Student life 2016

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!

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.

Simply go to glide.uk.com to see how we can make your life simple.

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

THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL OF YOUR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION NEEDS! Over 300,000 student rooms online!

Search houses, flats, halls & housemates Built by students...for students Safe Student Letting International Visit accommodationforstudents.com today to start the search for your perfect student property.

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

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 B A N G O R 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

£130.00 Subject to availability

BOOK ONLINE NOW www.urbanstudentlife.com or for more information call:

0843 508 2018

See website for full terms

enquiries@urbanstudentlife.com

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

BIRMINGHAM

Student Accommodation

BIRMINGHAM

Why look anywhere else?

• Winners of ‘Best Value for Money award’ • • • • •

as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey) 100Mb Wi-Fi internet in every room One minute walk from Birmingham University 2,3,4 and 5 bedroom cluster flats or studios All en-suite rooms 24 hour maintenance and security

Call now or visit our website www.victoriahall.com

Phase 1 & 2 17, Grange Road, Birmingham B29 6BL +44 (0)121 256 7000 birmingham@victoriahall.com

Phase 3 50 Aston Webb Boulevard, Birmingham B15 2GG +44 (0)121 285 1770 birmingham3@victoriahall.com

/VictoriaHallBirmingham QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

CITY GUIDES

XXX

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

/VictoriaHallBirmingham3 @Victoriahalls 23

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

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 CANTERBURY 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

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

CHECK OUT CARDIFFS VICTORIAN ARCADES FOR ONE OF A KIND S T E A L S A N D V I N TA G E BARGINS!

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

Award winning student accommodation

CARDIFF

Why look anywhere else?

• Winners of ‘Best Value for Money award’ as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey) • City Centre location • 3, 4 and 5 bedroom apartments available • Free 100 Mb/s Wi-Fi internet • All en-suite rooms • 24 hour maintenance and security • Free contents insurance Blackweir Terrace, Cardiff CF10 3EY

Call now or visit our website

02920 359 500

www.victoriahall.com cardiff@victoriahall.com

/CardiffVictoriaHall QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

@Victoriahalls

WHERE

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

collegiate-ac.com | fusionstudents.co.uk windsorhse@collegiate-ac.com

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.

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 C H E S T E R 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

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.

Prime Student Living

from

£65

@Prime_Student

Studios

from

£177

per week ts 1-6 bed fla

per week

With the university, shopping and nightlife all within a 5-minute walk, The Old Mill student accommodation has everything you need to enjoy the perfect student experience.

The Old Mill Free 20mb WiFi

from

£91

All Utility Bills Included

Single, 3/4 & Double Beds

24/7 On-Site Management & Maintenence

For more information...

Flatscreen TV

Cycle Store

01382 322 650 primestudentliving.com

3-6 bed flats

per week

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

ELLIOTT HOUSE

THE HAYMARKET

SEMESTER BOOKINGS AVAILABLE All inclusive utility bills

Fantastic city locations

FREE WiFi available throughout

FREE contents insurance

W W W. C R M - S T U D E N T S . C O M / E D I N B U R G H

THE HAYMARKET

ELLIOTT HOUSE

Rooms from £144 p/w

Rooms from £145 p/w

0844 371 5664*

0844 371 5689*

thehaymarket@crm-students.com

elliothouse@crm-students.com

West Park Place | EH11 2DP

8-10 Hillside Crescent | EH7 5EA

crm-students.com/thehaymarket

crm-students.com/elliotthouse

C I T Y are GU I D E Sat 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge. * Calls to this number charged

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

Superb social space All bills included Smart TV Double beds Electronic security systems Laundry Cycle storage Superfast Wi-Fi throughout

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

Your type of living • • • • •

24 hour on-site gym Central location 24 hour concierge service On-site vended café 100Mb/s super-fast cabled internet and Wi-Fi throughout • Large, flat screen LCD TVs in all apartment kitchens and studios • Extensive communal areas including a study room • Wide range of room types, tenancy lengths and payment types

Western Way, Exeter, EX1 2ZT

For more information on room prices please call 01392 499 920 or visit www.exeterprintworks.com

/ExeterPrintworks QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

@ExePrintworks

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

For more information or to book a viewing...

0141 332 5915 primestudentliving.com

Sauchiehall Street from

ÂŁ97 per week

3, 4 & 5 Bed Flats FREE 30MB Wi-Fi internet per room Free Contents Insurance (up to ÂŁ5,000) Washer/Dryer 24/7 Security with Key Fob Entry

The Sauchiehall Street flats offer THE BEST student location in Glasgow

On-Site Management and Maintenance Double and Single beds

The flats are within walking distance of Glasgow, Strathclyde and Caledonian Universities, with Glasgow School of Art and the Dental Hospital just across the road.

