Student guide to Eastern England: top 10 things to do

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Six counties make up Eastern England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. There’s loads of culture, nature and history to immerse yourself in, and it’s a great part of the country to study. Here are our top things to do for students in Eastern England.

1) Punting along the River Cam

Good for: Incredible scenic views.

What it is: Navigating the main river of Cambridge by boating in a punt.

Why you should go: Punting through Cambridge is the ultimate way to enjoy the sights of this beautiful student city. The River Cam flows through the heart of the university buildings, with incredible histories and countless photo opportunities. You can either sit back and relax on a guided punting tour, or give it a go yourself (it’s harder than it looks!). Let your inner rhythm take over as you push that five-metre pole against the river bed and explore the college buildings. When hiring your own boat, you’ll be charged by the hour and there are student discounts available.

2) Electric Palace Cinema

Good for: Cinema lovers looking for a unique experience.

What it is: An independent community cinema in the heart of Hastings.

Why you should go: The Electric Palace is one of the world’s oldest and least altered cinemas, so catching a movie here is atmospheric and unique. It shows a variety of alternative films, classic movies and world cinema, as well as dedicated seasons catering to a range of tastes. The cinema also hosts events such as director talks and Q&As, so along with the drinks and food on offer, you can make a cosy night of it.

3) Southwold Pier

Good for: A traditional British day out at the seaside.

What it is: This historic pier has something for everyone to enjoy.

Why you should go: Picture a classic British seaside and it probably looks a lot like Southwold Pier. Decked out across the North Sea in this coastal Suffolk town, you'll find food, shopping, sea views and eccentric seaside fun. Get competitive in the traditional arcade, where you can challenge your pals to air hockey, bowling and the basketball machine. There’s also classic fruit and penny machines as well as retro games like Pacman and Space Invaders. Take a coffee break at one of the cafes, then end your day with a stroll along the beach.

4) Lola Lo

Good for: Drinking, dancing and cheesy tunes.

What it is: The self-proclaimed best nightclub in Cambridge.

Why you should go: One of the most popular student nights out in Cambridge, Lola Lo is a three-story tiki tavern in the city centre. There are two club rooms, a rooftop terrace AND a light-up dance floor. What more do you need for dancing all your problems away? Every Thursday, Lola Lo is home to The Big Cheese with the best pop tunes, plus pizza and cheeseburger giveaways. Head down to Flamingo Fridays for a tropical escape, or enjoy two-for-one cocktails on Saturday nights.

5) Paradise Wildlife Park

ParadiseWildlifePark, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for: Animal lovers.

What it is: A wildlife park that’s home to more than 800 animals.

Why you should go: At Paradise Wildlife Park, you’ll get up close to a huge variety of animals including white lions, penguins, anacondas, snow leopards, zebras, tigers and loads more. There are animal experiences on offer too, so for an extra cost you could feed the penguins, tickle a tapir or meet and greet a sloth. As well as all the wildlife, you can play crazy golf, have a coffee break and explore the World of Dinosaurs. The park is set in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, so you’ll really feel like you’ve been out of the city and into nature.

6) Cambridge Museum of Technology

Photo © Chris Allen (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Good for: Anyone interested in technology and engineering.

What it is: A fascinating museum exploring our industrial heritage.

Why you should go: This museum is in the city’s historic sewage pumping station, the perfect location for learning about the hidden industrial history of Cambridge. You’ll see 19th-century engineering such as sewage and waste disposal, huge steam engines and original working printing presses. There are interactive displays for you to discover the stories of the people who made these things happen. On a sunny day, the Valve Yard is the perfect green space to relax and enjoy a picnic with historic pumps and views of the River Cam.

7) Boom Battle Bar Ipswich

Good for: A competitive night out.

What it is: The UK’s first games adventure bar where you can battle it out over drinks.

Why you should go: Made some new friends with a competitive streak? Battle it out at this adventure bar in Ipswich. Pick from games including axe throwing, crazier golf, augmented reality darts, beer pong and shuffleboard, and see who comes out on top. There’s a huge drinks menu and classic snacks available, so you’ll keep your appetite under control with nachos, chicken wings and fries. No matter who’s crowned the winner, make up at the end of the night by hiring a karaoke booth and belting out your favourite tunes.

8) Colchester Castle Museum

Good for: History buffs and a day out with the parents.

What it is: Colchester Castle is the largest Norman Keep in Europe.

Why you should go: Built on the foundations of a Roman temple, this day out will immerse you in 2,500 years of history. There’s plenty to explore in the castle, including a chapel and prisons. Discover the stories of Roman and Norman conquests and explore the interactive displays, where you can try building a Norman archway or steering a Roman chariot. Join a daily guided tour and you’ll get to see down into the Roman vaults and up on the Castle roof.

9) Clued Up Escape Rooms

Good for: Puzzle-solving and team-building with new pals.

What it is: Norwich escape rooms full of clues and puzzles.

Why you should go: Escape rooms have become more and more popular over the last few years, and Clued Up in Norwich is one to try if you’re a student in the area. There are three games available for you to tackle. In The Bank Heist you’ve got to sneak past security systems and escape with as much loot as you can – the record is £3 million! In Casino Boss you’re up against the clock as you try to evade the casino pit boss and his heavies, and Prison Break challenges you to escape your cell before the warden returns. With games for up to eight players, communication is key!

10) Verulamium Museum

Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good for: Learning about the ancient history of St Alban’s.

What it is: The museum of everyday life in Roman Britain.

Why you should go: The Verulamium Museum is built on the site of one of the largest Roman cities in the UK, and brings to life the ordinary men and women who lived in Roman times. If you like history, it’s a must-see, with ancient treasures and amazing mosaics on display. Entry is just £7.50 and afterwards you can see the unique amphitheatre across the road. There’s also the nearby Verulamium Park and lake – perfect for relaxing on a sunny afternoon.

Key info about Eastern England

Eastern England is home to world-leading institutions. The University of Cambridge is one of the world's best research universities and ranks second in the Complete University Guide’s 2023 league tables. Cambridge is also one of the main cities in Eastern England and well set up for student life.

If Cambridge isn’t for you, there are seven other unis in the region. Norwich’s University of the Arts and the University of East Anglia both have excellent reputations, and the University of Essex is also well known for its high research quality.

This area is a popular place to study, as you’ve got beautiful countryside and small towns and cities, but you’re still close to London and all the career prospects and industry links this brings.

Thinking about studying in Eastern England but not sure what city you might want to live in? Check out our city guides for the region to learn more.