Durham has been named one of the best university cities in the UK for nightlife, according to a recent study.

With Freshers’ week approaching, students in the North East can take comfort in Durham’s vibrant and safe evening scene.

Known for its prestigious university, Durham offers 44 bars and clubs per 100,000 people, giving students a wide variety of options to enjoy their night out.

The study, by Get Licensed, highlighted that ninety-five per cent of these venues are rated 3 stars or above in TripAdvisor, placing the city second in the UK for venue quality.

Get Licensed best city for a night out graphic listGet Licensed best city for a night out graphic list (Image: Get Licensed)Read more:

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Safety is also a key feature of Durham’s appeal. The city ranks as the safest university town in the country, with a safety index score of 80 out of 100.

Low crime rates, particularly for burglary and muggings, add to the city’s attraction, providing students with a secure environment to socialise and make new friends.

Meanwhile, the survey found that students at Teesside University are best placed to take advantage of Middlesbrough’s affordability.

The town offers the cheapest pints in the UK, averaging just £3 per drink.

Get Licensed city with the cheapest pint graphicGet Licensed city with the cheapest pint graphic (Image: Get Licensed) Middlesbrough also boasts some of the lowest taxi rates, averaging £0.75 per kilometre, making it a budget-friendly option for a night out.

As Fresher’s Week begins, Shahzad Ali, CEO of Get Licensed, advises students to prioritise safety, adding: “Before going out, make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have the contact details of others in your group.

“When out, you should also make sure that you are watching your drink; both how much you are drinking and the drink itself.

“If you do believe that you or someone in your group has been spikes, get them water immediately and take them home. If they are unresponsive, call and ambulance and make sure someone stays with them for safety and support.”

As students in the North East settle into their new surroundings, they can look forward to some of the best surroundings, seeking fun and affordability without compromising on quality or safety.