible to just
be the same without its resident
that are great about
pick one. As a lifelong resident, I
W O LV E R H A M P T O N
doughnut man, who is known to
lots of clubs and shops as well as
sell ‘the best doughnuts ever’
a 24-hour Asda! Rents are cheap
according to his customers.
and satisfaction rates are high
Accommodation The University has several accommodations available to both new and returning students, all based within walking distance; as well as shuttle buses that commute between the Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford campuses. The city centre, of course, is very attractive due to its close proximity to the bars, restaurants and shops, as well as Wolverhampton University’s city campus. Whitmore Reans and Blakenhall are also popular areas amongst students. Whitmore Reans is
Blakenhall is popular with students at both the City and Dudley campuses, as it is situated halfway between the two, and Birmingham is also easily accessible. AFS TOP TIP
Pennfields and Merridale are becoming increasingly popular and scored some of the higher satisfaction rates at 66% in our survey and have ridiculously low rents of £46 per week on average. Both of these areas are approximately 20 minutes from the city centre and main campus, and have a wide selection of shops including a supermarket and takeaway joints.
about a 15-minute walk from the University and city centre, and has
AFS TOP TIP PENNFIELDS AND MERRIEDALE ARE THE NEW UP AND COMING SPOTS TO LIVE
low rents
108. PENNFIELDS
For more about Wolverhampton visit www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
CITY GUIDES
W O LV E R H A M P T O N
£46
average per week
217
student life in
YORK NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YORK
KNOWN FOR
ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CALLED THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK... NOT YORK U N I V E R S I T Y, D O N â&#x20AC;&#x2122; T M A K E T H E C O M M O N M I S TA K E !
The lush countryside, the gorgeous river Ouse and its many attractions blending town and
country make York a staple for tourists visiting England. But
what makes the idyllic location in North Yorkshire work for tour-
ists (many of them, older, wiser
and looking for a quiet vacation) might not make it seem immedi-
ately attractive for teenagers and young adults heading to the Uni-
versity of York for their degrees.
The beauty of York, though, is how that image of quietude which attracts so many can rest comfortably alongside a wide and
varied social scene that provides
entertainment and diversion for the thousands of university students at York.
218
CITY GUIDES
YORK
WHERE
109. YORK MINSTER
like Drakes’ just down from the
This is a city which can be
gander about at sights might seem
adapted to a range of lifestyles.
so tame and yet it’s difficult not be
Cornish Bakery and a great pork
The university and the city offers
moved by the wonder of the city.
sandwich just a few steps down.
a wealth of opportunities for the more intellectual observer with museums, parks, and sightseeing as well as opportunities for those hoping to have some more fun with nightlife while conducting their studies. While it may not London or Birmingham in terms of
TOP EATS
as a location for students looking for excitement. After all, it’s quality and not quantity that make for a
But, it’s not all about takeout. Further up Goodramgate, there’s the refreshingly quaint Olivia’s Artisan Bakery and Café which has the most delicious cheese and onion bread in the city. And
nightlife, a true examination of the offers around prove York’s worth
It’s not all takeout!
Food Options With Delivery
it provides a nice quiet location for a quiet meal with a friend or a date.
York students are lucky enough
good day (or night) out.
to have a wide range of grocery
Walk the Walls
on campus Nisa’s to Aldi’s Tesco
stores to choose from, from the
TOP TIP
Many students might feel
Sainsbury’s Iceland and many
G O O D R A M G AT E I S A
unmoved to partake in the more
more but when the 4:00 pm dead-
FIND IN ITSELF WITH
conventionally tourist-like aspects
line is breathing down your neck,
of York for fear of seeming too
THRIFT STORES A
you just do not have the time to
unadventurous but the beauty of
stand over a stove. Sometimes you
TA I L O R A N D A N I TA L I A N
the city cannot be stressed. Even
need to become best of friends
as your friends might express baf-
with the takeout driver, and there
flement, do not be afraid to hop
is a wide range of food options,
Too often students head down
on the tour bus which takes you
with delivery. Bombay Spice is a
Coney Street and then leave the
favourite for Indian food with their
City Centre but York has so many
award winning curries (unfortu-
divergent sensibilities living close
The thing about York that’s
nately no delivery option, though),
by with the quaint diners a few min-
good (while being good for you)
Chenab Balti Takeaway has a
utes’ walk from a McDonalds or a
particularly excellent range of
Subway. This is a perfect metaphor
Indian breads, there’s Mulan Can-
for the city which simultaneously,
around the city offering a view of the beauty from above.
is how so many of the more beautiful sights are in walking distance. Walk the walls, which are about
3.4 kilometres. It takes about two hours to complete with multiple
tonese Restaurant, the Old Siam
and effectively, provides reprieve
and dozens upon dozens more to
for persons of all proclivities.
choose from. The diversity of York
bars and towers along the way.
means you can find an informal
The idea of taking a wander and a
and excellent fish and chips shop
CITY GUIDES
YORK
R E S TA R A N T
219
Student accommodation at its best in York In a historic conversion alongside a contemporary new build; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moments from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University and York Minster. All this with the transport links you need, and fast trains to London too.