Separate Shower Room All Utility Bills included Microwave Oven Cycle Stores Fridge Freezer Inbound Parcel Distribution Service

Prime Student Living

@Prime_Student

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

BEST LOCATION FOR STUDENTS IN GLASGOW Great Value Studios and Shared Apartments

All bills included Smart TV in studios Great social space Big beds Free contents insurance Laundry Cycle storage Superfast Wi-Fi throughout On-site Gym for 2016

WEST VILLAGE BEITH STREET, GLASGOW

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

All inclusive utility bills

Fantastic city locations

THE BALLET SCHOOL

FREE WiFi available throughout

FREE contents insurance

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

CLIFTON & S TE WART HOUSE

THE BALLET SCHOOL

0844 371 5635*

0844 371 5686*

0844 371 5627*

gallery@crm-students.com

cliftonandstewarthouse@crm-students.com

balletschool@crm-students.com

2 Port Dundas Place | G2 3LD

1 Clifton Place | G3 7LD

261 West Princes Street | G4 9EE

crm-students.com/galleryapartments

crm-students.com/cliftonandstewart

crm-students.com/theballetschool

* 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

Student Accommodation

GLASGOW

Why look anywhere else?

• Winners of ‘Best Value for Money award’ • • • • • •

as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey) All en-suite rooms 100Mb Wi-Fi internet in every room City centre location, minutes from university 4 and 5 bedroom cluster flats or studio flats 24 hour maintenance and security Fully equipped kitchens

Bells Pottery , 171 Kyle Street, Glasgow G4 0DS

Call now or visit our website + 44 (0)141 354 4100 www.victoriahall.com

/GlasgowVictoriaHall QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

@Victoriahalls

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

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 H U L L 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

£87.00 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

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

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION @ KINGSTON PLAZA

7 MIN BUS TO KINGSTON UNIVERSITY

All inclusive utility bills

High speed WiFi available throughout

Communal lounge & games room

FREE contents insurance

C l i c k t o v i s i t crm-students.com/kingstonplaza

0844 371 5608*

kingstonplaza@ crm-students.com

180-190 London Rd KT2 6QW

* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.

@CRM_Students

facebook.com /kingstonplazacrm

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

For more information or to book a viewing...

01524 846665 primestudentliving.com

Cable Street from

ÂŁ76 per week

3, 4 & 5 Bed Flats 20MB Broadband and Free Wi-Fi Free Weekly In-flat Cleaning Service Contents Insurance (up to ÂŁ5,000) All Utility Bills Included Separate Shower Room

Cable Street mixes old and new as a pair of Grade 2 listed Georgian townhouses

Flat Screen TV with Freeview & TV licence Washer/Dryer Double and Single beds Microwave Oven 24/7 Security with Key Fob Entry Fridge Freezer On-Site Car Parking On-site Management and Maintenance Cycle Stores Inbound Parcel Distribution

Prime Student Living

@Prime_Student

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

All bills included Smart TV Free contents insurance Big beds Laundry Cycle storage Superb common room On-Site Gym Superfast Wi-Fi throughout

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

STUDEN T AC C OMMODATIO N AC ROS S THE UK FREE WiFi & high speed internet OVER 13,000 BEDROOMS ACROSS THE UK

GLASGOW

EDINBURGH

On site management & maintenance

MANCHESTER

All inclusive utility bills

BIRMINGHAM

Fantastic city locations

BRISTOL

LONDON

Fo r mo re info rmation visit:

WWW. C R M - ST U DE NT S.C O M o r FAC E BO O K. C O M /C R M ST UDEN T S

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

www.victoriahall.com

QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

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

DON’T SNOOZE..

BOOK YOUR 2 ROOM NOW F 016 OR

. .THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM!

JUST £20

*

G R E AT U K S T U D E N T A C C O M M O D AT I O N AT G R E AT P R I C E S Our Study Hotels are a unique way to live and work as a student in the UK. We have a range of great locations, modern designs and the latest technology.

USL Study Hotels combine all the benefits of living in a hotel with the freedom of living in a student community. We’ll take care of you so you can focus on working hard and having fun.

Your study hotel will be a great place to meet new friends and settle into life in the UK.

Call us: 0843 508 2018

ALL BILLS INCLUDED UNLIMITED WIFI ON-SITE MAINTENANCE

OW N E N I L N O BOOK

CONCIERGE SERVICES

www.urbanstudentlife.com

*Offer applies between the dates of 23rd November 2015 and 26th February 2016.

Offer only valid on Tenancies of a minimum of 44 weeks. See website for full terms and conditions.

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.

FOR THE BEST STUDENT LIVING EXPERIENCE IN THE UK

Student living in: Cambridge Exeter Glasgow Leeds Liverpool London Newcastle

All bills included The best locations Superfast Wi-Fi Great social space The latest technology Experienced service and support Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com

downingstudents.com

Ad: GVA

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.

