1. The perfect student city
Our city bustles with students – we're home to two major universities, attracting over 60,000 students in total.
In fact, we have one of the youngest populations of any major UK city. Our bustling nightlife, safe and diverse culture, as well as affordability makes Nottingham the absolute perfect destination!
Check out our guide to the city for a taste of what's it's like being a student in Nottingham.
2. Mouth watering food and drink
Nottingham's food and drink scene is bursting with flavours from all around the world, making it perfect for both budget diners and those looking for a fancy night out.
Our restaurants and cafes will transport your taste buds from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the rustic pizzerias of Naples and burger joints of New York City. Pop down to Sneinton Market for delicious street food or swing by Market Square for our yearly German Christmas market. We also boast two Michelin-star restaurants.
3. A strong sporting heritage
We have more sports facilities per head than any other city in Europe and are home to two football teams – including the world’s oldest professional club, Notts County.
We have the world-famous Trent Bridge cricket ground, the National Water Sports Centre and the National Ice Centre, home of ice hockey team, the Nottingham Panthers. In fact, you’ll find a bit of everything sporting wise in Nottingham, from tennis and squash, through to archery and roller derby.
To find out more, check out our sports and leisure guide.
4. It's so easy to get around!
Our extensive bus and tram system makes it easy to get to practically anywhere, including any of our five local campuses. A regular bus service serves both Clifton and Brackenhurst with stops in the city centre. We also have modern cycling lanes and e-scooters to hire.
Being based in the middle of the UK means you can easily get the train to other major cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. If you're looking to travel further afield, East Midlands airport is just a short distance outside of the city, easily reached by the Skylink bus service.
5. One of the best nights out in the UK
There’s a reason why we’ve been awarded a Purple Flag Award for the thirteenth year in a row – it’s because Nottingham is one of the safest nights out in the whole of the UK!
We have chic cocktail places, hidden boozers down alleyways, and cosy pubs to hang out with your friends. If you’re after a late night boogie, there's clubs like Pryzym and Ocean. There’s also relaxing board game cafes like Ludorati and The Dice Cup.
For a flavour of Nottingham after dark, see our nightlife guide.
6. We’re a city of culture vultures
Get your theatre fix at the Theatre Royal and Nottingham Playhouse, or check out the fantastic art and exhibition spaces at the Nottingham Contemporary.
If you're a bit of a history buff, you can explore Nottingham Castle or take a trip to Wollaton Hall – the location used as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises. The Broadway in Hockley is a hidden gem, showing everything from the latest blockbusters to indie darlings and world cinema.
See our art and culture guide to find out more, or grab a copy of Nottingham's Left Lion magazine to keep up to date.
7. Loads of green spaces
Looking to get away for the afternoon? We’re just a short drive or train ride away from some of the finest countryside in the world. Make sure you take a trip to the legendary Sherwood Forest, or blow away the cobwebs exploring the Peak District National Park.
When the sun shines you can head out to some of the parks and green spaces around the city. In fact, our City Campus is right next to the Arboretum park – a great place to relax on the weekend or unwind after a long day in the library.
8. Music is our passion
Gig addict? With a 10,000-capacity arena, the famous Rock City, and a host of intimate venues, Nottingham is the beating heart of live music. Stealth is the Midlands mecca for dance fans, and at the Rescue Rooms you’ll find big artists, up-and-coming acts and everyone in between.
Stick around for the summer for Splendour Festival in the beautiful surroundings of Wollaton Hall & Deer Park or take in the Download Festival at nearby Donington Park – a pilgrimage for punks and metalheads the world over.
9. We like to shop – a lot!
Nottingham is consistently ranked as one of the top shopping destinations in the UK. You'll find all the major high street names here, sitting alongside designer boutiques like Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith.
Victoria Centre is a great place to find brands like Boots, River Island and Urban Outfitters. We also have a huge number of independent stores, including the much-loved White Rose charity shops – the perfect place to pick up a second-hand vintage bargain!
10. We care about the planet
NTU is proud to be one of the most sustainable universities in the world and the city embraces this too.
Nottingham has made a commitment to become the first carbon neutral city in the country by 2028. We're specialists in biomass energy, with a power station located in nearby Widmerpool that produces green electricity to thousands of local homes.
If that's not enough, we also have some of the greenest buses in the whole of the UK.
Further information
- Want to see for yourself? Book your place at one of our open days to discover more about Nottingham and life at NTU.
- Are you an international student? Plan your journey to Nottingham from UK airports or book a place on our free pick-up service from Heathrow Airport.
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