So here it is. The NME Student Guide 2005 in a digital format. It's the complete set of city guides, in full. Everything you need to get acquainted with your new city, as edited by NME's Krissi Murison. We've added gig listings too, so that you can check whats going on, and buy tickets for gigs in your city at a glance.
Plus, behind each guide is a message board dedicated to your city, it's the chance for you to post all the latest happenings, promote your night or talk about a band you saw last night.
And if you're looking for the competition to Win a Job At NME, look no further.
Shag @ The Limelight
17 Ormeau Avenue, BT2 8HD, 02890 325968Tuesday night at the Limelight offers three rooms with three different sounds for just three of your finest quid.
Best for: When your housemates are arguing over music tastes.
Howl @ The Pavillion
296 Ormeau Road, BT7 2GB, 02890 283283Howl is an alternative gay night for those who love their music but hate the scene. Held at the Pavillion on the first and third Friday each month, it’s good craic no matter which way you swing.
Best for: Defying stereotypes.
Ski Bunny @ Auntie Annie’s
44 Dublin Road, BT2 7HN, 02890 501660A very cool mix of all things alternative upstairs at Auntie Annie’s every Saturday night. It’s more cosy than cramped, making it easy to fall in with the regulars.
Best for: A night off the Limelight.
Shine @ Queens University Student Union
75-87 University Road, BT7 1NF, 02890 973106Mainly dance beats, but with the occasional house or electro pop option, this Saturday night shindig is worth keeping an eye on for the odd gem.
Best for: Restoring your faith in anything with a beat.
Mandella Hall
75-87 University Road, BT7 1NF, 02890 973106Located in the Queen’s student union basement, the terraced layout of this venue makes it a great place to see local talent and better known imports.
Best for: Being a short arse.
The Front Page
106-108 Donegal Street, BT1 2GX 02890 324924Tucked away in the Cathedral Quarter, it gets its name from the journalists and media-types propping up the bar. This tends to be the first step on the ladder for a lot of bands.
Best for: Saying you saw them first. So there.
The Menagerie
130 University Street, BT7 1HH, 02890 235678Frequented by a diverse body of regulars and art students. Cat’s Ass on Wednesday nights is worth checking out for its mix of acoustic, world and indie.
Best for: Watching DIY types.
The Empire Music Hall
40-42 Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JQ, 02890 249276The epicentre of Belfast’s bohemia, this converted church produces its own gig guide. Keep an eye out for local legends such as Iain Archer and Duke Special, but avoid the tribute bands.
Best for: Capturing the heart of the Belfast scene.
Auntie Annie’s
44 Dublin Road, BT2 7HN, 02890 501660The watering hole most frequented by Belfast’s musical glitterati. Critique the latest unsigned Japanese ska band while eyeing up some shaggy haired indie boys/girls.
Best for: Checking out “talent”.
Clements
Clements Botanic, 68 Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JR, 02890 331827An award-winning chain of coffee havens exclusive to Belfast and the place to be seen sipping your fairly-traded latte. The double hammerhead will put hairs on your chest.
Best for: A pre-library fix.
The Duke Of York
7-11 Commercial Court, BT1 2NB, 02890 241062Worth the treasure hunt down the cobbled streets of Cathedral Quarter to find it. First prize at the midweek pub quiz is a week’s worth of brew, too.
Best for: Catching a drunken man playing the boron.
Katy Daly’s
17 Ormeau Avenue, BT2 8HD, 02890 325968The mainstay of counter-culture kids. Home to No Dancing on Sundays, a sit-down left-field indie club and the city’s only alternative pub quiz.
Best for: Studying for your degree in music trivia.
Belfast Film Library
278 Ormeau Road, BT7 2GB, 02890 644624For all your foreign, black and white and classic film needs.
Best for: All those Steven Spielberg wannabes.
Hector’s House
5 North Street, BT1 1NA, 02890 234040For everything you won’t find in HMV or Virgin on vinyl or CD. This rough diamond is the best place to lose a whole afternoon browsing and leave with something completely different from what you came in for.
Best for: Completing your back catalogue.
No Alibis
83 Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JL, 02890 319607A treat for all the book geeks among you. And we know you’re out there. The very friendly owner offers a free bottomless pot of tea as you browse and a comfy sofa makes it a perfect pit-stop between lectures.
Best for: Laying your hands on the core text days before the exam.
Oxfam
8 Castle Street, BT1 1HB, 02890 315760Belfast’s best stockists of second-hand couture.
Best for: When you’ve blown your entire loan at the bar.
