Welcome to Nottingham Student Guide 2019 by LeftLion

As a proper Notts local would say, “Ayup duck!” Congrats on making it through your A-Levels/BTECs/C-hecks, and welcome to our marvelous city. Now you’re here, we just know you’re gonna have the time of your life. How do we know? Because not too long ago, we were in the same boat…

with some alumni who have gone to all corners of the country and the globe. We’ve chatted to a footballer, a blogger, a charity CEO, an Olympic gold medallist, a gaming guy from San Fran, plus some current students offer up the advice they wish they’d been given.

This guide is brought to you by us lot at LeftLion. Each month we print a magazine boasting about all the wonderful stuff happening in Notts. If you’re after interviews with cool folk, reviews of restaurants and a list of all the best events that month, make us your first port of call. You’ll find free copies sitting proudly in pubs, cafes and shops throughout the city.

As you’re young and full of potential, we’ve included plenty of information about the opportunities awaiting you here in Hoodtown, such as the Young Creative Awards and the literary and music organisations who’ll happily offer a helping hand. There’s also a nifty map of the city, and your very own local dialect dictionary, so you don’t get too confused when the lady at the shop asks you if you want a cob or a baked tater.

To make this guide happen, we were lucky enough to get some help from two current students, Jamie and Faith, who are both part of Trent’s student mag Platform (which I was formerly Editor of). Jamie is a Journalism student at Trent going into his second year, and is also the magazine’s Culture and Entertainment Editor, while Faith is a Spanish and Linguistics student in her final year, and is taking the reins as News Editor. Big props to UoN’s Emma Walsh for dobbing in too. We’ve had plenty of talented folk pass through our hometown over the years, so we thought it best to have a natter

Towards the back of this guide, we’ve given you a quick rundown of some of our favourite haunts in Notts. We’ve covered everything from nightclubs and music venues, gyms and parks, as well as where you can grab some grub and a cocktail or two. You won’t be stuck for summat to do, that’s for sure. Anyway, you better be off. You’ve got a mag to read and a city to explore! Eve Smallman Editor, Welcome To Nottingham 2019

CONTENTS 6

CARLY TELFORD

CLASS OF THE PAST

AMELIA LIANA

STUDENT TOP TIPS

20 FOLK YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE FROM NOTTS

CITY OF LITERATURE

YOU’VE GOT THE MUSIC IN YOU

ETIENNE STOTT

PLASTIC AIN’T FANTASTIC

GIVE GREEN A CHANCE

GOING PLACES

STUDENTS WHO STAYED

MENTAL HEALTH WITH ROSIE

SEEKING OUT SUPPORT

WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM 10

She played for Notts County women’s team at university, and this year she played in England’s women’s World Cup squad

Our universities have nurtured the brains of some proper big names over the years. See how many you recognise

She came to the University of Nottingham to study Sociology, then became one of the biggest names on the UK’s Instagram scene

Pearls of wisdom from some current students in Nottingham

A list of famous faces you didn’t know call Hoodtown their home

Nottingham has a rich literary heritage that we’re dead proud of, and we’ve got plenty of organisations who help out young writers

Our mates at Nusic dish out some advice to aspiring musicians

The Olympic gold medal winner talks about his time in Notts and his work with Extinction Rebellion

How you can help reduce your waste consumption while on and off campus

Nottingham is up there with the best of ‘em when it comes to being environmentally friendly

One student tells us about her experience studying abroad, and why you should think about doing the same

When your time at uni is up, you ain’t gotta pack up your bags and go back to the ‘rents. Graduates who made Notts their home tell us why they stuck around

We chat to former UoN student Rosie Tressler OBE, who is now the CEO of mental health charity Student Minds

Both unis have great support initiatives if you need to reach out

WOMEN IN NOTTINGHAM

ANDY WILSON

EATING WELL WITH LUCY AND LENTILS

STAYING SAFE AT UNI

We’re doing all we can to make sure our streets are safe

UoN alumni Andy now runs the company that helps make Call of Duty. We speak to him, as well as giving you the rundown on Notts’ gaming scene

Three tasty student recipes you can cook on a budget with your new flatmates, put together by Notts blogger Lucy Parker

Making sure that you look after yourself and each other

HOME AND DRY

YOUNG AND CREATIVE

Outside the university walls, there’s a world of opportunity for a creative spark like you

BUCKET LIST

YOU, ME AND HUMANITY

INDEPENDENTS

FESTIVALS

NIGHTCLUBS

LIVE MUSIC

ART GALLERIES

This city has some great independent businesses. Get to know them

The lowdown on what you need to know when choosing your next digs

If you want our respect, you better click your pen and start ticking things off

Home to folk from all over the world, we love how diverse our communities are in Notts

Nottingham is the UK’s Festival City in October, don’t yer know

With a party every night of the week, you’re proper spoilt for choice

Whether you like hip-hop or house, booming or ballads, our music venues cover it all

You’re a real adult now. Time to start soaking up some culture at our local art galleries

OVER THE RAINBOW

SUBURB GUIDE

CINEMA, THEATRE AND COMEDY

IT’S ALL HOOD

A BITE TO EAT

Our city has a thriving LGBT+ community

There’s no need to hide in your room watching Netflix with these stage and screen offerings

A handy guide to your new home, the urban jungle

A look at all the times our local hero, Robin Hood, hit the big and little screens. They don’t call us Hoodtown for nowt

Some of the best places in tahn to get your scran

NOTTINGHAM LANGUAGE AND GRAMMAR

CAFES

MADE IN NOTTS

BEER

COCKTAILS

ACTIVITIES

SPORTS

PARKS

GYMS

SHOPPING

It wouldn't be a guide to Notts if we didn’t help you understand the local dialect

We take a look at some of the finest inventions to come from our city

CREDITS EDITOR IN CHIEF Jared Wilson

EDITOR

Eve Smallman

DESIGNER

Natalie Owen

PRODUCTION EDITOR Alan Gilby

All the best places to sip a proper good latte and nibble some cake

A list of places offering an alternative to watered-down, fizzy-pop lager

If there’s one thing Notts does well, it’s extravagant booze

MARKETING Ash Dilks

CONTRIBUTORS Caroline Barry Lucy Manning Jamie Morris Sam Nahirny Lucy Parker Faith Pring Bridie Squires Emily Thursfield Emma Walsh

PHOTOGRAPHY Lucy Parker Tom Morley Curtis Powell

COVER

Lissie Hollis

ILLUSTRATORS Tom Goodwin Becky Riley

That essay can wait. Head off for a day of fun instead

Get to know the difference between our Magpies, Panthers and Outlaws

With so many green spaces, it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle

It’s all about them gains, innit

The best local places to pick up all your bits and bobs

CARLY TELFORD interview: Faith Pring

Carly Telford graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2015 with a media degree. During her time at uni she balanced her education with a sporting career at Notts County Football Club. After the club folded, her career with Chelsea led her to represent England ladies’ national football team in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. She spoke to us about her tournament experience, female representation in sports, and how to make the most of your time at university… You studied media at Nottingham Trent. Did you find it hard to balance your education and your sporting activities? My first year was quite good – I was at Notts County Football Club, so it was easy. I would train in the morning or afternoon, and went to my lectures either side of that. It was probably mid-second to third year when I struggled due to the fact that the Notts County ladies football team folded. I lost my team, but I was picked up very quickly by Chelsea, which was fantastic for my football career, but not so good because I had to move to London, so all the lectures became distance lectures and online readings, which I hated. One of the reasons I went back to uni was to have a really good go at doing it properly – attending lectures, going to libraries, and doing all the student things. But I can’t thank Nottingham Trent University enough for moving more than mountains to make sure I could achieve and get my degree. What was your favourite thing about Nottingham? I love the people. The fact that they love their sport; whether it’s cricket, football, or rugby, they’re very supportive of their teams and everyone from Nottingham. It’s such a vibrant city as well, it has a lot going for it, and you get a lot of people from different backgrounds. I really enjoyed my time there and if I’m honest, if the club hadn’t folded, I probably would have stayed there for a long time. How did it feel to be a part of the Lionesses this year in France? It felt like the World Cup any other year; we were in a good place and we kept a lot of stuff within our little bubble. We tried to keep it as normal as possible, all the while knowing we were going into one of the biggest tournaments we were ever going to take part in, and knowing we could compete and beat some of the best teams in the world. I think we put ourselves on a bit of a pedestal, and said we were going out there to win, which we had never done before. We knew that as long as we played football like we had for the past twelve months, we would be in a good place. Did you expect such a huge reaction to the World Cup this year? I think it took a long time for us to realise that if you can take the gender away from the sport, it’s just football. You grow fond of the team because you can relate to certain players or certain moments, and you see the hardships and struggles they go through. We

kind of piggy-backed off the men last year to really gather some kind of momentum, and having that sort of following was unbelievable. We had our critics because we wanted to win it and we came out with nothing, but that’s part of what we do. We can’t be applauded for nothing, but ultimately I think it made people proud to be English. Do you think the World Cup will have a positive effect on women getting involved in sport? I hope so. I think female sport in general has finally given girls all over the country and hopefully all over the world an opportunity to really feel like they can go and play. Whatever they look like, they feel like there’s someone out there they can relate to. I remember at school no-one else wanted to play football, so I played netball because that’s what all the girls wanted to do. I think the role models that we have now are so much more in the light. Hopefully we’ve paved the way for young girls to be able to choose whatever they want to be and at least try it. Do you think it's important for students to get involved with sports at university? For me, it's not the be-all and end-all. If you’re someone who is more academic, I'm not going to say you have to or you must join a sports club, but if you've ever experienced some sort of sport in your life, I think that joining a university team is amazing. They’ll probably end up being some of the best friends and people you'll stay in contact with for life. When it comes to who gives the greatest nights out, I think that sports teams are probably up there with the best of them. I think it's cool that different societies create those environments for certain people to feel like they're part of something. Do you have any tips for students starting university in Nottingham? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. When I was eighteen or nineteen, I didn't want to ask questions if I was unsure and I didn't want to speak to lecturers. Going back in as a mature student, I found that it was very easy to email a lecturer, and I think that if you reach out you'll find yourself in a lot less trouble. I also think that if the first time you don't enjoy university initally, don't be scared to delay it. Hopefully you can just enjoy it, and it can be one of the best experiences of your life. @carlytelford1

CLASS OF THE PAST

words: Eve Smallman

Our universities have seen quite a few household names step foot through their doors over the years...

