Nottingham’s got it all – a buzzing city vibe packed with events, arts, sports, and a nightlife that’ll keep you going ‘til the early hours. But it’s also got that small-town charm where you can actually connect, find your crowd, and make solid friends – whether it's with fellow students or the friendly locals.

We’ve rounded up a list of some seriously fun spots you need to check out as a student in Nottingham. Forget the typical bars and clubs – we’re talking about the cool, quirky, and completely unique places you might not have stumbled across yet. From wild, adult-themed mini golf and next-level VR adventures, to a retro seaside arcade experience that’ll have you feeling like a kid again, Nottingham's got something for everyone. Here are 5 epic things you’ve got to try in Nottingham!

1. GloryHoles Nottingham

If you’re into crazy golf and looking for a hilarious day or night out in Nottingham, you’ve got to check out GloryHoles – it's next-level fun for adults. Imagine 18 holes of mini-golf with your mates, surrounded by wild innuendos, neon lights, and plenty of laughs at every turn. It’s definitely not your average golf experience! After you’ve finished the course, you can dive into some retro arcade games, grab a few drinks, and tuck into some seriously tasty pizza. As the name suggests, GloryHoles brings a cheeky twist to mini-golf, so if you're all about the banter and don’t mind things getting a bit cheeky, this is the spot for you. Tickets start at just £10, and while they do take walk-ins, booking ahead is the smart move – especially if you’re planning a celebration or just don’t want to risk missing out. Trust us, this place fills up fast!

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Address: George Street, NG1 3BH

2. Bada Bingo

Bingo just got a serious glow-up. At Bada Bingo, you’re in for a wild, budget-friendly night out. When you walk in, it might look like your nan’s old bingo hall with its sticky carpets, bright colours, and retro setup – but trust us, this is anything but old school. Think confetti showers, flashing lights, and a party vibe with 90s RnB and pop bangers blasting through the speakers. It’s bingo, but not as you know it – more like a full-on bingo rave! Tickets start from just £8, so it’s a steal for a night of madness. Grab your dabber, get ready to shout, and embrace the chaos as you take on the bingo scene like a pro. Time to be the bingo king or queen!

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Address: Buzz Bingo and The Slots Room, Gala Way. NG5 9RU

3. Penny Lane

Penny Lane is where retro seaside vibes meet epic arcade fun. Inspired by the classic arcades of the past, it’s one of Nottingham’s top spots for a lively night out. Packed with vintage machines and arcade games, it’s perfect for those who love a bit of friendly competition and want to outscore their mates! The nostalgic seaside atmosphere is everywhere – grab an ice cream, challenge your friends to air hockey, and dive into a range of games that’ll keep you entertained for hours. Entry’s free, but you’ll need to grab some tokens to get in on the action. On top of all that, Penny Lane is famous for its killer 2-4-1 cocktails and mouth-watering food – think halloumi fries and the deliciously messy Penny Lane hot dogs. With over 11k followers, it’s clear this place is a must-visit if you’re in Nottingham!

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Address: Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QQ

4. MeetspaceVR

Meetspace VR is a next-level night out for students in Nottingham that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’ve tried virtual reality before or it’s your first time, you’ve probably never experienced anything quite like this. At meetspace VR, you and up to eight mates can dive into epic battles—taking on robots in space, fighting off zombies in a Walking Dead-style apocalypse, or even facing off against each other in an immersive, adrenaline-pumping game. You’ll gear up with some seriously cool tech—headsets, weapons, and backpacks—before stepping into a massive 300sqm VR arena. With seven games to choose from, there’s plenty of action, but the Zero Latency experience is a standout and absolutely worth the price. Not only is it a blast with friends, but it’s also a perfect spot to meet other gamers and make new connections. Prices start at £19.95 per person for a 30-minute Zero Latency session, depending on when you book.

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5. The Cornerhouse

The Cornerhouse is Nottingham’s ultimate entertainment hub, and as a student, it’s basically your go-to spot for everything fun under one roof. Whether you're in the mood for a chilled movie night or a full-on adventure with mates, The Cornerhouse has you covered. Catch the latest blockbusters at Cineworld (don’t forget the student discount), or get competitive at Lost City Adventure Golf, perfect for showing off your putting skills. If you’re feeling brave, there’s even the 4DX cinema experience with motion seats and special effects that’ll literally throw you into the action. But it’s not all about entertainment. The Cornerhouse is packed with great food spots too, from all-you-can-eat buffets at Red Hot World to tasty burgers at Five Guys or something a bit different at Turtle Bay. Whether you’re grabbing a bite before hitting the arcade or settling in for a night of cocktails, there’s something for everyone. It’s a social hub, perfect for meeting up with friends, grabbing a drink, and making the most of Nottingham’s buzzing student life. The Cornerhouse is basically your one-stop shop for fun in the city!

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As we’ve already said, Nottingham is buzzing with student life—loads of stuff to do, big events, and seriously cool places to check out. Hope you’re vibing with our list of fun things to do in Nottingham! If we’ve missed any hidden gems, hit us up and let us know where we should go next.

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