Facilities include 24/7 security Gym Laundry Ultra-fast WiFi Common room Free bike use
#BigOnLittleThings 0333 344 4047 | york@studentcastle.co.uk | studentcastle.co.uk
NIGHTS OUT
DUSK
Dusk, one of the best bars for students, sits truly in the middle of the City Centre. It’s a popular choice for students because of its 2 for 1 cocktails and is often the first choice for a night on the town. It’s within walking distance of the popular night spots, and a nip from Dusk has your feet feeling
110. DUSK
relaxed enough for a walk whether you’re going somewhere for more fun or something quiet.
choice with their weekly Phat Fri-
EVIL EYE
hiphop a favourite for students.
Evil Eye is a bit pricier than the student friendlier Dusk but it’s worth every penny of its price with
“don’t let the veneer of quietude fool you, underneath york is bubbling with excitement”
an overwhelming range of cocktails. Sometimes you only need one really strong cocktail to do the trick. And after that absinthe flavoured Evil Eye cocktail it would not be unusual to see a group of students trekking to a club. THE DUCHESS
The Duchess is often a popular
To read more about York visit
days playing old-school R&B and REVOLUTION
Revs is always another choice for some fun, the atmosphere might be a bit lacking but at 1:00 in the morning, few students are looking or “atmosphere” in their club of choice. KUDA
Kuda is another fun spot, but very likely to be packed to the hilt.
By the time you’ve hopped on the bus, pausing between sleep
and wake worried you’ll miss
your stop you’ll wonder why you ever thought you wouldn’t
have enough to do in York. As
you trudge up the stairs to your
room, your flatmate who came in five hours earlier from a day at
the museum, the movies and the
Minster will be thinking the same thing.
www.studentlifeguide.co.uk
CITY GUIDES
YORK
221
the WORST s b u l c t h g i n I N B R I TA I N
THE NOMINEES
Last year we set out to find the worst student nightclubs in Britain and after our ‘extensive’ research we announced Jesters in Southampton as the ‘winner’, closely followed by Mechu in Birmingham. However, Jester’s reputation for random violence, mainly perpetrated by brawling boys on leave from the navy won the day.
BIG FELLAS -
PONTEFRACT G AT E C R A S H E R BIRMINGHAM S PA C E – LEEDS
JESTERS –
SOUTHAMPTON ANY POPWORLD
T O V O T E F O R O N E O F T H E S E T R U LY T E R R I B L E C L U B S O R N O M I N AT E SOMEWHERE EVEN WORSE
WALKABOUT – CARDIFF
BAR 360 –
H A N L E Y, S T O K E - O N - T R E N T
CLICK HERE
THE EMPIRE – C O V E N T RY
222
F E AT U R E
B R I TA I N ’ S W O R S T N I G H T C L U B S
CONTENTS
38. Glasgow Film Theatre / www.glasgowfilm.org/ theatre/
1. Tramlines Festival 2016 / www.facebook.com/
39. The River Clyde by Robert Brown
Tramlines
80. Carnival by Derek Lee / www.flickr.com 81. T he Manchester Wheel by Richard Heyes / www.flickr.com
2. The Bullring
40. Kings Theatre
82. Home by Keith Byers / www.flickr.com
3. New Years by Clarence Ji / www.flickr.com
41. Pollock Park by Finlay McWalter
83. M anchester Academy by Daniel Nisbet / www.
4. The Sage / www.smlp.co.uk
42. Hull City Centre by David Wright 43. Beverly Xmas Markets / www.
F E AT U R E
beverleyfestivalofchristmas.co.uk/
1. Chris Ramsey / www.chrisramseycomedy.com/
44. The Adelphi / www.hullfire.com
2. Chris Ramsey / www.chrisramseycomedy.com/
45. Newland Avenue by Ian1000
flickr.com 84. G reat Manchester Run by Jayneandd / www. flickr.com 85. L ymelight Fest / www.facebook.com/ events/341760732610166/
46. Huddersfield by Richard Harvey
86. The Golden Lion by Mikey / www.flickr.com
CITY GUIDES
47. The Grove / www.thegrove.pub/
87. T he Millennium Bridge by Tony Hisgett / www.
1. Kyffin
48. Kingston Town Centre by Kreepin Deth
2. Pontio / www.pontio.co.uk/Online/
49. London by Altug Karakoc
88. Tynemouth by Mike Kniec / www.flickr.com
3. The Bullring
50. Kingston Uni / www.kingston.ac.uk/
89. Nightlife by James Jin / www.flickr.com
4. Lost and Found / www.the-lostandfound.co.uk
51. Millenium Bridge by Rwendland
90. The Sage / www.smlp.co.uk
5. Birmingham Museum / www.
52. The Plough / www.plough-galgate.co.uk/
91. Theatre Royal by Jake Cook / www.flickr.com
53. Leeds Film Festival / www.leedsfilm.com
92. N ottingham City Centre by Andrew / www.
birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag 6. The Alhambra Theatre
54. Leeds City Centre by Phil Mellor
7. Kirkgate
55. Leicester By Night by HollyVictoriaNorval / www.flickr.com
8. Clifton Suspension Bridge by Kristoffer Trolle /
56. Leicester City Centre by HollyVictoriaNorval /
www.flickr.com
www.flickr.com
9. The Burger Joint by Bush Design Bristol / www.
57. The Lanes by Daliscar1 / www.flickr.com
bushdesignbristol.com/ 10. Bristol Balloon Fiesta / www.bristolballoonfiesta.
