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Dates for your diary - 2020

There's always lots going on at your SU and there's something for everyone! Here's a selection of key dates for your diary:

Union Council | Thursday 6 February

The Union Council is a meeting that any student can attend and talk in. Students can bring an idea (a motion), which aims to create change around something by asking the elected Officers of the Union to work on it, or asking the Students' Union to take a stance on something.

Democratic Review Referendum | Wednesday 12 - Wednesday 19 February

We've been carrying out a review to make sure our democratic processes are right for you. We've done a lot of research and received a lot of information, and soon it's going to be time to vote for how you want us to best represent you and your needs.

Notts Varsity tickets on sale | Tuesday 18 February 

Get your tickets for Notts Varsity and prepare to cheer on #GreenandGold! UoN teams take on Trent University in sports ranging from ice hockey to water polo. Sporting excitement guaranteed!

LGBT+ History Month | February

February is LGBT+ History Month, discover more about our diverse community and celebrate with us.

Student Leader Elections | Monday 24 February - Monday 9 March and Friday 20 - Friday 27 March

It's your chance to be a leader! SU Officers are elected every year to represent University of Nottingham students, so find your voice and nominate yourself for the Student Leader Elections. Not your thing? Then don't forget to vote for your candidates in March.

Student Volunteer Week | Monday 10 - Monday 17 February

Student Volunteer Week is all about giving a little bit back to the communities we live in, so join our Volunteering team to have some fun, make a difference and maybe even learn some new skills.

Notts Varsity | Sunday 29 March - Friday 3 April and Monday 4 - Sunday 10 May

Cheer on #GreenandGold as UoN sports teams take on Nottingham Trent University. From rugby and swimming to horseball, there's plenty of chance to support your fellow students, and entertainment is guaranteed!

UoN's Got Talent | Thursday 5 March

Join us for a fun-filled evening of entertainment at UoN's Got Talent. Cheer on your fellow students as they showcase their talents live on stage.

International Festival | Monday 16 - Friday 20 March

Join us at the International Festival, a showcase of multicultural delights including pop-up food stalls, entertainment and seminars on issues affecting the people in our diverse community.

Scrutiny Panel | Thursday 19 March

A public meeting where any student can ask an Officer a question to hold them to account on their work on remit, manifesto and policy. The meeting is led by elected students who ask Officers most of the questions.

Sustainability Week | Monday 2 - Friday 6 March

We're raising awareness of sustainability issues with our week-long series of events, so join us during Sustainability Week to find out more about the problems we face and what you can do to help.

Ice Hockey | Monday 30 March

Get set for the ultimate face-off as University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent go stick-to-stick in this year's Notts Varsity ice hockey showdown. Come down to Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena to watch the action unfold and find out who'll win 2020's ice crown.

Union Council | Tuesday 31 March

The Union Council is a meeting that any student can attend and talk in. Students can bring an idea (a motion), which aims to create change around something by asking the elected Officers of the Union to work on it, or asking the Students' Union to take a stance on something.

Basketball | Monday 4 May

Join us at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena for fast-paced action on the court when UoN and NTU shoot some hoops in this year's Notts Varsity basketball showdown. Get set for blink-and-you'll-miss-it speed and skill, and find out who'll be the ultimate champions.

Sports Ball | Wednesday 6 May

Celebrate another outstanding year and recognise the efforts of the clubs, teams and individuals that represent UoN Sport at the Sports Ball.

Activities Ball | Thursday 7 May

The Societies Ball celebrates student groups that have gone above and beyond in their mission to help students develop new skills and have a great time at University.

Scrutiny Panel | Tuesday 9 June

A public meeting where any student can ask an Officer a question to hold them to account on their work on remit, manifesto and policy. The meeting is led by elected students who ask Officers most of the questions.

Grad Ball | Thursday 11 June

Celebrate your graduation in style at the SU Grad Ball, a sparkling event of good food and live music (and the occasional surprise!). It's held at Colwick Hall for graduates and their guests. So gather your friends and party the night away!

All dates may be subject to change. See the events page of the SU website for up-to-date listings.

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A very merry Christmas list: what to do when you’re not going home

Written by Jane-Menn Cheong, a fourth year Pharmacy student from the University of Nottingham. 

As Christmas approaches and Mariah Carey’s voice is heard in every retail store imaginable, you know the winter break is here! No more lectures for a whole month; you can do whatever you want, and most may choose to go home – unless home is 6,000 miles away!

Having moved here about a year ago, this will be my second Christmas away from home. Although the holiday season isn’t as huge back home as it is here, the cold weather and quiet campus can make you feel a little home sick. So, here are a few ideas for those of you who are a little too far from home to spend Christmas with your family:

1. Christmas markets 

If you have yet to visit the Christmas market at the Old Market Square in town, I highly recommend it. There’s an ice skating rink, carousel, the smell of hot chocolate and cute little vendors you can purchase random trinkets from. The market is open from now until New Year’s Eve, so you can be filled with that fuzzy festive feeling throughout the winter break.

Besides the Christmas market in Nottingham, why not take this opportunity to visit a city you’ve never been to and go to a Christmas market there? Here are a few that I’ve heard are pretty great:

Frankfurt Christmas Markets, Birmingham (Thursday 7 November to Monday 23 December)

Christkindelmarkt, Leeds German Christmas Market (Friday 8 November to Saturday 21 December)

Manchester Christmas Markets, Manchester (Friday 8 November to Saturday 21 December)

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London (Thursday 21 November to Sunday 5 January)

2. Head home with a friend

If you’re not from here and have never had the experience of celebrating Christmas in a British household, get the full cultural experience and spend Christmas with a close friend at their home. It really makes a difference when you’re around a family environment, especially when you haven’t been home for a long while. Plus, you might even be lucky enough to have a home-cooked roast dinner – something I didn’t know about until last Christmas. You’ll also be surprised to find out that Yorkshire puddings and mince pies don’t taste like what they sound like.

Alternatively, you could have a little ‘family dinner’ with a few friends who might still be around. This could be a great opportunity to learn to cook something new and get closer to people you may not necessarily have hung out with before.

