Tying Together the NOTTS of our Student Identity

FEATURES 21 What constitutes the identity of a University of Nottingham student? Zoya Gulshin suggests some traits and experiences which set UoN students aside from those at other universities. Tying Together the Notts of Our Student Identity

Do you ever wonder what makes up the identity of a University of Nottingham student? What sets us apart from those studying at different establishments? For example, students at Loughborough have a reputation for being quite sporty, just as those at Oxbridge are notoriously known to struggle balancing work and a healthy social life. So, what exactly is it that helps to construct the identity of the UoN student?

One thing every UoN student dreads is the treacherous hills. From Portland hill to that climb one must warm up for before visiting Cripps health centre, a UoN student is plagued by hills on a daily basis. Who needs a gym membership when all this trekking is enough to achieve your dream summer body anyway?

Something unique to our university is Mooch, our very own bar/restaurant on campus. One would think that a bar situated on a university campus would be student-budget friendly; however, Mooch begs to differ. Flinching without fail every single time we open the menu is an entrenched part of our identity. Yet, we’re still consistent consumers there. Being a spendthrift? That’s exactly what UoN students are. “Whatever Trent students do, we have to do better”

All students of UoN are undoubtedly, somewhat, ‘living in a bubble’. Which bubble that is, depends on your campus of study. If you ask someone from University Park where Sutton Bonington campus is, initially, they’ll insist it’s not a real place. Wait, the UoN exists outside of the main campus?! Our cluelessness is exposed when we open our exam timetable to find our exams are based in some far-off location we’ve never even set foot in. No, but seriously, where actually is King’s Meadow campus?

A big fragment of our identity is our competitiveness. All you have to do is mention the name Nottingham Trent and suddenly everyone is an ice hockey player. There exists a prominent rivalry between students at both universities that you don’t find elsewhere. Whatever Trent students do, we have to do better. By the time we start second year, we indisputably become hardened; we’ve seen and experienced it all. From disturbing house viewings in Lenton (yes, that indeed was a rat you saw under the sofa) to DG taxi drivers who make you question their spatial awareness skills; nothing can shock us. We’ve followed the infamous case of the missing library cat (Bertie) and have found ways to ensure we bag a seat at Hallward during exam season. Our identity has become accustomed to facing whatever challenges life throws at us. “Being a spendthrift? That’s exactly what UoN students are”

Pretending we’re efficient problem solvers is another part of our identity. Having money worries? Let’s buy a Boots meal deal instead of meal-prepping at home. Nearing a deadline? Let’s party-it-up at Rock City. After all, if Crisis can’t solve all your problems, what can?

And the final seal to our UoN identity? Having our picture taken by the classic ‘Nottingham’ sign at North Entrance. If you didn’t ‘gram it, did it really happen?

Zoya Gulshin Page Design by Natasha Phang-Lee