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Life in Sunderland

Sunderland is an ideal city to be a student. It's affordable, friendly, and has the perfect blend of nature, culture, and nightlife. The city is ever-developing, yet stays true to its rich history. Whether you're local, or moving to join us, life in Sunderland is a unique experience.

Four students running alongside a beach in Sunderland
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Sunderland is a seaside city in the north-east of England, in the county of Tyne and Wear.

Beaches and seaside

Endless sands and miles of beautiful coastline make Seaburn and Roker Beaches the perfect places for walking, cold water swimming, and watersports.

A landscape of the beach, the sea and a pier with a lighthouse on Sunderland's coastlineSunderland coastline, with a view of Roker Pier and Lighthouse
Sunderland MarinaSunderland Marina
Students drawing in the sand on Roker beachStudents on Roker beach

Parks and countryside

You're never too far from the great outdoors in Sunderland. We've got plenty of green spaces close to campus, including Mowbray Park, Barnes Park, and Roker Park. Further afield is Herrington Country Park, which is a short distance from Penshaw Monument.

A pond and green spaces at Herrington Park, with Penshaw Monument in the backgroundHerrington Country Park (Picture credit: NewcastleGateshead Initiative)
Students walking and chatting together through Mowbray Park on a sunny dayStudents walking through Mowbray Park
Mowbray Park on a sunny winter's dayMowbray Park

History and culture

Sunderland has a vibrant cultural heritage. There's something for everyone to explore, from galleries, museums, and historical attractions. You could explore the English Heritage's Hylton Castle, visit the National Trust's Penshaw Monument, or take a tour of Roker Pier and Lighthouse.

Our history is even part of our modern culture. Grade II listed complex, Sheepfolds Stables, and the Vaux Brewery site have undergone recent transformations to bring them back into usage for food, drinks, and entertainment.

The green house section of the Winter Gardens next to the pond in Mowbray ParkSunderland Museum and Winter Gardens next to Mowbray Park
Penshaw MonumentPenshaw Monument
Roker Pier and LighthouseRoker Pier and Lighthouse

Food and drink

There are so many great places to eat and drink in Sunderland. From restaurants and cafés to takeaways and street food vendors, there’s something for everyone at all times of the day. See our guide on the best places to eat in Sunderland for more.

A bao bun and dips from Pablo Eggs-Go-BaoA bao bun and dips from Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao
A close up of a person's hands holding a plate with a handmade dessert from The Sweet PetiteA handmade dessert from The Sweet Petite
A chef putting a fried chicken burger togetherFood from The Botanist

Shopping and entertainment

The Bridges Shopping Centre (opens in new tab)is the city centre's main shopping hub. Then, just a short drive or bus journey away, Dalton Park(opens in new tab) and The Galleries(opens in new tab) are home to a wide range of retail outlets. For more of a day trip, you could travel to Gateshead's Metrocentre(opens in new tab) or Newcastle's extensive choice of shops.

For evening entertainment, there's something for everyone. Whether you're into music, comedy, theatre, pub quizzes or karaoke, Sunderland has a lot to offer.

Head to street food, lifestyle, and entertainment hub, STACK Seaburn(opens in new tab) for a fun night out. If you're a theatre lover, you'll be spoilt for choice with Sunderland Empire Theatre and the Fire Station auditorium both a five minute walk from City Campus. And for a classic student night out, there are themed nights, classic club nights, plus lots of student-friendly drinks offers to take advantage of.

Students shopping in Lush in The Bridges Shopping CentreStudents shopping in Lush in The Bridges Shopping Centre
stack SunderlandSTACK Sunderland
A large crowd sitting waiting for a show in the Sunderland Empire TheatreSunderland Empire Theatre

Sports and fitness

Sunderland offers plenty of options for sports fans. Take a trip to the Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland AFC, to watch a Premier League football match. The Stadium also offers other sporting events – it even hosted the opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2025. For cricket lovers, Durham County Cricket Club is a short trip away on public transport.

If you want to keep active, you could become a member at CitySpace, our on-campus sport and fitness facility. For something more action packed, check out Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope or Adventure Sunderland. And if competing is your thing, why not join Team Sunderland.

Exterior of the Stadium of LightStadium of Light
The Sports Hall at CitySpaceThe Sports Hall at CitySpace
A student climbing on the Climbing Wall at CitySpaceThe Climbing Wall at CitySpace

Travel and transport

Sunderland has excellent transport links to Newcastle, Northumberland, and Durham. You could even explore beyond the region and travel to North Yorkshire, Cumbria, or Scotland via train or car. Check out our guide on getting here for further details on travel options.