NTU MATT BERRY

BOBBY FRICTION

PAUL KAYE

DAN HARDY

DAME LAURA KNIGHT

ED MACFARLANE

This funny bloke has appeared in classics such as The Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd, as well as winning a BAFTA for the title role in Toast of London. He studied Contemporary Arts, and said it was his time at university that made him realise the arts was where he wanted to focus his time.

He’s an awardwinning BBC Radio Presenter and DJ who studied Creative Arts, during which he made art from cages and ghetto blasters. “Nottingham taught me to actually be and live the art,” he said. “It meant that I could come up with original ideas even in the corporate entertainment world.”

After studying Theatre Design, Paul Kaye took on the role as iconic nineties celebrity interviewer Dennis Pennis. Most recently he played Thoros in a little-known TV show called Game of Thrones. He said of his time at NTU: “Studying art there was amazing in every respect, creatively, sexually and alcoholically.”

Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy is a former mixed martial artist, who studied Fine Art at Trent. For one performance piece, he hung a punchbag from the ceiling of the university's art studio and punched it for six hours nonstop. He recently was an analyst for the Conor McGregor Vs. Floyd Mayweather fight on Sky Sports.

This lady was a bit of a badass back in the day. She was one of the most famous painters in Britain at the time and specialised in realist paintings, depicting events like the World Wars. Her success paved the way for other female artists to be successful and recognised in what was a maledominated industry.

“Ed Mac” studied Photography at Trent before becoming the lead singer of Friendly Fires. He told NTU’s alumni magazine Network: “We were always encouraged [on my course] to describe why we’ve created something. It’s really inspired me to question my music and think about the sound or feeling I’m trying to create.”

UON RUTH WILSON After studying History, Ruth Wilson went on to become a three-time Olivier nominee and twotime winner. She has appeared in TV shows, playing roles such as Alice Morgan in Luther and Alison Lockhart in The Affair, for which she won a Golden Globe. Her trophy cabinet is basically jam packed.

DON BROCO

LONDON GRAMMAR

THEO JAMES

TIM MARTIN

RICHARD SCUDAMORE

The lads formed the alt-rock/pop-rock/ post-hardcore band after studying at uni together. They’ve had three top-ten albums, played at festivals like Download, and have supported mega bands such as Bring Me the Horizon and 5 Seconds of Summer.

The three-piece band managed to snag themselves a record deal right after they graduated. Their first big gig was at Hockley venue The Bodega, of which guitarist Dan Rothman said: “It was our first proper venue, in terms of it not being a pub or club thing - a very exciting experience.”

Theo James studied Philosophy, before studying at the Bristol Old Theatre School. He then went on to become a renowned hunk by playing Tobias “Four” Eaton in the Divergent franchise. Failing that, you might know him as the smarmy holiday rep that dates Carly in The Inbetweeners Movie.

Can you imagine being the absolute don that founded Wetherspoons? Although he studied Law at uni, he never went on to actually practice it. Maybe that’s for the best. Your cheap cocktail pitchers and hangover-cure breakfasts are all thanks to this guy.

He started his career in newspapers, then went on to become the Executive Chairman of the Premier League aka the top dog in English football. He’s dealt with football matters such as thirdparty ownership controversy, the bungs inquiry and the international expansion of the Premier League.

Early bird sport and fitness membership Access our state-of-the-art David Ross Sports Village, Jubilee and Sutton Bonington sports centres. Your membership includes: • Fully-equipped fitness suites with training workshops • 25m Swimming Pool and Climbing Wall • The choice of over 200 fitness classes per week • Squash courts and Indoor sports hall

Early bird rate

£209

until 2 October 2019

Join online at nottingham.ac.uk/sport or visit any sports centre reception *Price shown for UoN Students only, costs may vary for other groups. Membership valid until 31 July 2020

AMELIA LIANA interview: Faith Pring

Blogger and YouTuber Amelia Liana started her blog while finishing her studies. Nowadays, she splits her time between London and New York, as well as jet-setting all over the world as one of the UK’s leading beauty and lifestyle bloggers. She spoke to us about her time in Nottingham and what she enjoys most about the online community… What was your experience of studying in Nottingham like? I really liked it – it was close enough to London that I still felt like I could go home and see my family, and I really enjoyed the whole university experience. I was in Cavendish Hall in the first year, and I really enjoyed that fun environment. Do you have any standout memories? I would honestly say some of the classes we had. In seminars we only had around twelve people, and I remember laughing and having fun in those classes, thinking “Oh my gosh, this is so fun.” Getting to know new people during Fresher Week was a highlight. Did you take part in any of the fancy dress nights? Yeah, fancy dress was always so fun! I remember one really clearly – it was jungle themed and I got these body tattoos which I put all over my arms. People get really creative, and especially every year at Halloween there were different amazing ideas. Where are your favourite places to go in Nottingham? I remember some really good pizza places, but I don’t even remember what it was called! Most of the time though we just ordered Dominos, and ate lots of student-priced pizza. When I was starting my blog, I’d go to all the higher budgeted places and just dream about all the stuff I hoped to be able to buy one day. A student budget does make things harder sometimes. Did you have any issues managing your finances during university? It definitely took some time to get used to, especially when you’re going on nights out and get over-excited, like during Freshers Week. I’d say I went out the most during my first term at uni, but once I got that all under control I was fine. Why did you decide to become a blogger? I started my blog because I was looking for any distraction from writing 10,000 word essays! Because

I was going out so much at uni, I discovered all these online tutorials and the whole world of YouTube and make-up tutorials, and I just thought it was so cool. At university you have a lot more spare time to get ready, so I would try and copy these tutorials. When I discovered the YouTube community that I really wanted to be a part of, I started my blog. In my third year I started getting invited to events, so I’d go to my lectures and then go to London. Why do you think influencers have become so popular in recent years? I think they’re popular because they’re more relatable than proper celebrities – celebrities don’t share their lives in the same way that influencers do. Influencers share their stories whereas the media shares a celebrity’s story. People relate to them on a really different level; you can feel like you are friends and you have this connection. What’s your favourite thing about being a blogger? The friends I’ve made online and through connecting with different people. Yesterday I was driving and at a traffic light someone came and knocked on my window and introduced herself – that feeling is just so special. It’s not a total stranger, but no-one else can really understand it because it’s something between me and the viewer. It is so nice and I’m so grateful for it. What advice would you give someone who’s thinking of starting a blog? Even if you think it’s a really over-saturated space right now, it actually isn’t. There’s always room for more, as everyone’s got something different about them that someone else might want to connect with. Any tips for students starting university this year? Go in with an open mind, and try and meet as many people as you. Just enjoy it and make the most of it. @amelialiana

STUDENT TOP TIPS Students from both unis give you the benefit of their experience...

FIND LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE

I think my favourite places to be in Nottingham are just in and around Market Square. Lace Market is just up the street, with dozens of quirky little shops and cafes to explore when you have a free weekend or the fam come to visit. Being a fresher is difficult at times. There are dozens of new friends to make, and for many, it’s the first time away from home. With that in mind, my piece of advice is to join a society. Not only is it a great way to meet like-minded people, but it’s a great way to feel part of uni if you’re getting homesick. Emma Walsh, BA English, Class of 2019, UoN

FIND YOUR SCENE

One of my favourite places in Nottingham is Propaganda, an LGBTQ-friendly club that was recently updated with some nice new furniture. The Lost City Adventure Golf is also great for bonding with new flatmates and friends. The city has a great variety of restaurants and cafes, and I particularly enjoy going to Roxy Ballroom. Unless you’re one of those people who can just talk to anyone and make friends with the snap of your fingers, you will probably find it difficult to make friends at first. Once you get to know people’s personalities and figure out which activities you want to be part of, it does make it easier to make friends. Brandon Boyd, BA Media with Practical Pathways, 3rd Year, NTU

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Nottingham has a fantastic music scene for a wide variety of tastes. The Bodega and Rough Trade have hosted many independent and up-and-coming artists, while Rock City and the Motorpoint Arena also host a variety of bigger and more established acts. Stealth and Ink are great for dance music enthusiasts. My advice would be to throw yourself into as many things as possible in freshers week and beyond - try and take a step out of your comfort zone, you never know what you might enjoy! A lot of societies offer taster sessions, so you don’t have to make any commitments early on.. Conor McGarry, BA History, 2nd Year, UoN

STAY DEVOTED

There are a lot of great places to go beyond the regular club nights. Hockley is the best place to explore for newcomers into the city. The best event at the start of the year is Hockley Hustle, which is definitely worth going along to for the local bands and talent. Remember to work to the best of your ability, as at the end of the day it is costing you £9k a year. Even if that 9am lecture feels painful to go to, you’ll thank yourself later when you have all the notes and information you need to succeed. Jack Austin, BA Business Management with Marketing, Class of 2019, NTU

USE THE TRANSPORT LINKS

I love 400 Rabbits. It has vegan cocktails, and is a very nice place.They always play things like soul music, and they have their own DJ there as well. The upstairs has lots of games. They have a big box full of boardgames, so you can play Connect 4 while chilling out with a tasty drink. The tram is ideal for travelling from both unis. Get a Mango card and a Robin Hood card as well, for easy contactless pay as you jet around the city. Or if you like cycling, Nottingham is a very bike friendly city. Courtney Brook, LLM Law, Final Year, UoN

STUDENT TOP TIPS Students from both unis give you the benefit of their experience...

TRY NEW THINGS

The Bodega is by far my favourite place in Nottingham. Another one for the music nerds like me is Rough Trade. This iconic record store often hosts concerts too, so you’ll find your new favourite bands there before they become everybody else’s favourites too! Join a society or two. It doesn’t even have to be something related to your degree – you can really explore your interests. For example, I studied Pharmacology and was heavily involved with NTSU’s student magazine Platform. It was really enjoyable and I learnt new skills, as well as making new friends.

