UK University Guides

Study in the East Midlands

 Nottingham...

...  is a student city with over 60,000 students at its two top universities. In fact, Nottingham itself boasts the third largest student population in England.

The modern city of Nottingham is a vibrant, culturally diverse community with a fine variety of pubs, clubs and restaurants. There's more than 300 places to eat and drink in Nottingham city centre alone. It has two major theatres, several music venues and art galleries that often recieve national attention.

Nottingham enjoys a legendary club scene. All genre of music is catered for. The city is buzzing most nights of the week. For fun lovers there's a great comedy club at Cabaret.

Nottingham boasts more sports facilities per head of population than anywhere else in Europe. Facilities include the National Water Sports Centre and the National Ice Centre.

It's always had a reputation as a top city for shopping, Paul Smith has opened his flagship store here. Couple this with an amazing range of both High Street and boutique shops - including enough shoe shops to keep the most avid footwear addict happy – and you’ve got a retail paradise.

Derby...

...is a multi-cultural city bursting with a wealth of entertainment venues, attractions, parks and shops - a perfect combination for students.

The compact, pedestrianised city centre makes exploring Derby’s museums and attractions easy – most are free too!

Derby has more to offer than just a great nightlife, it also has the Peak District, the first National Park set up in Britain. Situated at the southern end of the Pennines it covers part of six counties and covers 555 square miles, most of it in Derbyshire.

Derby offers an excellent choice of restaurants where you can savour traditional and worldwide cuisine to suit any palate and wallet. There is also a multitude of modern cafes and bars, many hosting live evening entertainment.

There are loads of student friendly pubs and clubs in Derby, some have dedicated student nights and best of all they’re cheap!

Leicester...

...has a population of nearly 300,000 and is a cosmopolitan city with its many cultures reflected in its restaurants, clubs, shops and festivals.  The city centre and other areas provide a wide choice of shops. Students make up over 10% of the population in term time, giving the city a vibrant and youthful feel. This is reflected in a wide choice of social and leisure facilities including many continental style cafe bars, lively clubs and pubs.

Leicester has some of the finest eating-places in the country and not just curries, for which they are so deservedly famous, but Italian and other Mediterranean cuisine. A full nightlife at affordable prices, a great atmosphere, two great unis and the university town of  Loughborough is just a few miles away.

Lincoln...

...is an exciting mix of old and new. You can’t miss the impressive Lincoln Cathedral perched on top of Steep Hill. As you wander down the narrow cobbled streets of Steep Hill (try walking up it and you’ll know!) past the specialty shops you will come into the main shopping area of Lincoln with the, usual High Street retailers you find in every city. Bearing in mind those student pockets, there is a bustling market open throughout the week where you can get some real bargains.

The nightlife has exploded with many new pubs, clubs to suit all music tastes and a 9-screen cinema opposite the university. For those who fancy a night out of Lincoln there is a clubbing society (Clublife) that organises trips to cities like Nottingham and Sheffield (only an hour away).

Northampton...

... is the county town of Northamptonshire, also know as the county of 'squires and spires'.

The attractive old town has a fine market square, one of the largest and most impressive in England. 

Northampton also boasts many modern facilities including the pedestrianised shopping area of Abington Street and several indoor shopping precincts. 
Don't miss 78 Derngate, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The home of University College Nortampton, Northampton is now a thriving university town with a good pub and club scene.Time/Envy is one of Northampton’s super-clubs which plays chart, R'n'B, garage, house and cheesy pop music throughout the week. The club is home to the UCNU official student night, MAD on Monday nights, while Wednesdays sees entry and drinks promotions which pulls a huge crowd for a midweek night.