Student life in Norwich

Norwich student life is known for its social scene, affordability, and good mix of relaxation and excitement, welcoming 20,000 students each year. It is a real gem for students, being the largest city in East Anglia and the capital city of Norfolk, as well as home to the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Norwich University of the Arts (NUA).

As England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Norwich is stuffed with culture. It boasts two cathedrals, a castle, and charming historic lanes that are lovely for a weekend stroll. What’s more, UEA is home to fantastic student facilities, including everything from its Olympic pool to its medical centres, while NUA focuses on enriching creative spaces, like its CAD labs, photography studios, and fully equipped workshops. It's therefore no surprise that Norwich was the 12th most in-demand city for student housing in the 2026-27 letting season!

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  Excellent transport links

  If you want to get out of the city for a while, don’t worry - Norfolk is very well-connected, making Norwich student life more convenient. The bus network offers frequent buses with available student discounts, and there is also a night service perfect for getting home after a night out. You can travel to London in under two hours from Norwich Train Station or even pay the coast a visit if you fancy catching some rays.

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  A shopper's dream

  The city centre is home to two major shopping centres: Castle Quarter and Chantry Place, filled with all the high street brands you know and love - and a fair few student discounts! On top of this, there are the Norwich Lanes, which are filled with independent stores retailing vintage clothing, antiques, vinyl records, and cafés. There's something for everyone when it comes to Norwich student life.

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  City of Literature

  If you're a keen writer or reader, Norwich student life will greatly take your fancy. In 2012, the city became England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, which celebrates its enriching history of literature and modern writing community. Its literary firsts include being home to the first woman to publish in English, the first public library, and the first creative writing MA (at UEA), making it the perfect place to study as an arts student.

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  Close to countryside

  Norwich is lucky enough to sit within a national park - the beautiful Norfolk Broads - where you can find plenty to do in the summer, from boating and cycling to hiking and even crafting. Whichever direction you head in, you can find beautiful forests, rolling hills, and walking trails. It's a great city to study in for any outdoorsy types or those who just want to take a study break in Instagrammable spots!

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  Norfolk nightlife

  Norwich is the primary city for most people living in East Anglia, and as such, the region's nightlife can all be found here. Prince of Wales Road has a huge range of bars and nationally-known chains like Popworld and Bar & Beyond, but there are also nearby top cocktail spots like Gonzo's Tea Room. UEA's union hosts gigs, as well as the popular student night Damn Good. You can also find more clubs and venues down by the waterfront and Carrow Road stadium.

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  Range of student accommodation

  Student accommodation can be found all over Norwich, with some of the most popular areas including The Golden Triangle, Eaton, Bowthorpe and Earlham. There's everything from cosy terraced houses to more roomy semi-detached houses and city centre flats. Whether you’re looking for a cosy two-bed place with your best mate or a house with 10+ beds for a larger group, you’ll be able to find a great place to live in Norwich.

University of East Anglia

The University of East Anglia is a top 30 university in the UK and features a huge range of courses for budding students. You'll find it on a self-contained campus on the west side of the city.

Norwich University of the Arts

Specialising in art, design and media, the Norwich University of the Arts is located in Norwich city centre and has a long history of arts education. It dates back to 1845 and enrols almost 10,000 students each year.