NATIONAL STUDENT HOUSING AWARDS BEST UK PRIVATE HALLS PROVIDER NATIONAL WINNER 2013

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR

ONLINE

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

RESERVE YOUR ROOM FOR A

£1 *

0 5 £ T GE

WITH IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO FREE ONSITE GYM*

* CK A B SH CA

SELF CONTAINED 1 BEDROOM LUXURY STUDIO FLATS

ALL WITH OWN KITCHEN & EN-SUITE

JOIN IN WITH GAMES OF POOL, TABLE TENNIS & TABLE FOOTBALL AND PLAY ON THE XBOX & WII STATIONS OR WATCH

24 HOUR ON SITE SECURITY, SECURE FOB ENTRY WITH CCTV THROUGHOUT

WITH FRIENDS

@codestudents

BOOK ONLINE:

£99

FROM

D AN

* Terms and Conditions Apply

■ FREE GYM MEMBERSHIP ■ FREE FITNESS STUDIO ■ FREE FITNESS CLASSES ■ FREE CODE CINEMA ■ FREE 24 HOUR STUDY ROOMS ■ FREE SKY & BT SPORTS ■ FREE 30MB WIFI ■ FREE CONTENTS INSURANCE ■ THE CODE CAFÉ ■ CODE PARCEL SERVICE ■ ONLINE STUDENT PORTAL ■ 24 HOUR SECURITY

codestudents

WORK OUT IN OUR FREE STATE OF THE ART GYM AT WESTERN ROAD

PER WEEK

GREAT FOOD AT GREAT PRICES TO ORDER ONLINE WITH FREE ROOM DELIVERY

Chat Online

www.codestudents.co.uk

VISIT OUR SHOW FLAT: 40 - 46 WESTERN ROAD, LEICESTER, LE3 0GH

0116 233 5678

info@codestudents.co.uk

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

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 I C E S T E R 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

£89.00 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

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

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

@Victoriahalls

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

Last few student rooms available in Liverpool!

Affordable rooms from

Find out more 0 1 51 706 75 3 0 w w w. a gnes j o nes .co .u k ag n e s jo nes ag n e s jo nes ho u s e

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

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 I V E R P O O L 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

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

Award Winning Student Accommodation

LIVERPOOL

Why look anywhere else?

• Winners of ‘Best Value for Money award’ • • • • • • • •

as voted for by students (National Student Housing Survey) 100Mb Wi-Fi internet in every room Free contents insurance All bills included Central location close to all university sites Friendly on-site Management Team All en-suite bedrooms On-site laundry 24 hour maintenance and security

29 Hatton Garden, Liverpool L3 2EZ

Call now or visit our website +44 (0)151 907 7000 www.victoriahall.com liverpool@victoriahall.com

/LiverpoolVictoriaHall QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

@Victoriahalls

For more information or to book a viewing...

0151 236 9425 primestudentliving.com

Glassworks from

£112 per week

Studios & 5/6 bed ensuites Free on-site Gym 250mb Broadband Free Wi-Fi Free Group Study Rooms for Residents 32” Smart TV

Brand new student accommodation in the heart of vibrant Liverpool

All Utility Bills Included Free Contents Insurance (Up to £5,000) 24/7 Security with Key Fob Entry En-Suite Rooms ¾ Beds Spacious 23m2 studios Study Desk & Chair On-Site Management and Maintenance Cycle Stores Printing Service

Prime Student Living

@Prime_Student

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.

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT LIVING IN LIVERPOOL Studios and Shared Apartments

All bills included Smart TV (studios only) Flatscreen TV (shared lounge) Games room - great social space Big beds Free contents insurance Laundry Cycle storage Superfast Wi-Fi throughout

THE

THE

NELSON STREET, LIVERPOOL NELSON STREET, LIVERPOOL

CALEDONIA STREET, LIVERPOOL

Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com

CALEDONIA STREET, LIVERPOOL CALEDONIA STREET, LIVERPOOL

s For all students from all universitie

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

PARIS GARDENS

THE ARCADE

ALDGATE EAST

SOUTHWARK TUBE

HOLLOWAY ROAD

W W W. C R M - S T U D E N T S . C O M / L O N D O N

THE CURVE

PARIS GARDENS

THE ARCADE

0844 371 5660*

0844 371 5610*

0844 371 5690*

thecurve@crm-students.com

parisgardens@crm-students.com

thearcade@crm-students.com

14 Fieldgate Street | E1 1ES

6 Paris Garden | SE1 8ND

385 Holloway Road | N7 0RY

crm-students.com/thecurve

crm-students.com/parisgardens

crm-students.com/thearcade

* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.

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

Why look anywhere else?

