The best student bars and clubs in Cambridge

Thanks to its prestigious uni, Cambridge is one of the most iconic and famed student cities around, but don’t let that fool you into thinking there aren’t some cracking nightlife gems to get stuck into. For the smart cookies starting Cambridge for uni, don’t worry about trying to scope out the best student bars and clubs in the city, that’s what we’re here for. 

So, to celebrate freshers week gracing Cambridge, we’ve got the low down on where you’re going to be spending your nights and maybe even mornings at the best student bars and clubs you can find by the Cam (or the Granta, depending on how classical you're feeling). 

MASH 

Photo: MASH Cambridge / Facebook.com

Where: 15 Market Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PF

If you’re ever at a loose end on a weekday, MASH is always there, having firmly made its mark one of the prominent Cambridge student clubs, no matter the day or the music taste. Cambridge’s headline weekly urban event Fresh Tuesdays floods the dancefloor with the finest R&B, hip-hop, afrobeats, and reggaeton; funk, disco, and pop are on display every Woo Wednesday, while those in need of more club classics can wait until the next day for Deja Vu Thursdays. Good vibes continue for the weekend with Friday’s Let’s Kill Disco and Saturday’s Good Life. 

For fans of MASH, the same ownership have transformed the former Lola Lo’s and are rebranding as Kiki, in what will surely be the city’s newest hotspot. 

Find tickets for events at MASH

Vinyl

Photo: VINYL Cambridge / Facebook.com

Where: 22 Sidney Street, Cambridge CB2 3HG

For students craving non-stop disco classics throughout the week, Vinyl is going to be your new party pad. The Cambridge student club offers a kinetic atmosphere, throwback club nights, and a state-of-the-art light and sound system. Pop down on a Friday for flashbacks of the 70s right through to the 2000s with 2-for-1 cocktails and a quality soundtrack, while Saturday will wind back the clock once again. 

There's no time like the present for Cambridge students, as Vinyl have their new student club night Get Duck'd every Tuesday, where fresh-faced undergrads can wet the whistle with drinks that're 50% off before midnight. 

Find tickets for events at Vinyl

2648 

Photo: 2648 Cambridge / Facebook.com

Where: 14A Trinity Street, Cambridge CB2 1TB

Tucked away underground near the university’s Trinity College, 2648 is the city’s best kept secret, and a special treat for those wanting to scope out the best Cambridge student bars. Along with having a cosy speakeasy sheen, the basement bar doubles up as a rave cave and secret library with a litany of fancy cocktails. It’s the perfect place for a late night treat, and is also available for private hire, in case anyone is thinking about a fancy dress do anytime soon.

Find tickets for events at 2648

The Blue Moon 

Photo: The Blue Moon / Facebook.com

Where: 2 Norfolk Street, Cambridge CB1 2LF

Another cosy suggestion, The Blue Moon is an intimate tavern offering genre-spanning live events covering electronic jams to indie rock, all while boasting a range of mouth-watering stone-baked pizzas, draught beer, and spirits. It’s the kind of place you’d hit up to try Oscar’s Lockdown Pizza and stick around for the open mics, comedy nights, drag events, and music jams. 

Plus, anyone looking to try out new beers can pop down on the first Thursday of every month, where the Blue Moon brings their favourite brewers to the beer taps, so there's always something new to try! 

Find tickets for events at The Blue Moon

The Bath House 

Photo: The Bath House Cambridge / Facebook.com

Where: 3 Bene't Street, Cambridge CB2 3QN

Changing gears a bit to a chilled pub, The Bath House is still a winner for students. As traditional as a pub can get, this 17th-century drinking den has undergone many makeovers and iterations throughout its long, treasured history, but is the perfect place for anyone yearning for a classic boozer in the centre of Cambridge. Inbetween the intense study and late nights, there's always time to squeeze in some chilled nights at The Bath House, with the cosy pub serving expertly-brewed cask ales and classic pub food in a chilled out setting. 

Find tickets for events at The Bath House

The Grain & Hop Store

Photo: The Grain and Hop Store, Cambridge / Facebook.com

Where: 69 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AB

We’re sure that the old Cambridge factory workers would’ve wanted this. Once a factory in a faraway time, The Grain & Hop Store now lives on as a vibrant pub with a classic feel, live music, and a cracking atmosphere. The boozer will also show live sports, making it the top draw destination for students eager to catch the latest scoreline. 

Find tickets for events at The Grain & Hop Store

Revolution

Photo: Revolution Cambridge / Facebook.com

Where: Downing Place, Cambridge CB2 3DS

The prime party pad for almost any occasion. Revolution does the job and then some for day dining, early evening drinking, and late-night partying. Revs has what students desire whatever the weather, be it a lovely rooftop bar, a smattering of great food and drink options, and even cocktail masterclasses for any aspiring mixologists.  

Find tickets for events at Revolution

The Eagle  

Photo: The Eagle Pub / Facebook.com

Where: Bene't Street, Cambridge CB2 3QN

Closing this out with an oldie but a goldie, we’ve got Cambridge’s second oldest pub The Eagle, a place so classic it’s been carved into Cambridge culture. Overlooked by Corpus Christi College, The Eagle began life all the way back in the 1600s and has been the scene for as many intellectual milestones such as the announcement of DNA’s discovery (now commemorated by a special ale!). Now, students can add their drunken evenings to the pub’s treasured history. 

You see? Cambridge isn’t just a haven for book smarts, there’s plenty of student bars and clubs to get stuck into. As long as you can cram a couple of bottomless brunches and nostalgic club nights between your intense bouts of studying, there’s no harm, right?

For all you brainiacs preparing to call Cambridge home for the next few years, stick around on Skiddle for all there is to know about freshers events, nightlife options, and cheap and free things to do. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.