Deadlines, darker evenings and a bank balance that has seen better days? There’s still room for a few good plans before the Christmas break. Whether you’re studying at the University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Marjon or City College Plymouth, there are places to hear live music, meet people, get creative and find something different to do without spending a fortune.
From a £5 cinema trip to free art events and a festive café catch-up, here are seven ideas for November and early December. Most welcome the public too; check the specific entry guidance for Students’ Union events.
1. Make your next catch-up a festive café date
You don’t need a big event to get everyone together. Pick a campus café, put a time in the group chat and have a proper catch-up before people disappear for the holidays.
The University of Plymouth’s cafés welcome students, staff and visitors. Selected cafés, including RLB Cafe and Drake’s Kitchen, offer buy one, get one half-price regular hot drinks from 2.30pm. The cheapest drink is half price; extras such as syrups and alternative milk are excluded. Bring a reusable cup for a separate advertised saving of 20p on a hot drink.
For an early Christmas get-together, Drake’s Kitchen advertises Christmas dinners at £8.95 for students on Wednesdays from 18 November to 16 December. Visitors are welcome, but visitor and staff food prices are subject to VAT.
Where: University of Plymouth campus cafés; venues and opening hours vary.
Cost: Pay for what you order; check current offers and eligibility at the till.
Booking: Check the catering page or email catering@plymouth.ac.uk for group arrangements. This is an idea for organising your own meet-up, rather than a hosted social.
See campus café offers
See Christmas dining dates
2. Find your next favourite local act at Bread & Roses
If you like your nights out with a soundtrack and a bit of character, Bread & Roses is worth getting to know. This independent community arts pub on Ebrington Street hosts live music, open-mic sessions, poetry, comedy, DJs and exhibitions.
November’s programme includes Patio Joe on Friday 6 November, advertised as free, and Jazz Funk Emporium on Saturday 7 November at £5. Both are listed from 8pm–11pm. There’s also a Folk Session on 11 November and Sip & Paint on 17 November; check individual event details before heading out.
Where: Bread & Roses, Ebrington Street.
Cost: Varies by event; free and paid nights are listed.
Booking: Check the calendar for ticket requirements and age restrictions. Bring student ID if asking about student offers.
Explore Bread & Roses’ programme
3. Hear student performers at a free Jam House night
Want live music without buying a gig ticket? Jam House at the University of Plymouth Students’ Union brings together student performers and South West artists for a regular open-mic night.
You can go to support a friend, discover someone new or ask about performing yourself. The November calendar lists Thursday sessions on 5, 12, 19 and 26 November, from 8pm–1am.
The SU lists step-free access, accessible and gender-neutral toilets, and multiple rooms where you can take a break.
Where: University of Plymouth Students’ Union, Drake Circus campus.
Cost: Free entry, subject to capacity and entry rules.
Entry: Plan for an 18+ evening and bring photographic proof of age as well as student ID. If you study elsewhere or are bringing a non-student friend, check guest arrangements with UPSU in advance; free entry does not mean unrestricted public entry.
Fancy playing? Email events@upsu.com.
Find out about Jam House
Check upcoming dates
Read SU entry guidance
4. Swap a night of scrolling for a £5 cinema ticket
Plymouth Arts Cinema offers £5 tickets for students and people aged 25 and under, so you can try something different without paying the standard £9.50 price.
For a creative twist, Knitflix: Wicker on Saturday 14 November at 3pm lets you bring knitting, crochet or another craft project to a relaxed screening with the house lights left on low. All tickets for that session are £5, and the film is rated 15.
Or join No Trees No Seas on Wednesday 25 November, 6pm–8pm, for an environmental documentary, short film and Q&A. Check that event’s ticket options before booking.
Where: Plymouth Arts Cinema, Arts University Plymouth, Tavistock Place.
Cost: £5 student tickets for standard screenings; special events may have different prices. Online bookings add £1.50 per transaction, waived for members.
Booking: Book online and bring proof of eligibility where required. Age certificates apply. Eligible companions and carers can receive free tickets.
Browse the cinema programme
Check student prices and concessions
Book Knitflix: Wicker
Explore No Trees No Seas and Q&A
5. Get creative without needing to be “good at art”
Make Something Club offers a couple of hours of making alongside other people, with no pressure to produce a masterpiece.
At the December session, you can try the optional creative activity, bring your own project or do a little of both. Possible activities include drawing, painting, stitching, textiles and air-dry clay; the exact activity varies. Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits are included, so it’s a sociable alternative to another evening at your desk.
Where: Stitch & Splodge, 32 Devonport Road, Stoke.
When: Wednesday 9 December 2026, 6.30pm–8.30pm.
Cost: £10 per session, including materials for the optional activity and refreshments. No subscription.
Booking: Ages 18+. Check availability with Ginger + Make before planning your visit; tickets are non-refundable. Come alone or with friends.
Check Make Something Club and booking availability
6. Try a free gallery visit, film or artist conversation
You don’t have to study at Arts University Plymouth to explore MIRROR. Its public gallery and events programme welcome everyone, making it an easy place to find creative inspiration between lectures or on a free afternoon.
Chantal Powell’s SEEDBED exhibition runs until 11 December, bringing together ceramic and glass works exploring transformation, nature and mythology.
For something extra, To Die into a Bird screens at Plymouth Arts Cinema on Monday 23 November, 6pm–7.30pm, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Anna Kushnerova and curator Orjana Rudeloff. It’s free and open to all, with advance booking required. There’s also a free closing exhibition tour with Chantal Powell on 10 December, 2pm–4pm; book in advance.
Where: MIRROR and Plymouth Arts Cinema, Arts University Plymouth, Tavistock Place.
Cost: Free.
Booking: Book the film event and closing tour through the linked listings. Check gallery opening hours before visiting.
Explore SEEDBED and related events
Book To Die into a Bird and artist conversation
7. Find a Christmas gift made by another young creative
Skip the panic-buying and browse something made here in Plymouth. Design to Sell is Arts University Plymouth’s pop-up shop showcasing work by its Pre-Degree students, aged 16 to 19.
Expect original artwork, prints, textiles, fashion, photography and craft. It’s a chance to support emerging talent, pick up something personal and get ideas for your own creative projects.
You don’t need to be an AUP student to visit: the Thursday session is explicitly open to the public.
Where: Palace Court, Buckwell Street, Plymouth, PL1 2DA.
When: Thursday 26 November 2026, 10am–3pm; last entry 2.30pm.
Cost: Free entry; purchases extra.
Booking: See the public-opening details online. The private view on 25 November has separate invitation arrangements.
Plan a visit to Design to Sell
You don’t need to squeeze in all seven. Choose a gig, send someone a café invitation or book something creative before the term gets away from you. A good end-of-term memory doesn’t have to come with a big bill.
Details checked on 3 November 2026. Dates, prices, offers and availability may change. Bring student ID for concessions, check event age restrictions and confirm SU guest arrangements before visiting.