Narzra Ahmed, BA Pharmacology, Class of 2019, NTU

EXPLORE THE HIDDEN GEMS

For me, Nottingham is all about exploring the bars and nightlife. There are so many hidden gems off the main road, down small alleyways (or even in caves underground) that you really have to make an effort to find; bars like Junkyard or Pelican Club are personal highlights. Also, read LeftLion. While the Savoy Cinema is both lovely and convenient, Broadway offers the cheapest cinema ticket in town. At £5 for an under-25 ticket, you can watch a film in one of Total Film’s best cinemas in the world and watch an art-house film in a screen designed by Paul Smith. Dan Lyons, BA English, Class of 2018, UoN

BUILD A NETWORK

Originally being from the US, it’s only natural that I’m quite a foodie. If there’s one place I’d tell you to try, it’s definitely Bunk. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s a really good vibe, and it’s good value for money. If there’s any advice I’d give about uni life, it’d be don’t be shy. Everyone is in the same boat as you and wants to make friends too. I’ve met some really great people since I’ve been at NTU, and it’s great to have that support network when you’re away from home. Makayla Martinez, BA Fashion Communication, 3rd Year, NTU

BE A GOOD SPORT

There are a few nice streetwear shops. Mimm is a little independent clothing shop just off the corner of Broad Street. It has a good vibe, they are always playing music, plus it’s cool being able to get to know the owner of it too. Make the most of your time in first year while you have the time! I’m part of football and futsal, and being part of something like that is great. When people first go to uni they look for something to have in common with people, and sports are always fun and they always have good socials. George Andrews, BSc Industrial Economics, 2nd Year, UoN

LOOK FOR DEALS

Check out Pepper Rocks for a vintage design mixed with tropical plants to create a truly unique vibe. House Cocktails are £5 until 10pm and there are plenty of inventive flavours to choose from. There are unique twists on most nights, so keep it in mind whether you’re looking for dates or to just chill with your mates. You can find plenty of useful apps to use in Nottingham, such as Too Good to Go which offers you a chance to buy leftover food from various restaurants on the cheap. Quality food at budget prices plus helping the environment is a win-win!

Harvey Clitheroe, BA Journalism, 3rd Year, NTU

20 FOLK YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE FROM NOTTS

Jesse Boot Chemist, philanthropist and the man behind Boots PLC Hockley

Samantha Morton Actress and director, starred in Minority Report and The Walking Dead Clifton

words: Eve Smallman illustration: Natalie Owen

Bruce Dickinson Lead singer of Iron Maiden Worksop

Stella Rimington Former Director General of MI5 Ilkeston Joe Dempsie Actor, starred in Skins and Game of Thrones West Bridgford

Sheku Kanneh-Mason Classical musician played at Harry and Meghan’s wedding Mapperley

Ed Balls Former politician and absolute meme Keyworth Mathew Horne Actor, starred in Gavin and Stacey and Bad Education Burton Joyce

Alan Sillitoe Writer and author of Saturday Night, Sunday Morning Forest Fields Alice Levine TV and radio presenter Beeston

Torvill and Dean Ice skaters and Olympic gold medalists Clifton and Calverton

Herbert Kilpin English lad who became the founder of AC Milan Mansfield Road Mark Hoyle a.k.a. LadBaby YouTuber and 2018’s Christmas number one creator West Bridgford

Shane Meadows Film director, creator of This Is England Sneinton

MistaJam Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ and presenter Nottingham

Dr Stewart Adams Invented Ibuprofen, realised it cured hangovers West Bridgford

Vicky McClure Actress, starred in This Is England and Broadchurch Wollaton

Liam Bailey Notts modern answer to Sam Cooke Carrington The Downie Sisters Rebecca and Elissa are both Olympic gymnasts Nottingham

Jay McGuinness Formerly one fifth of pop-band The Wanted Newark

CURATED & CREATED NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY’S CULTURAL PROGRAMME – CONNECTING YOU TO A WORLD OF CREATIVITY No matter where you’re studying, Curated & Created brings you enjoyment, inspiration and intellectual stimulation from a diverse programme of cultural and creative activities.

BONINGTON GALLERY Showcasing contemporary art, fashion, photography and everything in between in the heart of the City Campus, Bonington Gallery hosts four major exhibitions a year.

METRONOME You’ll find Metronome, a centre for music, moving image, video games and spoken word, at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies on NTU’s Creative Quarter Campus.

UNIVERSITY HALL If you’re looking for top-quality classical music, take a look at what NTU’s beautiful new venue, University Hall, has to offer. Expect traditional chamber music through to exciting, innovative, and experimental contemporary composition.

NTU MUSIC’S CONCERT SEASON From blockbuster concerts with top-class orchestras, to free performances featuring the University’s talented students, NTU Music’s Concert Season offers you an array of music events.

VISIT WWW.NTU.AC.UK/CREATED TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK TICKETS.

/NTUcreated

@NTUcreated

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CITY OF LITERATURE words: Jamie Morris and James Kramer

If words are your thing, our city is the place to be. Back in 2015, Nottingham was given permanent status as a UNESCO City of Literature, on account of our literary heritage, as well as our commitment to encouraging emerging writers. This is supported by both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. Full to the brim with places to go and things to do, Nottingham is built for the bookish, laid out for the lyrical, and pruned for the poetic. Here, we’ve bashed out a guide to get you started on the road to the literary community in all its scribbled glory… Since 2006, the Nottingham Writers’ Studio has been incubating a fruitful crop of literary figures. It supports both existing authors and those newly developing. Whether you find yourself prosaically inclined, a playwright, poet or just general scribbler of all things wordy, here is the writing community for you. With an impressive alumni who have Man Booker shortlists and Dublin IMPAC awards under their belts, there’s few better places to grab yourself a membership for. Nestled behind Primark and down a dark alley opposite a defunct bookies, you’ll find Five Leaves Bookshop, national winner of Independent Bookshop of the 2018 at the Nibbies. It’s the kind of place that worries folks the first time you take them down, but therein lies half its charm. Where else are you going to find shelved sections dedicated to feminism and anarco-politics? Five Leaves have been fuelling radical fires since 2013, providing ad-hoc grieving sessions post election results, as well as supporting many local poets, authors and literary practitioners. Few get involved in reaching out to young, emerging writers quite like Writing East Midlands. Involved in too many supportive projects to mention, they run writing seminars and courses, offer mentorship and critical aid, build spoken-word tours, and even provide one-to-one guidance – they’re just that supportive. Dedicated to staging a platform for young, budding authors, they’ve even got themselves tucked in with the National Arts Awards. That's another useful way they’re helping young writers up the ladder, the thoughtful sods. Continuing the rich literary tradition of the African Caribbean community in the city is Nottingham Black Writers Collective. Ran by Nottingham Black Archive, and headed by Panya Banjoko, the collective is a growing haven for creative writers of AfricanCaribbean descent to write, share ideas, curate events and perform. Earlier in the year, they released a poetry anthology called When We Speak, and they’re working on creating a timeline of black writers from the earliest time to the present day. There’s been a number of literary opportunities sprouting up in Nottingham City Libraries of late. There are reading groups with specific focuses such as crime fiction, mental health as well as Bengali Literature and Urdu poetry. Oh, and there are ties with local writing groups too, with the likes of the DIY Poets and the Nottingham Poetry Society all getting stuck in. There are even language classes held all through the week, to practice your enunciation and verbal articulation. Keeping abreast and well informed is vital in these trying information times. Discover what is arguably

the most impressive range of weird and wonderful magazines in the city at Ideas on Paper. Not only stocking magazines like Monocle, Tapas and Positive News, the Cobden Chambers store has some of the most beautifully jacketed books and stationery available. There’s also word-based discussions and lusting gorgeous literary illustration up for grabs. Women’s libraries are in scarce supply across the country, and the Nottingham Women’s Centre library on Chaucer Street is the only one of its kind in the East Midlands. It still holds most of the original – and often rare – books and magazines which were donated in the seventies and eighties when the library was first set up, including every copy of trailblazing feminist mag Spare Rib (1972-93). If you’re just starting out in the poetry world, DIY Poets will provide you with plenty of support with both writing and performing. For over ten years, they’ve been passionate about helping poets feel confident performing their work in public, and letting the public know that poetry can be exciting and relevant. You can catch their spoken-word nights in a variety of venues over the city, including The Maze on Mansfield Road. The regular Nottingham Poetry Festival brings together all of the city’s greatest wordsmiths for live recitals, seminars and workshops to celebrate Notts’ thriving community of poets. This year’s fest was the biggest yet, featuring performances from big names like Linton Kwesi Johnson at Metronome, Augmented Reality experiences and opportunities for aspiring BAME and LGBTQ writers. There have been a total of four Poetry Festivals to date, with the promise of future gatherings on the way - so keep an eye out and get involved. If you fancy producing your own self-published magazine, there’s a festival for that too. Notts Zine Fest has been held annually by the Dizzy Ink printing studio and artist Hannah Whitlow since 2016 and gives writers and designers the chance to meet other independent creators. Based in Rough Trade, the Zine Fest has talks, workshops and stalls to buy and sell quirky new magazines, with music from vinyl-only DJs playing throughout the day. Of course, there’s a collective for pretty much everything at NTU and UoN, so if you want to do a bit of networking with fellow writers at your uni, look no further than their students' unions’ writing societies. Each one has clubs for people interested in both poetry and creative writing, as well as opportunities to contribute towards student magazines like Platform and Impact. Head on down to the students’ union and ask how you can join in. nottinghamcityofliterature.com

words: Sam Nahirny

New students of Nottingham – you’ve made an incredibly intelligent decision coming to Notts, respect! Not only have you got yourself into a top-notch university, but you’re also now based in one of the most vibrant music city in the UK. There is no better place in the country to be an up-and-coming musician. And we’re not just hyping this up – even BBC One did a documentary on our “thriving music scene”, and that’s before you get to the other love this scene from the likes of The Guardian, NME, Radio 1, and more. Notts ain’t just great because mega famous media are loving it though. It’s banging because it’s such a supportive city. We’re gonna tell you both how we at Nusic can help, plus how others in Notts can help too. At Nusic, we do everything we can to help promote Notts musicians’ music. We do fortnightly podcasts featuring nothing but original Nottingham music, as well as filming and recording live sessions of local artists (see more at youtube.com/ feelthenusic). If you’re studying here, then you’re well on your way to qualifying to be on these! We also do a thing called Nusic Academy which aims to help Nottingham musicians acquire the knowledge, skills and

contacts they need to get to wherever they want to go with their music. As part of that, we put on workshops during the year. These include panel Q+As with leading industry names like Radio 1, Spotify and NME. On top of that, we invite everyone in Nottingham who can help you as a musician, from BBC Introducing through to the PRS Foundation, so you can meet them all in one go. In one night, you can secure radio play and free money, all for free. Radio 1’s Rock Show DJ Daniel P Carter called it “mind-blowing” and Phil Taggart called it “incredible”. And speaking of those other peeps who can help you – we share those insights online too. We have a ‘Media Resources’ page which has links and contacts for the BBC Uploader. It also has links to websites we are aware of that have a strong Notts connection, so you can get your sexy face in print and make your nan proud.

