Visitors to the Cornwall campuses can choose from a wide variety of drinking establishments—many of which serve up not only alcohol, but also entertainment in the form of pub quizzes, Café Scientifique meetings, performances of shanties and other local music, karaoke evenings, and open mic nights. Favourites include The Thirsty Scholar and Muddy Beach Café (Penryn); the Chainlocker, The Front, Hand Bar, and The Shed (Falmouth); and Bustopher Jones, Mannings, Vertigo, and Roccos Gin & Retro Bar (Truro).

Thanks in part to the number of performers who stay in the area after graduating from Falmouth University, there is a thriving community of musicians who regularly perform near the Cornwall campuses. In Penryn, The King’s Arms and Muddy Beach Café frequently host live shows. In Falmouth, Finn M’Coul’s, Jacob’s Ladder, The Grapes, and the Prince of Wales Inn are just a few of the venues hosting pre-arranged performances and open mic nights. In Truro, music-lovers can visit The Barley Sheaf and Vertigo, among other options.

The Office Night Club is not only the largest nightclub in Truro, but also one of the biggest away from the infamous Newquay clubbing scene, with a capacity of between 400 and 500 people. Other places in Truro include Vanilla, Zafiros and Vertigo. For a more intimate dancing experience, you can head to Falmouth’s Club International and Mango’s Bar & Club. 5 Degrees West not only has regular live acts, but also hosts weekly Lindy Hop and swing dancing meetings.