Profiles and Views
Watch our videos
You can see profiles of some of our students on the University's video wall :
Oliver Byrne - Biotechnology Gwawr Parry - Agriculture
Catherine Carville - Nutrition and Food Science Seb d'Agar - Animal Science
Dan Freeman - Environmental Science Jennifer Spencer - Microbiology
More profiles
Lawrence Bramham - BSc Biotechnology (first year)
“I knew I wanted a degree linking my interest in science with practical skills for the future and having now completed my first term living at Sutton Bonington I feel I have definitely found what I was looking for with BSc Biotechnology and Nottingham University. Combining many elements of the field of biosciences, biotechnology has offered me a degree which evolves to my interests allowing me to choose a variety of optional modules which are fascinating, well-structured and taught by lecturers who develop world leading research.
I was initially unsure about being based on the relatively small campus of Sutton Bonington because of fears of ending up seeing more farmyard animals than nights out and social events! Now I’m living here I realise that I couldn’t have been more wrong! SB has great links to University Park Campus, its own on-site bar, social and sports facilities – and the university’s plethora of societies to get involved in make sure activities are never far away. I’ve joined several societies including badminton and windsurfing. A real community exists at SB ensuring you are never left to feel isolated. It’s also brilliant to know that lectures are literally minutes away and that during England’s inevitable wet and cold winter weather your warm, comfortable room isn’t a bus ride or long trek away. Accommodation at SB far exceeds what I expected - I plan to stay on campus site next year, living in halls of residence, rather than moving out. Support of any form is readily accessible on campus and I’ve found that both the study facilities and staff have helped to take away a lot of stress I anticipated when coming to university.
I can’t imagine a better place to live, work and make great memories than SB.”
Laura Talbot - BSc Agricultural and Livestock Science (first year)
“As I attended an Agricultural College for my A-Levels, choosing a University that veered away from the campus life that I was used to at college was a major factor for me. Not only did I want a ‘university lifestyle’, I also wanted to ensure that the campus I was on suited my course. This was where Nottingham ticked all the boxes - I was close to the city centre but was also located in the countryside where I could benefit better from my course. 
From the very minute you begin your life on SB you realise that the students are very much involved in the running of the campus; you are greeted by student reps who are there for you in every aspect during Fresher’s week.
The accommodation here at SB was far superior to any other that I had seen at other universities. The rooms are really made to feel homely and there are plenty of opportunities to mix within your house and flat. Due to SB being quite a small campus you really feel a sense of community, everybody is willing to help each other out and you instantly start to recognise many faces; there are also opportunities to make friends through the different social clubs and societies with many courses having course specific ones.
I joined several societies when I first arrived at Uni and a particular favourite of mine is Polo, this is based on UP which allowed me to make more friends at University Park Campus.
There is so much to look forward to here on SB; I feel as though I could write a book on my experiences so far!”
Nistha Bhattarai - BSc Microbiology (first year)
“I’ve always heard good things about Nottingham and the microbiology course outline looked interesting. Choosing the right university was one of the biggest decisions I had made in my life so far and I feel I chose well. Studying microbiology allows me to appreciate how important microbes are in medical development. It’s fascinating to understand how certain bacteria and viruses can cause an array of problems while others can be utilised to help.
So far, my lectures have been engaging and I’ve had quite a bit of lab work, which is nice as it allows hands on experience. Sutton Bonington is a beautiful campus, with good labs and approachable and friendly professors. The best thing about living on campus is the fact that most lectures are less than a five-minute walk away, great for morning lectures.
There is always something to do on campus, whether your interest is sporty or musical, you’ll find something that you will love. There are events and societies to suit all, such as themed parties, rock climbing and the music society Music Soc. I often travel to University Park as a few of my societies are based there, and also for one or two lectures now and then. It’s really easy to get there as it’s a short free bus ride away.
I’d really glad I decided to come to here; I’ve met some amazing people and learnt so much already.”
Dan Boorman - BSc Animal Science (first year)
“I chose animal science because it covers a multitude of areas related to animals which gives you a broad view of the subject. I don’t have a specific job in mind but I would like to work hands on with animals and have a scientific position related to the nutritional and reproductive aspects of animal science. 
The social life on campus is one of which I have never experienced before. The whole campus is like one big family - everyone knows everyone else, so when we have events suxh as bar nights, it’s laid back and people just enjoy themselves to the full. If we want different scenery at any point we go over to the bar at University Park Campus, Mooch, for the evening as it’s only a bus ride away from SB.
