Student Guide to Bolton: Top 10 Things to Do

Find Clearing 2022 courses

Picking your Uni is tough, and finding the right location is too. If you've decided on Bolton or are considering it as an option, our student guide to the top things to do could help you figure out if this is where you want to spend the next three or so years of your life.

Bolton As a Student City

Bolton is located in Greater Manchester in the Northwest of England. It's known for its part in the UK's textile industry, football team and for having more pubs per person than any other town in the UK.

It's home to The University of Bolton, which is strong rivals with MMU, The University of Manchester and The University of Salford.

This university's students help bring the total student population of the city of Manchester to just under 100,000, and there’s plenty to do for everyone in the city too.

Here's what The University of Bolton students think about their local area...

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Student Thing to Do #1: Level Nightclub

Good for… Letting your hair down to some good music

What it is… Bolton’s most popular student nightclub

Why you should go… If you fancy something other than Bolton’s buzzing pub scene, Level nightclub is the place for you. Made up of four separate floors with six different rooms, there’s music for everyone here. Level boasts multiple student nights a week, playing house, electronic, DNB, rap, hip-hop and just about anything else. What’s not to love?

Student Thing to Do #2: Ye Olde Man & Scythe Pub

Bolton pub

Good for… A drink with a bit of history

What it is… The oldest pub in Bolton (one of the 10 oldest in the UK)

Why you should go… This pub is a stand-out in Bolton, with a notorious history behind it (the Earl of Derby was beheaded just outside in 1651) and is on most student’s radar too. You can enjoy traditional ciders and good company, after a long day of lectures or a rough night.

Student Thing to Do #3: The Vaults

Good for… Watching something on the big screen

What it is… Home to a nine-screen cinema, bars and restaurants as well as being a centre for all major retail shops

Why you should go… Whether you’re out with friends after a lecture or your parents have come to visit, The Vaults has you covered. This is the entertainment hub of Bolton, with restaurants from Nando’s to Prezzo, and all the big blockbuster films right on your doorstep.

Student Thing to Do #4: University of Bolton Stadium

Good for… Watching some live sport

What it is… University of Bolton Stadium is Bolton’s answer to Wembley. Home to the local team, Bolton Wonderers FC, there’s no better way to watch the footie than sitting in a packed stadium of over 28,000 people cheering on their team. You can catch some big team rivals playing in your back yard, so make the most of the opportunity whilst you’re nearby.

Why you should go… To feel some of the local Bolton spirit for their club.

Student Thing to Do #5: Octagon Theatre

Good for… Watching your favourite play in person

What it is… As the only main theatre in the area, the Octagon puts on around 8-9 main shows a year for the local crowd. If you want a break from your usual student antics or need somewhere to take the parents, this might be the place for you.

Why you should go… For those who are into the more traditional forms of entertainment, Octagon has you covered. Whether its opera, comedy, plays, music or classic drama, this venue explores the best of Bolton’s performing talent and puts it on stage for all to see.

Student Thing to Do #6: Bolton Museum and Art Gallery

Good for… Culture buffs

What it is… A 15th century building with displays of local history, painting and decorative art

Why you should go… If you fancy a view outside of the library, Bolton Museum is your shout. For a cultural trip through history at no cost (what students need), you can take a break from the usual Bolton scenes. This is a great one to do on an afternoon, or when your parents come to visit and you’ve run out of ideas.

Student Thing to Do #7: Bow Street and Nelson Square

Good for… Pub crawls and nights out

What it is… The most popular student streets in the city

Why you should go… From anything to a few casual drinks to a full blown night out, these are the streets for you. Students flock here for a cheap bev or too after a particularly stressful day, and the strong presence of young people makes fellow students feel extremely comfortable.

Student Thing to Do #8: The Lake District

Lake District

Good for… A much-needed revision break

What it is… One of the UK’s natural treasures

Why you should go… If you’re looking for a post exam holiday, or simply just need something different to look at, the Lake District is the place for you. In a few hours you can find yourself admiring picturesque lakes and stunning mountain views, who would turn that down? If great minds like Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin could be massively inspired by this place, you can too.

Student Thing to Do #9: Crack It Bolton

Good for… Some good old fashioned fun

What it is… Bolton’s greatest escape room

Why you should go… If you’re looking for something outside of the tourism books, this is the place for you. Think mystery, mind puzzles and a ticking time bomb, and you have yourself an escape room. This is a hit with students and locals alike, and for good reason. There’s three different experiences to choose from – haunted house, boot camp and pirates cove, each with twelve rooms to crack before you see the outside world again.

Student Thing to Do #10: Air Vault Trampoline Park

Good for… Some fun exercise

What it is… A giant trampoline park with dodgeball areas, slides, endless trampolines and foam pits

Why you should go… If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to get your heart racing, then this is the answer. Air Vault is the first of its kind in Greater Manchester, with tons of inflatables to its name – a non-harmful way to take out your university stress, which by no assumption has built up day by day.

NEXT STEPS:

- Search courses at The University of Bolton

- Book an Open Day to see Bolton for yourself

- Read more city guides