Nottingham is home to two different universities and as such the nightlife in the city is suitably brilliant. It has plenty of bars and nightclubs for you to get stuck into and there’s never a dull night out to be had.
View Freshers Events in Nottingham Here >>
Freshers Week
So, you’ve finally found yourself at one of Nottingham’s universities. As you move into your halls for the first time you get a bit daunted about exploring a whole new place. Luckily, we’re on hand to provide you with this handy Freshers guide to Nottingham, where we’ll be sharing with you the best places to go out drinking, the best clubs and soon it really won’t seem that foreign at all.
Lace Market
The Lace Market is a neighbourhood in Nottingham where you can find some absolutely cracking pubs. You can switch between Lacemaker Arms, The Angel Microbrewery, The Lacehouse and The Head of Steam on what will be a great pub crawl.
The Waterfront
Another brilliant place for a pub crawl where you can look out at the idyllic setting of the canal, The Waterfron features a restaurant of the same name. There are plenty of beer gardens to sit out and enjoy the sun in at places such as The Canalhouse. It’s an area that’s perfect for drinking both through the day and at night.
Live Music
View this post on Instagram
Operating as both a venue and a nightclub. Nottingham’s Rescue Rooms is one of the most popular venues that you’ll find in Nottingham. You can see anyone here from upcoming indie bands to tributes of legendary favourites such as Oasis.
A 450-capacity space, this is the kind of place that will give you perfectly intimate vibes and the sweatiest mosh pits.
View this post on Instagram
Rough Trade is one of the most iconic names in music. The label releasing singles from some of the greatest artists of all time. They have a few stores in the UK, one of which is in Nottingham. Here you can catch artists doing in-store sets of their latest releases.
It isn’t just for stripped back gigs though, there’s also space for fully fledged gigs to take place. Why not pick up a record beforehand?
The Chameleon is the DIY hub of Nottingham, welcoming in a bunch of indie artists looking to get that first break. Situated in the heart of the centre, it’s known as a bit of a hidden gem and may just be the place you see a future big name early on.
With a small capacity, gigs here are confined to about 140 but that makes the atmosphere all the better.
View this post on Instagram
The big name up in lights, it is pretty much impossible to go through Nottingham and miss Rock City, it is right in your face with its distinctive name display that you can probably see the glow of halfway across the city.
This is where all your big names will come through, the adored bands, the biggest MC’s and artists. Don’t miss out on a chance to see one of your favourites here.
Clubs
Hidden Warehouse is a not so well-kept secret. It hosts some of the biggest nights you’ll find in Nottigham and who knows who’ll be taking to the decks when you go. They set up all kinds of nights with upcoming and established DJs.
A Nottingham favourite, you will surely be heading over to Hidden Warehouse at some point during your time at university.
View this post on Instagram
The history of Pryzm in Nottingham saw it originally opened in 1925 as a dance hall and that heritage has remained to this day. Taken over by Pryzm in 2016, it’s still a haven for dancers and with a capacity of 2,500 is one of the biggest venues in the city.
You can find an assortment of different vibes across this club, and they throw some mean Freshers parties too.
View this post on Instagram
This dive bar is the place that has it all. Whatever decade you can name, they’ll have a night specifically dedicated to it. From 80’s metal to the very best of 90’s pop, there’s a night for everyone here.
They put on some dedicated nights too with some dedicated to specific artists. They also invited some local talent to spin the decks too.
Formerly known as the Irish Club, The I Club is a big club that has three separate rooms, so you can always find something that matches your vibe. With guests that tend to stay all night long and bring maximum energy to their performances, you can’t go wrong here if you love clubbing.
There’s even a record shop and café attached throughout the day if you want to get more acquainted when it isn’t night-time.
Freshers FAQ’s
When does Freshers week take place in Nottingham?
Freshers in Nottingham will be from Tuesday 21st September to Tuesday 28th September.
Do I need to provide ID at events?
Yes, as a requirement of law all bars, pubs, clubs and venues will require some form of valid ID which proves you are at least 18 years of age. Accepted forms of ID include a driver’s license or passport.
Will I need a facemask?
Yes. Although the law has now changed, within some premises, you may still need to wear a mask, with each individual hospitality venue able to apply their own rules. You may be asked to wear one when moving around a restaurant or bar for example but not when seated. You’ll also need to wear a mask if travelling on public transport.
More about Nottingham
Irrespective of whether you're a first time visitor to the city, a frequently returning guest or a lifelong inhabitant, our guides are essential reading for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Nottingham.
nightlife
Nottingham is home to two different universities and as such the nightlife in the city is suitably brilliant. It has plenty of bars and nightclubs for you to get stuck into and there’s never a dull night out to be had. View
