Sunderland is a university city on the picturesque North Sea coast, with a growing reputation as a creative centre for the arts and education. As a place to study, Sunderland offers everything needed to balance fantastic teaching facilities with a lively and varied student culture combining access to the arts, sport, heritage and of course, a lively nightlife. The University’s location makes it easy for students to feel right at home in the heart of the city, but with the seafront and marina just walking distance from one of the main campuses, there are endless opportunities for fun and relaxation with watersports, walking, cycling and discovering the famous North East culture. Sunderland has a wealth of attractions and events across the year which makes this a great place to live whilst studying. Highlights include the Sunderland Empire, the largest theatre in the North East, an impressive football stadium which doubles as a touring destination for some of the biggest names in music, and a world class free airshow on the seafront, a truly spectacular annual event which draws close to a million visitors to the region each summer.
Getting around
Sunderland has excellent transport links and is easy to get to by road and rail. The city has a comprehensive bus service and is linked to Newcastle upon Tyne by the metro rail system, with a journey time of about 30 minutes. The two campuses of Sunderland University are within walking distance of each other and are easily accessible by foot, both to and from the city centre. There is a free shuttle bus that runs regular services between the campuses and halls of residence. Sunderland is also a great city for cyclists and has a well planned and maintained system of dedicated cycle lanes, both in the city centre and along the river and coastal routes.
Nightlife
When it comes to managing the finances, Sunderland is considered to be one of the most affordable cities to live in the UK, which means even students can get out and about and make the most of city living. Sunderland is a friendly city, with many of the bars and clubs welcoming students with discount nights and promotions. In the city centre and around both campuses, there are plenty of opportunities for enjoying a meal and a few drinks, catching some live music in the pubs and clubs, or indulging in a bit of culture at the many museums and galleries. The city centre is well served with affordable eateries, including well known chains offering regular student discounts.