•

• • • • • • •

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

@Victoriahalls

QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

CITY GUIDES

XXX

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

/VictoriaHallDashwoodStudios /PaulStEast /VictoriaHallTheHub /WembleyVictoriaHall /VictoriaHallTheHive

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

LONDON

o c . g in v li t n e d u t www.pures PURE ALDGATE, E1 1LP

BOOK NOW

PURE CITY, EC1V 3AQ

BOOK NOW

BOOK NOW

PURE BANKSIDE, SE1 0NR

5 minutes walk from Aldgate East tube

6 minutes walk from Barbican tube

London Zone 1

London Zone 1

6 minutes walk from Southwark tube

East London

m

Central London

London Zone 1 Central London

PURE HIGHBUR Y, N7 7JR

PURE HAMMERSMITH, W6 7NL

BOOK NOW

th tube 2 minutes walk from Hammersmi London Zone 2

2 minutes walk fro m Finsbury Park tube London Zone 2 North London

U R Y L U X O D AT IO N A C C O M M NTS IN DE FOR STU R A L T C E N D O N N O L

BOOKING WITH PURE IS QUICK & EASY

BOOK NOW

West London

LIVE WITH PURE IN 2016! a ZONE 1 & 2 LOCATIONS

a SOCIAL + STUDY SPACES

a ALL-INCLUSIVE RENTS

a REGULAR SOCIAL EVENTS

a 24/7 SECURITY

a LUXURY STUDIOS & EN-SUITES

a 100MB HIGH-SPEED WI-FI

a 51 & 43 WEEK CONTRACTS

chat....

purestudentliving .com

tinyurl.com /purechat

bookings@ purestudentliving.com

0208 912 5020

/pure studentliving

WHERE

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

Specialists in Student Lettings

Specialists in Student Lettings Specialists in Student Lettings

“Finding a suitable student rental property can be a daunting prospect, but at Victorstone Student Lettings we aim to make the process “Finding a suitable student straightforward, transparent “Finding astress suitable student rental can be a andproperty free” rental property canbut beat a daunting prospect, daunting prospect, but at Victorstone Student Lettings Victorstone Student Lettings we aim to make the process we aim to make the process straightforward, transparent straightforward, and stresstransparent free” and stress free”

www.victorstone.co.uk

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

from

£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.

St James Point 250mb Broadband & FREE WiFi

All Utility Bills Included

For more information...

from

£148

Flatscreen TV Plus Freeview

Free Contents Insurance (up to £5,000)

0191 2611 729 primestudentliving.com

Brand New

per week

2016

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

“GRAB FREE WI-FI AT ELDON SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE”

NEW GENERATION STUDENT LIVING IN NEWCASTLE Studios and Shared Apartments

All bills included Smart TV Free contents insurance Big beds Laundry Cycle storage Games room Superb social space On-site Gym Superfast Wi-Fi throughout

VERDE & VERDE PITT STREET, NEWCASTLE GALLOWGATE, NEWCASTLE

Book online or call 0151 707 4338 info@downingstudents.com

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

Call now or visit our website +44 (0)115 908 2600 www.victoriahall.com nottingham@victoriahall.com

/NottinghamVictoriaHall QUALITY MARK INTERNATIONAL ACCOMMODATION

2015

BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

2015

BEST

INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION

@Victoriahalls

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.

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 NOTTINGHAM 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

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

11 min

2 min

1 min

6 min

5 min

TRENT UNIVERSITY

RUSSELL VIEW

All inclusive utility bills

TALBOT STUDIOS

Fantastic central locations

FREE WiFi & high speed broadband

Secure bike storage available

W W W. C R M - S T U D E N T S . C O M / N O T T I N G H A M

RUSSELL VIEW

TALBOT STUDIOS

0844 371 5662*

0844 371 5634*

russellview@crm-students.com

talbotstudios@crm-students.com

70 Russell Street | NG7 4FE

118 Talbot Street | NG1 5GP

crm-students.com/russellview

crm-students.com/talbotstudios

* Calls to this number are charged at 5p per minute plus your telephone provider's access charge.

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

GET TICKETS A D VA N C E T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E F R O M £ 2 5 PLUS BOOKING FEE >> CLICK HERE <<

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

SHEFFIELD’S BEST LOCATIONS FULL RANGE FROM 1 BED STUDIOS TO 10 BED HOUSES

AFFORDABLE

ACCOMMODATION

CLOSE TO BARS SPACIOUS & RESTAURANTS

FUNCTIONAL + WELL EQUIPPED

STUDENT PROPERTIES

FLEXIBLE PRICES FROM PLASMA TVS £74.50 - £165.00 FAST SPEED BROADBAND CONTRACTS PPPW

PPPW

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..

. .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 S H E F F I E L D 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

£135.00 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

QUALITY STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

W.

Scan here to visit our website

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

BEST

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