Week in the life of a biosciences student on Sutton Bonington Campus

Choosing both a course and a university that’s right for you is a big decision - and a huge factor in your future career. We’re hoping to help make that decision a little easier, making sure that you have as much information as possible to help you make the best possible choice.

Meet Zuzanna, one of our current students, as they take you through a typical week, giving you a taste of what you can expect. 

Monday 

On Monday morning we had a trip to the local dairy farm as part of the sustainable agriculture module. We got to see how robotic milking machines work which was an amazing opportunity. Unfortunately, we all got caught in the rain on the way back so then it was time for an outfit change, quick lunch and I was off to my follow-up lecture about milk production.

I then went back to my flat and got started on making dinner and before I knew it was time for my evening pole dancing class. It’s super convenient because the pole classes are on Sutton Bonington campus which makes getting to and from the classes very easy.

Tuesday 

Tuesday was a 9am start. I had a two-hour Physiology lecture followed by a long lunch break and then a 2pm to 5pm food science lecture. In my lunch break, I managed to go on a quick walk down the nearby canal and I also popped into the on-campus shop to pick up a few things. I didn’t have much time after my lectures as I had to get the 5.20pm free hopper bus to get to University Park Campus in time for the beginner's salsa class which I go to every week. Salsa is always a lot of fun, I got back to the flat for around 8pm so I had just enough time for a little catch-up with my flatmates in the kitchen, a quick shower and I was off to bed. 

Wednesday 

On Wednesday’s agenda, I had a 9am to 12noon Food Science practical which involved testing for protein concentration. Every first Wednesday of the month we also have the farmers market at the campus which meant that I was able to pick up some sweet goodies and fresh bread on my way back to the flat. The market is great, there are many food stalls to choose from, it’s always very lively and there is a great sense of community.  

Wednesdays are usually light days lecture-wise because the afternoon is always freed up for sports, so I used my free afternoon to go to the gym. Wednesday is also a student night which means a lot of people go out. However, personally, I am not the biggest fan of going out, so I rarely do it, but I still always accompany my flatmates at pre-drinks. So, this Wednesday we all made dinner and played Cards Against Humanity before they left. 

Thursday 

On Thursday I didn’t start till 10am so I decided to go on a quick walk around the campus Arboretum - it’s always so peaceful and you get a great view of the sheep out in the fields. I then headed over to my first lecture of the day which was only an hour long. I then went back to the flat where I just spent some time on my phone and made lunch before leaving for my next lecture at 1pm. After that, I had some work to catch up on, so I headed over to the library for a little while. When I got back, I made dinner with my flatmates, and then we decided to go down to the local pub in the village for a drink.  

Friday 

On Friday I didn’t have any lectures until 2pm so I used the morning to go to the gym. Having a sports centre on campus is a lifesaver; it only takes me three minutes to walk from my flat to the gym which makes finding time for it much easier. After my workout, I went back to my room to shower and get ready. I also had some time to get started on making flashcards covering what I learned that week in lectures. 

My second lecture finished at 5pm, just in time for sunset so I decided to take a quick walk to the village and enjoy the beautiful scenery. When I got back, I just made dinner and spent some time in the kitchen with my flatmates. 

Saturday 

Saturday morning was the time to do my food shopping for the next week. I got the free hopper bus and got off in Clifton, a 10-minute walk away from a Lidl. When I got back from shopping, I went to the library for a little while to do some work.  

My flatmates and I then decided to go into Nottingham. We got the bus to Clifton and then got the tram from there into Nottingham City Centre where we went to Wagamama for a late lunch and did a bit of shopping. On our way back we also decided to pop into ‘The Barn’ (on-campus bar/social area) for a quick game of pool.  

Sunday 

Sunday is probably my favourite day of the week and I pretty much do the same thing every Sunday. I started the day off with some reading, and then I headed over to the gym. When I got back I meal prepped some of my meals for the week ahead. I also headed over to the laundry room to put on a load of laundry. In the meantime, I cleaned my room and went on a quick walk around campus. I love going on walks in the area because I get to see all the rabbits running around. This time I even got to see a rainbow which was a perfect addition to a wholesome Sunday.