Below are just some of the key things you should do as a new musician in Notts playing original music: 1. Open Mics. The city has a bunch of Open Mics, many with great reputations. There’s the legendary Acoustic Rooms at Rescue Rooms every Monday night, where the likes of Saint Raymond and Amber Run started out (who just went Gold, btw). Then there’s Six Barrels in Hockley, Jam Cafe (ran by ROFL Audio), plus loads more. They’re a great excuse to get your mates down for a few pints, meet some fellow musicians, and build that performance experience. 2. Send your music to all the local outlets. Starting with us, obvs. That fortnightly podcast we mentioned is all original Notts music. Email your mp3s or wavs to nusic@leftlion.co.uk. Then, you need to take advantage of BBC Introducing - direct through the BBC Uploader. Next, Kemet FM - their brekkie host Jackie P loves local music, and being the breakfast show, has a large listener base too. And that’s just the start. More info on the web page. 3. Get interview practice. Student media is great for this. Look – we know you’re gonna be mega famous in like two years and bezzie mates with Annie Mac, but until that time, you’ve gotta nail the press thing. Reach out to the student radio stations, magazines, and blogs. Try and do them live, or in person if you can. Break out of your comfort zone and make your mistakes now, so when you’re being broadcast to over a million listeners, you won’t sound like a tit. And that is just the beginning. We’ve put together an entire Advice Video series full of tips like these, including Starting to Make a Living from Music, through to the boring, but important shizz like Your First Contracts. Music is a business, and yeah, it’s a scary, and difficult one. But, getting to a point where ya can do something you love everyday of your life – that’s worth the work. Those advice vids: nusic.org.uk/advice That media contacts list: nusic.org.uk/press-page All the other ways we, and others can help you: nusic.org.uk/faq

ETIENNE STOTT photo: Fabrice Gagos

interview: Eve Smallman

Following a long and illustrious career as a slalom canoeist, which included receiving a gold medal win at the London Olympics in 2012, University of Nottingham alumni Etienne Stott MBE has now turned his attention to the growing problem of climate change. We chatted to him about his time at uni, his canoeing success, and helping save the environment… “I really enjoyed studying in Nottingham. For me it was perfect, as I could get a really good education as well as pursuing my dream of being a top-flight canoeist,” Etienne says. While he was studying, the British Canoeing team was based in Nottingham and trained at the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, so he was able to mix with paddlers and still get an education, just in case canoeing didn't work out. “Nottingham is a great city with loads of stuff going on, and it's well set up for students. I also like Nottingham's independent spirit and its diversity. There's loads of different people around and that creates a vibrant melting pot.”

our psychology preparation meant that we could be super focused on what we were there to do.” Following his win, he was rewarded with numerous accolades, which included becoming an MBE and even having a permanent gold post box named after him in his hometown of Bedford.

As Etienne was juggling both studying and training, it meant he didn’t get to go out and party as much as the average student – although he confesses to enjoying the odd knees up when he got the chance. “Having excellent 'basics' is vital for top performance in anything, so eating well, sleeping enough, managing stress and resting appropriately was what I tried to do. I was also lucky, because Tim [Baille, who eventually became Etienne’s crewmate in the Olympics] happened to be on the same course so we could pool our resources and help each other out sometimes,” Etienne says.

With them, he participated in peaceful demonstrations earlier this year: “As an Olympic champion, I have a platform in the eyes of the public, and I see it as my duty to use that platform for good. I feel compelled to act, and so I have been involved with Extinction Rebellion actions where they use mass non-violent civil disobedience tactics to get our leaders to treat this issue like an emergency – which it is. This causes disruption to people's lives, which I'm sorry to do, but we feel it is the only way to get the government's attention, as they have more-or-less ignored petitions, marches, lobbying and other forms of protest.”

His focus and determination paid off at the 2012 London Olympics, where he and Tim both came out with gold medals after winning the men’s C2 canoe slalom. “When we won in London, it really was an expression of a life's worth of learning. We worked very hard on the physical and technical stuff, but

Nowadays, when Etienne isn’t canoeing, he is helping spread the word about saving the environment as a member of Extinction Rebellion. For those of you who don’t know, this is a grassroots environmental movement which aims to get the leaders and government to tackle the threat of global warming and the extinction of wildlife.

More and more people are becoming conscious and more actively involved in raising awareness about the environment, and making changes in their lives. But why is the state of the planet such a crisis? “We are on track to unleash runaway climate change

which will destroy civilisation. I didn't just make this up – Sir David Attenborough said so! Scientists say so,” Etienne tells us. “Food and water insecurity, wars over resources, mass migrations and extreme weather events will put merciless pressure on social and financial systems. Inaction is wrecking the future prospects of young people as we speak. It's happening now, it's wrong and I want to help.” “We can make important individual changes, but I also believe that people can be most powerful when they group together and press for social change. Everyone has a stake in the future, this issue can unify people under a common cause and I know this movement will just grow and grow,” he says. “It's more a question of whether we'll make it in time, but I'd rather try than just lie down and admit defeat.” If you’re looking to become more greenminded, Etienne has some words of wisdom for you. “Educate yourself from reliable sources. Open your mind and heart to what you learn, and then act accordingly. It is time for people to step up to the plate and participate in the creation of their future.” Having a future where people are safe, where people are happy from the inside and where things are fairer than they are now environmentally is an idea we can all get on board with. “It's time for young people to get in the game, big time!” @etiennestott

PLASTIC AIN’T FANTASTIC illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Jamie Morris

Over 45% of young Britons aged between eighteen and 24 say the environment is the second most pressing issue facing the country at the moment. While it can seem tricky to know where to start in helping the environment, cutting down on waste consumption is a good way to start being more conscious. There are lots of simple ways you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle without breaking the bank. An easy start is buying as many items as you can that don’t have plastic packaging. Zero waste shops stock several student kitchen staples like pasta and rice, ready to take home in your own containers. If you bring a recipe along, you can save money by weighing out the specific amounts of each ingredient, which also means you’re not left with half-empty bags of something you might never use again taking up space in the cupboard. You can even top up on your bathroom essentials by bringing a few empty bottles or trying out one of their solid shampoo bars. Sarah Maloy, owner of Shop Zero on St James’s Street, often urges shoppers to make the swap from disposable products to sustainable alternatives, such as by using reusable makeup pads. She says: “Often, people just use the cotton wool pads for cleaning their face and getting makeup off, so we’ve got these that are made from fabric.” Supermarkets are increasingly making the switch to biodegradable plastic, but Sarah notes that this is only makes a difference for people who are able to compost it. “A lot of students don’t have compost bins or can’t even recycle things in their halls of residence, and they’re often the ones that want to try and do something.” Many food venues are now introducing paper straws to reduce plastic use, but these aren’t always available, and even those that are might not actually be possible to recycle – for example, it was discovered in August that the ones McDonald’s use are too thick to process. To avoid sogginess and waste, you can grab yourself a set of metal straws that you can wash and carry around in your bag. Sarah also backs the idea of keeping a reusable bottle or cup handy: “I think a lot of students like to get a take-away coffee, so having your own reusable bottle for hot and cold is really good.” Plus, most of the cafes on campus at Nottingham Trent and the University of Nottingham offer a small discount for bringing your own cup, making it an investment that’ll earn you the money back in no time. Both universities are keen advocates of the environment. This academic year, Nottingham Trent University have pledged to remove certain unnecessary single use plastic items

from their businesses, such as drink stirrers and water bottles. All students at Trent can participate in the Sustainability in Practice certificate, a free online course which explores sustainability issues from a personal and course perspective. Last year, the University of Nottingham launched its WasteNott campaign, which aims to raise awareness of and then reduce the amount of plastic consumed on campus. They also have numerous ways to get eco-friendly, such as participating in the Student Switch Off when moving into halls and volunteering opportunities, such as getting involved in waste composition analysis. Nottingham City Council is also taking action to become more sustainable, promising to eliminate its reliance on single-use plastics across all departments by 2023. Part of the upcoming initiative includes targeting plastic consumption at major events like the Goose Fair, by promoting refillable food containers and bottles. They also have collaborated on the Refill Nottingham scheme alongside Severn Trent and the Nottingham Green Party, so you can now top up your water bottle at over sixty cafes and restaurants in the city centre. A report by the Environmental Audit Committee revealed that the UK buys more clothes per person than anywhere else in Europe, with only 1% of those materials being recycled. One big change you can make is to spend more time browsing and buying from local charity shops. Nottingham is home to White Rose, a chain of six second-hand clothing boutiques founded by UoN graduates, where you can save money and the environment as well as supporting peace-building charity the Aegis Trust. In the city centre, Hockley is great for other charity shops, while further afield Sherwood is chockablock full of them. Reducing plastic consumption and waste as a student is all about taking the time every now and then to see how you could be making little changes. Whether it’s by carrying a water bottle or visiting a sustainable retailer, the more people taking small steps has a greater impact on the future of the planet. “People need to be able to see that this is a way of life that isn’t so much of a burden,” Sarah says. “Make changes gradually, do what you can tackle at the time, and then introduce something new.”

