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A port city, Sunderland is just 10 miles from Newcastle, meaning students here have the chance to explore both of the North East’s largest two cities. Sunderland offers plenty of public parks, opportunity to get involved in sport and a vibrant nightlife scene, so no matter what you’re looking for from your university experience, you’ll be able to find it in here. To learn more about what’s on offer in the city and get planning for how you’re going to spend your time at uni, read on.
1) Fitzgeralds
Good for: Pints with your mates.
What is it: A huge pub serving a wide range of real ales.
Why you should go: Known as Sunderland’s ‘most popular pub’, students regularly flock here. There’s a beer garden to enjoy the sun, and the pub also hosts a ‘Chill Out Hour’ on Friday and Saturday nights where you can have a good heart-to-heart with your mates with some chill tunes playing.
2) Roker & Seaburn Beaches
Good for: A summer day out.
What is it: The beach… duh!
Why you should go: These two beaches have been popular for ages thanks to the golden sand and open promenade. If your deadlines have just passed, there’s nothing like relaxing on the beach with chips and an ice-cream to de-stress and celebrate all your hard work. It’s also a great option for a day out on a budget.
3) Independent Sunderland
Good for: Dancing the night away.
What is it: A nightclub and live music venue.
Why you should go: Whether it’s a live gig you’re going to see, or just heading out for a club night, Independent is one of the most popular venues in Sunderland. With a mix of music on offer depending on when you go, there’s something for everyone.
4) Stadium of Light
Good for: Watching a footy game.
What is it: AFC Sunderland’s home stadium.
Why you should go: If you’re a football fan it’s a no brainer. The stadium is also used as a live music venue, so even if you’re not a football supporter you may find you have more reason to visit the stadium than you think!
5) Gatsby
Good for: Well-priced drinks.
What is it: A bar and restaurant.
Why you should go: Gastby is located in the city centre, just a short walk from the University of Sunderland’s campus. It offers drinks deals, weekly special dishes, shows football games and has an upstairs club room – what’s not to like?
6) National Glass Centre
Good for: Exploring Sunderland’s history of glass.
What is it: A cultural centre about glass which offers regular live glass-blowing demonstrations.
Why you should go: If you want to get involved, then there are lots of hands-on events you can give a go. If you prefer just to observe, then you can go and explore the centre’s collection of glasswork.
7) 808 Bar and Kitchen
Good for: A meal out with your mates (or dates!)
What is it: A vibrant, colourful bar and restaurant.
Why you should go: The décor will make you feel super classy, yet the tapas prices remain surprisingly affordable. It’s definitely a place to go to get your Instagram shots, but the Asian-Spanish fusion tapas menu is what will keep you coming back!
8) Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Good for: Checking out the rotating offerings of exhibitions.
What is it: A museum with the only British example of a gliding reptile.
Why you should go: Admission is free (though some exhibitions may have a charge). Plus, the exhibitions are changed up regularly, so you can go back again and again. Learn about the history of Sunderland, as well as checking out some more contemporary work in the temporary exhibitions.
9) The Point
Good for: Checking out live performances.
What is it: A three-venue event space.
Why you should go: There are loads of different performances and events on here, from grassroots live music to wrestling to themed parties and more. No matter what you’re interested in, The Point is sure to put on events that match your interests.
10) Roker Park
Good for: A picnic with your mates.
What is it: A public recreation park.
Why you should go: It’s always good to get into the outdoors and breathe in some fresh air, and there’s no place better to do that than a public park. Roker Park has a lot of history, having been donated in the 19th century. There’s a boating lake, a bandstand and sports courts, so you can easily spend a full day here.
Key info about Sunderland
If you study at the University of Sunderland, you’ll be living in an historic port city with plenty of trading history to uncover. As one of the largest settlements in the North East, you’ll also have no problem meeting new people or finding things to do.
The University of Sunderland has 20,000 students studying in the UK and abroad, and prides itself on its wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The uni is research-driven and academics at the university regularly publish research ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent, so you can be sure you’ll be learning from some of the best.
Learn more about the University of Sunderland.
Thinking about studying in Sunderland but not sure what subject is right for you? Start your search here.
