Starting university in Bath? From the Instagrammable Georgian architecture to the first-class restaurants and bars, you’re going to love it. Between lectures and settling into your accommodation, spend time making the most of all the city has to offer. To get you started, we’ve rounded up our top things every student should do while living in Bath.
Image - Roman Baths, credit Andy Fletcher
Head on a sightseeing adventure
Get acquainted with Bath’s many iconic landmarks and attractions.
Make a start by diving into the city's past at the ancient Roman Baths, picnicking on the beautiful lawns of The Royal Crescent, or taking in the culture at Bath's horde of award-winning museums and galleries. Our guides to the city's top things to do and must-sees in Bath should inspire you to start exploring further.
As a Bath resident, you’re even able to visit The Roman Baths and Victoria Art Gallery for free. First, apply for your exclusive Discovery Card, then book a time slot online. Your card also entitles you to a range of offers and discounts at other Bath attractions, eateries and activities - find a full list here.
Many Bath museums and attractions also offer NUS discounts, including No.1 Royal Crescent, Herschel Museum of Astronomy, The Jane Austen Centre, and The Holburne Museum, as well as the city's open-top bus sightseeing tours.
There are also various tours and trails to help you get to know your new city, from the free Jane Austen trail, to the entertaining Bizarre Bath comedy walk, and even a Ghost Hunters Silent Disco! Or, try a self-guided treasure hunt, where you'll learn interesting facts as you explore Bath following cryptic clues and maps sent to your phone. Plus, there are plenty of great pubs and cafes along the trails, in case you're in need of a break along the way.
Image - Thermae Bath Spa
Pamper yourself at Bath’s spas
Feeling run-down after freshers or stressed out pre-exams? You’re in the perfect place for a pick-me-up, what with Bath being a world-famous spa and wellbeing destination.
While student budgets might not stretch to regular pampering, you can make the most of the Thermae Bath Spa's student discount for a special treat. This is Britain’s only natural thermal spa, where you can take a dip in the mineral-rich waters of the rooftop pool, with incredible views over the city to boot.
You can also take advantage of 15% discounts on soothing spa treatments at luxurious boutique hotels Homewood and No.15 by GuestHouse with your Resident Discovery Card.
Image - The Cork
Find your new local
Bath is blessed with a cracking selection of pubs and bars, so plan a pub crawl or two to find your favourites. Some of the city’s most student-friendly watering holes include The Cork, The Bath Brew House, The Bath Cider House, The Bell Inn, The Canon and Belushi’s. The Cork also has its own karaoke room which can host up to 15 people if you're in the mood for a singalong!
Image - Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein
Try something new
Up for an unusual way to bond with new uni friends? Head to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein together and attempt to solve your way out of one of the venue's two thrilling escape room challenges. Choose from the Victor's Lair Escape Room, based on Victor Frankenstein’s ominous attic quarters, or The Shallows, a brand-new experience open from 15 September 2023. You’ll encounter insane equations, strange artefacts and miscellaneous body parts - it's not for the easily spooked!
If you'd prefer something a little more relaxed, students get discounted solo entry (17% off the standard ticket price) to the on-site museum dedicated to Shelley's life, as do groups of five or more.
Challenge your mates (or dates) to a series of madcap games at Boom Battle Bar Bath, with a 15% student discount available from Monday to Thursday. Choose your battle from a wide range of games, including axe-throwing, AR darts, shuffleboard, beer pong and many more, while enjoying a fantastic selection of crowd-pleasing drinks and nibbles.
Image - Komedia
Party at Bath’s clubs
Take your pick of Bath’s genre-spanning student nights, many of which take place in unique underground clubs. There’s Bath institution Moles for live music and DJs, Second Bridge for glam nights out, or Komedia for a much-loved Disco night, to name just a few.
Image - The Bell Inn
Explore other sides to Bath's nightlife
It’s not all about club nights after dark in Bath. Make your way to Komedia for stand-up comedy gigs, pubs like The Grapes and The Bell Inn for live music, or Sleight Bar for cocktails with a side of magic. Green Park Brasserie also plays host to free live jazz, funk and soul music throughout the week.
Image - Swoon
Seek out the city’s best food and drink
There’s no chance of a sweet tooth going unsatisfied in Bath, with bakeries, cafes, tearooms, confectioners, and ice cream shops on practically every corner. From the city’s legendary buns to a chocolate-themed café, check out our guide to sweet treats to get your appetite going, or find out more about afternoon tea experiences in the city.
If you're looking for some good deals, Bath Pizza Co. offers pizza with a pint or Prosecco for £12.50, local brewery Electric Bear offers a student discount on their fantastic range of craft beers, and the award-winning Swoon Gelato offers a 10% discount to students.
