Hull at a glance
Hull, officially known as Kingston upon Hull, is a port city in East Yorkshire that blends coastal charm with a vibrant student culture. It’s home to the University of Hull, known for its academic excellence and international community. Hull is affordable, welcoming, and packed with cultural experiences, from museums to street art, making it a popular choice for students seeking both value and variety.
Hull is a relatively small city, which has enjoyed something of a renaissance since its City of Culture status. People are friendly, drinks are cheap, [it’s] full of green spaces, and home to The Deep Aquarium, Freedom [arts] Festival, and ‘American’ chip spice! (Second year student, University of Hull)
Train station
Student population
Browse through the universities and colleges in Hull to find one that suits you.
City highlights
Hull has undergone a cultural revival since being named UK City of Culture in 2017. Visit the Ferens Art Gallery, Hull Maritime Museum, and Humber Street for street art, food, and live music. The Old Town is full of historic pubs and cobbled lanes, while Queens Gardens and East Park offer green space to relax or study. The Deep, one of the UK’s largest aquariums, is also a must-see on the waterfront.
Hull Marina: Built in 1807 and originally known as Humber Dock, the marina is home to cafes and restaurants, the maritime museum, and a thriving nightlife.
Living in Hull
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
When family visit
Feeling cultural
Sunday chilling
Catch up with mates
Transport tips
Hull is a compact and bike-friendly city. Local buses operated by East Yorkshire Buses serve the city well, and student passes help reduce travel costs. Hull Paragon Interchange connects trains and buses under one roof, offering direct links to Leeds, York, and London. The city is also part of the National Cycle Network, making cycling a great option for commuting and leisure.
Accommodation
Most students live in areas like Newland Avenue, Cottingham Road, and Beverley Road, all close to campus and full of cafés and shops. Accommodation in Hull is affordable, with a wide choice of halls and shared houses. The University of Hull provides international student support, campus security, and health and wellbeing services – helping you feel at home from day one.
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international student planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
Hull offers everything from traditional pubs to international eateries. Try Dope Burger or Falafia for quick bites, or head to Humber Street for stylish bistros. The university campus has cafés and meal deals, and Princes Avenue is a hotspot for student-friendly restaurants. Options for vegan, halal, and global cuisines are easy to find, and often at affordable prices.
Chip spice: There's only one way to have your chips in this city – sprinkled with special paprika salt.
What to visit
Aside from museums and galleries, Hull has plenty to keep you busy. Walk the Hull Fish Trail for quirky local history, or visit Pearson Park and West Park for greenery and sport. Catch live performances at Hull Truck Theatre or music at the Connexin Live Arena. From cinema nights to poetry slams, there’s always something happening on and off campus.
The main student area is Newland Avenue and Princes Avenue, which has [a] lot of bars and restaurants to hang out in. If you are into a slightly messier night out, there are loads of places to go for a dance and some Jägerbombs. Humber Street was the trendy area, but has become quite gentrified. If you're after a posh drink, that is the place to go.
I live in the University Quarter right next to campus. It is convenient for getting to lectures in the morning, and is cheaper than on campus. The area is predominantly student accommodation, which is nice as many friends live on the same street and you don't have to worry so much about neighbors. There are many bus stops around to get to the city centre, however no routes to the hospital. There are a fair few shops. It is a five-minute walk from Newland Avenue, a street packed with pubs, clubs, cafes, shops, and takeaways.
On your doorstep
Hull is perfectly placed for exploring East Yorkshire. Head to the coast at Bridlington, Hornsea, or Spurn Point for beach days and nature walks. York and Leeds are easy train journeys for day trips and shopping. You can also take a ferry from Hull to the Netherlands for a short European getaway – perfect for adventurous students.
Beach at Bridlington
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
UCAS Hub
Explore your options, favourite your interests and get tailored advice in the UCAS Hub.