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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.
The University of Bolton’s students help bring the total student population of Manchester to just under 100,000, and there’s plenty to do for everyone in the city too.
Here's what University of Bolton students think about their local area...
Read more reviews of
But what’s going on in Bolton? Well, luckily for students heading there, Bolton has a lot of gems - here's our top ten of the best...
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 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?
2. Ye Olde Man & Scythe 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.
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.
4. Toughsheet Community Stadium
Good for: Watching some live sport.
What it is: Toughsheet Community 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.
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 eight to nine 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 it's 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.
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.
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 from 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 make fellow students feel extremely comfortable.
8. The 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.
9. Bolton Market
Good for: Browsing stalls from local businesses and trying some tasty treats
What it is: Bolton’s premier food market, open three times a week in the town centre
Why you should go: A stroll around the market is a great way to spend a morning off lectures. There’s a huge number of stalls selling everything from fruit and veg, to meat and fish, to breads, dairy and pastries. Why not grab a coffee, buy a slice of cake and take a seat to watch the hustle and bustle of the market shoppers.
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.
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