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Life in Staffordshire

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Life in Staffordshire

Staffordshire, 'the Creative County' has a unique heritage and a strong cultural presence worth celebrating. It has something for everyone whether you’re a lover of the great outdoors, a history buff or a thrill seeker, there's plenty of ways to relax and have fun.

Why choose University of Staffordshire?

Well connected

We are ideally located near a mainline railway links making it easy to travel around

Fusion of urban living and countryside

Enjoy the convenience of city life while being a stone's throw away from tranquil green spaces

Student budget

Staffordshire is one of the most affordable places to live and study in the UK

Life at Staffordshire feels more than an education, it’s a community filled with inspiration, encouragement, and creativity

Nunika Khungar

BA (Hons) Fashion

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Where are we located?

The main campus is in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent where you'll experience the buzz and convenience of city life without needing to go far to party, shop or unwind in green spaces. Our Centre of Health Innovation campus is in Stafford, a country town that's steeped in heritage and culture, with a modern edge and eclectic mix of shops, bars, restaurants and places to relax.

Both campuses are surrounded by picturesque towns and beautiful countryside with plenty of attractions for you to enjoy your time here as a student.

Explore iconic places

Stoke-on-Trent

Our main campus based in Stoke-on-Trent, is a diverse city woven with history, modern culture, contemporary experiences. Also known as 'The Potteries', Stoke-on-Trent is a unique city made up of six distinct towns which have a rich heritage of ceramics and industrial art. There's plenty of places to explore, party, shop and dine.

Visit Stoke tourism site

Stafford

If you’re studying at our Stafford campus, you’re a short distance away from the county town which has an historic high street, an abundance of shops, eateries, coffee lounges, and a great selection of bars. Stafford is an haven of heritage with it’s very own castle and lots to explore.

Visit Stafford Borough tourism site

A group of six students sitting in a lounge chatting with a selection of beverages

Newcastle-under-Lyme

Close to both campuses is student-friendly town Newcastle-under-Lyme. Great for student nights out whether you're seeking a movie and cosy cocktail lounge, or lively happy hour bars with games and activities. There's a wide selection of restaurants, including world cuisines and your favourite chains, and a high-street with shops and supermarkets.

Visit Newcastle-under-Lyme tourism site

Wider Staffordshire

There's so much to enjoy in historic Staffordshire. From exploring charming countrysides and national parks, strolling through picturesque towns, to riding some of the world's best rollercoasters - there's plenty of activities to keep you busy outside of lectures.

Visit Enjoy Staffordshire tourism site

Beyond Staffordshire

Both our campuses are in ideal locations and have mainline railways offering direct links to major cities, making it easy to travel around the UK or have a day out further afield.

Train travel day trip ideas

Manchester - less than an hour
Birmingham - less than an hour
London - approximately 90 minutes
Liverpool - approximately 90 minutes
Chester - approximately 90 minutes

A night time shot of Manchester's historic library lit up, with cherry blossom trees outside and heritage buildings in the distance

Attractions & activities

Ready to explore Staffordshire and make the most of student life? We've selected some of the best things to do and see for all interests.

For adventure, head to the VR experiences or Ninja Warrior. There are also peaceful activities like Trentham Gardens & Potteries Museum

Nokwanda Siyunyi

Aeronautical Engineering Student

Days out

Staffordshire has lots to offer if you're in need of a day away. If you love strolling, hiking, or biking, you'll wind up in national parks, picturesque gardens, countryside, and green spaces. For thrill seekers, we have the country's best theme parks and water parks. For retail enthusiasts, there's an abundance of shops in the city and hidden retail gems tucked away in market towns.

A male hiker standing on top of a rock taking in the scenic peak district view on a sunny day

Theme parks and water parks

The Nemesis rollercoaster in motion at Alton Towers

Staffordshire is home to one of the best theme parks in Europe - Alton Towers Resort. Located in spectacular countryside, Alton Towers has a diverse range of rollercoasters, rides and themed events all year round. It also has the Alton Towers Waterpark where you can relax by the lagoon.

If you're wanting to make a splash at an indoor tropical aqua park with exciting slides then Waterworld is on the doorstep.

Wildlife, countryside, and parks

A baby monkey sitting and gripping onto a tree branch

Make a day of exploring the stunning Italian gardens and spoil yourself with shopping and dining at bistros at the Trentham Estate. You can also meet the fascinating Barbary macaques roaming free in 60 acres of beautiful forest at the Monkey Forest located next door to the estate.

