If there’s one thing that makes uni some of the best years of your life is the social scene. From meeting like-minded friends in class to thrashing at a live music gig, there’s no better way to experience life at uni.
The University of Tasmania, not only has 11/10 learning opportunities, but the campuses have strong connections to the local community, including the nightlife. There are so many options to get involved and lubricated, including uni bars, some of the best (and worst) kept secret haunts in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, and some seriously low-cost food and bevvies.
I’ve put together a list of eight places you have to check out and if you want to hang with your mates and see the sights of Tassie, a way you can do it on a uni budget.
Hobart Uni Bar
Union Building, Churchill Ave, Sandy Bay
A uni experience is nothing without the iconique Hobart Uni Bar.
The Uni Bar is located in the TUU Building on Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay and has two bars, an outdoor seating area and stage to accommodate bands. Love live music? This place is famous for it. In fact, names like Powderfinger, Eskimo Joe, Spiderbait, Divinyls, The Whitlams, The Cruel Sea, The Cat Empire, Ball Park Music, 360, Frenzal Rhomb, Sneaky Sound System, Hilltop Hoods, Birds of Tokyo, Xavier Rudd, Karnivool and PNAU have all graced that stage with some huge line-ups still to come.
Preachers
5 Knopwood St, Battery Point
One of the most iconic student hang-outs in Hobart, Preachers — an 1849 sailmaker’s cottage turned bar — is home to a great outdoor area, which includes a bus. Yes, a bus.
If you’re up for some fun on a Tuesday night, you can play “Bus Bingo” inside the actual vehicle while sipping on an impressive list of craft beers and wine. If it’s a little chilly out, head inside to the retro sofa and make some new friends.
Republic Bar
299 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart
I have one word for you: pub. Literally, the most quintessential pub in Hobart, Republic Bar is another buzzing music joint that house Aussie rock, hip-hop and live music seven nights a week.
Not only is it a perfect spot for students, but locals also frequent this watering hole and is one of the most popular bars in Hobart.
Altar
This is by far one of the coolest experiences in Hobart.
From the folks that brought you Dark Mofo, this fluorescent fan-favourite hosts a tonne of live gigs and is a grimy, gorgeous wonderland.
Come for the music, stay for the musos.
The Chapel
50 Cattley St, Burnie
Have you ever had dinner and/or drinks in a restored 1890’s chapel? I’d assume the answer is no, for the majority of you.
Consider it ticked off your bucket list once you head to The Chapel in Burnie, as that’s the exact premise of the cafe/bar/music venue.
Chow down with your chums while admiring the Chapel decór and if you’re a night owl, suss out a live gig session with music so good, rumour has it you’ll be seeing God by the end of the set.
Saint John
133 St John St, Launceston
Look, I’m a sucker for anywhere that has bevs and a leather couch. Do you know how many conversations with strangers you can strike up with, while perched on a comfy couch? Bring your uni work if you need to but be prepared to spend three hours shooting the breeze with a stranger from Melbourne.
Source Community Cafe & Garden
12 French St, Sandy Bay
Trying to find or expand your community? Go straight to the source. No genuinely, the Source Community Cafe and Garden is set up like a backyard hang, complete with homegrown veggies, live gigs and like-minded uni students.
Come for the community, stay at the Community.
Sports Garden Hotel
23 George St, Launceston
Don’t let the name fool you: Sports Garden Hotel is far more than the average sports bar.
Sure, you can head down there to watch the next UFC match while downing a pint, but you can also feast until your stomach can take no more on their own variation of pub food.
Look at that absolute delectable dish below, fancy no?
Unique Tassie Experiences
Who said hanging out has to be done at a bar? Put on your activewear, pack your best drink bottle, gather your squad and tour the stuh-ning sites of Hobart.
Run by the Tasmanian University Student Association, Unique Tassie Experiences has a range of options for uni students wanting to adventure into Tasmania’s major tourist attractions, including white water rafting, snorkelling and/or diving, mountaineering, slacklining and bushwalking.
Never a dull day in ol’ Tassie.
If you’re sold on places to chill around Tassie, learn more about studying at the University of Tasmania, where the island is your campus.
