DESTINATION STOKE YOUR 2021 STUDENT GUIDE TO STOKE-ON-TRENT HELLO Welcome to your guide to Stoke-on-Trent and the university that resides there. We want to give you the insider knowledge, so everything has been cherry-picked by students. It’s just a taster of some of the places you could be making memories, friends, and stories over the next few years. Learn more about Staffordshire University by visiting our website or book your open day place at: staffs.ac.uk/visit RATED GOLD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE UKTOP UNIVERSITY 40 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 37th of 121 institutions in the Guardian League Tables 2020 FORTOP STUDENT 10 SATISFACTION TOP 1000 Times Higher Education World Complete University Guide 2020 University Rankings 2019 SHORTLISTED FOR YOUNGTOP UNIVERSITY 250 UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019 The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 CONTENTS 01 02 EATCHEAP AND DELICIOUS 03 ALL THE PLACES TO BE SEEN ON A NIGHT OUT. PLACES TO EAT. DANCE EXPLORETHE OUTDOORS IS GREAT AROUND HERE. GET ACTIVE WITH HUNDREDS OF ACTIVITIES. 04 05 EXERCISE CHILLSOCIALISING ON CAMPUS. SHOPBUILD UP YOUR SHOPPING STAMINA. 06 GO EPIC DAYS OUT. 07 08 09 10 WHAT’S ON. 11 12 APPLICATION JOURNEY JOURNEY APPLICATION DATES AND OPEN DAYS EXPERIENCE RESEARCH DO COURSE LISTINGS. Photography Credits: Chris Patrick Photography - section 1 Clara Lou Photography - section 1 Stoke-on-Trent City Council - section 4 Chatsworth House Trust - Introduction and section 7 Andrew Billington Photography - section 1 and 10 GREAT NEWS, CULTURE VULTURES 01 When it comes to culture, Stoke-on-Trent is up there with the best. It’s a city steeped in history, and recently we’ve seen a resurgence in everything that makes it great. For starters, it’s the World Capital of Ceramics. Our Pottery Museums and ceramic festivals are world- renowned, we’re even home to Wedgwood. Industrially and creatively the ceramic industry has helped mould our city, putting us on the map as a globally renowned destination for innovation, entrepreneurialism, science, and art. It doesn’t stop there, the city is bursting with cultural events throughout the year like theatre, street art, drama, opera, big touring productions, and festivals of all shapes and sizes. We’ve hosted big bands, debuted up-and-coming artists, run exhibits, showcased new talent, and sponsored world-class sporting events for our own Championship football team, Stoke City FC. We invented oatcakes too, mic drop. EAT YOUR HEART OUT 02 With over 200 places to eat across our region, there is a lot to sink your teeth into. Make the most of the student discounts, round up your new housemates and grab a bite to eat without breaking the bank. THE SLAMWICH CLUB 05 Hanley Serving slammin’ grilled sandwiches and sides, alongside a fully licensed bar and the finest tunes to chomp your sarnie to. Monthly acoustic and THE GLOST HOUSE KLAY PIZZERIA & BAR CAPPELLO LOUNGE Jazz nights and DJ sets THE EXCHANGE NØRTH KITCHEN & 01 Longton 02 Hanley 03 Newcastle-under-Lyme most weekends including 06 Hanley 07 BAR Slamfunk, Froot and Hanley A lovely backdrop for Get yourself a slice of Watch the world go Uncommon Cuts, plus Whether it’s quiz nights, If you’re looking for an afternoon of revising. the wood-fired pizza by in front of the large a whole host of other casual dining, cocktails, something different, this Enjoy fresh, healthy action. Perfect for a quick windows, or tuck yourself events – check them out or live music events, this is the place for you. Try foods or close the book lunch, an evening meal, away in the hidden on social media. On top place has it all. Head new and healthy foods and choose a glass of or a feast to cure your courtyard at this great of this they offer 10% there with some mates, with a twist. It’s also 10% wine and a few snacks. hangover. spot on the Ironmarket. student discount. Bonus! you won’t regret it. off for students. Win. BLOOM COCKTAILS & WORKS CANTEEN THE QUARTER 04 KITCHEN 08 @ POTBANK 09 Hanley Hanley Stoke The Cultural Quarter’s Set on the site of the Café by day, quirky floral escape is located old Spode factory, the home-style bistro by on the bustling street of Potbank Café serves great night. Serving from Piccadilly, and showcases coffee and cakes, plus dawn to dusk every day the finest cocktails, food a menu of hearty meals and hosting live music and an array of live music, which you can enjoy in a events every Friday and entertainment and DJ’s. cosy atmosphere. Saturday night. DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY 03 When it comes to