Best Clubs in Plymouth: Your Complete Student Guide

Plymouth is an exciting city where students can balance their academics and delight in the dazzling nightlife. On the weekends or after long lectures, are you fascinated by a break or trying incredible things to do in Plymouth? Let's dress up in full glam and rock in style. The clubs in Plymouth are vibrant, and the live music will refresh you completely.  Whether you are dancing or enjoying a cosy evening with friends, perfect spots are waiting for you. 

Plymouth is full of energy, you can head from adventurous venues to relaxed and iconic nightclubs. It is student-friendly, and yes, you can expect affordable deals along with a great selection of themed parties, music, and drinks. For more convenience, consider student accommodation in Plymouth that is located near nightlife, making it easier, safer, and more enjoyable. 

Plymouth's Best Clubs Breakdown

1. PRYZM 

PRYZM is located at Barbican Leisure Park and is open from Thursday to Saturday. It is a massive and one of the biggest nightclubs with a capacity of 1,500 people. There are three rooms, each with a unique vibe. Room 1 features commercial dance and chart hits, and Room 2 is known for R&B, hip-hop, and urban beats. Room 3 features electronic music and a dance floor that keeps your energy high throughout the night. Students enjoy  Thursday nights for their discounted entry, pricing ranges from £8–£15 for entry, £4–£7 for spirits, £3–£5 for beer, and VIP booths start from £150. If the prices seem expensive, students can opt for part-time jobs in Plymouth. It will help in balancing their academics and social life conveniently. 

2. Switch & AIR 

Switch & AIR is located on North Hill and is conveniently located near Plymouth University. It is open from Monday to Saturday and closes at 6 am on weekends. This spot is among students' favourites, where they can enjoy different themed nights every day. From Indie and Rock on Monday to Bangers on Tuesday and Bootlegs on Wednesday. The main student nights are on Friday and Saturday, and are perfect for ending the weekend on a high note. The entry fee ranges from  £5 to £12, depending on the night, with drinks typically priced between £3 and £6.

3. Popworld 

Popworld is located in the city centre, and it is open from Wednesday to Saturday. The club is known for its beautiful UV walls, rotating dance floors, and pop hits from the '90s to now. There is a fun and energetic atmosphere with a free entry on most nights. The club features a phone charging locker and themed events. The cocktail is priced between £5–£8, beer at £3–£5, and shots from £3–£4. Since the club is in the heart of the city, students can grab a bite at nearby restaurants in Plymouth and then head to a club to keep the good vibes going.

4. OMG Plymouth 

OMG, Plymouth is located on Vauxhall Street in the Barbican. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong local community. Wednesdays feature Poundemonium student nights with £1 drink deals. Friday brings drag shows and cabaret. Saturday is considered the main club day, just don't forget your valid ID for the fantastic discounts. Entry ranges from £3 to £8, depending on the event. If you are in the mood for something more relaxed and peaceful space, consider visiting museums in Plymouth. 

5. Images Nightclub 

Images Nightclub is located on Cornwall Street and is open on Friday and Saturday. It is popular for its long-running Black Catz goth night, which has been a staple since 2002. On Saturday, students can delight in the DJs' spin of industrial, metal, and goth tracks from 9 pm to 4 am. The entry price is between  £5 and £8, and drinks range from £3 to £5. Students genuinely enjoy the underground vibe, spacious areas and a safe surrounding. 

If you are looking to connect with others who share your interests, join student clubs and societies in Plymouth. It offers a great way to meet like-minded people and make lasting friendships. 

Money-Saving Tips for Students

Pre-Drinks Strategy

Most Plymouth students pre-drink before hitting the clubs, and there are plenty of smart ways to do it. Popular pre-drink spots include student accommodation common rooms, home bars in student housing. The Fortescue pub near campus and Walkabout in the city centre are known for their affordable drinks. 

When planning your night out, it’s helpful to keep a budget in mind. Pre-drinks at home typically cost between £5 and £10, club entry ranges from £0 to £15, club drinks can add up to £15 to £25, and a taxi home usually costs between £5 and £12. Altogether, a typical night out in Plymouth can range from £25 to £62.

Looking for the best tool to manage your budget? Try the cost of living calculator and estimate your monthly expenses. 

Student Discount Hunting

There are plenty of ways to save on nights out in Plymouth. Students can follow social media pages and get updates on discount codes and exclusive offers. Most venues also offer student ID discounts and group booking discounts for parties of eight or more. To make it more reasonable, students can use apps like UNiDAYS for general discounts, Student Beans for night out offers, and club-specific apps that offer loyalty points.

Drinks Strategy

Knowing the drink prices helps in managing the cost of living in Plymouth and allows students to better budget for other expenses, including accommodation,  rent, food, and study materials.

Getting Around Plymouth Nightlife

Transport Options

The transport system in Plymouth is excellent, students can conveniently travel to the universities, to the city centre and clubs. The regular bus services are available throughout the day. Students can opt for day passes and save on the travelling costs. For late-night returns, Uber operates in Plymouth, alongside local taxi firms like A2B, Apple, and Central Taxis. 

Safety Guide for Students

Personal safety is essential when planning a night out in Plymouth. Before heading out, make sure your phone is charged, keep emergency contacts, and carry essential items. After clubbing, plan your transport to avoid delay. The safety guide for Plymouth includes important emergency contact numbers: Emergency services can be reached at 999, the police non-emergency line is 101, and University Security can be contacted at 01752 588588.

Alternative Entertainment Options

Beyond Traditional Clubs

For those looking to go beyond traditional clubs, Plymouth offers a variety of alternative nightlife options. Live music lovers can enjoy performances at The Junction, which hosts local bands and touring acts. Plymouth Pavilions is the go-to venue for major concerts, while student union venues regularly feature live gigs. If cocktails are more your style, The Barbican Kitchen serves upscale drinks, Boho offers a creative cocktail menu, and The Treasury hosts cocktail masterclasses. For late-night food, Barbican Fish & Chips is a classic choice after clubbing, McDonald’s is open 24 hours, and there are plenty of kebab shops in the city centre. Students can also grab snacks at the student union near campus.

Student Accommodation in Plymouth 

Whether you are heading to university or planning for a night out, it is important to choose the right student accommodation. If you consider the best areas to live in Plymouth, it has benefits for students, from quick access to local amenities and top universities. There are plenty of options to choose from. If you are looking for luxury student accommodation in Plymouth, check out studio rooms for spacious and independent living. 

Conclusion

Plymouth's club scene offers something for every student. From massive commercial venues to intimate underground spaces, you'll find your perfect night out. Plymouth's diversity means you'll find places that suit your style. Start safely, experiment gradually, and always look out for your mates. The best nights often happen when you least expect them. Whether you're dancing until 6 am at Switch, experiencing drag excellence at OMG, or discovering underground music at Images, Plymouth's clubs are waiting to become part of your university story.  Follow all the clubs on social media before your first term. You'll get access to student deals, event previews, and discount codes that can save you hundreds over your university years.

Your Plymouth nightlife adventure starts now. Make it legendary, but make it safe.