Teesside’s largest town offers a variety of arts and nightlife, with plenty of coastline and countryside to explore nearby.
Middlesbrough is a town I would describe as ‘cheap and cheerful’. Practically for a student, it has what you need at a reasonable price, and you don't have to walk far to be in town. It is known for the chicken parmo, it's industrial heritage, and the countryside and seaside are not far away. (Third year student, Teesside University)
What Middlesbrough's famous for...
Tees Valley countryside
About halfway between Sunderland and Whitby, Middlesbrough's a perfect spot for getting outdoors and exploring the coastline.
Middlesbrough nightlife, according to students
Despite Middlesbrough being a smaller university town, there is still plenty to do for nightlife. One of the favourites is Macy Brown’s, which always has great student deals and amazing cocktails. If you don’t drink, then there are also a lot of restaurants. There are some hidden gems further up Linthorpe Road away from the town centre, [like] The Copperstone which serves great Thai food. (Second year student, Teesside University)
Adrenaline junkies
Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge, a listed structure from the Edwardian era, is the only bridge in the UK with a licence for bungee jumping.
Middlesbrough nightlife, according to students
Linthorpe Road and Baker Street are full of cocktail bars, and micro bars with different music. Zetland Road is where all the clubs and pubs are at. If you like indie and rock, I would recommend The Middlesbrough Empire. For chilled, classy kind of vibes, The Dickens Inn and Macy Brown’s. (Second year student, Teesside University)
The Parmo
‘The Parmo’ is the late night, post-partying snack of Teesside – a breaded chicken cutlet topped with white béchamel sauce and cheese.
Student life in Middlesbrough
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
MIMA [Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art] is a free, favourite place of mine. [For] cheap food places, there is Perfect Chicken on Linthorpe Road, or Eat4Less in town. (Third year student, Teesside University)
Treat yourself
Dinner, followed by a visit to The Nuthatch, a more upmarket cocktail bar. The cocktails are strong, taste great, and the atmosphere is fab. (Second year student, Teesside University)
Friday night out
A typical Friday night out for me involves drinks at Macy Brown’s, before heading to a variety of pubs or clubs. If you’re looking for a club, people tend to end up in Empire. (Second year student, Teesside University)
Sunday chilling
I like to go to one of the local beaches. If you have access to a car then Whitby is great, although it is further than Redcar. Roseberry Topping is also nice for a walk. Closer to the uni, is Stewart Park. (Second year student, Teesside University)
When family visit
[Middlesbrough is] great as a base to visit the north. Leeds, Newcastle, Durham, the Yorkshire Moors etc. are all within an hour. (Second year student, Teesside University)
Feeling cultural
Arc [Stockton Arts Centre] in Stockton-on-Tees is about a 15-minute journey, [and] has many theatre performances, comedy nights, poetry, and local cinema productions. (Third year student, Teesside University)
Catch up with mates
For a catch up with friends, we like to go to Bakers Street Kitchen – great for brunch, and has a really warm atmosphere with great service. (Second year student, Teesside University)
Grab a bite
Middlesbrough is known for the ‘Parmo’ – you can grab one of these at most places, but Manjaros [is] a popular choice. Meze Lounge serves Turkish food, is very reasonably priced, and is closer to the uni. (Second year student, Teesside University)
Middlesbrough in pictures
The Tees Newport Bridge
Roseberry Topping
Living in Middlesbrough, according to students
Central Middlesbrough – you are pretty much guaranteed to find accommodation very close to campus. Despite being so close to campus, my accommodation is less than £100 a week, including bills, for a four bedroom, two bathroom house which is in great condition and very homely. I would recommend TS1 Students [letting agent], who have always been very helpful. The shopping centre is a five-minute walk down the road from the campus. (Second year student, Teesside University)
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
Living in Middlesbrough, according to students
Norton – I live north of the River Tees in Norton. Great cycle paths can get you much of the way [to campus] traffic-free if you have the legs for it (30 minutes to an hour) – car is 20 minutes depending on traffic, bus can vary. The high street has what you need. [It’s] probably a little more expensive, but much quieter than Middlesbrough town centre. (Third year student, Teesside University)
Living in Middlesbrough
Housing, travel, and budgeting tips.
Where you'll find students
- Parliament Road
- Borough Road
- Albert Park
Local transport
- Weekly ticket: £21.50
- Arriva Teesside SmartZone (weekly) ticket
- Bus
Student money tips
You can get the train directly from Middlesbrough to Saltburn-by-the-Sea for a couple of pounds, and be on the beach in less than half an hour. (Third year student, Teesside University)
The cost of living as a student soon adds up, us our budget calculator to find out roughly how much you'll need each month.
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Study options
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