10 bars and clubs in Teesside to check out during freshers’

Freshers can expect two weeks of club nights, social events and live entertainment designed to help them settle into student life and make lasting friendships.

Teesside offers students everything from late-night clubs and live entertainment to relaxed venues during Freshers’ Week and beyond.

Here are 10 bars and clubs to check out in the area.

(Image: Walkabout)

1. The Terrace, Teesside University Students’ Union

For many students, this will be the first stop – particularly if you’re enrolling with Teesside University this year.

At the heart of the campus, The Terrace and the wider Students’ Union will host Freshers’ events from September 20 to October 4.

The fortnight’s events include the Official Moving In Party, Find Your Feet Day, quizzes and games nights at The Terrace and The Hub.

2. Stack Middlesbrough

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

For those who don’t want to go clubbing every night, Stack offers a more laid-back social scene.

The shipping-container venue in Exchange Square features street-food vendors, bars, DJs, tribute acts and live music.

It’s ideal for daytime meet-ups and relaxed evenings before heading out elsewhere.

3. Central Hotel, Middlesbrough

Central Hotel, Middlesbrough (Image: Google Maps)

The Central is a long-standing Middlesbrough favourite, known for affordable drinks and late-night entertainment.

Close to the town centre, it regularly features on Freshers’ bar crawls and student nights.

4. Empire, Middlesbrough

Empire is one of Teesside’s best-known nightclubs and live music venues.

It hosts DJs, dance events and themed club nights, making it a big-room favourite during Freshers’ Week.

5. Club XS, Middlesbrough

Club XS, Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Club XS has long been a Middlesbrough nightlife staple, known for dancefloor-focused nights and a student-friendly atmosphere.

Its late opening hours and central location make Club XS a common final stop for Freshers’ nights out.

6. Flares and Popworld, Middlesbrough

Popworld and Flares, Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Flares and Popworld bring two venues under one roof.

Flares plays throwback hits from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, while Popworld focuses on chart hits and singalong favourites.

The pair are regular stops on student nights and at Freshers’ events.

7. Play, Middlesbrough

Play Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Play is one of the newer venues on Teesside’s nightlife scene.

It combines club nights with interactive games and social activities for a break from the usual nightclub experience.

8. KU, Stockton

KU Stockton (Image: Yorkshire.com)

A short drive from Middlesbrough, KU in Stockton is another popular student venue.

Its riverside setting, live music and club nights attract students from across Teesside.

9. The Keys, Yarm

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The Keys in Yarm is a cocktail bar and nightclub attracting crowds from across the region.

It offers a change of pace from Middlesbrough town centre’s larger student venues.

10. Sapphires, Middlesbrough

Sapphires, Middlesbrough (Image: Yorkshire.com)

Sapphires remains a popular late-night destination in Middlesbrough, with themed events and dance music that make it a student favourite.

Sapphire stands out as one of Middlesbrough’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ venues, offering a welcoming atmosphere and lively nights out.

Freshers’ Week officially begins on Sunday (September 20), with Teesside University Students’ Union promising two weeks of events, giveaways, club nights and activities.

Events include the Official Moving In Party at The Terrace, a Freshers Icebreaker at The Hub and daytime activities to help students settle into university life.

Teesside has plenty to offer, whether you want the dancefloor or a more relaxed night out.

Students can find the full Freshers’ events programme on the Teesside University Students’ Union website.

Cleveland Police launched an anti-spiking campaign ahead of the celebrations, with increased patrols and support at Freshers’ events across Teesside throughout September.

Cleveland Police will distribute anti-spiking bottle stoppers and pint-glass covers, while promoting the Holly Guard safety app and Ask for Angela scheme.