Nightlife in Norwich: From Someone Who Doesn't Drink!

Everyone assumes that 'university life' consists of going out drinking every night, however this doesn't have to be the case. Whilst of course this is the lifestyle that some people do choose to have, there are still plenty of things to do in Norwich for those who prefer a quieter night with their friends. Starting university as someone who doesn't drink might be something that people worry about, however I can assure you now, you certainly won't be the only one who much prefers a night in with a hot chocolate and a movie! Plenty of other people will be in the same boat. So below, I have listed a few of my favourite evening activities and places to go:
Hollywood Bowl
Located at 'Riverside', Norwich, Hollywood Bowl is a fantastic venue if you want an evening of bowling with friends, also with arcade games and food and drinks available. Don't forget to use your student discount!
Norwich Playhouse (and bar)
'Playhouse' is a popular choice with students at Norwich University of the Arts, it is located right next to our Guntons Building, and is a great place for people to meet up and have a drink with their friends. I personally really enjoy going here, because whilst my friends can be on the beers if they want to be, I can still join them and have a great time with my hot chocolate, with cream and marshmallows, while chatting and playing card games. The Playhouse is also a theatre, which has some great music and comedy nights too which are worth checking out. Speaking of theatre, Norwich Theatre Royal is another great night out if you like to see shows, live music or comedy.
Pub Quizzes
Whilst I don't drink, that doesn't stop me from looking forward to going to the pub with my friends, especially when it's quiz night! Various pubs in Norwich host regular quiz nights which are worth looking out for in an area close to where you'll be living. My local hosts quizzes every Tuesday and Sunday, and whilst my housemates and I try to attend as many Sundays as possible... we're still yet to win! Although we do get a packet of biscuits at the end for trying
Cafe's
There is a selection of cafes in Norwich that stay open late. This is the perfect opportunity to get take your laptop along to get some work done, or even a book to read with your headphones and a drink. Wright's, The Merchant's House, Yalm Food Hall and The Bicycle Shop are just handful of examples of cosy cafe's which are great to chill out in in the evenings.
Home
And lastly, staying home. Nothing beats a movie marathon in your pyjamas with snacks and a few boardgames with your housemates. Grab a takeaway, get comfortable, and wind down after a long day at uni.
There are of course so many other places you could try in the evenings at Norwich, but I hope that by listing just a few of them, I can help you feel more confident about starting university as a non-drinker. It'll be a blast!
Charlotte, Year 2 Graphic Design

Everyone assumes that 'university life' consists of going out drinking every night, however this doesn't have to be the case. Whilst of course this is the lifestyle that some people do choose to have, there are still plenty of things to do in Norwich for those who prefer a quieter night with their friends. Starting university as someone who doesn't drink might be something that people worry about, however I can assure you now, you certainly won't be the only one who much prefers a night in with a hot chocolate and a movie! Plenty of other people will be in the same boat. So below, I have listed a few of my favourite evening activities and places to go:
Hollywood Bowl
Located at 'Riverside', Norwich, Hollywood Bowl is a fantastic venue if you want an evening of bowling with friends, also with arcade games and food and drinks available. Don't forget to use your student discount!
Norwich Playhouse (and bar)
'Playhouse' is a popular choice with students at Norwich University of the Arts, it is located right next to our Guntons Building, and is a great place for people to meet up and have a drink with their friends. I personally really enjoy going here, because whilst my friends can be on the beers if they want to be, I can still join them and have a great time with my hot chocolate, with cream and marshmallows, while chatting and playing card games. The Playhouse is also a theatre, which has some great music and comedy nights too which are worth checking out. Speaking of theatre, Norwich Theatre Royal is another great night out if you like to see shows, live music or comedy.
Pub Quizzes
Whilst I don't drink, that doesn't stop me from looking forward to going to the pub with my friends, especially when it's quiz night! Various pubs in Norwich host regular quiz nights which are worth looking out for in an area close to where you'll be living. My local hosts quizzes every Tuesday and Sunday, and whilst my housemates and I try to attend as many Sundays as possible... we're still yet to win! Although we do get a packet of biscuits at the end for trying
Cafe's
There is a selection of cafes in Norwich that stay open late. This is the perfect opportunity to get take your laptop along to get some work done, or even a book to read with your headphones and a drink. Wright's, The Merchant's House, Yalm Food Hall and The Bicycle Shop are just handful of examples of cosy cafe's which are great to chill out in in the evenings.
Home
And lastly, staying home. Nothing beats a movie marathon in your pyjamas with snacks and a few boardgames with your housemates. Grab a takeaway, get comfortable, and wind down after a long day at uni.
There are of course so many other places you could try in the evenings at Norwich, but I hope that by listing just a few of them, I can help you feel more confident about starting university as a non-drinker. It'll be a blast!
Charlotte, Year 2 Graphic Design

Hi Charlotte,
I just wanted to reply and show some appreciation for this post!
As a non-drinker, it can feel quite isolating to see everyone else going out together. This is a common worry among new students, and many think that making friends can be difficult due to this. You've provided some great places for new (and current!) students to try, and I'm sure this will reassure prospective students too!
Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)

Hi there!
I also think this is a great post. I speak to so many people who feel nervous to come to Uni as they are worried that it is all just drinking, however there is so much more to university life than drinking so this is a great post! I don't know much about Norwich, but I thought I could add a couple of things that I like to do that do not involve drinking and are still really fun!





I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