Student Nightlife in Loughborough: Where to Go & What to Expect

Loughborough might not be a major city, but when it comes to student nightlife, it more than holds its own. From buzzing bars and themed club nights to laid-back pub crawls and campus events, there’s plenty to keep you entertained after dark.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best spots for student nights out in Loughborough, both on and off campus, so you know exactly where to head, whether you’re just starting uni or settling into second year.

What’s Nightlife Like in Loughborough for Students?

Loughborough’s nightlife is shaped by its student population. With most students living close to campus and town, nights out tend to be spontaneous, social, and within walking distance.

The Students’ Union (LSU) runs legendary nights like Hey Ewe and FND, while the town centre offers a mix of bars, pubs, and clubs that cater to everything from cheap drinks to cocktail nights.

Compared to bigger cities, nights out here are more affordable, easier to navigate, and feel more student-focused - no long taxi rides, pricey entry fees or overcrowded venues.

Where Students Go Out: On-Campus vs Off-Campus

On-Campus Nights Out

Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU) is the heart of campus nightlife. It features multiple venues under one roof, from lively club spaces to laid-back bars, and hosts some of the biggest student events in the UK.

Venues inside LSU:

• The Basement: The main club room on campus, hosting large-scale nights with DJs, live acts, and themed events.

• The Treehouse: A high-energy dancefloor space with student club nights, guest DJs, and neon-lit décor.

• The Lounge: A relaxed bar and social space with live music, open mic nights, and mid-week drinks.

Popular On-Campus Nights:

• Hey Ewe (Wednesdays): The midweek classic. Expect chart hits, cheesy tunes, and the biggest student crowd of the week.

• FND (Fridays): The flagship night of the Students’ Union, filling multiple venues across LSU with DJs, performers, and themed parties.

• Stuesday (Tuesdays): Hosted by student societies and sports teams, it’s the ideal mix of fancy dress and friendly chaos.

• SubZero and other special events: Seasonal nights that transform LSU into a festival-like experience, often featuring guest DJs and national acts.

Off-Campus Student Favourites

Whether it’s pre-drinks or pub crawls, Loughborough town has plenty to offer. Here are the go-to spots:

Student Bars & Pubs

• The Griffin: A pub turned student hangout with regular deals and a packed beer garden.

• The Orange Tree: Known for its quirky décor and great cocktail menu.

• The Phantom: A Wetherspoons that’s popular for pre-drinks thanks to cheap pints and big tables.

• The Swan in the Rushes: A more relaxed pub for craft beer lovers and smaller groups.

Nightclubs in Loughborough

• Firefly: Loughborough’s main off-campus nightclub and a favourite among students. With themed nights, DJ sets, and regular student events, it’s the most popular late-night venue in town.

• Echos: A long-running student staple with a big dancefloor, budget drinks, and themed student nights, from throwback tunes to society takeovers.

Freshers, Pub Crawls & Student Events

Loughborough’s Freshers Week sets the tone with packed SU events, themed parties and nights out hosted by halls and societies. Once term kicks in, pub crawls and team socials keep things lively.

Typical Student Pub Crawl Stops:

• Start at The Phantom or The Griffin

• Head to The Orange Tree for cocktails

• End the night at Firefly, Echos, or back on campus for FND

Don’t forget: many sports clubs and societies organise their own pub golf nights, bar quizzes, or themed fancy dress events.

Tips for a Great (and Safe) Student Night Out

• Stick with your group and look out for your friends

• Use SafeZone (the Loughborough campus safety app)

• Avoid walking alone at night — everything is close, but plan ahead

• Pre-book taxis if you’re heading further out

• Carry ID — even for campus events

And if you’re not drinking, you’ll still find loads to do. Try late-night cafés, film screenings, society events or game nights in halls.

Final Thoughts on Loughborough Uni Nightlife

From iconic SU nights to local hidden gems, Loughborough offers the full spectrum of student nightlife. It’s social, it’s affordable, and it’s centred around the student experience.

Where you live plays a big part, too. Living in a house near campus and town makes nights out safer, easier, and more fun.

Looking for a student house that puts you at the heart of the action? Explore our all-inclusive student homes in Loughborough’s Golden Triangle.

FAQs

Is Loughborough good for nightlife?

Yes. While it’s a smaller town, the nightlife is lively, student-focused, and highly rated by those at the university.

What are the best clubs in Loughborough?

Firefly and Echos are the main off-campus clubs. On campus, the Students’ Union hosts huge events multiple times a week.

Are there any cocktail bars in Loughborough?

Yes, spots like The Orange Tree and The Griffin offer cocktails alongside student-friendly vibes.

Where do Loughborough Uni students go out?

Most students head to LSU on campus, or bars and clubs in the town centre, all within walking distance.

What’s Freshers Week like at Loughborough?

It’s packed with events, from themed parties and society nights to pub crawls and campus club nights.