On SB it is extremely easy to make friends, the first set of friends you will have are those who are in your flat, then during Week One and onwards, you gradually gain new friends through nights out and going to lectures as everyone is in the same position as you are.
Kegworth is the local town for any essentials that you need with a doctor’s surgery, post office, a Co-operative supermarket, hairdressers and pubs, however for our big weekly shop we drive into Loughborough where there is a big Tesco, Morrison and Sainsbury’s.”
Sam Higginson - BSc Nutrition and Food Science (first year)
“I’ve always had a passion for science and a love of food since an early age. After learning about the jobs I could do with a degree in food science and nutrition and opportunities to travel within the industry I knew it was for me.
When I came to visit SB I felt at home straight away. The staff were friendly, the campus was beautiful and the course sounded perfect. Freshers’ Week was incredible, there was so much to do and everyone settled in really quickly - there were so many societies to join and lots of free food too! 
I knew I’d picked the right course when my first ever lecture involved eating our way through a bag of chocolate! Since then I’ve studied topics which I didn’t think I would such as genetics and plant biology, but I’ve found it really interesting to learn how the different aspects come together in order to understand the food supply chain and how the knowledge is essential to be a good food scientist. I’ve found the course both challenging and fascinating, especially the lab practicals.
Life on SB is brilliant. One of my favorite things are the special formal ‘dining-ins’ when we all sit down for supper then head over to the SB bar where there are regular parties and events like film nights and bingo. The sports hall just over the road is fantastic with a brilliant gym and loads of classes on offer.
I would absolutely recommend coming to SB to live and study, I guarantee you will never be bored and will have the time of your life.”
Valerie Ng - Bsc Nutrition and Food Science (first year – International student)
“Studying the application of nutritional value in food development and processing is what I am looking for as my future career. With all the world-related food problems happening these past few years, this course has become increasingly in high demand among young people.
When I decided to pursue my education overseas, The University of Nottingham appeared to be my first option. Even though Nottingham has a campus back in my country, Malaysia, the experience that I will gain from studying here in UK makes a massive change to my entire student life. Apart from being in the top 10 universities in the UK, it is well known for advances and achievements in the research field in nutrition and food science.
When I first arrived in September, the University’s International Office organised a special international student welcome programme to help us familiarise ourselves with our new environment. This was followed by the Week One programme for all new undergraduate students, packed with entertainment and events to get you settled into university life; including quizzes, nights out, day events and much more. This really helped me getting through that critical homesick period!
As a biosciences student, I am mainly based at Sutton Bonington Campus
(around 20 minutes from University Park Campus). There are regular hopper bus services provided by the university, so accessing University Park is easy.
Living on campus is fun and nice. I get to mix with UK students as well as students from all around the world. There are lots of interesting societies and sports club that we can get involved with.
I have enjoyed myself very much and am happy with my decision of studying here.”
Yao Soo - BSc Nutrition (first year – International student)
“I am studying Nutrition as I hope to help upgrade the quality of people’s lives and for me Nottingham is one of the best universities in UK to offer this course.
As an international student, the Welcome Programme and Week One activities helped me to settle down in a very short time. I got to know how things work here in UK, especially the services provided by the university. There were always representatives around to help and guide you to your problems. I find this very essential and helpful especially for students like me, first time away from home alone. 
Living on campus during your first year is a wise choice - living with 3 to 4 other people in a flat is perfect - you get to know people from different continents and you get to join in events. It is also convenient to get to lectures which are only within 10 minutes walk.
The free hopper bus provided made it easy for me to travel to University Park Campus. I am able to connect with my friends not only at SB, but also at University Park, which widens my social network. The hopper bus also goes into Nottingham city in the weekends, which made it convenient for us to meet friends and do shopping.
The academic staff here are friendly and helpful. Whenever I email them my problem or ask them face to face, they never hesitate to help me. This has made my studies easy and organised.
I am very keen to experience life in the UK in depth. Studying here in the UK is much more beyond education, it is to me a lifestyle and a once-in-a-life-time experience which so far has lived up to my expectations!”
Carla Nicholls - BSc Environmental Biology (first year)
“When looking for a university it can become very mechanical - you have to make sure they have a course for you, the grades are achievable and the location is suitable -you almost forget it’s going to be your home for the next three years. When I visited Sutton Bonington Campus (SB) it reminded me what I was also looking for; a friendly and comfortable home where I would be happy to work and to live. 
