Bodega

Celebrating 25 years this November, The Bodega on Pelham Street is Nottingham city centre’s top Indie music venue and is very popular with students. Their Indie Wednesday’s club night is not to be missed, and they regularly host live gigs by rising musicians. Over the years, some of the biggest names in the music industry have performed at The Bodega, including Coldplay, Kaiser Chiefs, Florence and the Machine and Arctic Monkeys!

Jam Cafe

If clubbing isn’t really your scene, then this funky, European-style cafe-bar is the perfect alternative night out. Nestled in the heart of Hockley, Nottingham’s creative corner, Jam Cafe is an integral part of the city’s live music scene, hosting regular live gigs, open mic nights, DJ sets, comedy nights and more! They have a brilliant selection of craft beers and natural wines, outdoor seating which spills out across the street, and all round good vibes. 

Malt Cross

One of the few surviving Victorian saloon-style musical halls in the UK that still retains some of its original architectural features, Malt Cross is a beautiful live music and entertainment venue. They host regular events from live performances, DJ sets, poetry nights, life drawing, quiz nights and, most importantly, a Sunday Roast. The food and drink (served Friday-Monday) is excellent; beautifully presented and locally sourced from Nottinghamshire independents. It’s the perfect venue to have a drink with friends and experience a real piece of Nottingham history.

Bromley House Library

If you love books, you’ll love Bromley House Library. Situated on Angel Row in Nottingham city centre, this gem is hidden in plain sight - I lived in the centre for two years and never even knew this place existed until now! It’s over 200 years old, houses over 50,000 books, and is a beautiful place to read, work and socialise. It is a members-only library, however, as a charity all the funds are funnelled back into keeping this literary heritage site alive. So, if books are your jam, it may very well be worth it! Find out more on how to become a member of this wonderful charity on their website: bromleyhouse.org.

Peggy Skylight

Ya like jazz? Then Peggy’s is the place for you! Located on George Street, this cosy live jazz club has a string of live music events lined up over the next few months and a stellar middle eastern and mediterranean inspired menu. Why not head to their next Saturday afternoon ‘unplugged’ event? Not only is it a great way to check out the venue’s vibe, it’s also free entry! Find out more on their website: peggysskylight.co.uk

Mammoth Cinema

Hidden away on Broad Street in Hockley lies the UK’s smallest cinema - Mammoth. It is an independent climate action cinema with just 22 seats! They show films focussed on environmental issues and aim to encourage debate and inspire action through community engagement. Next month, Mammoth is hosting the Nottingham Film Festival and screening more than 65 short films from 11th-13th October. A perfect event for anyone interested in film and filmmaking!

Nottingham Contemporary

Another freebie, this time in the bustling city centre, Nottingham Contemporary is one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK. In addition to the regular changing exhibitions of international art, the gallery also runs a full programme of events throughout the year including talks, film screenings, arts festivals and live performances. There is also a resident cafe, Blend at Contemporary, where you can relax with a coffee and bite to eat.

New Art Exchange

Based in Hyson Green, around the corner from the Forest Fields tram stop, NEA is the UK’s largest visual arts centre showcasing works by Global Ethnic Minority artists. This gallery aims to champion diversity and inclusivity, and is dedicated to providing a platform for underrepresented voices in contemporary art. There’s also a cafe-bar which serves a 100% plant-based menu, and every first and third thursday of the month they host a ‘community cafe’ where you only pay what you can afford. NEA is a great way to immerse yourself in different cultural experiences and artwork and is definitely worth the trip!

National Justice Museum

Ever wanted to learn more about the justice system throughout history? Then look no further than the National Justice Museum on High Pavement. With five floors of interactive exhibitions performed by a wonderful cast of actors, you can fully immerse yourself in the trials and tribulations of bygone eras, and learn more about the impact the law and justice system has on you, your community and society. There are also some free exhibits that don’t require museum admission, but with student tickets only costing £10.95 it’s worth exploring the whole thing.

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park

Just a short walk from University Park Campus is Wollaton Hall and Deer Park. Stretch your legs and explore the 500 acres of parkland where herds of red and fallow deer roam free, or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake and admire the wide array of wildlife, including swans, herons, even ring-necked parakeets! The Hall itself is an architectural wonder, housing a natural history museum and is completely free to enter. The grounds are also home to multiple cafes and the Nottingham Industrial Museum, which costs just £4.00 to enter and is full of Nottinghamshire technological history.

And that's a wrap! As you can see; Nottingham has so much to offer its student population, and I hope you can find the time between lectures and settling into university life to visit them. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to write a review for us (wink wink)!