3. Christmas concerts and carols 

If you like a little music and can’t help but sing along to the jingles, there will be a couple of Christmas-related shows going on at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall. They will be showing A West End Christmas, which will feature musical favourites from The Phantom of the Opera to Jesus Christ Superstar, accompanied by the West End Theatre Orchestra. If that’s not for you, they also have a couple of orchestra performances with festive favourites.

For more information on dates and times, visit their website.

4. Help the homeless

Christmas is all about giving back, and volunteering at a food bank for the homeless is a great way to do so. There are a few organisations in Nottingham who actively help feed the homeless and you can always offer your help, especially during Christmas. There are a few organisations based in Nottinghamshire that can help give back and spread Christmas joy, including Emmanuel House and Tracy’s Street Kitchen.

5. Have some alone time

The winter break also means that you may be home alone or alone in halls with no distractions. This could be a great time to get into that skincare routine you never started or read that book you bought during the summer. Alone time can help you recharge your social energy, so you can function better when assessments start. Self-care isn’t necessarily an expensive face mask, going on a shopping spree, or treating yourself to a manicure – it could also mean getting to sleep earlier, going to the gym and eating better – and now you have the time to do just that.

Whatever you choose to do during the winter break, I hope this blog has helped. With that, I hope you have a very merry Christmas and don’t forget to prepare for your assessments!

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Making friends at University

Written by Jo Ralphs, an English Graduate from the University of Nottingham 

Making friends when starting University is a big worry for a lot of new students, so we’ve put together a few tips on making friends with some of the first (and best) people you’ll meet when moving into halls!

Keep your door open

When you’re moving in, it’s likely you’ll be going in and out of your room — and other people in your corridor or flat will be doing the same. The simplest thing you can do to meet people and start forming friendships is simply to prop your door open and say hello to your new neighbours! It doesn’t hurt to invite them in for some biscuits, once everyone’s properly introduced and settled in, since you’re probably all feeling the same way about your first night at uni.

Group Chats

Halls usually have social media pages to keep you all up to date, and from there, group chats are made for all different levels — the whole hall, your floor, block or flat may have a chat where you can introduce yourself to people, and then have something to talk about when you see each other around uni. If there isn’t one, you could always start your own chat to start introducing yourselves to each other!

SU Welcome Events

The Welcome team puts on tons of events, especially during your first week — these are around halls, on campus and in town, and are great to do some bonding with people in your accommodation, as well as getting familiar with Nottingham. The Welcome Mentors are there to look after everyone, and get to know new students quite well, so they can always introduce you to some new mates! Find out what events and activities you can get involved with during Welcome Week by downloading the SU’s app, search UoNSU Guide in the App Store or Google Play!

Positive attitude

Sometimes, making friends can seem daunting, especially in the midst of moving into accommodation and starting a new degree. Remember that other people are probably feeling a similar way, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or say hello to people you’ve met as you’re going around campus — you never know who’s going to end up being a good friend by the end of your degree! If you’re feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty making friends, you can always talk to a Welcome Mentor or go to SU Advice (you can find them on C Floor in the Portland Building on University Park Campus) for wellbeing advice. 

Communal areas 

In a similar vein, it can be daunting to go out into communal areas during the first few weeks, when you still don’t know everyone too well. Try to get out and socialise as much as you can, and you’ll be making friends in no time! From the dining halls to JCRs, kitchens, or other spots around campus, there’s plenty of communal areas where you can meet and hang out with people in your accommodation.

Chat to everyone! 

Lastly, I’d recommend talking to as many people as you can — introduce yourself to them, ask questions, get to know people and you’ll quickly find some friends. It doesn’t have to be small talk either — although it’s great to have funny stories about how you met your uni friends. Sometimes thinking of the perfect witty introduction isn’t easy! All you really need is to ask someone’s name, course, and where they’re from and you’re good to go. Since most people are looking to make friends when they come to uni, there’s no harm in chatting to everyone you meet! 

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Homesickness: How to cope

Written by Athena Potsos, a fourth year MEng Chemical Engineering student at the University of Nottingham.

University is an exciting place: you get to meet new people, learn new things… But these happy feelings are almost always found with homesickness lurking in the dark. As an international student, when I’m in the lecture hall, sitting with my friends, smiling, having a good time, I’m still 3,700 miles (6,000 km) away from home. Away from my friends, my parents, my brother, my baby sister, my dogs and my home. It’s tough, seeing my sister grow up when I’m on the other side of the Atlantic. But that homesickness doesn’t bother me anymore, and it shouldn’t bother you.

What to do when you feel homesick

Accept it

The first step in overcoming homesickness isn’t ignoring it, or thinking that it’s wrong. It’s accepting the fact that it’s a completely normal response. Whether you’re from Nottingham or from New Zealand, or anywhere in between, your homesickness is valid. It’s a normal human response, so don’t hide it: understand and accept it. Accept the fact that a lot has just changed. That the life you were used to has just been thrown upside down. The feelings you are experiencing are to be expected. 

Stay in touch 

The next step is to find a way to connect back home. Today we have loads of options: Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and plenty more. All of these services let us talk to the ones we love and miss back home.

Home doesn’t seem so far away when I’m chatting with my family on Thanksgiving, or saying hello to all my relatives when Easter rolls around. Staying connected is super important, so don’t forget it!

Make friends

Another great way to curb your homesickness is to find others in your situation. One of my best friends is also an international student and we’ve bonded over it many times. Just remember that anyone could be in this situation, not just those far from home. Just find someone who may also be struggling and say hi.

If you’re still finding it hard, go out and find a sports group or society to join. It’s often said that a good way to deal with homesickness is to keep busy. By engaging in positive activities, you may begin to see that the homesickness gets easier and easier. There are loads of opportunities at Nottingham, and a lot of the people you'll interact with have been in your shoes before and understand how you feel.