My course is Environmental Biology - the course here is quite unique in what it offers. It gave me the opportunity to have practical sessions in the field and lab as well as modules that are interesting and diverse. I can specialise In the fields where my passion lies, such as animal behaviour and ecology. I am keen to get a job as a behavioural ecologist, to work on the never-ending job of understanding animals and trying to save them from a world we are rapidly changing.
Being at university is certainly not all about work - societies, clubs and social nights are an important part and you can tailor what and how much you want to do. Personally I love sport - the University has so many clubs the difficulty was fitting them all in! I play badminton at SB Campus but could also play at University Park Campus if I wanted too. I am also a member of the Ski Club - the ski trip which was the highlight of the year so far.
The thought of being alone or having no one to talk to is always the biggest fear - I know it was for me - but everyone here has something in common. The campus has just biosciences and vets so you are likely to find friends with similar interests.”
Brinna Barlow - BSc Environmental Biology (second year)
“I chose Nottingham not only because it’s one of the few good universities that offer environmental biology, but because it offers a flexible course with options to branch out into different areas both within and beyond my subject area. I’m interested in the biological and geographical workings of our planet and how we can use these processes in its conservation and preservation. 
I honestly tried to come to uni with no preconceptions or expectations because it’s something I’ve never done before and no matter how many people tell you the tale of their glory days each student will experience it differently. I was concerned that I would have to work from dusk till dawn to understand my lectures and that my lecturers would speak 100 miles an hour. But I’ve discovered that if you’re listening well enough it’s not so hard and that you can put your hand up in lectures and ask the speaker to repeat something or go back a slide or even talk to them afterwards.
I’ve found the academic staff to be very approachable and helpful. They want you to do well and if they have a free minute won’t mind lending a hand with a difficult part of the module.
I’m a member of the Extreme Ambling Society and the Horse Riding Society. You can be as active or casual about attending society events as you like.
Social life at SB is what you make of it. As long as you make some friends you’ll have a good social life! If you fancy some new scenery Clifton Boulevard is only few bus stops away on the hopper and is equipped with a Showcase cinema, ten pin bowling, and quasar.
I have lots to look forward to this term. I have made a good solid group of lovely friends and we’re making plans to keep us amused (laser-quest and Mexican food anyone?). I’ll also be spending the Easter holidays doing a sponsored hitch-hike to Morocco with a good buddy for Link Community Development Africa, which should be a life-long memory. Get involved and you’ll never be deprived of excitement. "
Alistair Wright - BSc Agricultural and Crop Science (second year)
“Choosing Nottingham and the School of Biosciences was very simple as it ticked all of my boxes- a campus that offers all the benefits of a large university but in a rural setting. Nottingham is consistently placed at the top of the league tables for agriculture and after a couple of weeks of lectures it becomes clear why. Your lecturers not only know what they are teaching inside out, they also develop world-leading research and pass their knowledge straight to you. The other benefits of studying at Sutton Bonington such as the proximity of University Farm, Study Abroad programmes and the option of a year placement in industry soon sealed my decision. 
Week One was action-packed with meeting new people, learning where everything is on campus and making friends, which is easy as everyone has similar interests. There are many SB societies to join, Such as the thriving ‘Agrics’ -recent trips have included a trip to a Bison Farm and a local cider farm (highly recommended!) as well as an evening out in Nottingham.
The accommodation here at SB was certainly the best I saw when I was considering where to study. The rooms seem very well equipped and large. Mine has ample workspace for when it comes to the all-important revision- but I don’t dwell on that for now! Everything you need on campus is only a 5-minute walk away (or a 3-minute run if you nearly miss the hopper bus for lectures at University Park) making getting up for lectures in the morning very easy! You may be in the countryside, but you don’t feel stranded!
Choosing Sutton Bonington was the best decision I could ever have made! The course, campus and university exceed everything I wanted and continue to do so. I have got so many great memories from the first semester, and am looking forward to the next five! I would encourage you to come and experience SB - you will not regret it! "
Ilja Moisejevs - BSc Nutrition and Food Science (second year –EU student)
“Choosing the right university was a major step in my life - probably one of my very first ‘big’ decisions. I eventually decided there is no better place for me to study food science in the UK than Nottingham.
Have you ever thought why we eat one food and not another? Why do we call some products healthy & nutritious while referring to others as ‘junk’ foods? How are they made and how can these recipes be improved? Answers to those questions are the main reason behind choosing food science as my future career. 
