by Katie Thompson
Whether you’re starting in a new city or looking to discover somewhere different in your second or third year, Norwich is a wonderful city for students.
Small and compact, yet creative, inclusive and full of exciting events, venues and more, there’s so much to discover. From energetic nights out at award-winning clubs to affordable (and delicious) places to eat. Throw in student-friendly shops, inspiring museums and relaxing green spaces.
With our student guide to Norwich, we’re here to help you uncover hidden gems, local go-tos and new favourites!
A night out at Gonzo’s is unmissable
Norwich is humming with independent venues for every kind of night out. From LGBTQ+ friendly bars like First Draft to ever-popular pubs like the Ten Bells. And of course, Gonzo’s Two Room. Voted the Best Dance Venue in Europe at the Radio 1 Dance Awards- no mean feat, Gonzo’s is an intimate 200-person nightclub known for its pulsing DJ sets, celebrating up-and-coming talent alongside international names. It’s always a sell-out!
And a night out in Norwich doesn’t just mean clubs, pubs and bars. At Norwich Arts Centre, you can discover an exciting programme of new music, dance, comedy, live art and more! This multi-arts venue will make you cry with laughter, sing your heart out and be inspired by the calibre of talent that comes through its doors.
Top tip: Head to Norwich Theatre’s Playhouse Bar beforehand for a chilled drink in their cosy bar or under fairy lights on the leafy terrace.
There’s so much choice on Norwich Market- for lunch, dinner and dessert!
There’s certainly no shortage of delicious places to eat here in Norwich, whether you’re on the hunt for coffee and cake, a fuelling brunch or warming roast.
When you want to try something new but want to save some money (and feel full too!), there’s nowhere better than Norwich Market. For starters (and mains and desserts), it’s home to a melting pot of global flavours, including curries, bao buns, NYC-style sandwiches and albondigas. Whether it’s lunch, dinner or a snack between lectures, you’ll find it hard to say no!
And remember to have your student card at hand. At The Waffle House, you can tuck into mouthwatering sweet and savoury dishes like bang bang chicken or banoffee and get 15% off! While at Turtle Bay, you can enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails every day!
Top tip: Check out the offers on our What’s On page for even more excuses to try Norwich’s best eateries!
East Gallery is a great place to discover new artists and gain inspiration
Norwich University of the Arts’ East Gallery is free to visit and holds new exhibitions every few months. In collaboration with local, national and international partners, you can immerse yourself in the worlds of photography, fine art, sculpture, textiles, and digital art across a whole host of themes, from the whimsical to the hard-hitting.
Speaking of free-to-visit, Norfolk Museums Service offers free entry to UEA and NUA students (with a valid ID). This means you can pop into Norwich Castle, the Museum of Norwich and Strangers’ Hall as often as you want and explore medieval artefacts, stylish shoes and perfectly preserved interiors.
And on UEA’s campus, you’ll find the Sainsbury Centre. Pay what you can to enter, and you’ll unlock a treasure trove of innovative art- not to mention a new way of thinking. Here, art is living. Get up close and personal with a Henry Moore, and explore thousands of years through photography, fine art, and sculpture.
Top tip: Open up to new ideas with the Sainsbury Centre’s thought-provoking exhibition series.
Enjoy a little friendly competition at Slice + Dice
Bowling House is a cocktail bar, restaurant and karaoke venue all rolled into one. Oh, and it’s also a ten-pin bowling alley. In their retro-style lanes, see how many strikes you’ll hit before belting out bangers in their karaoke booth. And with Bowling House’s free student membership, you’ll get discounted prices across the board!
At Mulligans, every visit is a par-tee thanks to their 18-hole pop culture-themed crazy golf. Think unyielding obstacles, larger-than-life games, and twisting routes. Meanwhile, Castle Quarter offers oriental-themed crazy golf at Putt Putt Social, axe throwing and shuffleboard at Boom Battle Bar, retro arcade games and mind-boggling escape rooms!
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, Slice + Dice promises good food and fun boardgames. There are over 300, so, no matter your skill level, everyone can get involved! From cards and dice to strategy and party games, whether you’re a pair or group of 6, your game can be as competitive or as silly as you like!
Top tip: Book in advance to score online-only discounts and deals.
Sostrene Grene’s pieces will soon make Norwich feel like home
Norwich has a perfect mix of high street heroes and one-of-a-kind independents, so it’s always worth asking about a student discount. And you can make the most of it at Chantry Place! This bustling shopping centre boasts labels like H&M, Levi’s and JD Sports, perfect for every shopper.
One of the fun parts about being a student is decorating your room. We recommend Søstrene Grene. Each piece is Scandi-inspired, with warm colour palettes and delicate flourishes. Across stationary, furniture, decor and accessories, you’ll find scalloped glassware, natural textures and charming seasonal pieces.
Top tip: Chantry Place’s annual student discount day means you can enjoy exclusive deals from a host of popular chains.
An afternoon in Plantation Garden is a tonic
Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, but you don’t have to go far.
The Plantation Garden is tucked off Earlham Road, conveniently close to the city and situated on the 26 bus route (£2 donation to enter). This tranquil oasis is ideal for reading a book, picnicking with friends or just wandering through sweet-scented blooms. Sit in the shade of the Italianate terrace and listen to the trickling Victorian Gothic fountain.
We’re sure you’ve discovered our peaceful riverside walk, but have you considered getting out onto the water? With Pub and Paddle, canoe along the River Wensum, gliding past swans and beneath weeping willows. Go with the flow and see where the city takes you.
Top tip: In summer, it’s all about Pub & Paddle & Pizza- 2 hours on the water followed by pizza at the Ribs of Beef for just £24pp.
