In the UK you won't find the raucous fraternity party or football tailgate that are hallmarks of US college life. UK students enjoy some of the same leisure activities as US students - going to bars, catching a play or going dancing - but read on for the low-down on what makes UK nightlife unique.

ARTS AND CULTURE

UK arts are diverse, vibrant and contemporary, and you can get your culture fix either on-campus or off. Many universities have their own cinema and also theaters where local companies and students perform. If you want to get off-campus, most UK cities (especially university towns) draw a wide range of concerts and performing arts events. Many venues offer tempting discount tickets for students.

While popular musicians like Coldplay and Radiohead or artists like Anish Kapoor and Damien Hirst have gained international fame, the UK hosts a plethora of new and emerging artists. Their work in many ways defines modern Britain and provides you with a multitude of cutting-edge entertainment options. Look to Our Guide to UK Arts for the latest on Britain’s entertainment scene, or check out CultureFix for cool features on contemporary art from the UK.

PUBS AND BARS

Visits to pubs and bars form an important part of British social life. The legal age to drink in the UK is 18. As such, drinking isn’t as much of a novelty as it is in the US. Nowhere in the UK will you find the fraternity parties found at many US campuses.

You might find the atmosphere at most UK pubs more welcoming and congenial than at typical US college bars: friends meet to talk and laugh with each other, throw darts, watch “footie” (as football is affectionately called) or just have lunch. Most pubs open daily between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., and many serve food.

Bars, such as wine bars and cocktail bars, sometimes have special licenses to stay open later but tend not to be open during the day. Going out for a drink is a typical way to arrange to meet friends, and it's common for friends to take turns buying rounds (drinks) for their whole table. But, of course, it is important to remember that you don’t have to drink alcohol, even if you are in a pub or environment where many others are drinking.

CLUBBING

While many US students like to go dancing, the UK and the rest of Europe takes the art of clubbing to new levels. From garage to drum ‘n base and from hip-hop to rock, the UK’s diverse and cutting-edge music provides a perfect backdrop for students to dance or chill out with friends.

Some of the UK’s bigger cities – like London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Brighton – are known worldwide for their wicked club scene. Many student unions host weekly club nights at local venues, with such theme nights as 80s and costume parties. If you’re lucky, your union might have a club right on campus.

LATE-NIGHT GRUB

For many UK university students a night spent partying is not complete without a snack before bed. Whereas in the US students might stop for a slice of pizza or a fast food hamburger, in the UK fish and chip shops, donner kebab stands and Indian curry houses stay open ‘til the wee hours of the morning. A typical post-partying Indian meal is vindaloo – one of the spiciest foods around. Finishing a whole portion is a sure-fire way to prove your machismo!

STUDENT-RUN ACTIVITIES

Each university has a student union which organizes a host of activities: theater performances, movie nights and quiz nights. All university clubs and sports from football and volleyball to drawing and film are run through the union and are a great way to meet other students and get involved in campus life.