Make the Most of Living in Nottingham

Moving away from home can be an exciting yet daunting part of growing up. Luckily, Nottingham is a place that makes the transition easy and hassle-free.Living and studying in Nottingham offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a city with a rich history, cultural diversity, and a bustling atmosphere.  With its numerous cafes, parks, and student hubs. Nottingham is home to prestigious universities and is well-known for its welcoming environment for students from all over the world. The city has a strong student-friendly vibe, which is quickly acknowledged and felt by most of those moving to the city.

What Our Students Have to Say About Moving to Nottingham

We asked some of our students what they thought of Nottingham when they first moved here, some stated; “ I was a little scared to move to Nottingham at the start, but over time realised Nottingham is great”, “I think that Nottingham felt very big when I first moved here but now I know lots of different areas and my way round”. Everyone we asked ultimately said: “I was impressed coming here as an international student and my impressions haven’t really changed since then” – with loads to do throughout the year making it a perfect student city -. “I initially thought it was going to be a boring city, but I’ve found that there’s loads to do”. The city’s compact nature makes it easy to explore, and its green spaces provide a pleasant escape from urban life.

How to Make Friends in Nottingham

One of the biggest concerns that a lot of students have when moving to university is meeting people, making new friends and finding their place. Joining university societies and participating in student events held at your accommodation, are great ways to meet new people in Nottingham. When asked about their memorable experiences, the students we questioned said they distinctly remember “my first night, meeting new people in the sky lounge” and another sweetly recounted how her favourite memorable experience was “meeting my best friend who is my flatmate for the first time”. The city also hosts numerous cultural and music festivals, which are perfect opportunities for socialising and experiencing the local culture. Remember, a lot of students are in the same position, and are just as willing to meet new faces as you are. Nottingham’s diverse student population makes it easy to find like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships.

Student Accommodation in Nottingham

Private Student Accommodation

Students who prefer to live more independently from the university can choose to rent private accommodation. This type of living generally offers a broader range of amenities and community events than typical student halls.

University Student Accommodation

University of Nottingham offers on-campus housing, providing a convenient and secure living environment for students. On the Nottingham accommodation website you can view all the different options available and filter them by a variety of factors, such as the pricing, catering and your level of study, so you can find the type of accommodation that suits you.

Renting a Student House in Nottingham

For those preferring more independence, renting a house or an apartment in Nottingham is a viable option, with many affordable areas close to university campuses. Many students who choose this type of accommodation tend to try and find someone else to share the house or flat with to help with spreading the costs. 

Best Places to Study in Nottingham

The city of Nottingham has a variety of study spaces, from quiet libraries and university study rooms to lively coffee shops. Nottingham’s blend of traditional and modern study environments caters to different study preferences, ensuring every student can find their ideal study spot.

The University of Nottingham’s campus library is a popular choice amongst the students as was the library based at Nottingham Trent University. Whilst some students said they prefer to study in their rooms, some preferred the hustle and bustle of a local cafe or the Monica Partridge building at the University of Nottingham.

Student Activities in Nottingham

Adventurous Student Activities in Nottingham

Nottingham offers a variation of outdoor and adventurous activities, including cycling in the countryside, exploring historical landmarks such as the Nottingham caves, and participating in water sports at the River Trent. For those students wanting to learn more about Nottingham itself, there is a Nottingham Walking Quest which would be a fun way to get out and about with your friends and learn more about your new city. 

Go Quest Adventures: Nottingham

To access: www.goquestadventures.com/quest/17

Starting point: Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2HU

Nottingham Caves: Nottingham

Homepage | City of Caves (nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk)

Relaxing Student Activities in Nottingham

The city’s numerous parks and green spaces are perfect for unwinding, and students can enjoy a variety of wellness and relaxation activities offered throughout the city. One student tells us that “there are lots of wellness facilities at uni, even a rooftop garden on the library for relaxation, they have lots of places you can go to talk” and another says their favourite spots are “the castle and the canal walks with friends or the arboretum”. 

Nottingham Castle: Displays on local history, decorative items and work by renowned international artists.

Address: Lenton Rd, Nottingham NG1 6EL

Website: nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Arboretum: Victorian park with collection of more than 800 trees

Address: Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF

Website: nottinghamcity.gov.uk

University Park: A lovely green space surrounded by wildlife and various architectural monuments along the trail.

Address: University Park Campus – The University of Nottingham

Website: University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD

Educational Student Activities in Nottingham

If students are looking for educational activities outside of the university classroom, there are a multitude of museums, galleries, and cultural events that provide enriching experiences. One student tells us that “there are lots of small shops and events that have very interesting and unique things on”. 

– The Haunted Museum

Address: 75-77 Derby Rd, Nottingham NG1 5BA

Website: thehauntedmuseum.co.uk

– Nottingham Industrial Museum

Address: Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park The Courtyard, Nottingham NG8 2AE

Website: nottinghamindustrialmuseum.org.uk

– Wollaton Hall and Park: 16th-century, English Renaissance style mansion housing natural history museum, set in parkland.

Address: Wollaton Rd, Nottingham NG8 2AE

Website: wollatonhall.org.uk

Student Nightlife in Nottingham

From cosy pubs and cafes to vibrant nightclubs and live music venues, Nottingham’s nightlife caters to all tastes. The students we questioned had so much to say about the student party nights in Nottingham, we were told it has a “very large social scene, lots of nightclubs” and that Nottingham is “one of the best in the country” for student nights. One student listed out a few spots, including “Unit 13 Dirty Mondays, Rock City Thursdays … Ocean even if it’s cheesy, Bierkeller for sports lovers”. 

For students who are looking for a more relaxed vibe for a night in Nottingham, they can’t go wrong with staying in at The Vantage. For those students who choose The Vantage as their accommodation, we have a cinema room, a games room, mini golf and a gym, all of which would be perfect for a quieter night in.

Transport in Nottingham

Nottingham’s efficient public transport system, including buses and trams, makes commuting easy and affordable. The city is also cyclist-friendly, with numerous bike lanes and rental schemes available. Students have had positive experiences with the transport in Nottingham saying that “transport is easily available” and it’s “very accessible and easy to figure out”. Our accommodation at The Vantage is a 45 minute walk, or 15 minute tram ride from the University of Nottingham campus and a 15 minute walk or 10 minute tram ride from the Nottingham Trent University campus.

Student Costs in Nottingham

With careful budgeting and planning, students can manage their finances effectively in Nottingham. The city offers a range of student discounts and affordable shopping options, making it a cost-effective place for students to live and study.