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Nottingham is the home of Robin Hood, zooming trams and the overused phrase ‘aye up me duck’.  And one day soon, it might even be the place you call home too.

If you do decide to study here, here's all the cultural delights that await you...

1. City of Caves

Source: BritainExplorer

Good for: A unique day out. 

What it is: It surprises many people that Nottingham is built upon numerous man-made sandstone caves, and the City of Caves attraction enables you to explore and learn about them.

Why you should go: Out of sheer interest! Hidden away in the rather unassuming (and run down) Broadmarsh Shopping Centre is the City of Caves, an attraction that allows you to explore sections of the caves and their history. Tickets are just £7.65 for students.

2. Galleries of Justice Museum

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Good for: A gruesome and interesting look at over two hundred and fifty years of Nottingham law, crime and punishment. 

What it is: The Galleries of Justice is an historical experience set upon the site of the old courthouse, original 18th Century prison and County Gaol.

Why you should go: You’ll get an experience of Nottingham’s sinister criminal past in the actual buildings in which deviants of old were put to trail, imprisoned and even executed. There are numerous tours, activities and interactive exhibitions (including that of the beloved outlaw Robin Hood), so be sure to ask on the day what is available! Entrance is £10.95 for students.

3. National Ice Arena

Source: Free City Guides

Good for: Participating in ice skating, be it well or badly or watching others do so.

What it is: The only ice rink in Nottingham and home of the Nottingham Panthers.

Why you should go: It’s fun and different, so get your skates on and practice! They offer a student discount, so your day out doesn't have to break the bank. There are also frequent matches, themed nights and even skating courses to enjoy.

4. The nightlife

Source: Design My Night

Good for: Having fun and meeting new people!

What it is: The title is quite self-explanatory and a bit of a cheat really but it is very difficult to pick one place. Luckily, Nottingham hosts an impressive variety of clubs to suit all tastes. These include Rock City, Oceana (pictured), Stealth, Rescue Rooms, Brickworks, and NG1, to name just a few (and we haven’t even started on the bars available in town)…

Why you should go: What student doesn’t enjoy letting their hair down from time to time? There are so many clubs and bars on offer in the city centre and most (if not all) have dedicated student nights (meaning a low entrance price and cheap drinks)!

5. Trent Bridge Cricket Ground

Source: Mattbuck, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for… Catching a local (or even international) cricket match.

What it is… Trent Bridge Cricket Ground is a Test, One-day international and County ground and is home to the renowned Nottinghamshire Cricket Club.

Why you should go… It’s different! You don’t have to be a cricket or sports fanatic to enjoy it and it’s not every day you have an internationally recognised cricket ground on your doorstep.

6. The Cornerhouse

Source: Insignia3, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for: Socialising with friends, dinner, and going to the movies.

What it is: The Cornerhouse is a multi-complex building with a variety of places to eat, a cinema with IMAX screens and even an indoor golf course!

Why you should go: It’s packed to the brim with a variety of restaurants to suit the fussiest of tastes, a selection of nice bars and endless entertainment. The best bit? It’s all under one roof, so you won’t have to wander too far!

7. Wollaton Hall and Park

Source: Stephanie Mulholland

Good for: Getting away from the bustle of city life to escape into, and be surrounded by, greenery. 

What it is: Wollaton Hall and Park features wild roaming deer, a large lake and the Hall – a quaint museum with exhibitions and tours. Plus it’s open all year round and only a short bus ride from the town centre!

Why you should go: If you like nature, open space and relaxing then you will enjoy wandering around the beautiful Wollaton Park and Hall (especially when it comes to summertime picnics).

8. Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall

Good for: A bit of culture and entertainment!

What it is: Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall is Nottingham’s premier venue for the arts, with something to suit everyone’s taste.

Why you should go: They offer a wide variety of shows including concerts, West End productions on tour, plays, comedians, celebrity appearances and dance performances.

9. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

Source: Stephanie Mulholland

Good for: A well-deserved drink.

What it is: The self-proclaimed (and greatly disputed) ‘oldest inn in England’.

Why you should go: The better question is why would you not? Built into the rocks below Nottingham Castle, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem has been serving locals and weary travellers drinks since 1189.A.D! It would just be rude not to grab a glass and join them.

10. Nottingham Industrial Museum 

Good for: An introduction to the industries that made Nottingham famous around the world.

What it is: Nottingham Industrial Museum has five galleries each relating to a key Nottingham industry: textiles, transport, communication, mining and power. The museum boasts many wonderful artefacts and exhibits including a working Basford Beam engine and an original Thomas Humber Bicycle.

Why you should go: The eclectic and sometimes quirky exhibits are fascinating and show how industry is responsible for the wealth of the City, as well as how much is has changed in the last 100 years.

Key info about Nottingham

Nottingham is a famously friendly city, as well as the second largest in the East Midlands after Leicester.  Most famous for its connection to the legend of Robin Hood, it is nowadays home to two universities, the National Ice Centre, the National Water Sports Centre, two large theatres and a famous test cricket ground. 

Nottingham dates back to 600AD, so it’s no surprise that as well as being packed with historic pubs and venues, it was voted England’s most haunted city in 2013.  Don’t let that put you off though – it was also voted Transport City of the Year in 2011, owing to its trams, trains and the largest publicly owned bus network in the UK, making it cheap and easy to get around.