Where do students shop at the University of Nottingham?
Once you arrive at the University of Nottingham, it's useful to know where to pick up groceries, essentials or those little bits you may have forgotten to pack.
“Where can I get...”
You’ve just moved to a new city to begin your studies. Getting your UCAS forms sorted, your accommodation booked and all your belongings delivered safely to the right place has been an exhausting experience already. When you’re finally there, you’ve got to buy books and various other studying equipment as you get further into your course. And yet still, there’s always a few extra things that you’re missing – prompting the immortal question: “hey, where can I get?”
Maybe you need a shower mat? A couple of AA batteries perhaps? How about something to eat? We're happy to point you in the right direction...
Basics
There are just certain things that you need to survive. Food, water and the basic amenities. Fortunately, just three short miles away from the main campus, there are a number of options that may be able to help you:
A supermarket that sells quality food and drink as well as other regular household items. This store offers in-store shopping, collections and deliveries (as you’ll find most major supermarket chains do). It’ll be worth checking the minimum spend if you want a delivery.
Another supermarket, similar to Sainsbury’s but with the added bonus of being open until 12:00am (for all of you night owls!) You may also find the price points are slightly more competitive than Sainsbury’s and the range of goods more extensive. This store also has its own pharmacy.
This is perhaps a more cost-effective choice for your food shopping. Lidl offers great value at a much more reasonable price. With inflation rising steeply (taking the cost of living up with it) this is a great alternative to the major, premium priced supermarkets you’ll find.
International Cuisine
For students coming in from abroad, Nottingham also has a number of outlets to cater for your dietary requirements. Some of the major supermarket chains (mentioned above) have begun stocking a modest range of international food produce. But for more specialised ingredients there are some alternative options:
A high percentage of Nottingham’s international students are from the Asian continent. Therefore, having food outlets that stock a healthy variety of familiar food brands is a great way to make international students feel welcome and comfortable in new and unfamiliar surroundings – there’s nothing quite like the taste of home cooking!
Having access to halal foods are a necessary requirement for Muslim students. Having the peace of mind that you can easily access meats and other halal foods becomes one less thing on an already growing checklist of things to get when you arrive.
Brexit aside, there’ll still be a continued influx of students coming to the UK from European countries. The Beeston area in particular has a large Hungarian community and therefore, a busy Hungarian supermarket that sells all manner of homegrown ingredients. And right across Nottingham you’ll be able to find a healthy variety of other Eastern European supermarkets to choose from.
Pharmaceuticals
Medicines, treatments and general healthcare are a major part of our daily sustenance. Whether you’re just treating a hangover or you need to collect a doctor’s prescription, having a pharmacy close by is a must.
One of Nottingham’s home brands! Boots is a well-established pharmacy in the Nottingham area. You’ll see many branches around the city, within reach of residential areas and on high streets. The service is fast, friendly and efficient. Larger outlets offer additional product ranges such as: beauty, skincare and other general hygiene products.
Household Goods
Student accommodation will become a second home to you. However temporary it may be, it’s important that you’ve got all your household items to hand. Luckily, there’s a lot of department stores that sell all your basic items at a reasonable price.
As the name suggests, all manner of home bargains can be found here under one roof. These stores are handy when you need basic household items quickly and without breaking the bank. You’ll also find a few name brands in here too – at an absolute steal!
The famous catalogue and the UK’s Amazon before Amazon existed! People from outside of the UK may be less familiar with this brand, but Argos has been a staple in UK retail for decades. Grab a catalogue, choose what you want and get it delivered or pop down to collect it. A simple and efficient way to buy all manner of household items, gifts and leisure goods.
Another popular brand for hardware and basic DIY – Wilko is that one-stop-shop department store for things like: stationery, bedding, cleaning utensils, electronics and lampshades – at great prices.
The great thing about Nottingham is that you never have to travel long distances to get what you want. Its large variety of retail outlets are usually dotted around the city centre and within easy reach of the public transport links.
Past students have been impressed by how diverse Nottingham’s retail options are. You can usually find what you’re looking for nearby (before rushing to order it on Prime).