58. Liverpool City Centre by Aaron / www.flickr.com 59. Albert Docks by RonaldSaunder / www.flickr.
co.uk/
com
11. Rock Slide
flickr.com
flickr.com 93. S herwood Forest by Chris Evans / www.flickr. com 94. City Of Caves by Mr Thinktank / www.flickr.com 95. Preston Docklands by Lee Dyer / www.flickr.com 96. T rafford Centre by Matthew Hartley / www.flickr. com 97. P lymouth Hoe by Robert Pittman / www.flickr. com
12. Cambridge City / www.andrewdunnphoto.com/
60. L1 by Sara Parker / www.flickr.com
98. City Centre by Robert Pittman / www.flickr.com
13. Dragon Boats / http://
61. Cuffs / www.facebook.com/pages/Cuffs-Cafe-
99. T he Sheffield ‘Cheesegrater’ by DncnH / www.
Bar/150650248300666
vanessabartonphotography.zenfolio.com/ 14. Nanna Mexico / https://plus.google.
62. Smithdown Road by Alison Benbow / www. flickr.com
com/108882518949543711183/posts 15. Worldfest / www.kent.ac.uk/events/worldfest/
63. Aigburth
16. The Old Brewery Tavern / www.
64. Liverpool One by Blowing Puffer Fish / www. flickr.com
theoldbrewerytavern.co.uk/ 17. Canterbury Cathedral by Manuel Trujillo Berges
65. The Tate by Elliot Brown / www.flickr.com
18. Cardiff Castle by Gill Rickson
66. Brick Lane by Garry Knight / www.flickr.com
19. Xmas Markets / www.cardiffchristmasmarket.
67. The Tube by Hernan Pinera / www.flickr.com 68. Boris Bikes / https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/
com/
santander-cycles
20. Spillers Records / www.world66.com 21. Chester Racecourse / www.chester-races.co.uk/
69. Shoreditch High Street by BeritWatkin / www. flickr.com
22. Medieval City Walls 23. Hanky Panky / www.hankypankypancakes.com/
70. Borough Market by DncnH / www.flickr.com
24. Coventry Cathedral by Andrew Walker
71. Kensington Tube Station by Gary Gale / www. flickr.com
25. Derby City 26. Quad by Matt Jones
72. New Years by Clarence Ji / www.flickr.com
27. Download Festival by Khashayar Karimi
73. Peter Tatchell Foundation / www.
101. The Leadmill by Dan Cook / www.flickr.com 102. T wisted Burger Company / www.facebook. com/twistedburgercompany 103. The York / www.theyorksheffield.co.uk 104. O utlines Festival / www.facebook.com/ outlinesfest 105. W olverhampton by Elliott Brown / www.flickr. com 106. West Park by Michael Tyler / www.flickr.com 107. Xmas by Anne OFF / www.flickr.com 108. Pennfields by Roger Kidd / www.flickr.com 109. Y ork Minster by Brendan Campbell / www. flickr.com 110. D usk / www.facebook.com/Dusk159051550787429/
petertatchellfoundation.org/
28. Y Not Festival by Tim Parkinson
74. Peter Tatchell Foundation / www.
29. Dundee & Firth by Hans Musil
petertatchellfoundation.org/
30. Dundee Nightlife / www.bizbash.com 31. Ting Thai by PengYong
75. Uni Campus / www.lboro.ac.uk
32. Exeter Cathedral by Markus Koljonen
76. Brooklyn Bar / www.facebook.com/ TheBrooklynLboro
33. Old Firehouse / www.oldfirehouseexeter.co.uk/ 34. Farmer’s Market / www.exeter.ac.uk
77. Peter Pizza / www.peterpizzeria.co.uk
35. Gandy Street by Gill Griffin
78. Luton City Centre by Peter O’Connor / www. flickr.com
36. Glasgow Skyline by Michel 37. Stereo / @stereocafebar_Instagram
PHOTO
flickr.com 100. Crucible by Rev Stan / www.flickr.com
79. Carnival by Derek Lee / www.flickr.com
AT T R I B U T I O N S
223
Life made simple for students.
Glide makes bills simple for students living in shared households. We provide gas, electricity, water, telephone, broadband and TV licences. You choose which services you want and we give each housemate a single monthly bill, split equally, so everyone pays the same. L I V A R T Y S TtoUsee D Yhow we can make your life simple. Simply goEto Pglide.uk.com