Stafford is home to the Stafford Castle, an ancient Grade II listed standalone ruin which is a relaxing spot for a stroll and picnic, and close to town is the Shugborough Estate, a historic house with beautiful interiors and Grade I listed parkland with gardens and woodlands.

Adventure seekers will love Staffordshire Peak District, famous for its stunning valleys, rocky outcrops and rolling hills. Breathe in nature at Cannock Chase an area of outstanding national beauty, or come face to face with exotic animals from around the world at Peak Wildlife Park.

Towns and shopping

Two females walking together holding shopping bags at Trentham retail village

Whether you're a high-street browser or a vintage treasure seeker, Staffordshire has a range of places to shop. The Potteries Shopping Centre is located in the city centre has some of your favourite high-street stores with the Hanley indoor market located underneath. There's plenty of other shops in the centre which sell books, music, hobbyist and thrift items. Closeby is Festival Retail Park where you can pick up fashion, outdoors items and homeware.

If you're looking for a unique retail experience then the Trentham retail village has over 80 timber lodges housing outlets and boutiques.

Stafford has a historic high street where you can browse the independent shops or pick up your essentials from retail stores. The Riverside Shopping Centre has some of the nation's favourite fashion stores and Queen's Shopping Park has convenient stores selling fashion and homeware.

You're just under an hour away from big city shopping at Manchester and Birmingham, so don't forget to grab your student discounts!

For a quaint shopping experience, Staffordshire plenty of idyllic towns, each with their own high street, markets, independent shops and relaxing cafes. If this sounds up your street, then we recommend a trip to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stone, Uttoxeter, Burton-upon-Trent or Lichfield.

Art & culture

Stoke-on-Trent is known as 'the World Capital of Ceramics' and this rich and diverse heritage is weaved into our identity. In the city, you'll find unique museums and galleries with fascinating collections where you can unravel Stoke-on-Trent's remarkable story. Embark on heritage tours and admire the bottle kilns where some of the world's finest bone china was created, or get hands-on and create your own piece of pottery art. The city has excellent entertainment venues whether you love legendary musicals, quirky variety acts, or laugh out loud comedy.

Drama and comedy masks on the floor on a theatre with ambient background lighting

Museums and galleries

The exterior front building of the Potteries Museum and Gallery in Hanley at daytime

The Potteries Museum and Gallery has collections of some of the world's finest pottery and 'the Staffordshire Hoard', a local artefact. At the Spode Museum you can view collections of ceramic items and antique factory tools, or watch daily demonstrations of pottery skill and partake in throwing your own pot at the Gladstone Pottery Museum. AirSpace is a gallery ran by artists to deliver engaging contemporary visual arts, and Etruria Industrial Museum is a nineteenth century British steam-powered potter's mill museum, home of the 'bone and flint mill'.

Located in the beautiful Barlaston area is World of Wedgwood where you can discover the secrets of the Wedgwood factory on a guided tour, view the V&A collection, play with clay in the creative studios and explore the surronding nature trails. Situated in a charming park in Newcastle-under-Lyme is the Brampton Museum which showcases interesting art and Victorian history collections.

Pottery experiences

Two females throwing a pot in a pottery making studio

If you're looking for something different to do then why not book onto a ceramic experience at Middleport Pottery or the Emma Bridgewater Factory, where you can also tour the factories and shop at the outlets, or level up your pottery making skills at LoveClay.

Theatres and shows

A group of females sitting and talking outside the Regent Theatre in Hanley

At the heart of the Cultural Quarter in the city centre is the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall, both hosting a wide variety of world-class performances for all audiences. In Newcastle-under-Lyme you'll find the New Vic Theatre, a distinctive purpose built theatre-in-the-round with a programme of interational class acts, and at ROFL Comedy Club you can enjoy top quality comedy live on the stage.

Stafford has the Gatehouse Theatre where you can experience a range of exciting shows and the Annual Shakespeare production.

Nightlife & music

Party hard and dance the night away at Staffordshire's memorable nightlife venues. Stoke-on-Trent has a thriving music scene where you can soak up the electrifying energy of live music and discover breakthrough bands, or perhaps you prefer to get nostalgic at throwback nights. The local area has got you covered if you're looking for cosy spots to enjoy beers or cocktails.

A group of male and female students walking and talking in the Cultural Quarter in Hanley in the evening

Clubs

Students walking outside of the Fiction nightclub in Hanley in the evening

You'll find the local clubbing scene in Hanley where you can party at Stoke's premier LGBT+ nightclub Gossip or dominate the dancefloor to your favourite throwback anthems at Reflex. Stafford also has a lively nightlife with themed club nights and contemporary cocktail bars at the Courture and Casa venues.

