One of the most important parts about moving to university (apart from getting your degree) is to experience the nightlife your new home can bring. Which is why you need to ensure that you’re making memories and getting out there having a fun time – the assignments will start up in no time! So I’ve found the best nightclubs in Leicester city centre that lots of students love. Whether you’re going to UoL or DMU, Leicester is sure to bring you many nights out during your time at uni.
Our fave student nightclubs in Leicester
Take your pick from indie club nights to Instagrammable cocktail bars; my list of top nightclubs in and around Leicester city centre will make sure you have a great time at uni.
10. Mosh
Famous for being most Leicester residents’ first legal night out, Mosh nightclub is your go-to club for freshers events. Despite its gothic, gloomy exterior and hardcore name, there are three floors to suit everyone. From dance to house music and its titular reference to rock and indie music, Mosh presents nights out that are ones to remember!
I have been known to complain at Mosh, that their emo nights consist of predominantly Arctic Monkeys, Oasis and indie music. Which is not in fact emo, but if that’s what you’re into, Mosh is one of the best nightclubs in Leicester for cheesy tunes!
9. O2 Academy
Located on University Road, Leicester’s O2 Academy is your one-stop for tribute nights, live gigs and club events. Tickets to events are sold through the Ticketmaster website, making it easy to obtain them for your favourite student club nights. As well as working with Attitude is Everything to provide access for all customers, enabling everyone to enjoy a night out!
I attended a My Chemical Romance tribute night at this venue and it was even better than when I saw the real thing! The staff were lovely at the bar and seemed as though they also enjoyed the events they were working on. The O2 Academy is one of the best nightclub experiences I have ever had!
8. Fat Cats
Fat Cats is a cocktail bar and lounge on Belvoir Street, making it the perfect place to splurge and take pictures before you hit the clubs! Open Friday-Sunday, this bar has it all, serving the most Instagrammable beverages, and offering cocktail masterclasses. This is the place to hit up for your boujee birthday nights out! I know that DMU Dance Society has socials here every Wednesday, so there is limited access in the week. But you’re part of any of the societies then Fat Cats will be your go to. Often, themed nights include, Bay Watch, seasonal costumes for Halloween and Christmas and many more! Fat Cats is known to be one of the best nightclubs in Leicester for a fun night out!
7. Fan Club
Quoted as ‘one of the most iconic and longest standing Independent night clubs in the UK’ on their website, Fan Club is a must for any new students in Leicester! Since 1985, Fan Club has had four rooms playing 80’s, 90’s, pop, dance and R&B. Offering weekly club nights, live music, VIP bookings and much more, Fan Club knows how to cater to a night out. Whilst also being able to look back on your antics from the night before on their popular instagram page. I’ll let you decide whether that’s a good thing or not!
I know that a lot of the societies hold club nights in the week at Fan Club and Fat Cats so you’re more than likely to spend the best chunk of your week with them!
6. Helsinki
In the heart of the arts scene, around the corner from The Curve theatre sits Helsinki. Hosting foam parties, drag nights and some of the best 2 for 1 offers in the city, Helsinki is the LGBTQIA+ nightclub to be at.
From personal experience, Helsinki offers a safe space for customers from all walks of life, whilst also playing the best music out of all the clubs I have been to. I love a night at Helsinki’s, and often find myself going back there when the other clubs don’t deliver.
For me, I like that the venue isn’t heaving with people, like Mosh or Fan Club. It feels more intimate and personal. I have made many friends in the smoking area and on the dance floor. It is a very friendly, warm and welcoming club. Some of my friends who are not students descended on Leicester for a night out recently, and they ended up in Helsinki. Their feedback was that it was the best night out they’d had in ages.
A nightclub or bar is more inviting when all age ranges, tastes and interests are catered for. Helsinki does this effortlessly. A must if you are part of the LGBTQIA community, or if you just want to have a stress-free night out.
5. Dover Castle
Another LGBTQIA+ venue to look out for is Dover Castle! Opposite the Little Theatre, the rainbow doorway invites you in for a fun night of bingo or cabaret with Leicester’s best drag queens! Reasonably priced tickets and drinks, Dover Castle is the place to be!
I absolutely love the open mic nights and the bingo with the drag queens. Dover is such a fun night out!
4. Revolution Bar Leicester
As part of the revolution chain, the Leicester branch covers all areas. From bottomless brunches, to drinks packages, masterclasses and afternoon tea. Revolution serves up all the classics you know and love from back home!
A benefit to Revs, is that it is only a short walk from the train station. Meaning that if you’ve got visitors, it is the best place to be to make the most of their visit.
3. Apres Lounge
Opposite the local spoons and iconic Queen of Bradgate pub, Apres Lounge is right in the heart of nightlife in Leicester! In the style of an Alpine Lodge, this apres ski bar has a unique twist. From it’s daytime cosy corner, come night time the lounge is bustling with activity!
My personal highlight from going into this bar, was the smoking area. It allows you to see all the other pubs, clubs and bars open on the street. But I think this one wins with the interior decor. It looks so beautiful inside, if you’re sober enough to appreciate it.
2. The Shed
From live music to themed club nights, The Shed meets the criteria for all your alternative club nights. Playing, pop punk, emo and heavy metal. The Shed is a smaller, more compact version of Firebug.
From my own experience, I enjoyed the sense of community in The Shed as well as there being a good mix of people attending. If you’re a few years older than the average fresher, The Shed could be the place for you.
1. Firebug
Ultimately, the best nightclub in Leicester has to be Firebug! Situated on Millstone Lane, a short walk from DMU campus, Firebug is the place to hang out. Offering food till late, alongside pop quizzes and weekly events, the list of offerings at Firebug are endless. Home to the Rock Society, and many alternative events, this is the edgiest place and nightclub to hang out in Leicester city!
Not only all this, but Firebug offers a creative workspace in the daytime. Whether that be for a private meeting space, rehearsal rooms or just a break from the library, Firebug can accommodate your every need.
Whether you have a place at De Montfort University or the University of Leicester, Leicester city centre buzzes with life every day (or night) of the week. You can be sure that Leicester will feel like your new home in a matter of weeks! For more information about featured club nights in Leicester check this article out!
Last Updated on May 30, 2024
Published on May 29, 2024
I’m Leah Corbett, a 21 year old student from Leicester. I study English Literature with Creative Writing and am going into my final year. I enjoy writing creatively and have worked on various types of student-led publications.