Give yourself time

Finally, if you've done all those things and still have trouble, just give it time. It will get better. Take time to get used to the changes in your life and you'll soon make friends and get into the routine of lectures. I know it may sound impossible and the homesickness feels like it'll never go away, but I promise you it will.

I still remember my first night here in Nottingham on my own. I felt scared, regretful, like I should just pack everything up and go home. To be honest though, I'm so glad I stayed. I've had one of the best experiences of my life, being here at Uni. I've learnt so many new things and have found friends with whom I can truly be myself. You should be so proud that you've made it this far, so get out there and make your mark! If you need a helping hand you can find support here.

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Wellbeing at University

Whether you’re a first year undergraduate just starting your University adventure, or furthering your academic career as a PhD student, everyone needs a little support from time to time.

From mental health issues and general wellbeing to academic support and night time safety, there’s loads of help available at your Students’ Union, no matter what stage of study you’re at.

That’s because you’re automatically a member of your Students’ Union from the day you arrive to the day you graduate, and we’re all here for one thing: to look out for each other’s welfare, health and wellbeing.

Here are a few of our support services and where you can find them:

Your Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer

Myles is your Equal Opps and Welfare Officer for 2019/20, and it’s his job to promote and advocate for your health, welfare and wellbeing. He’s working with your SU and the University to make sure we provide the best welfare support possible.

Make sure you say hello when you see him around campus, or pop in to see him in the Officers’ office on C Floor, Portland Building, University Park.

Email: suwelfare@nottingham.ac.uk Twitter: UoNSU_Welfare Facebook: UoNSUWelfare

Welfare Network 

Headed up by Myles, your Equal Opps and Welfare Officer, the Welfare Network brings together staff, students and welfare service representatives, runs campaigns on welfare and wellbeing, and holds events like Wellbeing Cafés.

Look out for details online and on campus.

Visit: su.nottingham.ac.uk/societies/society/welfarenetwork/

Students’ Union Advice 

The place to go when you’re looking for help with housing, money or your course. It’s also a hate crime reporting centre.

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am – 4.30pm; Wednesday 10.30am – 5pm Call: +44 (0)115 846 8730 Email: SUAdvice@nottingham.ac.uk Visit: https://www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/advice/

Nightline 

A student-run service that’s here to listen to you, whether you’re having problems with friends, exam stress, or if you just need someone to talk to.

Open: Every night during term time, 7pm – 8am Call: +44 (0)115 9514 985 Email (open 365 days a year): nightlineanon@nottingham.ac.uk

Night Owls 

A team of students who make sure you’re safe on nights out. They’ll help you get home and provide you with water, first aid and food.

Look out for them on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12 midnight – 4am Call: +44 (0)115 784 1580 Email: nottinghamnightowls@outlook.com Visit: nottinghamnightowls.co.uk

HealthyU

The University offers lots of support with your health and wellbeing. From mental health and sexual health to advice about alcohol, drugs, smoking and addiction, their HealthyU pages have plenty of information on who to contact when you need help.

Our Welfare Guide  has even more information about where to go when you need a helping hand, as well as other key information like where to register for a GP, what your other student Networks are and how to contact campus security, so make sure you keep it handy.

Remember, no matter what you need, there’s always someone here to help you. So reach out and talk to someone – you’re not alone.

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How getting involved with the SU will help you get more out of your university experience

Written by Georgina Pittman, an English graduate from the University of Nottingham and now your 2019/20 Activities Officer!

Although you probably know our SU exists, you might not be aware of the variety of opportunities it offers. Looking for a new hobby? Contact the Students’ Union. Want to play for a sports team? Contact the Students’ Union. After fun experiences that will give your CV a boost? Contact the Students’ Union.

Joining societies and student groups 

Lots of people think that joining a society or student group means you need certain skills or qualities and having 100% commitment, but that isn’t at all true! In fact, all you need is curiosity.

As an English student, I was involved in the English Society from the start of my first year and was elected onto its committee in my third year. I’m also a fan of musicals and got involved in Musicality halfway through my third year, when I helped out backstage at one of its shows.

From both groups, I developed life skills like organisation, self-confidence and creativity, all while sharing some brilliant memories with amazing friends. So no matter how much you do with a group or how long you’re a part of it, investing just a little time in a student group that sparks your imagination can completely transform your University experience.

Getting involved in sports 

Even though I never officially joined a sports team, trying out new sports taught me a lot about myself. Most obviously, trying new things provides a great opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Even though I wasn’t very good at korfball or karate, I’m still proud of myself for stepping out and not being afraid to look foolish for a couple of hours. And trying synchronised swimming and cheerleading gave me completely new perceptions of the sports. That kind of ‘go get it’ attitude has served me well ever since in both choosing both more obscure course modules and in applying for jobs.

I have plenty of friends in sports teams too, and they consider their teams like family. If you can find a new family away from your real family, I’d say you’ll find a way to make yourself at home anywhere.

Boost your CV 

Moving from University and into the working world can be daunting. But your SU can help there too. In fact, I can safely say that being involved in the SU has transformed my CV and career ambitions.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community – whether that’s helping your fellow students as a Welcome Mentor or supporting the wider community through projects with local schools or charities. Helping others is also great for your wellbeing and, as cheesy as it sounds, you get out of it what you put into it!

If you’re strapped for cash, the SU also offers several paid opportunities, including Brand and Insight Ambassadors – a role I’ve loved! I’ve been paid to cover Varsity on social media, write blog posts (like this) and chat to prospective students on open days.

If that’s not for you, student positions are also available in SPAR, Mooch and Portland Coffee Co. As well as making a worthy contribution to your CV, these jobs also give you an insight into how the SU works – something you can take forward into your future career, no matter what that is.

Hopefully this little round-up has given you a flavour of the different ways that the Students’ Union not only improves your University experience but your personal development and career prospects. I can safely say that my experience at UoN would not be half as memorable without our Students’ Union!

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Seven student-friendly places in Nottingham

Written by Jonelle Awomoyi, a Religion, Philosophy and Ethics graduate from the University of Nottingham. @jonelleawo 

“There’s nothing to do in Nottingham!” – said no UoN student ever. That’s because the city has a range of spaces that cater for a variety of tastes where students can enjoy themselves.

