Nottingham University / Trent - guide to student life

Since the time when Robin Hood first robbed from the rich and gave to the poor (who just happened to become his merry men), the burning question has been "is Nottingham a dump? Although I would like to say the answer to this question is a definite "yes", the evidence presenting itself clearly points to a resounding "no". I've visited the place, trekked round both Nottingham University & Trent Uni and the city centre, and had a few quiet pints in one or two of the local drinking holes, and it has to be said that I am fairly impressed, and for a big city lad like myself, this is no small admission.

The Scene

Although Nottingham is officially classed as a city, it more like a big town (if this is actually a difference). It has all the amenities a student could want from a city, without the hurried and often impersonal ambience that accompanies them. In many ways Nottingham is the perfect university city.

It has good clubs (Media, The Bomb) attracting some big name DJ's and top acts (Carl Cox, Basement Jaxx). It also has its sweaty cheese filled meat markets, where the beer isn't the only thing that's cheap (The Palais, Ocean). Even the City Centre is quite clean, with the buildings resisting the temptation to be described as carbuncles. It's location in the geographic centre of England means you're in an ideal place to visit, or be visited by, all those old school mates, or even your darling parents.

But it comes down to what you like. Nottingham University is a campus uni, meaning that all the departments, halls etc., are contained within one site. Theoretically you could stay at uni for 3 years and never have to go into the city centre, but like everything in life the reality is slightly different. There are enough clubs/pubs/restaurants to keep you occupied during your time, but unlike some of the larger university cities, it's unlikely to hold your attention beyond graduation. If you choose Nottingham to spend the best three years of your life, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it, but you may be looking forward to a change of surroundings towards the end.

Getting Around

Nottingham University is about 3 miles from the City Centre. Those with a bit more energy may be inclined to walk, but for those of you more like me, there are regular buses at reasonable prices, and taxis, which cost about £3. Nottingham Trent students are more spread around the city, so most places are accessible by foot.

The Universities

The University of Nottingham

Student pop: 14,500
Male/Female ratio: 49/51
Mature student population: 974
Number of books in libraries: 1,000,000
Computers: 770
No. of seats in library: 2,050

Nottingham Trent University

Student pop: 16,000
Male/Female ratio: 52/48
Mature student pop.: 4,000
Number of books in libraries: 400,450
Computers: 1,500
No. of seats in library: 1,500

Getting There

Mainline stations: Nottingham Station runs services all around the country. Due to the centrality of the City, fares are well within acceptable student limits, if rail fares can ever be acceptable. Bus Station: National Express run services around the country for a much cheaper price than you'll find on the trains.
Airports: East Midlands Airport is 12 miles outside town, running domestic and short-haul flights to Europe.

In Short

Famous in Nottingham:

Dale Winton, Sue Pollard, Leslie Crowther, Robin Hood.

Choose Nottingham for:

great variety of clubs, merry men, swimming in the river

Don’t choose Nottingham for:

a job, a quiet life, Kevin Costner

Contacts:

University of Nottingham website
Nottingham Trent University website