GIVE GREEN A CHANCE illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Emily Thursfield

Thanks to its love of solar panels and electric transport, Nottingham has become the UK’s most energy-self-sufficient city. That’s a title we are dead proud of, and we are always trying to improve and expand on what we’re doing. But how has Nottingham painted itself this lovely shade of green? Trams By now, you’ve probably noticed the big green machines zipping around town, aka the trams. This electric-powered tram network spans 18km throughout Notts, and is a great way of getting around the city without emitting any harmful gases. There are stops right outside both universities, meaning you can easily hop on – with your validated ticket, of course – and get yourself to the city centre or the train station when it’s time for a visit home. Last year, the trams were used for nearly 19 million journeys, and when it makes travelling so simple and it’s good for the environment, it’s easy to see why.

Parks Would you believe that 20% of Nottingham is parkland, and 68 of those parks are Green Flag award winners? As well as being the perfect place for you to take a walk or a stress-relieving jog after a particularly difficult seminar, there are lots of free events held in the parks throughout the year. Watch out for Goose Fair on the Forest Recreation Ground in early October, in particular. But it’s not just the outdoor spaces that have received this award. In fact, both universities received Green Flag awards this year for their efforts in keeping their campuses environmentally friendly. By maintaining a healthy habitat for any wildlife that has settled on campus and producing as little waste as possible, both unis have cemented their green status.

Eco Cars and Buses As part of the council’s scheme to promote sustainable travel, Nottingham is the first city in the country to build a brand-new green lane just for buses, taxis and bikes on an existing road. We’re also home to 53 brand-spankingnew double deckers, powered using renewable bio gas, which are the greenest double deckers in the world. These buses are expected to emit 3,500 tonnes less CO₂ into the air, and will help Notts have the lowest spread of emissions in the country. To become a Go Ultra Low City, the city will soon see the introduction of 230 new charging points along its streets for electric vehicles and the fleet of buses.

5 SMALL CHANGES FOR A GREENER LIFESTYLE 1.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room There’s a reason your mam’s always harping on about those bleddy Blackpool Illuminations

Don’t overfill the kettle with more than you need It’s surprising how much energy – and money – this saves

Put the lid on your saucepan to trap the heat in Otherwise you’ll literally be watching your money go up in smoke

Whack on a jumper instead of turning up the thermostat The coin you save on heating now can be spent at the pub later

Get on yer bike Both universities offer a rent-a-bike service for less than the cost of a textbook, and you get to tone your thighs as you save the world

If you spot a problem where you live, like rubbish, graffiti or dog poo, let Nottingham City Council know so they can sort it. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reportit

NOTT INGHA M

NOTTINGHAM

ESSENTIAL

Politics is unpredictable!

FOR SECOND AND THIRD YEAR STUDENTS

Be ready to vote in a snap election or referendum. Use your vote in Nottingham. It’s time to get on the electoral register so you can vote in elections and referendums while you’re at Uni Students can register to vote at both their parent’s home and their university address You’re able to vote in both areas at local elections

Request one at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/bulkywaste Or dispose of larger items, electricals, garden waste, rubble and more at your local tip.

Check which days you need to put your bins out - and get weekly emails to remind you - at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/binreminders

GOING PLACES words: Faith Pring

For language students, studying or working abroad is a no-brainer. However, you may be surprised to hear that most university courses offer students a placement abroad for a few months or an entire year. Some people choose to study in a foreign country, whereas others opt to throw themselves into working life. Find out about what it’s like to study abroad, and why you should think about doing the same… When I first applied to university, I decided not to move away from home because I knew I wanted to do a year abroad – something which would give me the independence that other students gained in their standard three-year courses. Studying Spanish and Linguistics at Nottingham Trent University was a dream come true for me. The work environment suited me, and I loved the structure of going to lectures and studying. When the time came to apply for my year abroad, it was fair to say that I was a little on the nervous side. I didn’t initially like the idea of giving up the stability and comfort I had formed over my first two years in exchange for a completely new and unknown environment. After some gentle persuasion from family, friends and university mentors, I decided the best thing was to at least give the year a try – worst-case scenario, I could come back and pretend like it never happened. As exchange students, we were given three options for our year abroad. We could either study at a partner university, teach English at a variety of schools abroad, or work with a foreign company. I decided to carry on studying over my year abroad and chose to be an exchange student at Madrid’s Carlos III University to study a new variety of subjects that weren’t otherwise available to me. Having never left home before, I was terrified of how I would cope without my home comforts, but I was also excited to try something completely new and different, and to really find myself and my independence. I was moving to Spain with a friend, and also moving in with a host family which made things a lot easier. I wouldn’t have been able to survive the year without either one of these things, and living with a host family is something I wholeheartedly recommend. The support they gave me was unconditional and they were always on hand to help with any language or university doubts I had. Students take part in an exchange abroad for a whole host of reasons, but I moved abroad to improve my language skills in preparation for my final year at university. It’s fair to say that speaking another language virtually non-stop for a year is difficult and something that nobody ever warns you about. The feeling that you’re not good enough and the feeling of embarrassment comes hand in hand

with learning a language, but over the course of the year you really do get used to it. Making mistakes is all part of learning, and the sooner you understand that everyone around you wants to help, the sooner you’ll start to improve. I can imagine that moving across the country is hard enough, but leaving behind the security of home, the knowledge of your home language and cultural norms that you’ve spent your whole life living made the feeling of insecurity overwhelming as soon as I arrived. For the first week, I felt completely out of my comfort zone and like I had made a big mistake, which wasn’t helped by a complete change of routine. Cultural norms are different all around the world, and in Spain, the biggest differences for me were the eating times. This was something I had to adapt to in order to feel as comfortable as possible. When I studied abroad, the exchange students tended to gravitate towards one another and stick together. This meant I was able to meet students from all over the world including Portugal, Italy and America, all of whom I have maintained contact. The connections you make whilst on an Erasmus exchange period is virtually unrivalled and the experiences that go along with that are unforgettable. For the first few days, coming back was difficult. Returning to normality and facing the reality of not being around the same people I had lived with for a year was difficult in its own way. I didn’t realise how much I loved being around them until they were no longer there. However, living in the technological era we do, Skype and social media make things so much easier, and there’s nothing to stop me flying back for a short trip in the future. For me, the positives of a year abroad greatly outweigh the negatives, and it’s left me with an experience and connections that I’ll never forget. This was probably why it was so hard to leave when the time came. I had made so many memories, and I had ultimately become my own person and learnt a lot about myself. Whether you choose to take part in an exchange semester or year abroad, and study or work, the experience you will have will be remarkable, you’ll make new friends, and you’ll possibly even gain clarity about your life after university.

Both University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University offer courses with a study abroad option. Get in touch with your university to find out more.

STUDENTS WHO STAYED Dr Zoe Brown Educational Psychologist Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience (Class of 2012) University of Nottingham I couldn't wait to get started at university. Of course there were some nerves and my first night in halls was a bit of a shock – I arrived a day earlier than everyone else so was on my own! But I got by and, looking back, I was right to be so excited. I chose to study Psychology because I was interested in it, and that passion only grew over the three years. When I found out about Educational Psychologists, I knew that was what I wanted to do, so when I left uni I became a teaching assistant for a couple of years and then completed

my doctoral training. Some days I come home and feel like I may have actually made a real difference to a child's life – that's a really great feeling. I moved here for uni and fell in love with the place. I'm surrounded by an amazing community of friends who I see as family. I'm also in bands which are based in the city, like The NottingJam Orchestra, and music is such an important part of my life. This is a great place for live music (go looking for it!), so I'm definitely not going anywhere any time soon. careers.bps/area/educational

Adriana Batty Co-Founder of Lyfcycle Modern Languages with Business (Class of 2016) University of Nottingham My course was split over four years, with my third year being spent abroad in France. The University of Nottingham has one of the nicest campuses I’ve seen and Nottingham is just the right size – not so small that you feel stuck and not so big that you get lost. It’s a great hub for creativity, independents and most important to me, eateries! But the highlight of my course was definitely the year abroad, as I’m sure lots of “gap yahhh” students will say. Uni was great at promoting cases of alumni that showed just how anyone can build their own business if they have an

idea they believe in and aren’t afraid to put the hours in. The idea of working for myself has always appealed to me, and so early 2019 saw the birth of Lyfcycle. We partner with brands and retailers to work together towards zero waste fashion. While you should aim to work hard and do well, ultimately, it’s not your degree that will make or break you. It will definitely open doors and perhaps give you a smoother ride into getting a great job, but it’s the experiences lived outside of your course that will shape you. lyfcycle.co.uk

Judith Winwood Artistic Director at BeatFeet PGCE Secondary (Class of 2008) University of Nottingham I remember feeling very anxious about what was to come of being a new student when I did my undergraduate course. After this, I studied on a teacher training course at the University of Nottingham and thanks to this I’ve been able to transfer all of my knowledge and experience over to my work. It’s great to see how much the wellbeing initiative has grown at Nottingham’s universities since I first graduated. It’s clear there is a great emphasis on student mental and emotional health wellbeing. As a teacher I first taught in Nottingham, and then I went on to teach in

international schools in Africa, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. I met many people from different countries and cultures on my course, and this inspired me to teach abroad. I wanted to stay in Nottingham, as I’d been a part of a rich global student community. Moving to a new city and making new friends can at times feel very daunting, but being mindful of the great opportunities that will present themselves is key to really experiencing all the joys that come with being a student. beatfeetdrumming.co.uk

STUDENTS WHO STAYED Anna Manfield Freelance Designer and Art Fabricationer at Makers Decorative Arts (Class of 2017) Nottingham Trent University I was really nervous to move to a city where I didn't know anyone, but it was really easy to make friends with likeminded people on a course full of creative people. We had great access to lots of different departments on Dec Arts and could specialise in any art form we liked. Working at Makers is great because I learn about new materials and processes every day which I can then apply to my own practice. I also get to meet lots of lovely creative people and work on some really exciting large scale projects. As Anna Manfield Design, I get to make all the funny things in my head come

to life. I've been incredibly lucky since graduating to have been part of some great opportunities, including exhibiting in South Korea with UK Young Artists and at London Design Fair in 2018. In my second year of university I started running the Drink and Draw Social with my friends Amanda and Jimi. Hosting this has been a fantastic experience and I have met some of the best people doing it. Be sure to explore other parts of Nottingham, not just the city centre - especially if you are on a creative course. annamanfield.com