Image - The Pump Room Restaurant, credit Searcy's
Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea
There are excellent afternoon teas aplenty to enjoy in Bath, made extra special by unique settings – from the oldest house in Bath-turned-tearoom Sally Lunn's, to the historic grandeur of the Pump Room Restaurant. Book in for a special treat, or for when the parents are visiting.
Image - Theatre Royal Bath, credit Colin Hawkins
Spend an evening at the theatre
Catch a show at one of the UK's oldest theatres, Theatre Royal Bath. You'll find a varied programme including dramas, operas, comedies, dance and musicals, plus a concession price on student tickets.
Image - Sub 13
Go out for cocktails
Let the expert mixologists of Bath shake you up a drink or two. There’s no shortage of cocktail bars to choose from, with popular venues including Circo Bar & Lounge, The Ivy Bath Brasserie, Turtle Bay, Raincheck Bar, Second Bridge, Revolution, The Hideout, The Common Room and Sub 13.
Image - YMCA Bath
Get active and adventurous
Keep fit at the YMCA’s Health and Wellbeing Centre, which offers a special membership rate for students. Sign up with no joining fee for £29.95 a month and you’ll enjoy unlimited access to the gym facilities and fitness classes.
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Image - stand up paddleboarding with Original Wild
Explore Bath's waterways on a boat trip or stand up paddleboarding tour, or take a dip at one of the city's best swimming spots.
Image - SouthGate
Hit the shops
Whether you’re into hitting high street stores, independent boutiques or flea markets, Bath is a shopper's delight.
Main shopping areas include SouthGate, a buzzing complex of over 50 popular stores – check out their website to see which stores and restaurants offer student discount. There’s also Milsom Street and the surrounding area for stylish upmarket shops and Walcot Street, known as the Artisan Quarter, for quirky independents and a Saturday market.
Image - Bath skyline
See the city by foot
Bath is the perfect size for exploring on foot, with lots of lush green areas just beyond the city that are easy to reach too. The Bath Skyline Walk is a must for incredible views over the city as well as woodlands, meadows, hidden valleys and sights like the Sham Castle along the way.
Get your steps in as well as a few pints by setting off on these top pub walks in and around the city.
Image - Bath Rugby
Watch a Bath Rugby game
Home to one of the world’s oldest clubs, Bathonians are proud of their rugby heritage. Even if you’re clueless about the sport, watching a game at Bath Rugby Recreation Ground during your time here is an experience you won’t forget.
More of a football fan? You can always make Bath City FC your second team while you’re living here and cheer them on in the National League South!
Or during the summer months, catch one of the racing fixtures or live music events at Bath Racecourse.
Image credit - Paul Winch-Furness
Enjoy brunching
Whether you need a hangover-curing big breakfast or somewhere to study with a side of eggs, find the perfect hangout among Bath’s cafes and restaurants. Swing by The Ivy Bath Brasserie for breakfast in a swanky setting, or the Bertinet Bakery and The Whole Bagel for heavenly baked goods.
Courtyard Cafe, Good Day Cafe, Boston Tea Party and Wild Café are all top choices for a cosy café experience. You can also book in for a bottomless brunch at Green Park Brasserie, The Coconut Tree, Sweet Little Things, Bandook, or Turtle Bay every weekend.
Image - The Bell Inn
Delve Into Bath’s Musical Side
Discover the city’s iconic music scene through Everything Is Music. Accessed via your phone, this is a map of geo-tagged pins connected to musicians, venues and events with links to Bath.
Visit pins to unlock them and reveal photographs, video, audio, music and experiences about all things music in Bath. It will take you from Danny Byrd to Tears for Fears, Moles to Bath Carnival and more. Quite the eclectic mix!
Get crafty
There are also several ways to unlock your creative side in Bath, from creative floristy classes at Bath Flower School, to glass making at Bath Aqua Glass or workshops at Paddywax Candle Bar, where you can enjoy a 20% discount on candle pouring workshops and a 20% discount in the on-site shop.
Explore Beyond Bath
Once you feel at home in Bath, venture further afield. The scenic Wookey Hole Caves, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, pretty Cotswolds villages or leafy Westonbirt Arboretum (especially in autumn) are all great days out in the countryside.
Bristol is just 12 minutes away by train, boasting a lively music scene, buzzing student nights and fun attractions to enjoy.
A 16-25 Railcard will save you a third on rail fares, and will come in handy for exploring beyond Bath. First Bus also offer a discount of up to 20% for students and people aged 16-21 with valid ID.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for more inspiration on things to do while studying in Bath.
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