A student guide to Leicester: nightlife antics and drinks deals

For students in Leicester, there are plenty of nightlife opportunities across the city, writes Megan Cawley.

From nightclubs to pub quizzes, there is something to tickle everyone’s fancy. And what’s more, lots of them offer student deals and discounts.

Whilst the nightlife in Leicester may not be on a par with the likes of Birmingham or Manchester, there are events for each night of the week.

Nightclubs such as Mosh and Club Republic provide student events Monday through to Friday.

But if you are looking for something a little alternative whilst on a budget, then have a read below.

Caddy Shackers opened its doors last year as an indoor crazy golf bar. Known for its unique décor, people can order drinks at the bar as well as partake in the 18-hole crazy golf course. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, between 3pm and 12am, students are entitled to 50% off with a valid student ID card.

If that’s not for you, every Monday, Walkabout puts on interactive quiz nights. People have the chance to answer questions and play games to spin the ‘wheel of fortune’ and win prizes. Rounds include music, television, and games such as balloon popping. And even better, it’s free entry!

On Friday nights, Club Republic have introduced some fancy new extras for DMU students.

Whilst Skint Fridays at the club have always aimed to provide cheap drinks and a good time, these recent added benefits, thanks to club rep Sarah Beesley, have brought in the numbers week after week.

DMU students who are a member of a sports team or society are entitled to discounted entry, queue jumps, VIP booths and best of all, free drinks!

Sarah Beesley, 27, said: “The VIP and sky bar lounge belongs to DMU students every week. We give out free buckets, drinks, queue jump, discounted entry, merchandise and even more stuff every Friday.

“I wanted to work with DMU because they only have a social on Wednesday nights, and I thought they deserved an extra night out each week.”

The skint Friday events have been particularly popular with DMU students.

Due to the high number of students attending each week, a new RnB room ‘Tunnel’ has opened.

“Tunnel opened as an RnB room four weeks ago, it was the week after I started,” says Sarah.

“We wanted to make sure there was something music wise for everyone, and now there pretty much is.”

Luckily for students getting deeper into their overdrafts, the club offers various drinks deals, including £1 Budweisers and £1 WKDs.

Also on a Friday, the O2 Academy continues to hold its renowned event ‘Shabang’ for University of Leicester students. Students can purchase early bird tickets for just £1, as well as bagging £1 shots. There is a range of music including RnB, Hip Hop and Disco.

For those interested in a game of pool or darts, sports bars Riley’s and Locker Room are open until late. Here, people can relax in a chilled-out vibe, whilst watching any upcoming games on the widescreen TVs.

On the other end of the spectrum, social nights on Wednesdays find their students in some weird and wonderful costumes. With DMU’s antics taking place at Yellow Door between 10pm and 12am, students then move on to the student union, putting on various themed events. For University of Leicester students, the night leads to a fun-filled night at the O2 Academy.

For a classier atmosphere, Revolution maintains a tasteful and sophisticated setting whilst ensuring low prices, with deals such as 2-4-1 cocktails and £2.50 spirit and mixers. To access these deals, people can currently purchase a Revolution card for half price at just £2 instead of £4.

There has been some positive feedback of the nightlife from students in Leicester.

DMU student Victoria Tuff, 20, said: “I live in a small town back at home so there’s not really much going on. There’s always something to do here.

“There’s always some place open pretty much every day.”

Leicester University student Terry Cullen, 21, said: “I love Shabang on a Friday. They’re always giving out free stuff and putting on different themed nights.

“Me and my friends go there most weeks.”

So why not take a break from exam revision and dissertation writing to venture out into Leicester’s nightlife, to let your hair down with friends and a bottle of bubbly?

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