Here are seven places I’d recommend for any student in Nottingham.

Bunk and Pepper Rocks 

Whether you’re with a group of friends or that special someone, Bunk and Pepper Rocks are the places to go! 

The stunning interior is a mix of modern grunge and rainforest vibes; a spot which is undeniably Instagram-worthy – in fact, I myself am honoured to have been reposted to their official Instagram! 

Bunk specialises in chicken wings that are served in a variety of unique sauces like mango chili or maple and bourbon, alongside fun-themed cocktails. It also offers half price wings and £5 cocktails before 10pm! 

Pepper Rocks specialises in popcorn, hotdogs and cocktails. The hotdogs are delicious and are only £3.50 each!  

Mooch Burger Bar

You’ll find Mooch Burger Bar on the basement floor of the Portland Building, University Park, and it’s a hub for students who want a beer, a bite and bit of banter.

Some evenings you might be lucky enough to catch some live music, but there’s always a large range of food and drink available – from burgers to platters.

With an outdoor seating area overlooking the lake, Mooch is a vibe in the summer but it also has a comfortable indoor area that’s perfect for the colder months.

Kitty Cafe

Sometimes you just fancy a cuppa and a cuddle with a cat. 

Stress-free vibes with rescued felines are what’s on offer at the Kitty Café. You’ll find it on Friar Lane in Nottingham city centre.

Whether you’re taking a break from coursework deadlines or just need to chill in new scenery, the Kitty Café is your best bet for releasing any tensions.

It has a range of food and drink available including pizzas, wraps and jacket potatoes, along with a meal deal that includes food, drink and cake for just £11.95.

So kick back on the comfy armchair and enjoy the company of cute kittens.

Skateland

Whether you can roller-skate or not, grab a group of friends and head down to Skateland in the heart of Lenton.

On Wednesdays we roller disco. Didn’t cop yourself a Crisis ticket in time? Don’t worry! At Skateland you can come along to the roller disco (and skate hire is just £2). It’s definitely a fun way to meet new people, listen to great music and have a laugh. 

Savoy Cinema 

Unlike the grand Savoy Theatre in London, our humble cinema is cosy, small and full of life. Located smack-bang in the centre of Lenton – it’s on Derby Road – you can’t miss it. 

You can watch all the latest releases right here. And for only £4.85 a ticket, what’s stopping you?!

Highfields Park 

Also known as the lake and park area near Portland Building and Trent Building on University Park Campus. In fact, because it’s so close to University Park, lots of people make the mistake of thinking it’s part of the University. But it’s not – it’s Highfields Park! 

Nonetheless it’s a great place for students to enjoy a day out either on the boating lake, playing adventure golf or even enjoying a picnic. Just look out for geese! 

The Rose and Crown pub 

Come rain or shine, the Rose and Crown is the place to be. And it’s right by Jubilee Campus. After a couple of lectures, it’s a great place to relax, sit out in the beer garden and have some grub! And on Mondays and Tuesdays, you can get a steak meal for a cheeky fiver. Bargain!

These are just a few of the amazing places to explore in Nottingham, so head out and find your favourite student-friendly shops, restaurants and bars.

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Eight reasons why being a Brand and Insight Ambassador is the best!

Written by Grace Smith, an Environmental Science Graduate 

Working while studying is a great way to earn some extra cash and gain some valuable experience for your CV. Personally, I wanted a small source of income to supplement my loan and savings, so working as a Brand and Insight Ambassador for the Students’ Union was a perfect fit. The basics of the role are as a student support to the Marketing and Insight team, writing blogs (like this one!), supporting the SU social media and helping with data collection to improve the SU.

Here are eight things I’ve loved about being a Brand and Insight Ambassador! 

Freedom of hours 

Fitting paid work around your studies can sometimes be a major concern. But in this role, you only sign up for the hours and jobs you can fit in. This means you can not only work around big deadlines or exam time, you’re also able to pick up more hours when you need a bit more cash.

Range of hours

Through this role I’ve written blogs and reports, facilitated focus groups, and run social media accounts for events, among other things! It’s the variety of work that keeps the role interesting and engaging.

Presence at events

My personal favourite part of the job is covering events on the SU social media accounts. By doing this I’ve attended events I’d never normally go to, particularly during Varsity. I’ve been to Thai boxing, squash, cricket, football – and many more – all as an SU representative.

Work from home

Unlike a lot of other jobs, the hours are very flexible and you can work from home to meet your deadlines. Not having fixed office hours made it very convenient to work around all my other University commitments.

Meeting other students 

The Marketing and Insight team is a lovely group of students and staff to work with. I have made some good friends through work and also had friends of mine apply for positions after learning how good the role is! This creates a very relaxing and supportive working environment.

SU perks

As well as being paid for your work, working for the Students’ Union also comes with some extra perks! (Getting 10% off at places like Portland Coffee is always a bonus!) There’s also an SU staff Wellbeing Week every year, which has events and free gifts, and you can get involved in it too.

Transferable skills

Being a science student, report writing is a large part of my degree. So I’ve found that the practice I’ve gained through writing for the SU has massively improved my writing in my degree. Alongside this, any presenting skills are always boosted through going out there and talking to people – which is also a large part of the position.

Fun!

All of this comes together into a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed over the past two years of my University experience, and I will miss the role and community so much when I leave.

So there you have it! If you want a job that’s flexible, paid and fun, apply to be a Brand and Insight Ambassador here. 

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‘Dear first year me, love final year me’: advice for first year students

Written by Miriam Thompson, English Graduate from the University of Nottingham

Four top tips for first year University students

Coming to University can be a very overwhelming experience for many as you’re moving away from home for the first time and suddenly being immersed in a whole new culture. I remember feeling so nervous for my first day and fearful because I didn’t know anything about University until I arrived. It’s often easy to get lost in just how much is going on, so here’s some advice that I wish I could have told first year me. 

