Nottingham is a great place to go to university, yet beyond it exist countless other cities to explore. Having friends studying at different universities is the perfect opportunity to discover such places. Yet train fares can be pricey, and student loans aren’t limitless, so to help, Impact travel lists its top university cities within a manageable traveling distance of Nottingham:
1. Leeds
Cost from Nottingham: £15 – £30
Journey time by rail: 2 hours
Known for its hip vibes and trendy hang outs, visiting Leeds is a must. For clubbing, try Hi-fi, and especially their mixtape night on Tuesdays, while for cocktails try Mook for some bank-balance-friendly deals. During the day, take a visit to Hyde Park in Headingley for some fresh air away from the city, and while you’re there go to Hyde Park picture house for an indie cinematic experience. For food, try Trinity Kitchen, or The Alchemist if you’ve got a bit more cash to spend.
2. Manchester
Cost from Nottingham: £15 – £30
Journey time by rail: 1 hour 50 minutes
As the UK’s second city, Manchester has tons to offer students. For food head to the Northern quarter, and especially Home sweet Home for yummy milkshakes and burgers. For cocktails head to Font for great value for money and a cool student vibe, or Sakura in Deansgate for something more fancy. For a classic Manc club, try Sankeys which plays house and dance music, or for something more chilled, try the 3 minute theatre which offers an eclectic mix of comedy, music and film.
3. Birmingham
Cost from Nottingham: £12 – £24
Journey time by rail: 1 hour 15 minutes
Having moved on from its industrial past, significant investment has granted Birmingham a new found flair. Head to Mechu for motown, soul and funk music, or Stupid Tuesdays at Bliss for a classic student night. For cocktails head to Island bar; known for its delicious fruity drinks, and for retail therapy, head to the bullring which gets our vote for the best shopping in the Midlands.
4. Sheffield
Cost from Nottingham: £8 – £16
Journey time by rail: 50 minutes
As the city that gave birth to the Arctic Monkeys, Sheffield is definitely worth a visit. It’s only a 50 minute train ride from Nottingham, providing an easy trip without an exhausting journey home. For clubbing, try Paris or The Fez Club, and for bars try Lava lounge or the quirky Bungalows and Bears on Division Street.
Caitlin Kelly
Images courtesy of LeonFishman, PaulStevenson, brianac37, IK’sworldtrip, ElliottBrown
and tecmark.co.uk via Flickr
