The Iglu Guide | Blog

7 of the best night-out ideas for students in Sydney

Every night is student night in Sydney, so when it comes to getting out and about why limit yourself to the weekends? There’s plenty on offer to keep you amused in this beautiful harbour city, so make sure you make the most of everything that’s around you whenever you have the chance. And with the cost of living still a concern for all students, many Sydney venues are offering student-friendly prices and free experiences to encourage you along. All you need is a willing mind, and some legs for travel – and if you can persuade some friends to join you for the ride, there’s plenty of fun coming your way. Take advantage of the awesome public transport system to transport you around the city and take your pick from one of these top Sydney nights.

1. A night at the movies

Nothing says Saturday night like a bucket of popcorn and the big screen, and Sydney has more than her fair share of cinema houses with something to suit all tastes. If you prefer the big chain experience, check out the Event cinema option with half-price tickets available every Tuesday for Cinebuzz members. To join the Cinebuzz program completely free of charge, simply log on and sign up, and you’ll immediately enjoy access to special offers and promotions – as well as earn reward points for every screening you attend. Event has screening venues across the city including Bondi Junction and George Street – a mere stone’s throw from Iglu Broadway. The more discerning film buff may prefer a smaller arthouse venue such as the Golden Age cinema. Housed in the original Paramount Pictures building complete with a David Lynch-inspired bar, Golden Age promises an inclusive social experience whether through current and retrospective programming, or live music. Join as a member and never have to pay for popcorn again. Finally, students should not miss the Sydney outdoor cinema season. The perfect way to spend time with friends, all you need is a rug and some snacks, and time to chill out under the stars at different venues across the city. Try the Moonlight cinema at Centennial Park, the Sunset Cinema in North Sydney or the Open Air Cinema in Sydney Harbour.

2. Pub trivia

It’s time to put that student education to good use and nail the local pub trivia. Start with the Tudor Hotel in Redfern on a Wednesday night. Known as the locals’ local, and a mere 5 minutes’ walk from Iglu Redfern, here you’ll find humour, facts, pop-culture and more, as well as $18 bargain nachos for sharing. Or try the Lansdowne on Broadway for another rival Wednesday night trivia, just 7 minutes’ walk from Iglu Central Park. Complete with a $15 burger special and $7 schooner, this trivia night is all about the creative fun factor. It’s completely free to play – and you can win over $150 in prizes. Movie buffs should check out the Golden Age bar every Tuesday from 6.15pm, for movie-themed rounds ranging from the fun to the sublime. Popular, compact and bijou, bookings are essential. Get your team pace primed at Marrickville’s Golden Barley, where every Monday there’s the chance to win hard cash, bar vouchers or rounds of drinks – what’s not to love. And when you’re done, there’s time to explore some of the six Marrickville breweries such as the Grifter Brewing Co and Wildflowers. Whoever said the inner west was not super cool? Best of all, it’s just a hop skip and jump back to Iglu Summer Hill.

3. Bowl yourself over

When you want some good old-fashioned fun, there’s nothing like getting the gang together for a bowling session. Try Strike in Darling Harbour and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Sydney Harbour, or check out the Chatswood venue just two minutes’ walk from Iglu Chatswood. Students can bowl their hearts out all day Monday to Thursday for just $12 with a Unidays student code. For a more retro theme, head over to the Manhattan Superbowl in Mascot, where Red card members can earn up to 30% off bowling prices between Monday to Thursday. Have a quick drink at the Newmarket next door and then take a 5 minute stroll back home to Iglu Mascot.

4. Dance the night away

When it comes to hitting the dancefloor, it’s not just about the glitz and glamour of VIP. Sydney does a great job of catering to the student community and there’s some budget-friendly fun to be had every night of the week. Darlinghurst’s Club 77 is free on weekdays, and there’s a 25% discount on all weekend drinks Friday to Sunday 8pm-4am with the Club 77 Locals Card, as well as express entry. Check your postcode for eligibility, but Iglu Redfern, Broadway, Central, and Central Park are all good to go! Dance the night away at the Oxford Art Factory for the best in live music. With a buzzing line up every night of the week there’s always something worth watching. Similarly, the Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale is great for live music and is considered one of Sydney’s most iconic venues. With regular drink specials and a late license, it’s a student’s favourite hangout. Impy Sungays at the inner west’s Imperial Hotel is the place to be to party on a Sunday. With rotating drag hosts, burlesque shows, lip sync battles and cheap refreshments, Mondays will never feel the same again. Don’t miss the Soda Factory, cunningly hidden behind a fake coke machine with free entry from Tuesday to Thursday. And it would be remiss not to mention Ivy Thursdays. Known for a student-friendly crowd, it’s free to get in before 10pm and fun all the way.

5. Culture by night

Culture vultures should head to the Art Gallery of NSW every Wednesday night for a regular program of live music, screenings, workshops, events and gallery tours. Art After Hours is free to everyone, it runs every week until 10pm and there’s even a free shuttle bus to get you back to transport hubs. Don’t forget to check out the new modern North wing that features more contemporary exhibitions. Get your judge’s hat ready for Kelly’s on King, where comedians come together in a competitive format – and you get to choose who makes it through to the next round. Jokes Off costs a mere $15 entrance fee and runs every week. Check out Kweens of Comedy, a Friday night celebration of all types of comedy and all types of comedians – as well as Oxford Street’s longest running comedy night. It might set you back $20, but what a way to kickstart the weekend.

6. Get lost in the city

There’s no better way to get to know a city than walking the streets, and there’s nothing better than exploring a city by night. Enjoy the bright lights of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, catch a ferry across the waterways until late into the night, or take a stroll down one of the well-trodden harbour walkways. Explore the myriad of secret passages in The Rocks and soak up the history that lies in the harbour walls. Best of all, it’s absolutely free! And when you’re all strolled out, there’s plenty of cheap eat options around town that’ll keep you on budget.

7. Iglu Events

Sometimes, all you need to do is look a little closer to home for ideas on what to do. Iglu residents have the benefit of on-site support which means you simply have to turn up, and Iglu has your evening covered! Think Bingo speed-friending, Aussie movie nights, guided bus tours, pizza nights, BBQs, taco nights and more. There’s literally something going on every week that’s gets the Iglu community together. Pick and choose what suits at your leisure. 

And remember…

As much fun as it is to party the week away, it’s also important to take good care of your health and wellbeing. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and staying active so that you really get the best out of your student experience.

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