Make friends

If you don’t get on with your flatmates, don’t stress – this isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s quite normal and many people don’t become best friends with their flatmates (if you do then great!). 

If you find yourself struggling to get on with the people you live with, make an extra effort with course friends, join a club or get a job. 

Generally, I’ve found if you make the effort to meet new people, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself and most people will make an effort back with you. It’s cheesy but everyone really is in the same situation in first year, so you’ll find people are grateful when you’re friendly towards them.

Get involved!

One of the things that’s made my University experience is having the courage to just get involved with everything I could. After all, now’s the time to try that activity you’ve always wanted to.

Join societies and sports, and sign up for any volunteering you’re interested in! You’ll find yourself doing things you never expected as well as strengthening your CV, so it’s a double win. Also, you don’t have to join everything in first year; it’s very common to join clubs in second and third year.

Being proactive and getting stuck in has absolutely made my university experience but it is also important to recognise when you’re doing too much stuff. Try not to burn out and make sure you still have some time to relax and – importantly – to do your course work! 

Don't stress about getting a job

Don’t panic about getting a job straight away: enjoy your first week stress free at least. 

If, like me, you needed a job to help your finances, make sure it’s not too time consuming. Remember you came here to go to University not to work full time! 

The best place to find University jobs is on Unitemps. It lists all the University work and you can find their office in Portland Building if you do need any help.

It's normal to feel homesick

You’ll probably get homesick or struggle at some point at University, but this isn’t bad - it’s totally normal.

It’s easy to convince yourself while scrolling through Instagram that all your friends from home seem to be having a much better time than you. But remember that people aren’t going to post pictures of themselves being upset because they miss their mum’s food!

Make sure you’re aware of the welfare services within the University and Students’ Union early in the year, just in case you do need to access them one day and can’t remember where to go in a panic. You may never need to use them yourself but just knowing where they are and who to go to can be comforting, and it means you can help a friend if they need it too.

First year is daunting but fun if you make it! Remember that not everyone will become your best friend so don’t be offended if you never see that girl you spent the first night with again. Just relax, be yourself and get involved, then you’ll find University will become one of the best times of your life!

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Packing for University

Written by Shanai Momi, English Graduate from University of Nottingham. 

Preparing for the big move to University can be daunting and difficult, especially when it comes to knowing which items to take and which to leave behind! To help you, we’ve drawn up a handy university packing list of the top 12 things you should consider bringing.

Ethernet cable 

An essential piece of kit that makes sure your internet connection is more reliable. It connects your laptop to a modem or router to provide a solid internet link – so you’re not just relying on Wi-Fi. If there comes a time when the Wi-Fi drops you’ll be very glad to have your Ethernet cable! 

Extension lead

University rooms often have two or three sockets but you’ll probably need a few more. An extension lead is a great investment, and it may only cost around £5 from Wilkos. It’s so worth it as you’ll save so much time. 

Just remember to stay safe and not add too many plugs!

External hardrive

As someone whose laptop stopped working in their final year (nightmare!), I would recommend purchasing a portable hardrive to back up your work. Although pricey (mine was £50), they can store all of your degree work, family photos, and more. Definitely a worthwhile investment!

Door stop

Probably one of the most important things you can bring to uni! Use it during Welcome Week to help you meet new people; others are likely to pop in to say hello if your door is open. They’re probably slightly relieved to not have to pluck up the courage and knock on your door – you already seem warm and welcoming!

Smart Clothing

Perhaps you want to get a part-time job during University. Or maybe you’re preparing for potential summer jobs. Either way, it’s best to take one formal outfit that can be used in interviews. It’s never too early to be thinking about life beyond University!

Mugs 

Your bedroom may be the place to get some respite from University life but once you settle in, you’ll want to invite friends over. Having a few spare mugs (and maybe a handful of biscuits) ready will come in handy.

Cushions

You’ll be spending a lot of time at your desk studying, so you should be as comfortable as possible. Your favourite cushions will not only make you super comfy, they’ll also brighten the room and make you feel more at home.

Photos

Displaying photos of your loved ones will help you feel at ease and settle in. You’ll be reminded of the support you have back home during lonelier times and it’s a great talking point. 

Tupperware

Buy a Boots meal deal? Fancy a quick Starbucks? These daily treats will soon break your student loan balance. Invest in some Tupperware and pre-prepare some snacks for lectures and seminars. Trust me – this will save you a small fortune that can be better used for socials. 

Letter or document with your address

On your first day you’ll register with your local GP. A letter with your home address on it is essential so be sure to pack this one! 

Flip-flops/slides

Unless you’re extremely lucky to get an en suite bathroom, you’re likely to share these facilities with several other students. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, flip-flops or slides will be your new best friend. Taking them to the bathroom and showers will save you a lot of pain. You can thank me later.

Drying rack

University accommodation often provide washing machines and dryers at a small cost for each load. By bringing a small drying rack, you can dry your clothes in your room – and save yourself some cash. And it doesn’t have to take up too much space.

If you’ve forgotten to pack anything – don’t worry! You can buy most things from nearby shops or collected from home another time. Write a list of the things you need to take and get packing!

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‘Being trans* at UoN’ - a student’s personal account of what it’s like to be trans* at the University of Nottingham.

We’re not much different you and I. We both attend class, go on nights out, and use the loo. It’s the difficulty at which we do those things that truly sets us apart. The difficulties I will discuss in this post apply to all kinds of transfolk: closeted or non-closeted, anywhere on the spectrum, on hormones or not. My perspective as a trans person is extremely limited and this article would be incomplete without additional input. Luckily, the UoNSU LGBT+ Network has a sub-group specifically for the ‘T’. I’ve met some incredible people as a part of this group, some of whom who have offered their unique input to this article.

