After studying, getting to know the new place you live is the most exciting part of being at
university.
To help you take advantage of everything your town and city has to offer outside of the
university bubble, this blog aims to provide you with some ideas and inspiration for getting
about locally.
It can be good to get out exploring on your own, but always do a bit of research first to make
sure where you are heading is safe and head out with friends if you aren’t sure.
Get walking
If you’ve got the time there is nothing better than pounding the streets on your own two feet.
Plan yourself a leisurely indirect route to university from your accommodation that perhaps
takes in a canal or riverside path.
Other landmarks that might guide a quiet relaxing stroll are town or city parks. Aim to explore
each one, trying out the various cakes at park cafes or taking a picnic and a book or simply
enjoying the people watching.
Another way to use your feet is going on a pub crawl. Doing some research or speaking to
your Mezzino residential coordinator will mean you are more likely to discover the hidden
back street boozers that have more character and offer a wider range of food and drink.
Get on the bus
Students can get cheaper bus fares and they mean you can explore much further across the
city. A day trip out on the bus, with a flask and packed lunch is much more of an adventure
too.
Check out the things to do beyond the cinema and ten pin bowling. There are fantastic
museums, great countryside, fabulous coastlines and terrific theme parks up and down the
country.
Joining a university club or society could open up more ways to explore your town or city that
ordinarily might be out of sight be it rambling, rafting or rock climbing.

Get talking
Perhaps the best way to discover a place is to meet people from the local community who
can share the inside scoop on what to see and do.
Joining an interest group outside of university, visiting a place of workshop, or volunteering
can give you quick access to a friendly group of locals who may even show you around.
Many of the Mezzino locations have a programme of activities that you can get involved in
and you can get to meet people who have been students for longer and can share their experiences.

Get in touch with your Mezzino residential coordinator to find out what’s going
on at your location.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your walking boots, bus pass, and camera
and let’s get exploring!

Find student accommodation

Where do you want to go?

Leicester
Leicester

What our students say

  • I moved to Mayfair Court 3 years ago and we love it here. My apartment is spacious and enlightened by large windows facing Wilmslow road. Commons, including a flourishing inner garden are well kept. Staff are friendly and always there to help, and the community is diverse. Location is very convenient. There’s a bus stop at the foot of the building, a supermarket across the street, Bodey Medical Centre behind the supermarket, and plenty of restaurants and pubs around. I'm happy to call this place our home while in Manchester.

    Ignacio, Manchester

  • I had an excellent experience living in Brickworks during the last year in Dublin! All the staff members were always very friendly and did everything they could to make people feel welcome and we had a very good atmosphere among the residents. The flats themselves were comfortable and provided excellent living and working space, and the proximity to the city centre means you can experience the Dublin atmosphere. I have met many people and friends that I will take with me for life. If I were to live in Dublin, I would not hesitate to live in Brickworks again, it really was a great place to live!

    Carlos, Spain

  • For a very spacious space with great amenities, the price is very mucb affordable. Good views and great support staff to help out at anytime of the day.

    Sarainya, Nottingham

  • I have been living in Brickworks about 7 months. Brickworks is a great place to live in. The location is really convenient (close to city center, good public transportation, near the supermarket and so on...). The buildings are pretty new (well maintained and very clean) it also offers study rooms, cinema room, gym, roof top party room and terrace. There are a lot of common areas for entertainment (PlayStation, Pool, table tennis...). Additionally, free coffee and tea services are amazing!
    Brickworks team all of them are AWESOME. They are always up for helping... I highly recommend the Brickworks for people who need a place to call home... Thanks for everything.

    Aliriza, Dublin

  • Excelente ubicacion, atencion y servicio. Muy cuidado todo, las recepcionistas siempre ayudando y dando atencion. Lo recomiendo.

    Marina, Argentina

  • Millstone is a brilliant place to live, Ive just book for my 3rd year. The staff are kind and caring. I have love living at Millstone as it has given me independence and a bigger family.

    Truly, Leicester