Student life in Stoke-on-Trent

Going out, seeing new places, trying new things – these are all as much a part of student life as attending lectures. 

Having fun

On campus venues

Whether you’re living at home or on campus you don’t have to go far to find a great time here. From light bites to big nights, the Students’ Union has all sorts of great venues.

Squeezebox

Healthy smoothies, hearty oatcakes and the best coffee around can be found in Squeezebox on College Road campus. 

Catalyst Bistro

The Bistro offers a dining experience with an option to book tables or the space for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Ember Lounge

Café and bar at the heart of the College Road site, serving up burgers, karaoke and quizzes.

Pavilion Burrito and Wrap Bar

Pavilion Burrito and Wrap bar is a Mexican style restaurant that offers a Breakfast and Lunch menus throughout the week.

Catalyst Kitchen

Serving artisan sandwiches, salads, smoothies and shakes, as well as our craft coffee and traditional favourites.

Off campus

When you’re ready to explore the local area, you’ll find there’s plenty to do. The historic county of Staffordshire isn’t just a great place to study for your degree, it’s packed with things to see and do. So, whether you fancy an amazing day or night out, or are looking for bags of culture in the shape of theatres, museums and galleries, you won’t be disappointed.

Alton Towers

Unleash the Power of The Towers and share massive giggles, mega-thrills and major glee with your friends and family at Britain's Greatest Escape! Read more

Find out more: https://www.altontowers.com/

Sugarmill

If it's good enough for Miles Kane and The 1975, it's good enough for us. This nationally acclaimed live venue will have you rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the British music industry. Read more

Find out more: https://www.thesugarmill.co.uk/

Monkey Forest

Spend an afternoon walking, talking, and snapping selfies with over 140 free-roaming Barbary Macaques in a beautiful woodland setting.  Read more

Find out more: https://monkey-forest.com/

Regent Theatre

Be captivated every month with jaw-dropping touring shows like Thriller Live. Originally opened as a Super Cinema in 1929, they've been putting on world-class performances ever since. Read more

Find out more: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/

Flip Out

Let off some steam at the UK's best trampoline park. There's so much to do - and if you visit on Green Wednesdays, it's 2 for 1.  Read more

Find out more: https://www.flipout.co.uk/view/flip-out-stoke 

Peak District

Walk, cycle, and wander around the renowned National Park. We're honoured to have such breathtaking views and stunning sights so near to us. Read more

Find out more: https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/home

Intu Potteries

The opposite of your local vintage shop, intu Potteries is a shopping powerhouse. Boasting 90 stores including Primark and H&M, restaurants including Nando's and a Cineworld cinema all under one roof. Read more

Find out more: https://potteriescentre.co.uk/

Tittesworth Water Sports and Activity Centre

Fish, paddleboard, and splash your weekends away at this great centre in Leek. There's never a dull afternoon at Tittesworth.  Read more

Find out more: https://www.tittesworthwater.co.uk/

World of Wedgwood

Looking for inspiration? Celebrate 260 years of the finest British craftsmanship. Experience the V&A Collection at the museum, tour the factory, throw a pot or design your own unique piece, check out the contemporary tea room, restaurant, flagship store and factory outlet.   Read more

Find out more: https://www.worldofwedgwood.com/

Living on campus

Where you call home during your time studying plays an important part in your university experience, which is why we strive to make our accommodation the best it can be! Whether you’re used to going it alone or it’s your first time away from home, it will definitely be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life.

All our accommodation is low rise and either on, or very close, to campus. You’re only a maximum of 10 minutes walk from the heart of the action with many halls being less than 5 minutes away. Most of our accommodation has also been recently refurbished.

Surprisingly considering our city location, much of our accommodation opens out onto gardens, fields, or intimate courtyards. Outside space with built in furniture, fairy lights, beanbags, pizza ovens, firepits and electric points for music make it the perfect space to enjoy all year round. Whether you’re excited about moving out, or a little nervous, we know you’ll settle in quickly. The experiences you get and friends you make will stay with you for life.

Living at home

More and more students are opting to live at home during their studies. Living at home and commuting to university can save you money on accommodation and bills. Plus you can still enjoy the best that campus life has to offer. At University of Staffordshire you don’t have to sacrifice the social aspects of the student experience by living off campus.

Commuting to university

Our Stoke-on-Trent campus is based on two sites just a few minutes’ walk apart. The Leek Road site is home to the Catalyst building and the Science Centre as well as our law, business and sports spaces. The College Road site is where you’ll find our Smart Zone, and is also packed with our computing, creative arts, engineering and library facilities.

By rail

Conveniently situated within 2 minutes walk of Stoke-on-Trent railway station, the campus is served by frequent direct services from national rail operators. We are 35 minutes by train from Manchester and 45 minutes from Birmingham. You can reach us from Milton Keynes in 60 minutes and London in 90 minutes. We are also less than half an hour from Crewe, Congleton, Macclesfield, Stafford and Stone.

By bus

Both our College Road and Leek Road sites have excellent bus links with the city centre and wider area. National Express coaches stop in front of the Beacon Building for direct cheaper travel to Birmingham, Manchester Airport and Manchester. More services are available from Hanley bus station, just over a mile away. 

By car

Parking permit required

Leek Road site: ST4 2DF

College Road site: ST4 2DE