It’s been voted as one of the top ten cities to visit in the world, and has previously been the UK’s City of Culture. So to say there are lots for you to do in Hull would be an understatement. Here are just 10 things you can do there while you’re studying.
Updated: 01 Apr 2025
Good for: Evening plans for you and your friends.
What it is:Previously known as FRUiT, Social recently reopened with a new name. A one stop place for all things music (including festivals and club nights), theatre, movies, and all things arty. There’s also a bar should you fancy a quick bevvie while you’re there. They also hold produce and vintage markets from time to time.
Why you should go: They hold a variety of events throughout the year so you’re bound to find something to suit you. Plus your whole uni life can’t revolve around cheap deals at your local student nights.
Good for: Stocking up the cupboards and socialising with your friends.
What it is: Where tons of shops, restaurants, banks and supermarkets are based. It’s basically the town centre.
Why you should go: Because it has all the student essentials and non essentials you need. From getting the weekly shop and having a hot chocolate with friends, to buying things you really don’t need, to enjoying a tasty meal before heading for another student night out.
Good for: Relaxing on a much needed study break. You can’t spend all your time in the uni library or in front of your laptop!
What it is: A quirky coffee shop with an amazing name and a cosy atmosphere both inside and outside in their woodland private garden.
Why you should go: The Dancing Goat is an ideal place for a hot drink and a chat. The cafe has an amazing menu at student friendly prices, including a vintage tea with a delicious range of sandwiches and sweet treats.
Good for: Escaping the lecture hall walls and chilling with some sea life.
What it is: A massive aquarium with a range of marine life including sawfish, sharks and penguins. There are also interactive parts and presentations where you can find out more about the animals you’re visiting.
Why you should go: Because this is one of the UK’s biggest aquariums, you’ll certainly get value for your money. It’s £19.50 entry for students on the day, and also gives you free return visits for the next 12 months.
Good for: Taking a relaxed walk, getting over boredom and generally chilling out between lectures
What it is: Hull’s largest park with around 130 acres to walk around and explore.
Why you should go: More than just somewhere pretty to take a leisurely stroll, you can get on the waters on either a splash boat or their boating lake, visit some animals at the animal education centre (including snakes, spiders, sheep and goats), head to their massive walk-through aviary or take in the relaxing view with a cuppa in their park cafe. Basically you’ll never be bored there.
Good for: Learning more about Hull.
What it is: Hull Museums Quarter is home to three museums, with historic surroundings to help you feel part of the past.
Why you should go: With Wilberforce House, the Hull and East Riding Museum and the Streetlife Museum of Transport all within short distances of each other, it’s never been easier to get all cultural and learn something about the city you’re studying in. Plus entrance is free!
Good for: Nights out, dancing, singing and more dancing. University isn’t all about studying, you need to let your hair down once in a while too.
What it is: Hull University’s very own nightclub and live music venue.
Why you should go: With a range of gigs, events and club nights, there’s a party for every kind of student. Asylum is also home to Tower - the biggest and longest running student night in the city every Wednesday.
Good for: Sports and music fans.
What it is: A large stadium (it seats over 25,000 people) that hosts both sporting and musical events. Currently the home of Hull City AFC football club and Hull FC rugby league football club.
Why you should go: You can’t study and live in Hull and not support the team!
Good for: A unique bonding experience with your new housemates.
What it is: Escape Room Hull has four challenging rooms to escape from, including a Breaking Bad-themed mission and a prison break scenario.
Why you should go: Escape rooms have been around for a few years now, but the great thing about them is that each new room you try is full of new puzzles to solve and clues to find. It’s the perfect chance to flex those intellectual muscles and see if you can beat the clock.
Good for: Learning more about Hull in a student friendly way. Ideal for people who like to keep their pub trips traditional.
What it is: A self guided tour where you’ll see (and of course visit) the oldest pubs in Hull. Download the map and off you go!
Why you should go: Because you’re guiding yourself round the area, you can stop, start and go back again at your own pace. You don’t even need to do it all at once; you could even spread it out throughout your time at university.
Find out more about studying in Hull in our student guide to Yorkshire and the Humber.