Live music

The Sugarmill and Underground are music venues known for hosting many successful rock, metal and indie bands and they also hold alternative club nights. In Newcastle-under-Lyme you can enjoy live music from local bands and watch performing arts acts at The Rigger.

For the Festivalgoers out there, you'll be thrilled to know that Staffordshire is not far away from Download, Creamfields North, and Parklife!

Bars and pubs

A group of students sitting in a pub drinking and socialising with the bar behind them

If you're in Hanley then these contemporary and rustic bars are worth a visit, especially if you fancy trying a craft beer or cocktail - Bottlecraft, Gin Rummy, Bloom and Captain's Bar. Stafford has mix of modern and sophisticated bars and pubs if you're looking to make a toast to student life - Revolution, Treehouse and Bod.

Our students also enjoy touring the bars in Newcastle-under-Lyme where you'll find lots of diverse lounges for drinking and socialising - The Crossways, The Ten Green Bottles Co, Slug and Lettuce and Hogarths.

If pubs are more your thing then Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford both have an abundance of traditional and modern pubs where you can watch sports and relax.

Sport & leisure

If you love getting active, trying new hobbies, or socialising then Staffordshire has something for everyone. There's a wide selection of activities to stimulate your mind and physical state, whether you prefer the exhiliration of a workout or having a cosy movie night at the cinema.

Group of four students dressed in active clothing walking in a park carrying a football

Gaming bars and cafes

A group of people playing a table top card game on a wooden table with a selection of beverages

In Stoke-on-Trent you'll find the Geek Retreat, a space to play board games, console games and trading card games, and at the Long Rest Boardgame Bar + Cafe you can eat, drink and play over 400 board games in a cosy setting. If you're seeking an immersive experience then check out Game Grid, West Midland's largest VR and e-sports gaming hub.

Cocktails meet gaming at The Clubhouse, where you can play crazy golf, table tennis, shuffleboard, beer pong, cornhole and video games. Stafford's gaming bar, The Emporium, is where can have fun playing darts, crazy golf, bowling and more!

Escape rooms, laser tag, and bowling

A male and female enacting in a horror themed escape room

Escape the real world and work as a team to solve problems before time runs out at these terrifying themed escape rooms in Stoke-on-Trent - Escape Stoke, Paralysis Escape Rooms, Mscape. If you're in Stafford then check out Escape Nation and Houdini's Escape Room Experience.

Zap your opponents on the battle field in a match of laser tag at Sector 7 Laser Tag in Stafford, or Laser Quest in Stoke. If you fancy bowling and partying in a fun environment then visit Tenpin (Stoke-on-Trent) or Superbowl (Stafford).

Adventure parks, indoor and outdoor sports

A female and a male at the Trentham Treetop Adventure wearing equipment for the high rope course

Have an active day of fun skiing or snowboarding and show off your skills on challenging slopes at SnowDome or Stoke Ski Centre, or unleash your inner ninja at Ninja Warrior UK. If you're seeking an exhilarating thrill then these indoor sports and adventure parks will help you let off steam - Inflato Stoke, Awesome Walls, Flip Out and Go Ape. There are plenty of parks and canals in Staffordshire where you can take a breather and go for a walk, jog or cycle too.

For the football fanatics, Stoke-on-Trent has two professional teams Stoke City FC and Port Vale FC, so you can join in the infectious atmosphere and watch the game. Staffordshire is also home to St. George's Park, surrounded by stunning countryside this park is home of the English Football Association's training group and England's 27 national teams.

Life on campus

Living on a student budget can be challenging and you may not want to travel far from campus to take a breather from studying. We have plenty of facilities and spaces on campus where you can exercise, socialise and party, while being in a safe and welcoming environment. You can also get food and drink, and attend students events at cheap rates!

On campus, you'll find the Students Union where you can join a range of clubs and societies, check out exciting events, and you can explore our social spaces where you can meet like-minded people and learn new skills.

Visit Students' Union

Sport at University of Staffordshire

Keep your mind and body fit with our gym and sports centre, high performance academy, and social sports programmes

The Smart Zone

No matter what your specialism, bring your ideas to life using the latest technologies in our engineering and maker spaces

Campuses and facilities

Explore things to see and do at our Stoke, Stafford and London campuses

Manage your student money

Advice for balancing your finances and living on a budget

Connect with us

See what students are up to in the local area and how they're making the most of student life.