Week One (Freshers’ Week) was absolutely amazing! I never expected such a warm welcome so it took me by surprise how varied the activities in the first days were! Before I came to Nottingham I though it would take me a while to find new friends, but everyone was so open and friendly.
I was a bit worried whether I would be able to keep up with my hobbies, as some of them are quite specific, like fencing. However, not only did I find the University has its own fencing team, but also many other fantastic sport clubs like skydiving, rugby, tennis and many others! There are all kinds of events right on campus so the only thing you have to worry about is squeezing all these in to your timetable!
From the academic point of view, what I like most are the practical sessions. You actually get a chance to feel like a real scientist and that is absolutely amazing! The study process becomes so much more interesting when you get to relate the theoretical material taught during lectures to the actual science done in lab.
I plan on taking a year in industry after my second year. I will actually be able to see how to apply the knowledge I have gained by then and most importantly be able to decide which foods I am interested in most!”
Hannah Cox - BSc Nutrition (third year - currently on Industry Placement)
“Nutrition really appealed, as I believe passionately in the importance of good health. It provided a perfect mix of science and my love of food, as well as being relevant to every day life.
Sutton Bonington is a lively and friendly campus, which offered me a safe community in which to find my feet. Living on campus is not only convenient, but also very social. I often meet up with friends in the café to catch up and we also go to parties in the bar.
I am an active member of Nottingham’s Dance Society, which involves attending practices twice a week on University Park Campus. This provides a great opportunity to meet new people and catch up with friends living in Nottingham.
In general, I do my food shopping in Loughborough as it is nearer and has a large choice of supermarkets. On occasions, I also order food online and have it delivered. My friends and I also take advantage of the free Hopper Bus service and the park and ride at East Midlands Parkway Train Station to go for a day out shopping in Nottingham city centre."
Emily Roberts - BSc Microbiology (third year)
“Applying here was the best decision ever ! Although it’s far from Dorset I was hooked by the "Excellent" Teaching Quality Assessment scores, amazing grounds and the huge range of clubs and opportunities available here at Nottingham.
I chose Microbiology because it was so diverse and offers me the possibility of a job in some really interesting areas, for example in a hospital lab or for a food company like Nestle, or somewhere like Kew Gardens or even in a brewery, which is surely every student’s dream! 
So far it’s going really well - I have a range of optional modules allowing me to really tailor my degree and the different tasks within these such as creating websites and posters, giving presentations and researching, analysing and collecting raw data – all this has given me invaluable transferable skills which will aid me so well in the work environment.
Life at at SB (Sutton Bonington) is great fun –although at first I felt as if I had been left on a farm and was slightly worried! But SB is a lively place, you get to know everyone and there is almost always a party on a Friday night, a comedy night or open mic session in the bar to help you unwind.
I’m Treasurer of the recently established Allotment Society, sing in a gospel choir, play football and am on the Student Guild.
I’m looking forward to doing my dissertation - really getting my teeth into it and bringing together all the skills I have learnt over the past 2 years. I’ll also be going on tour in Belgium with the gospel choir, doing the Three Peaks Challenge and eating some vegetables from my allotment!”
Binal Bid - BSc Food Science (third year – International student)
“Having come from a background with a family-run business in the drinks industry, manufacture of food and drinks has always been a talk in my everyday life, and my interest for it only grew more.
Almost 2 years back, when looking at career options and what degree to do, Nottingham University was the first university I looked into. The atmosphere and scenery is something that I really love about this place. It has one of the best landscapes and open spaces out on campus and the view of all the city lights from outside Portland Building at night make it look even more spectacular! I was a little scared about moving miles away from home in Kenya but I believe education is not just lectures and school, but exposed to, and learning to survive in a new unfamiliar territory and learning about new cultures.
Living in Sutton Bonington has been a completely different feel to university life. It’s a countryside campus where everyone knows each other, and makes it feel even more homely. All the lecturers are very friendly and helpful. The course in its self is quite exciting with many guest lecturers, to making food in the food hall; touring food factories and some problem based learning which really opens our sight to the real world!
Being part of the many societies available is a great way of meeting new people with similar interests. I’m part of the ISSB committee – International Students of Sutton Bonington, and it’s another brilliant way of meeting new people and creating various international events for students from all around the world to socialise and learn about new cultures. Currently working on the Spring Ball is a completely different and new experience for me and I’m looking forward to enjoying the night to its fullest after the hard work put in.”