If you’re planning to go to university in Huddersfield, our guide to the top 10 things to do in the city is exactly what you need to start getting excited about your move!
Updated: 10 Mar 2025
So, you’re thinking about going to uni in Huddersfield? Great choice! There’s loads for students to do, and a pretty big student population, which means you’ll have plenty of new friends to make. When you first move, it can be overwhelming trying to find all the best places to go, which is why we’ve put together a round-up of our top 10 student things to do in Huddersfield so you can get off to a flying start!
Find courses in Huddersfield now.
Good for: A pint.
What it is: A taproom run by a local brewery.
Why you should go: With seating both in and outside, no matter what the time of year, you can have a good evening out here. At the weekends, you’ll find a street food market in the yard with rotating options on offer, so make sure you check the website to see what’s coming up.
Good for: Dancing the night away.
What it is: Probably the most popular nightclub in town.
Why you should go: Who doesn’t love dancing the night away? With cheap drinks, student deals and good music, it’s sure to be a hit with you and all your new mates. Different nights of the week have different genres of music and different themes, so you can plan your nights out around your favourite music.
Good for: Beautiful views of the local area.
What it is: A historical monument.
Why you should go: On Castle Hill, you’ll not only find excellent views of Huddersfield and the surrounding areas of West Yorkshire, but also lots of history. There are the remains of multiple hillforts, a castle and a deserted village. The most obvious sight, though, is the Victoria Tower. Opened in 1899, the tower was built as a memorial to Queen Victoria’s 60 years of reign.
Good for: Coffee, lunch and relaxation.
What it is: A yoga studio and café.
Why you should go: Everyone is welcome here, whether you’re taking a yoga class or just stopping by for a coffee. They have several different yoga classes to suit different people, and the food on offer is healthy, fresh and affordable. If you’ve had a stressful week of essay-writing or revising, then a yoga session might be just what you need to reconnect with your inner peace.
Good for: Having a picnic.
What it is: A large, popular park with a lake, tennis courts and a skate park.
Why you should go: It’s free to go, and you can take a picnic and spend the afternoon chilling out in the sun with your mates. You could even bring your notes and study if you wanted, or just take a leisurely walk around the lake. Ideal for a sunny afternoon!
Good for: Checking out some art.
What it is: A gallery showing paintings, works on paper and sculpture amongst other items.
Why you should go: The gallery has both a permanent collection and displays temporary exhibitions, so there’s a rotating stream of art for you to check out during your time at uni. The gallery is free to enter, although they do accept donations if you wish to make one.
Good for: Catching a show.
What it is: A regional theatre showing a range of different shows.
Why you should go: No matter what sort of live performances you enjoy, there’s something for you here. From cabaret to opera, pantomime to drama, there’s a huge range. They offer a lot of one-night only shows, so make sure you keep your eye on what’s on to make sure nothing slips you by.
Good for: Cocktails.
What it is: An industrial-themed cocktail bar.
Why you should go: Who doesn’t love a cocktail night every so often? As well as serving up cocktails made with some premium spirits, the Brick Works also has regular events on from DJs to karaoke, so check out what’s coming up and get yourself on down there!
Good for: Using your problem-solving skills.
What it is: A live escape game centre with three different escape rooms.
Why you should go: Based in the heart of Huddersfield, the escape rooms offer three different themed rooms, which can be played by between two and seven players. It’s a great birthday party idea, or a fun way to celebrate the end of term after you’ve hit all your deadlines.
Good for: Taking in some art while soaking up the sun.
What it is: An indoor and outdoor art exhibition space set in the Bretton Hall Estate.
Why you should go: With six indoor galleries and open air space as well, there’s plenty to see here. Exhibitions are changed round regularly, so you can go repeatedly, or wait for something that catches your eye to be on offer! Under 25s are able to go for free, so there’s no reason not to keep going back.
As you’ll have realised, Huddersfield has plenty to offer students, from art to parks to nightlife. What we’ve included in this list is just a taster of the sorts of things you’ll be able to get involved in as a student here. The city also offers good transport connections, with direct trains to Manchester, York, Leeds and more.
The University of Huddersfield places graduate employability high up in their list of priorities. This means that students on many different courses are encouraged to take the opportunity to undergo a work placement either in the UK or abroad. This dedication to employability has led to the uni ranking highly for graduate outcomes, which is great news for prospective students.
Read more about the University of Huddersfield.
NEXT: