Make the most of university nightlife with a proof of age card

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If you’re one of the many UK students waiting for your A-level grades, you’ll be counting down the hours until results day. Whether you’ve aced it and secured a place in your top choice or ended up going through clearing, you’re going to have a lot of questions on your mind about your soon-to-be ‘home’ town.

One question you’ll almost certainly want some answers to is, ‘Where’s the best nightlife?’ (and how to get in to all those amazing bars, pubs and clubs. Tip: you’ll need a proof of age card like My ID Card). We’ve looked at the results of the Which? Student Survey (including the opinion of 11,000 students from 115 universities) to give you the lowdown on some of the best university cities the UK for nightlife.

Newcastle

There’s a reason why those Geordies are so cheerful; they’ve got access every type of nightlife you can imagine. From clubbing in Digital, to cocktails in Madame Koo, to craft beers on the Quayside, to comedy at The Stand – this north-eastern city will not disappoint (as long as you remember your proof of age card).

Priced at only £15, My ID Card is an official proof of age card. It’s accredited by PASS, the UK’s national proof of age accreditation scheme, and fully endorsed by official organisations such as the Home Office and The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). Because PASS carries these endorsements, the security industry trusts our proof of age cards, meaning the door staff at venues, clubs and bars across the whole of the UK will recognise the authenticity of your My ID Card. My ID Card will also be recognised as valid ID by leading ID scanning machines.

Liverpool

When they need a night off from the library, Liverpool’s students take their pick from a massive array of cool bars such as those in its Baltic Triangle, as well as traditional pubs, chichi bistros and the live music venues that keep its legendary musical status alive (…ever heard of a band called The Beatles?).

Why not check out Ye Cracke? This 150-year-old classic pub was allegedly John Lennon’s favourite watering hole when he was at art college. So, joining your new mates for a drink there is technically a history lesson. Don’t forget your proof of age card so that you can enjoy a pint like the great man himself.

Manchester

Stuff to pack for uni? Phone charger, favourite duvet cover, laundry bag, family photo, ear plugs, proof of age card. What to get when arrive at university? Well, in Manchester the word on the street is to buy a Fresher’s Week wristband.

Along with your trusty ID card, your wristband will get you into bars and clubs like those at Deansgate Locks, the city centre clubs at the Printworks, and the clubs nearer to the university (such as Factory, Fifth, and Sound Control), plus lots more.
Brighton

Don’t want to go north of Watford for fear of catching a chill? Don’t worry, you won’t be missing out. The University of Sussex has its campus in Brighton, the alternative, liberal, LGBT-friendly jewel of the south coast with something for everyone. There’s a very established LGBT area in Kemptown with bars, clubs and drag nights, as well as mainstream clubs like Pryzm.

Quirky new club nights are popping up every week. Check out Funfair, decked out in the style of a Victorian fairground. Dance to 90s pop, indie and R n’ B, get some classic Instagram photos in the comedy seafront postcard cut outs provided for you to pose in, or just dive into the ball pit! That’s not somewhere you want to lose your passport photo ID though, so keep My ID card in your back pocket instead because it’s way easier (and cheaper) to replace.

With no gender category, My ID Card is LGBTQIA friendly.

London

There are many, many more amazing university towns in the UK and they all have something unique to offer in terms of nightlife. We can’t cover them all here (we’d be here all day, and you’ve got exam results to open, remember?) but how could we end this post without mentioning London.

The UK capital has so much nightlife it’s tempting to become nocturnal just to experience it all. But don’t, because you’ve got lectures to get to. If you’re heading to Imperial College London, University of East London, University of Westminster, Central Saint Martins or one of the other brilliant universities in London, you’re in for a treat. You can always rely on Timeout London for the latest news about what’s on – or just explore your local university social media groups and boards because the coolest stuff is always happening off the beaten track, after all.

Wherever you’re going to university, or even if you’re not, get your hands on My ID Card. There’s fun nightlife to be found in your home town too! One question you’ll always have the answer to? “Got any ID?”

 

My ID Card only costs £15 and is easy to apply for online. If your application is urgent we now offer a Rapid Service costing £30. This allows you to come down to our offices in Basingstoke, Hampshire and have your card printed while you wait.