Georgie White Freelance designer, currently designing Pinocchio for Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Design (Class of 2019) Nottingham Trent University The experiences I have gained at university over the last three years have been invaluable. In my final year I had the opportunity to work with the Nottingham Playhouse on a speculative project, where we got to work with and get feedback from the artistic director and stage manager. I was thrilled to be selected as the Nottingham Playhouse Prize winner which has given me my first professional job. I enjoy the variety of skills that are required in theatre from the creative to the technical – no day is the same, and you always find yourself doing something unexpected! Theatre is such a collaborative world

and I love working alongside different creative professionals, all coming together and enhancing each other’s work to produce something that an audience will love. I feel at home in Nottingham and the opportunities that have arisen through my course have led meto stay connected to the city. Make the most of every opportunity that comes their way at university; sometimes the projects, trips or even social events that you are least looking forward to end upbeing the ones you enjoy the most. georgiecwhite.wix.com/theatredesign

Emily Thursfield Assistant Editor at LeftLion Magazine Print Journalism (Class of 2017) Nottingham Trent University I don’t remember feeling too nervous when I left home and made the short drive from Birmingham to Nottingham. More than anything I was excited to finally start studying for the career I’d wanted since I was eight and was in charge of the “fun page” of my primary school’s newspaper. I had quite a different experience to a lot of my university friends when it came to the structure of my course. While a lot of my housemates only had a couple of lectures per week, I had something going on pretty much every day – whether it be seminars, shorthand lessons, “news days” or interviews I had set up for my articles.

Having this diverse structure prepared me well for a job in this industry, as no nine to five day is ever the same. The best thing about my job is getting to hear the stories of all sorts of interesting, inspiring people from Notts. Each issue of LeftLion leaves me feeling positive and inspired by all the local folk that are doing great stuff both for the city and for themselves. I loved my time in Notts as a student and had never found another city where inspiration is always around the corner. leftlion.co.uk

Settling into university life University can be a great experience and there are lots of opportunities available to you, both academically and personally. Remember – it’s important to take your time finding your feet. Here are some top tips from our students on what’s helped them settle into university life:

• Get involved Welcome Week, Students’ Union activities and clubs, volunteering

• Get active Sport, exercise, hobbies

• Develop your wellbeing tool kit Things that help to keep you well

• Stay connected Family and friends

• Embrace your learning Reflect and develop

• Look after your mates Support other students in your community

Here at Nottingham Trent University, we’re here to support you in any way we can.

Visit www.ntu.ac.uk/support to find out more.

MENTAL HEALTH

WITH ROSIE illustration: Natalie Owen

interview: Eve Smallman

Rosie Tressler OBE is the CEO of Student Minds, a mental health charity that works closely with students and institutions in order to create and provide support. Before this, she graduated from the University of Nottingham. We spoke to her about her time in Nottingham, her work with Student Minds, and how new students can look after their mental health... “I remember being a little bit late when I moved into halls and seeing all of the other students being in the common room already speaking to each other. I tried to psych myself up to go into the room, and I was feeling very out of my depth, worrying about how I was going to start the conversation,” Rosie recalls. This is a situation a lot of you may relate to, feeling that level of worry and getting ready to adapt to this new part of your lives. “I was lucky that I very quickly found people that I got on with, and who were doing similar things and were also okay with not going out every night.” Rosie believes in the importance of getting mental health training right for both students and universities. “The effect on that in the UK would be huge. Half of young people in the UK go to universities, so it's a huge conversation, and I think the possibilities are endless. I think the more I worked in the area I saw what was needed and saw the potential for society.” Her mental health charity, Student Minds, works in three ways; facilitating studentled support groups and helping students implement change in their communities, supporting university support providers like universities, SUs and accommodations, and undertaking research and making policy recommendations. She is also a big advocate for working in the charity sector and believes there are lots of opportunities in this. While studying for her English and History degree, Rosie was heavily involved in the theatre group and radio station, and during her second year of university, assisted in putting on the play The Vagina Monologues, which raised money for charity. She says: “I remember the launch night – that moment when the lights came on and we had someone doing the monologue and thinking 'Wow, I can't believe I've done this.'” She also held two student officer roles: Women’s Officer and Equalities and Welfare Officer. “I got a real understanding of how politics works and how to use my voice to promote change.” Being involved in these activities clearly helped put Rosie in a great position when joining Student Minds. “I definitely didn't expect to be in this kind of role – it was very much me following where I thought there were real gaps and where I could make a difference.

Mental health runs throughout everything, and everyone has that and their wellbeing. That can fluctuate in your life, and I felt very strongly that it was an important thing to work on.” When moving into university and having all the hectic stress of a new lifestyle, it can be easy to put caring for your mental health on the backburner. However, Rosie stresses the importance of creating routines and making time for things you like doing. “There's going to be new situations, new experiences and so on, so just remember to do things that have kept you well in the past. Perhaps growing up as part of a sports team or being close to your family, those things that are important to you and integrating that into your new life.” These things can all be beneficial in the long run. She says: “Having that self-awareness of what's helpful for you means you can make the most of life and take up opportunities.” Not only this, but she also points out that it’s important to reach out for help if things do get difficult to cope with. “It's good to ask for help, whether that's a friend to talk to and saying if you're finding things difficult, or if you've got a real challenge that's been affecting you for a long time speaking to a counselling service.” As part of her work with Student Minds, Rosie comes back to Nottingham regularly. “It's so nice to go back and see the ongoing investment in the city. I think it's a fantastic place to be a student. I remember spending afternoons in Wollaton Park, and going to the Savoy Cinema. Things like that make you realise how lucky you are to be in Nottingham, and to have independent cinemas like that. Nottingham has got a hell of a lot going for it, and when I do go back I feel very happy.” If you have a friend who you think might be struggling with mental health problems, Rosie has some advice for you. “I think it's very easy to make assumptions about other people without knowing the full story, and the best thing that we can do for someone else is to really, really listen to them. Not just appearing that we are listening at a certain level or trying to read between the lines, but really trying to understand what the other person is experiencing.”

TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Spend time with people that you get on with - when Rosie was in Nottingham, she would go to the Playhouse with a friend. Keep active - exercise, go for a nice walk around Wollaton Park, or even get involved with sports clubs. Eat well - it can be tricky when you first cook for yourself, but what you eat can really affect your mood so try and stick to what's filling and nutritious. Sleep - student's sleep can be mixed, if it’s loud outside your hall, find things to help you, such as listening to podcasts or minimising your use of blue light before bed. Keep doing things you enjoy - getting involved with societies or your SU can offer you a lot, and even just having some downtime can be helpful too.

SEEKING OUT SUPPORT words: Faith Pring and Emma Walsh

We all know that university can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, filled with new experiences and opportunities that you’ll never forget. However, settling into university life can be tough. You’re still young, and you’ll be facing a whole host of new issues in the coming months; some of which you’ll have come across before, others which you’re not so familiar with. Both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham offer various services of support to their students that can help with a wide variety of issues, from dealing with anxiety and eating disorders, to grief and sexual health.

Nottingham Trent University

University of Nottingham

Nottingham Trent University provides their students with support in a multitude of ways, from online modules about self-help, student drop in sessions, and their annual student wellbeing week.

The University of Nottingham also provides various services available to its students, including mental health workshops and a consultation service. UoN’s university counselling service is available to all UoN students on their University Park campus after a free thirty-minute consultation that will identify any issues you may have whilst studying. It also offers group sessions and workshops for a more communal counselling experience.

NTU’s online support comes in the form of their system called SilverCloud. This is an online program that allows students to take part in online modules and offers information about anxiety, depression, eating disorders and stress. The program requires a one-time setup, and can be accessed from any tech device, and is simply able to inform students who may be struggling. A counselling service of up to four face-to-face sessions is also available through Nottingham Trent University, or online counselling for those who feel more comfortable away from campus or communicating through a screen. Through this, you can also inform NTU of anyone else you might be concerned about, and provide them with the support they need. If you are worried about a friend, NTU also provide a ‘look after your mate’ service, which will give you access to a free online training service that informs you of the key warning signs to mental health, as well as communication techniques and boundaries. Within NTU, there are also student support advisors who can act as a liaison between you and your tutors, to offer any academic help you might need, as well as any other practical advice you might require. These advisors, as well as NTU chaplains (who can help with grievance), are available for dropin sessions at the Wellbeing Room on Clifton campus every weekday during lunchtime to offer support. Every March, NTU also hosts a Student Wellbeing Week to raise awareness of mental health issues within students and to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. This includes the provision of therapy dogs, coffee sessions, and support classes to also provide students with information and self-care tips. If you’re looking for help outside of NTU’s working day, there are still a variety of options available to you. NTU’s website has a selection of wellbeing podcasts on battling stress, mindfulness and sleeping techniques that you can access at any point during the day. Additionally, for 24-hour help, the Samaritans’ helpline on 116 123 (UK) can offer any advice or support on dealing with stress and feelings of despair. There is also an extensive list on the Nottingham Trent website of additional resources and helplines for academic issues, alcohol and drugs, anxiety, abuse, sexual health and more.