It may seem odd at first; thinking about one’s gender every single day. The stress and anxiety that comes from being misgendered is incomparable to any feeling you may have had before. This feeling is exceptionally noticeable when it’s done by a lecturer. To change your name with the university, you need to do so legally first. So, whilst current provisions allow you to indicate your gender via the 'title’ option, it is still lacking when not allowing a preferred name. I spoke with a non-binary student about their experience, they had this to say about what it feels like with the current University provisions,

“I was incredibly self-conscious about uploading things to Moodle, emailing people, and seeing the registers as they went around because they all had my old name on. Even after I had my name changed, the registers were slow to update as usual - just as they can be very slow to update... While I can't fault the individual people I've spoken to, the system as a whole has been lagging behind quite significantly, and that, I think, is the source of my self-consciousness - I have to be aware of everything that I do, where I choose to pee, how long my days are so I can avoid needing to go to the bathroom and wearing a binder for too long, which version of my name is on the register when I sign it, whether I choose to speak up, etc.”

Personally, I have experienced the bathroom issue. Planning my days around where I will be and ensuring that I walk past Portland at some point. I’m not fully out yet, but I have started hormones. I have no intention in using the female toilets yet, but as days roll on, the male toilets become more and more foreign to me. This change is most likely due to how I have become to accept my identity and the changes I’ve experienced thanks to hormones. It’s people like me who gender neutral toilets make all the difference. I know that as I become more and more feminine, the less likely I’ll be able to use the male toilets and not having to worry about that is grand. Once again, the University’s policy fails trans* students. The Students’ Union has a policy to lobby for gender neutral toilets, but in the end it is up to the University if they want to include them in their buildings. Currently, the University has failed on this ground and this can be seen most evidently in the new Teaching and Learning building. The SU will continue to have to lobby to prevent this from happening again and to promote changes in current buildings.

Going on nights out are a key component for many students and their experience at Uni. It’s here where we see yet another difficulty for our trans* students. For the UK, and most other countries, before you can change the sex on your ID, you have to have ‘proved’ that you experience gender dysphoria(1). Proof can be travel documents, images, etc., over a two year time period. Having reassignment surgery is not a requirement but the likelihood of receiving a gender recognition certificate increases with it. This entire process takes years and is an extremely stressful time period, if one undergoes it at all. So, when a trans male student wants to go on a night out and the one thing letting them into the bar is the letter ‘F’, there’s clearly an issue. Time after time, students who don’t have the letter or image matching their gender identity on their ID ask whether or not a bouncer is going to question it or not. This is unwanted attention and not deserved in any fashion and prevents these students from fully enjoying their time at university.

It’d be unfair for me to finish this article without mentioning trans* students of colour (PoC). In the world, trans* PoC undergo some of the worst discrimination and harassment. And whilst we go to a University that celebrates diversity, these statistics still run true. In the UK, students who come from a BME background, are less likely to seek welfare services due to barriers based on race, religion, culture, and language(2). This means that these students will not be getting the support they crucially need at a time in their life that is exceptionally troubling. It may be simple to separate these students into groups and identify the issues they face individually, but the statistics don’t lie and these issues compound exponentially.

Coming to University can be an exciting time for any student. It means moving away from home, meeting new people, and learning new things; however, if the systems in place directly disadvantage these students because of who they are, how can we truly claim a welcoming environment? So, reach out to your trans* friends. Tell them you support them and listen. Listen to the issues they face and stand up for them and their rights.

(1) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40709420

(2) https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/b/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-bame-communities

#InternationalTransgenderDayofVisibility

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Six reasons why you should be excited to come back to university

We all know that dreaded feeling at the end of the summer holidays. After a long relaxing break, coming back to university can feel like the last thing you want to do.

Returning to student life is a time of huge change, as many of you in second and third year will be moving into new accommodation, studying new modules and adjusting to new routes around the campus. It’s ok to feel a little bit nervous at the thought of coming back.

But with so many exciting events coming up, we want to remind you of all the good things to look forward to this year!

Check out our list below of six reasons to get excited for coming back to university:

Catching up with your friends

There’s nothing better than seeing your friends again after a long break.At uni, your friends become your survival pack, and they can genuinely feel likeyour second family. This means when summer ends, you get to look forward to the big dramatic reunionbetween you and your squad! We fully expect tears, hugs and a few emotional catch up sessions over a pint in Mooch.

2. Getting back into a routine

Getting back into a daily routine might seem like the biggest struggle of university life. But we can guess that for most of you, thelong break summer has been little bit boring.Without the structure of a timetable, lecture plan and the legendary Ocean Friday to remind you which day of the week it is, how on earth are you supposed to get organised?

Coming back to university is the time to get yourself back on track, pull yourself out of that deep dark Netflix pit and actually get some work done!

3. New student houses

Finally, you’ve said goodbye to halls and are ready to take the next step! You can move into the house you’ve been dreaming of all summer. No more noisy tower blocks and tiny shared kitchens; you can live in a house you love, with people you actually like!

Moving into your new student house is a really exciting change, and one of the best parts about coming back to university. With only a few weeks left before Welcome, it looks like it’s time to start planning those room decorations!

4. The Portland Building refresh

You might have noticed a couple of pretty big changes happening in the Portland Building at the end of last term. Over summer, some serious renovation work has taken place, making way for a relocated Student Services Centre, a modern dance studio, the Malone Atrium and some great new meeting rooms. This means that from the moment you get back to university, you’ll have new spaces to meet, socialise, relax and study in the centre of campus!

5. Upcoming events and socials

Speaking of your Students’ Union, we’ve got some amazing events coming up for you this year. Although the current heatwave is making every day feel like a sunny holiday abroad, our autumn and winter calendars are already filling up.

Welcome Week is just around the corner, with Goose Fair and Halloween not far behind! Your societies are also busy planning some amazing socials, with brand new SU officers in charge, so there’s some great work happening behind the scenes! We hope you’re ready for plenty of fantastic events this year!

6. Local Nottingham events

This year, Nottingham is set to put on some really great events. From the amazing Bonfire Night on the Forest and the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival in October – there’s so much to look forward to! Exploring the city and hitting up those classic Nottingham nightly socials is one of the best reasons to be excited about coming back to university. You’ll definitely need your calendar ready for 2018!

We know it can be hard re-adjusting back to student life, especially after a great summer break. But with so many changes and upcoming events for you to look forward to, there will always be some fantastic reasons to get excited about coming back to university again!