nightlife, we know how to party. From nightclubs to comedy clubs, you’ll never be short of somewhere to laugh, dance, and party the night away. FICTION NIGHTCLUB 01 Hanley Leave reality alone, this is Fiction. With 7 bars, 3 rooms, VIP suites, breath-taking visuals and unrivalled entertainment, this club is next level. THE UNDERGROUND 02 Hanley If you’re looking for breakthrough bands, look no further. Cheap drinks and admissions mean you can spend a little, and have a big night out. TEN GREEN BOTTLES 03 Newcastle-under-Lyme There’s way more than just ten green bottles on the wall at this trendy gin and craft beer bar. With over 100 craft beer and gin cocktail options, as well as some of the best coffee in town, it’s well worth a visit. HOGARTH’S GIN PALACE REGENT THEATRE 05 Newcastle-under-Lyme Hanley 04 Their ‘gin trays’ (a selection of five gins, mixers, and Be captivated every month with accompanying fruit) are jaw-dropping touring shows like something to shout about, Thriller Live. Originally opened as perfect for sharing with a Super Cinema in 1929, they’ve friends. Enjoy. been putting on world-class performances ever since. THE SUGARMILL 06 Hanley 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. THE GREAT OUTDOORS 04 Inhale some beautiful fresh air, and exhale all of your stresses. Here you have stunning parks, rolling hills, and plenty of great events on your doorstep. THE PEAK DISTRICT HANLEY PARK 01 Derbyshire 02 Hanley Walk, cycle, and wander around the renowned Spend your afternoons enjoying National Park. We’re honoured to have such everything this wonderful park has breathtaking views and stunning sights so near to us. to offer – floodlit sport court, cricket wickets, fishing, lakes, fountains, For more information go to visitpeakdistrict.com bowling, and much more. CENTRAL FOREST PARK FENTON PARK 03 Hanley 04 Fenton Home to the second best skatepark in Roam 36 acres of one of the largest Europe, seriously. This amazing facility parks in the Potteries. Featuring is a must-do for any skater, no matter amazing sporting facilities including what your ability. Frontside 180 kickflip four football pitches, and there’s a your way over there at some point. lovely rose garden too. LET’S GET PHYSICAL 05 As well as being home to Stoke City FC, we have more activities than you can shake a hockey stick at. From the UK’s leading indoor trampoline park to hundreds of independent sports clubs. STOKE CITY FC 01 Stoke-on-Trent NINJA WARRIOR UK ADVENTURE 02 Hanley We proudly sponsor Stoke City FC, and this is their home. If football isn’t your game, it’s worth going just to see the Unleash your inner ninja, and tackle the mascots – ‘Pottermus’ and his girlfriend, ‘Pottermiss’. huge selection of ninja obstacles. FENTON MANOR SPORTS CENTRE STOKE SKI CENTRE 03 Fenton 04 Hanley Sit back and spectate at their international sporting You don’t have to travel to the Alps to hit the events, or get involved and make use of their slopes, the centre has an excellent standard competition pool, leisure club and Crazy Golf Land. of skiing and snowboarding instruction. XP-VP VIRTUAL REALITY FLIP OUT XPERIENCE 05 Stone 06 Hanley Let off some steam at the UK’s best Grab your mates, shoot zombies, fight epic battles trampoline park. There’s so much to do, and and face your fears! Team up and play together at if you visit on Green Wednesdays it’s 2 for 1. Staffordshire’s premier virtual reality experience. LOVE & LIGHT SHALA TITTESWORTH WATER SPORTS 07 Trentham & ACTIVITY CENTRE 08 Leek With yoga, pilates, meditation, dance and fitness, The Shala offers a variety of group class options to Fish, paddleboard, and splash your weekends away at this bolster holistic wellness during your time at university. great centre. There’s never a dull afternoon at Tittesworth. Students get a 10% discount off memberships too. For more information visit tittesworthwater.co.uk RETAIL THERAPY 06 Shop when your student loan drops with countless places to choose from. Whether it’s the high street you’re after or something a little more vintage, you’re bound to bag yourself a bargain. TRENTHAM 04 SHOPPING VILLAGE Trentham All the shops, cafés and restaurants are housed in timber lodges. It turns a normal shopping trip into a unique experience, definitely worth a visit and there’s free parking too! FESTIVAL PARK 05 Hanley INTU POTTERIES 01 Hanley Introducing Stoke-on- Trent’s biggest Retail The opposite of your Park. With all the usual local vintage shop, intu suspects like River Potteries is a shopping Island, JD Sports, powerhouse. Boasting 90 Topman, Topshop, stores including Primark, Next, and many more.