The University of Nottingham’s Students’ Union also provides students with Nightline, a non-judgemental non-advisory confidential listening and information service. This anonymous phone line, provided for students by students, is available to call from 7pm – 8am during term time and 24-hours during Welcome Week and exam periods. Their email service is available 365 days a year. UoN is also able to offer their students a variety of health and wellbeing workshops, including, but not limited to ‘improving self-esteem’, ‘stress and anxiety’ and ‘living with dyslexia’. These workshops are available during term time, whereas outside of term time, the UoN website also provides a collection of Support and Wellbeing videos and blogs to combat feelings of homesickness and how to lead a healthy lifestyle whilst at University. UoN also has their HealthyU initiative, which is a program kick-started by the University to provide their students with long-lasting support and advice about anything and everything they may need during their time in study. This support comes in the form of everyday tips and handbooks to combat stress and violence, as well as regular events and workshops at their Wellbeing Cafe. In addition to this, UoN also recommends that any more urgent issues regarding their students’ health or wellbeing refer to their University Health Centre by appointment, or by phone on 0115 846 8888 (UK phone line). @uniofnottingham @nottstrentuni

WOMEN IN NOTTINGHAM illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Bridie Squires and Lucy Manning

Nottinghamshire Police was the first police force in the country to rule misogyny as a hate crime. This includes physical or verbal harassment directed at women, because they are a woman, via any means. So, if you’re walking home after a lecture and a group of guys decide to shout inappropriate sexual comments at you, or someone grabs your arse on a night out, you’re well within your rights to report the behaviour to the authorities. All you have to do is ring 101, and if the assault is particularly severe, call 999. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the perpetrator will be punished, but it does mean the police can collect information regarding these types of incidents – where, when and how often they happen – and work on making the streets of Notts safer for all. It also means that they can direct you to any support and guidance you may need following the event. Nottingham Women’s Centre is a safe haven for women in the city, and played a massive part in bringing about classing misogyny as a hate crime. The centre has recently been presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and launched online campaigns #NottACompliment and #TimesUpNotts with the objective of encouraging women to report instances of harassment to the authorities. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment or domestic abuse and you want to talk it out, give them a call on 0115 941 1475. They’re also the home of Nottingham Women’s Library, and host events and activities that champion women in the city. The Topaz Centre is Nottinghamshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre with trained crisis workers. You can contact them directly on 0845 600 1588 and they’ll guide you through the process of reporting a sexual assault or rape. You can visit the centre without going to the police, and they can take a statement, offer a forensic medical examination, as well as lots of support. Nottingham Sexual Violence Support Services is open to anyone over thirteen years old, and specialises in supporting survivors of sexual violence. The centre offers support and guidance through face-to-face counselling as well as group support, and helps service users to access creative therapies. They also offer a counselling helpline, staffed by female support workers, that provides a safe space to talk for yourself or a friend. Their helpline number is 0115 941 0440.

Both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham offer support services to students, where you can speak to someone in confidence if you need to. They have both also launched consent campaigns, where they work with their students’ unions to make the concept clear to everyone on campus. Reel Equality is a film collective working in partnership with Equation – a not-for-profit organisation promoting healthy relationships free from domestic abuse. Reel Equality screen Bechdel-approved films – flicks featuring at least two, named women who talk to each other about something other than a man. Yep, you’d be surprised at the lack of them. Fan Club is a dedicated club night popping off at Rough Trade. It’s creativity-led and rammed full of zines, cake, glitter, film screenings and power-female tunes. They’ve got a strict safe space policy, and the event is totally free and welcoming to everyone, so rock up and rock out. One For The Rest Of You Right then. We know you’re not a plank, but here’s a sad truth you might not be aware of: one in five women aged between 16 and 59 have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. That’s why it’s so important that we all stand up in the fight against misogyny. If you see an incident, be on the right side of it and offer help and support where you can. And if a friend is acting inappropriately or visibly making someone feel uncomfortable, be sure to call them out on it. If you are a victim of sexual violence, you can utilise the support services as well. You shouldn’t be afraid to speak out if you need to, no matter what your gender is.

GAMING WITH ANDY WILSON interview: Jamie Morris

Gaming has become one of the most popular hobbies among young people – a trend University of Nottingham graduate Andy Wilson has witnessed first-hand. We spoke to the new COO of Sledgehammer Games, who now lives in San Francisco, about his time studying in Notts and how video games can benefit the latest generation of students... Andy graduated from the School of Computer Science in 2001 and lived in Lenton while he studied there, just off the side of Derby Road. “There was a club called The Lenton which we used to go to a lot,'' he tells us, describing it as the heart of their social lives. Andy and his mates also took frequent visits to Wollaton Park: “A bunch of us used to go running there.” Last March, Andy returned to Notts to give a lecture to his old Computer Science class, and while he believes the basics of uni life remain the same, he’s noticed that students are becoming more proactive in their learning than ever. “They’re more active in forming groups and clubs, and learning outside of just what the university delivers,” he says. “They seem a bit more organised and street-smart than we were.” He was also impressed by how UoN’s Jubilee Campus has evolved over the last twenty years, noting that while it was looking a little bit less shiny than before, it had grown “five times the size” and seemed to offer a lot more opportunities to the students that study there today. When Andy first graduated, he began work at an investment bank before finally putting his foot in the door of the gaming industry. “It was a lot smaller then and it was quite hard to go straight in, as I was trying to go in as a producer/project manager, not as a coder or an artist.” Eventually, he found a job in Brighton that was looking for people with experience outside of gaming and kick-started his career as a creator. Since then, Andy has worked at Disney, Ubisoft and 2K’s Hanger 13, before becoming the Chief Operating Officer of Sledgehammer Games in June. Sledgehammer own a piece of the massively-popular Call of Duty franchise and worked on hits such as the critically-acclaimed Modern Warfare 3 and 2017’s WWII, which brought players back to the trenches for the first time in nearly a decade. Andy revealed that he’s got a five-year plan to expand the studio and try new things, while also developing new CoD games. He says proudest achievement to date is Mafia III, a crime saga about a multiracial soldier returning to his home in the southern states following service in the Vietnam War. “There was a lot of heavy narratives

in there and a lot of really tough subjects,” Andy explains. “To get that right and have people say great things about it, and winning awards for it was really something quite amazing.” The day we spoke to Andy also marked eight years since he left the UK, another big milestone of his. “Getting over that psychological hurdle and actually being able to do that has been something I’ve felt really good about.” The developer urges students to consider getting into game creation themselves, due to the huge range of roles that are available for each production. “To produce a modern-day, what we would call, ‘triple-A’ video game, you’ve got so many different types of specialisations,” he says, listing concept art, animation, gameplay programming and level design among the many different ‘flavours’ involved in the process. “It will open up to you so many different roles and jobs that other people do that you can collaborate with. It’s kind of like film in that sense, but a game is an interactive thing and there’s a lot more complexity that goes into producing it.” Andy noted how multiplayer-focused games, in particular, have seen rapid growth over the past few years, both in terms of how many are being made and the number of players that are getting involved. He believes that the creation process is a little different for these experiences, as the goal is not to create a complex story, but instead to provide a space where gamers can produce their own stories and memories together. “Sometimes it’ll actually surprise you what they’re able to do with it.” According to Andy, rallying your new flatmates around the TV for a few rounds of your favourite multiplayer game is the perfect way to break the ice, even if some just want to spectate. “We call it ‘living-room-safe’ stuff like Fortnite, which is relatively inoffensive to everybody, but you can actually have quite a good experience playing it and watching it,” he added. “The chance you’ve already got a few people who are fans anyway is pretty likely... when you’re trying to get to know a bunch of new flatmates, that’s probably useful.” sledgehammergames.com

CONNECTING WITH YOUR INNER GEEK illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Jamie Morris

Video games have risen into the spotlight, and other aspects of “geek culture” are quickly following suit. Notts is home to a handful of independent dwellings where you can go along with your mates and dive into your favourite hobby, or even give something new a go. The perfect evening out for gamers in Notts is undoubtedly at the Belong Gaming Arena. Found on George Street, Hockley, the lounge has each of the current major consoles and a selection of games, as well as classic systems such as the Nintendo 64 and SNES. There’s a rotating menu of food and drink to keep you refueled while you play, including themed cocktails – anyone fancy a Health Potion? If tabletop gaming is more your cup of tea, roll on down to The Dice Cup on Mansfield Road. The board game café provides tutorials for people looking to get into Dungeons & Dragons, and hosts regular tournaments for card games like Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering. Dice Cup’s menu of cakes and coffee is also 100% vegan, making it suitable for all adventurers, regardless of dietary requirements. Alternatively, the super-stylish Ludorati café bar on Maid Marian Way boasts a collection of around 750 board games and its own escape room, with over 100 unique scenarios. Ludorati’s baristas are well-versed in both serving great coffee and helping out with the rules of the games they stock, holding GamesLab workshops to get new players up to speed. Another local roleplaying spot is Warhammer World, built specifically for people with the urge to assemble

a miniature army and declare all-out war against their mates. Based on Lenton Lane, this giant games workshop holds figure painting sessions, tournaments and more for Warhammer and its several spin-off games. A smaller Warhammer store can be found on Friar Lane that also stocks starter kits and holds events of its own. If it’s comics in particular that you’re after, look no further than Market Street’s Page 45. Featuring the most eclectic range of graphic novels you’ve ever seen and a friendly team of experts to recommend the best places to start, this gem of a store will have you coming back every week to see what’s new. Good Omens writer Neil Gaiman called it the best graphic novel shop he’s ever been to, which is a recommendation and a half for sure. For those interested in virtual reality, dive into ZeroLatency at meetspaceVR – an immersive social experience in which youand your crew can explore digital worlds together. Strap on your headset and get absorbed in a brilliantly creative atmosphere. With the room being the same size as a warehouse, proximity alerts and viewable avatars, your body will become the controller and your mind will believe it is all real. You’ll roam untethered and be free to explore new worlds. There definitely isn’t a better way to escape the thought of that looming deadline.

READY TO BLOW YOUR MIND?

THE WORLD'S FIRST FREE ROAM VR ARENA NOW IN NOTTIN HAM CAN YOU ESCAPE A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE? FIGHT OFF WAVES OF AI ROBOTS IN DEEP SPACE? OR CAN YOU SOLVE A MIND BENDING GRAVITY DEFYING MAZE? OR ESCAPE THE LOST PYRAMID? An out of this world virtual reality experience for company socials, team building activities or just fun with friends and family.

Your body is the controller and your mind believes it's real.