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How to cope now that Love Island has finished

Once you’ve finished wiping your eyes, taken off your Islander merch and posted your last #Loyal tweet, it’s time to admit that Love Island 2018 is over. No more villa, no more challenges, no more 9pm live tweets and no more Jani. So what do you do now?

Although our Students’ Union calendar doesn’t quite have room for a round of Snog, Marry, Pie, we’ve definitely got some exciting ideas to help you take your mind off the tragic Love Island loss.

Join a Volunteering programme

With your evenings now free (and nothing good on TV anymore), why not explore some of our volunteering opportunities? There are still two months of the summer break left, so you’ve got plenty of time to put yourself forward for one of our amazing opportunities.

Volunteering is a great way to gain some extra skills, spend your holiday doing something new, and helping out in your community. From working as a children's summer camp counsellor to exploring conservation opportunities in Wollaton Park, there are so many different options for you to try out!

Find a new hobby

In an unfortunate twist of fate, we can’t spend our entire summer tanning in Casa Amor. Perhaps this means it’s time to take up a new hobby instead! But if you’re stuck choosing between baking and rock climbing, karate and knitting, try out our SU Activities Matchmaker.

A quick personality test on the Students’ Union can help us determine the hobbies you’ll love! If you’re ready to get stuck in with a new group of people, start a new activity or just want to learn some new skills, give our Activities Matchmaker a go!

Get ready for next term

No one wants be reminded of reality when they’re on holiday. But next term is approaching fast, and it’s worth getting started on your pre-return prep early! Whether you start topping up your stationery supplies, researching your new tutor or catching up on some summer reading, the more you do now, the easier it’ll be to come back.

But maybe keep that acoustic Love Island playlist on in the background while you do it - just to help ease those painful withdrawal symptoms...

Apply for a part-time job

What better way to distract yourself from your Jani grief than a few hours of hard work?

It’s not too late to apply for a part time job, or to gain some valuable workplace experience. We have some great online resources to help you build up your CV, prep for interviews and approach employers for references here on the University of Nottingham Careers and Employability site. If you want to make the most of your summer, and build up some essential new skills, so start applying now!

We’re certainly not ready to accept the end of Love Island just yet, but if we’ve learnt anything from our Islanders, it’s that summer is all about seizing the day! So start making the most of your holiday, and get out there!

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Why you should get involved with the SU

Gain new skills, make new friends, experience new sports and discover new hobbies; these are just some of the ways the Students’ Union can boost your uni experience.

Second year University of Nottingham student, Miriam Thompson, shares how her involvement with the SU has made her time at uni truly “memorable”...

For me, the Students’ Union has been a fantastic way to get involved with the university life. Getting stuck in with the SU has made my university experience in a way I never expected before I arrived. I’d encourage everybody to just take that first step and try something new – and here’s my three top tips on how to get involved.

Societies 🎲:

Societies are student led clubs so are a great way to make new friends in a relaxed way. I’ve always said that there’s a society for everyone, from student media groups, to hide and seek and even those who just want to meet for a drink and have a chat.

The easiest way to find these societies is at Welcome and Refreshers events, but if you still have’t found the right society for you just yet, don’t worry! Societies usually take people onboard all year-round. I’ve often dropped messages to clubs’ Facebook pages, like Photosoc, asking if I’m welcome to try out midterm and the answer has never been no. All it takes is just making that first bit of effort and it’s so worth it! Societies are one of the best ways to socialise with a new group of people, especially if you’re shy like me and found it hard to make friends in your halls or student home. 

Having a group of like minded people close to you is always a positive, and making friends in different circles at university is great if you need a break from the books. Usually your course will also have a society where you get to meet course mates outside the classroom, and who knows, you might even find you have more in common than you first thought! 

No society you like? Make your own! One of my first year friends made her own society to bring her passion into university life for others to enjoy. Creating a society may sound daunting but all societies begin somewhere, and whilst many people don’t realise it’s even possible, it may be the answer if you can’t find a society you want to join.

Sports 🎾:

There’s over 70 sports clubs to choose from at the SU, so there’s bound to be one to suit everyone. From those serious competitors to those wanting a chilled sports experience – there is something to match everybody’s needs and abilities. Before uni, I’d never even thought about joining a sports club, it wasn’t really my ‘thing’, yet here I am two years later playing American Flag Football and absolutely loving playing for my team.

Sport offers me a break from university work several times a week with the opportunity to meet a whole range of people I could never have met outside my course or halls. Whilst many teams have trials for long term players – many people don’t realise these same clubs also offer engage sessions for beginners. The Engage ‘have a go’ programme is an easy way for those a bit shyer to introduce themselves to a sport for the first time and so many of my friends who went along to a Try-It session have now joined a club. Even if sport isn’t your thing, you might as well like me give it a chance – you never know where it could end up!

Volunteering 🙋‍:

We’re all encouraged to get involved with student led volunteering. I volunteered with my sports team through Leadership Academy, but this is only one of the few ways you can get into volunteering. There are course, charity and plenty of other volunteering opportunities available in and out of university. If you’re not sure what you want to get involved with or you feel out of depth, the volunteer service offers drop-in sessions for a face-to-face chat about finding a volunteering project that’s right for you. 

Not only has volunteering enhanced my CV, it has also allowed me to build confidence whilst interacting and contributing to the community in Nottingham. For me, volunteering was the first time I actually felt like I was home in Nottingham, because I was able to get out the university bubble and help out in the communities that live outside the gates of University Park campus.

Top tip 👌:

It’s simple! Just get involved and try as much as you can. Maybe you won’t stick with everything that you try, but if you stick at it you’ll soon find something that suits you, and hopefully something to be passionate about and make your experience memorable.

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How a Refreshers try-It session taught me the magic of quidditch

It turns out that the one-time fantasy sport of qudditch isn’t just for the witches and wizards in the magical world of Harry Potter after all.

