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Student life

   
   


 

"Traditionally one of the most popular universities for undergraduates"

“Nottingham is traditionally one of the most popular universities for undergraduates. And not only with students from the UK. People from 150 different nations come here and there are also campuses in Malaysia and China; UK students can spend part of their degree studying at either of those…. [the University] has great facilities for sports and the arts, and the Students' Union is one of the largest and most active in the UK, with over 200 societies, sports clubs, student-run services, associations and a variety of events on offer.” 

Guardian Education University Guide

 

 

There is more to studying at The University of Nottingham than our international standing, our green, spacious campuses and first-class facilities; there is also the fantastic student life.

Below is a flavour of the activities, events and opportunities open to students at the University, not just in their first year but throughout the University calendar.

Activities

 
 

Societies

The University of Nottingham currently has 197 societies for students to get involved in covering a broad range of subjects and interests, ranging from:

  • associations
  • course and career
  • current and world affairs
  • hobbies and interests
  • religious and cultural.

Further information on societies.  

Sports

The Athletic Union currently runs 76 sports clubs and holds a number of events throughout the year.  See events information below.

Further information on sports. 

Student-run services

There are 11 student-run services to get involved with at The University:

  • Karnival - the biggest student fundraising group in Europe
  • Nightline - a confidential listening and information service
  • TEC PA - the Students’ Union’s very own lighting and sound company
  • CD and Record Library - a service with over 75,000 CD’s and 7,000 vinyl LPs to borrow
  • Impact - the official magazine of The University of Nottingham Student’s Union
  • NUTS TV – the newly launched student TV station
  • URN – the University’s award-winning radio station
  • Week One – they coordinate all the activities for Freshers’ Week
  • Summer Party - organise the annual student Summer Party
  • Nottingham Forum – host talks at the University from prominent public figures
  • New Theatre – the only fully student-run theatre in England. 

Further information on student-run services.

 

 Events

 
 

Week One
Week One is a huge series of events for freshers to help them get settled into university life, get to know the city and start making friends.

Freshers’ Fayre
The Fresher’s Fayre takes place during Week One. New students get the chance to grab some free stuff and find out about all the Students’ Union’s sports clubs, societies, student-run services, representation and more.

Summer Party
The Summer Party is the largest student-run festival in Europe. Up to 8,500 students come to watch the well-known acts that often perform.

Sounds on the Downs
Sounds on the Downs is a free festival on the Downs at University Park which focuses on the environment and social justice. There is live music, loads of activities, and stalls from local producers and community groups too.

Graduation Ball
The Graduation Ball is considered among many as the highlight of the university events calendar. This huge black tie event celebrates the end of your time at The University of Nottingham, with big acts appearing and thousands of people attending.

Regular events
The Students’ Union run regular nights both in the SU and in town. Events range from big club nights to stand up comedy.

Sports
 There are a number of events run by the Athletic Union throughout the year. These include:

  • The Athletic Union ball – an annual event for AU members.
  • Varsity – The University of Nottingham and closest rivals Nottingham Trent University annually compete in a number of high profile events to win the Varsity Cup, raising money for charity as they go.
  • Superstars – representatives from each hall compete against one another in a series of physical challenges.
 

Volunteering

 

The Student Volunteer Centre helps students find volunteering opportunities within the local community, the Students’ Union itself and overseas. With over 100 projects to choose from students can always find something that matches their interests, course or career aspirations.  These include getting involved with projects in:

  • art or archaeology
  • community sports and youth coaching
  • environment and conservation
  • school support and mentoring
  • overseas projects in Tanzania, Cambodia and Uganda.

 They even help students set up their own volunteering projects.

 

Useful links

 

Student Laughing