Us muggles can play it too, minus the broomsticks, as second year University of Nottingham student Georgina Pittman found out when she went along to a Refreshers Try-It session with the Nottingham Nightmares quidditch society.

Exams are over and Refreshers is here, meaning the time is now for students to try out new societies, as I found out when I attended a session with the Nottingham Nightmares quidditch team. As well as getting a taste of what it’s like to play real quidditch, I also got to meet a friendly group of people and see for myself how the team is like a family.

During the two hours I was with the Nightmares, they were continually supporting each other, apologising for the smallest of mistakes and always checking players weren’t injured following a tackle. Best of all, there was barely a moment when a player wasn’t grinning with joy from sheer passion of the game.

I’d already spoken with the lovely Amy, Quidditch Manager, who suggested I attend the session after the first hour so the team would already be warmed up. The group were easy enough to spot across the Downs, energetically drilling manoeuvres and shouting encouragement to each other, not to mention the large iconic hoops stood at either end of the pitch. Most players at the session had some previous experience with quidditch, so they knew considerably more about the sport than me and were able to teach me a lot!

Players described the game as a cross between rugby, dodgeball and even netball. As you would expect, practice revolves around four main activities also used in football and netball: drilling, giving feedback, demonstrating techniques and playing the game. Unfortunately, there’s no real flying involved but it’s still a fast-paced game that relies on communication and cooperation, just like any other sport. A ‘broom’ still features, however, and is a stick held between the legs by one hand, as a sort of handicap to make basic throwing and catching trickier. Players also wear different coloured headbands depending on their positions. Quidditch is also mixed gender and has free substitutions, making the game more fluid than other sports.

It was good to see the team was full of diversity, with players representing all genders, several nationalities, various study interests and having different motivations for getting involved. First-year maths student and Ravenclaw, Lucy, was encouraged to play by a friend enjoying the sport at another university. 

Isobel, third-year English and history student, Hufflepuff and General Secretary joined as a Harry Potter fan. In her words, she “came for the Harry Potter and stayed for the sport!” Similarly, Zach, second-year philosophy, politics and Economics student and Hufflepuff, joined out of curiosity but stayed for the great sense of community.

The Nightmares have a busy season ahead of them, hosting their own tournament in the coming weeks, competing in the British Quidditch Cup and having joint practices with other teams to further improve. With so much going on, now is definitely the time to get involved if you’re interested! 

The Try-It session was a great way to get involved with a new sport, and I owe a special thanks to Amy for her helpful explanations to me, a humble beginner! Shout out also to Rachel also, resident quidditch expert and evident inspiration to her peers. Lastly, thank you to the whole Nightmares team for being such a welcoming bunch and for teaching me so much! Good luck for the next semester!

The Nottingham Nightmares train from 1.30pm on the Downs on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons every week.

A full timetable of Refreshers Try-It sessions can be found here

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How to make the time after exams count!

Are your exams and coursework deadlines out of the way? Start the new semester right by getting ahead and giving something back, not just to yourself, but to others too. 

Here are University of Nottingham second year English student, Georgina Pittman’s, top tips for how to have a great start to the year…

1. Look at reading lists for the coming term

Even if your modules are year-long, it’s important to know what’s going on this term. By having a look while you’ve got spare time, you can start purchasing or skim-reading your textbooks. 

That way, you won’t panic when you’re given a novel, a play and three textbook chapters to read that one week you were planning to let your hair down! You’ll also thank yourself later that you got ahead of the crowd and bought decent second-hand books from Blackwell’s!

2. Do a bit of Googling

We’re not saying you should rely on Google, Wikipedia or SparkNotes for real research but they’re good places to start if you want to get the gist of a topic’s key ideas. 

YouTube and iPlayer can also be good for a more passive form of research that will still get you ahead. It’s better to start your studies with a vague understanding of Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, for example, than nothing at all.

3. Treat yourself

Yes, it’s cheesy, but it’s true. After all that hard work, you deserve a break! Why not take a day trip into the city to reignite your love for Nottingham? 

Or have a night in with a film, a takeaway and good friends? Whatever you do is your choice but make sure to give yourself a well-earned rest.

4. Treat a friend

While you’re enjoying your newfound liberty, some of your friends might still be bogged down in work. Offer to set aside some time and help them revise, arrange a film night to give a little respite or bring them that Maccies 20 nugget share box they’ve been craving. In short, give back the love!

5. Have a go at volunteering

Read about volunteering opportunities. The Students’ Union Volunteering team is very helpful with this. 

Think about what free time you might have (whether that’s in the next week or the next month) and look into giving back to the local community or getting involved in larger projects as part of one-off events or a bigger commitment alongside your studies. 

Even small gestures will feel rewarding, for yourself and those you’ll be helping.

6. Research job opportunities

Now is the perfect time to investigate job vacancies either for part-time work whilst studying or for something more permanent after uni. Whether this is planning for the present or the future, it can’t do any harm to have a look. 

The Careers and Employability Service are good to talk to and just flipping through their calendar of events for this semester is better than nothing!

As tempting as it is to just watch Netflix now, give some thought to what else you could be getting up to over the next few days and weeks.

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What is the Postgraduate Sounding Board (PGSB)?

The Postgraduate Sounding board exists to represent Postgraduate students’ views as well as inform students about decision making made on your behalf between your Students’ Union and the University.

As part of the Education Network and Students’ Union, the PGSB aims for academic representation and a voice for you to feedback your concerns. The board is made up of 10 elected postgraduates – one postgraduate-taught and one postgraduate-research from each of the University’s 5 faculties; Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science and Social Science. The PGSB meet once a month to represent postgraduate student views within your faculties.

As representatives for their respective schools, PGSB members will also make up the judging panel for the postgraduate categories of the University Staff Oscars and manage applications to the Academic Community fund (a pot of money to aid social events that help build our community).

 As the PGSB members are are still being elected we are yet to meet, but I’m looking forward to our first meeting in a couple of weeks’ time!

With the current election closing today (Friday 3 November) I thought it was important to give a quick run down on what the PGSB is, to help you make your voting decisions.

Yolanda – SU Postgraduate Officer