TO LEARN MORE AND BOOK ONLINE VISIT: WWW.MEETSPACEVR.CO.UK

50% OFF - MON-FRI STUDENT PROMO CODE: LEFTLION STUDENT ID REQUIRED

EATING WELL WITH LUCY AND LENTILS My name is Lucy and I create easy-to-make recipes that I share over on my blog and Instagram... It all started whilst I was at university, living on hot cross buns and chocolate raisins - good times. After a year of being a total flop in the kitchen (flashback to nearly burning the flat down trying to poach an egg), I realised I needed to get to grips with the basics. Years later, I've since packed in my graduate job as an interior designer (sorry mum), and taken the leap to become a full-time recipe creator and food photographer. It felt only right to come back to where it all started and share three simple recipes that can all be adapted time and time again. Hopefully, they will keep you nourished whilst balancing making new friends, uni work, social life, catching up with sleep, a part-time job, all the while trying to avoid freshers flu. Tips and tricks • Local markets are often cheaper than supermarkets, so you'll be supporting local and saving the planet with less plastic packaging - winning! • Don't be scared of the reduced aisle - it can feel like a battle getting to the front but it's worth it • Your freezer is your new best friend - don't let anything go off, try and batch cook any veg and freeze them • Instagram accounts such as MOB Kitchen and BudgetBytes are great for inspiration! @lucy_and_lentils lucyandlentils.co.uk

HUNGOVER BRUNCH SHAKSHUKA

(Because let’s face it, it’ll be too late to call it breakfast by the time you make it) Serves: 2 Cost per serving: £2.54 Ingredients 2 tins of baked beans (any brand will do) 1 red onion 3 cloves garlic (sub for 1 tsp garlic powder) 1 red pepper 2 heaped tsp smoked paprika large pinch salt & pepper Toppings 1 tbsp harissa (trust me and treat yourself to a jar of harissa, it’ll make everything taste delicious) 1 avocado Yoghurt (optional) Freshly baked bread (I recommend hitting the supermarket bakeries like Aldi and Lidl as you can pick up bread for pence!)

Method: Finely chop the red onion, and fry in a skillet pan with a little olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Chop the pepper into bite-size chunks and add to the pan and cook for a further 4 minutes. Add the 3 minced cloves garlic and fry for a further minute until browned. Add the 2 tinned beans tins and add the paprika, salt and pepper and give it a stir. Taste test, then serve up straight out of the skillet and top with creamy avocado & a dollop of yoghurt. Take a scoop of the shakshuka with the fresh bread and enjoy!

FRIENDS-FOR-DINNER-CURRY Serves: 4 Cost per serving: £1.13

Ingredients Fresh 1 finely chopped white onion 1 small pre-cooked butternut squash (if it's not pre-cooked, just cut it into small 3cm cubes so it'll cook quickly) 1 large courgette 1 red chilli 3 cloves minced garlic From the pantry 1 tin full fat coconut milk 1/2 pack coconut cream (can sub for another tin of full-fat coconut milk) 2 servings rice Spices 2 tbsp curry powder 1 tbsp cumin (optional)

BANANA BREAD Serves: 8 Cost per serving: 61p Ingredients: Dry ½ cup oats 1 cup plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 2 tbsp demerara sugar (optional) 1 tbsp cinnamon large pinch salt Wet 4 overripe bananas - don't worry if you have 3 2 tbsp Biscoff spread or peanut butter (Biscoff spread is dangerous as you will most definitely find yourself eating it out of the jar with a spoon when you can’t be bothered to go food shopping) Topping All optional, they just make it look a little bit fancy 3/4 Biscoff biscuits A handful of chopped dark chocolate Handful of walnuts Honey/golden syrup

Method: Add 1 tbsp coconut oil to a large pan then add the finely chopped onion and fry until transparent (you can substitute coconut oil and fry in a splash of water). Finely chop the chilli and add to the pan, then after a few minutes add the minced garlic & cook for a further 60 seconds. Add the courgette halves and precooked butternut to the pan, and allow to infuse the flavours for around 8 minutes, then add 1 tin coconut milk + 1/2 pack coconut cream. Let the pot simmer for around 15 minutes - be sure to test that the butternut is soft to eat. Add a large pinch of salt and pepper and give the pot a taste adding more spice where needed (if you have dried cumin add 1 tbsp of this). Whilst the curry is lightly simmering, steam or boil the rice then serve up in a bowl. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can top this with coconut yoghurt, toasted cashew nuts and fresh coriander.

Method: Preheat the oven to 180ºC (or the nearest temperature your student-accommodationoven will get you to). In a shallow bowl, mash the bananas with the back of a fork until smooth, then add the Biscoff spread and mix together. In a large mixing bowl, add all of the dry ingredients apart from the nuts, and bring together. Scoop the wet ingredients into the dry and using a spoon bring the mixture together, pouring in the nuts as you go (save a few for the topping). If you are using them, push in the lotus biscuits and nuts to the top and drizzle a little maple syrup (don't worry if you don't have any, honey will work, or it works perfectly without any). Spoon the mix into a lined loaf tin and bake for 30 minutes. Loosely cover the top with tin foil to stop the biscuits burning if you have put them on top, then bake for a further 5-10 minutes (you should be able to stick a knife in the centre and it'll come out clean). When the bread is in the oven keep an eye on it - if your oven is like my student accommodation oven it’ll either take 2 hours to cook or completely incinerate the loaf! Take out of the oven and pop onto a cooling tray, then slice up and enjoy with a thick spread of peanut butter or Biscoff spread.

STAYING SAFE AT UNI

words: Emily Thursfield

illustration: Natalie Owen

Now that you don’t have the ‘rents watching over your shoulder, you need to take responsibility for yourself. That includes staying safe around the city, and being a responsible member of your local community. Student living is fun, but remember, your neighbours have jobs, families, and won’t like listening to your drum and bass at 4am on a Tuesday. Take heed of this advice... Look after your mates when they’ve had a few too many While it may be fun watching your pal dancing like a loon after one too many Jägerbombs, it ain’t gonna be fun if they get themselves into trouble or end up passed out on the club floor. Nobody wants their night to end at the hospital or the police station. If your mate’s starting to look a little bit sloppy, take one for the team and get them home to bed. Don’t leave anyone alone after dark We love the people of Notts, but like every city, there’s the odd few out there who make our streets less safe. If you’re putting in a late night shift at the library, find a friend to keep you company and make sure you stick together on your walk home. Be wary of your surroundings and don’t go down any dodgy looking lanes when it’s pitch black. This also applies when leaving a club after a heavy drinking sesh; strength in numbers and all that. Be on your guard There are some types who like nothing better than to end the night with a punch up, or something more sinister. While we don’t reckon a sensible type like you would ever get involved in a scrap, it might be worth checking out your university’s selfdefence classes. There’s also a number of programmes offered around the city which can help you build your confidence, such as Gracie Barra, who combine self-defence and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Don’t flash your new stuff about We understand that getting new tech is exciting, but can you imagine having your laptop robbed just as a 3,000-word essay is due? Have your fifteen minutes of smugness when you whack out your new Apple Mac in a lecture, and then get over it. We’d hope nobody would nick a year's worth of work from you, but you can never be too careful. Basically, if you don’t need it, leave it at home.

Don’t get in a dodgy taxi Notts has two kinds of taxis: hackney cabs, which you’ll often find in the city’s taxi ranks, and private hire vehicles, such as Uber. Remember, it’s only legal to hail a hackney cab on the street without pre-booking, and they legally cannot refuse your custom. Don’t be gerrin in any private hires without booking by phone, online or by app, because you’ll be uninsured. Using an app, like Uber or FREENOW, is a good idea as it gives you a record of your journey. If you’re unhappy with the service you’ve had in a taxi round here, take a picture of the licence plate or drivers badge and let the council know what happened. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reportit

Make it hard for burglars This seems like a given, but Barry the Burglar makes his way around Hoodtown too. He especially likes students, because he thinks they’ll be stupid enough to give him easy access to their houses. So prove Barry wrong and lock all those windows and doors. If your door is locked, your flatmates won’t be able to cover your whole room in tinfoil either. Make sure you’ve got home insurance, too, just in case. Be careful who you rent a house from After your first year in halls, you’ll no doubt be wanting to move into your own gaff with your new pals. There are no written rules, but there are areas that students tend to populate. Most UoN students go to Lenton, Beeston and occasionally Dunkirk, whereas NTU prefer The Arboretum, Forest Fields and the city centre. As a general rule it’s usually safer to rent from a trusted agent or student lettings company rather than from random landlords. Bring the bleddy bins in Nottingham City Council aren’t best pleased if you leave your rubbish out on the streets for too long, and you can get into trouble if you don’t comply. It’s also a way of making sure your neighbours don’t hate you. So learn when your bin days are, put ‘em out the night before, and bring them in as soon as you roll out of bed in the morning. Have a look online to find out when your bin day is. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/bin-and-rubbish-collections

BUSES DAY & NIGHT

from

Nottingham

QMC

University of Nottingham

T H E N FA S T TO

University of Nottingham

Beeston

Derby

Beeston

Long Eaton

Long Eaton East Midlands Airport

TA P O N

TA P O F F

COMING OCTOBER 2019

SIMPLE

HOME AND DRY illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Emma Walsh

We know, we know, it’s only the beginning of your first term – so why are we already talking about second year? But trust us, forget “impending deadlines” – “student housing” are the two most daunting words of first year. If you go at it alone, that is. We have compiled a list of tips to give you all the know-how so you don’t get yourself in a pickle. Don’t panic We know it can get a bit overwhelming when talk of second-year housing starts to muscle its way into conversation. We’ll be honest, it usually starts about midOctober, but don’t feel like you have to worry about it straight away. Set yourself a goal to have everything sorted by a certain date. By the end of the first term is a safe bet, but some people even wait until February. The important thing to remember is that there's no rush. There’s no such thing as an amazing student house (trust us, nobody’s bragging about theirs), so there’s absolutely no danger of the “good ones” being snatched up first. So relaxing and taking your time will ensure you have the best experience with it. Choose your housemates wisely Let’s get one harsh truth out of the way first; there’s a difference between liking people and being able to live with them. It’s your job to be able to make that distinction when choosing your housemates. It’s better to pick people you don’t mind discussing the nitty-gritty stuff with. Rent and bills can be awkward topics in some student houses, so take the time to discuss finances with your housemates before moving in, so everybody’s happy and all the bill payers get their money back. Know your student areas While you can stick to a hall-like situation or even stay close to your campus, most students get digs in areas a bit further out. University of Nottingham students tend to go to either Lenton or Beeston, while Trent students tend to go The Arboretum, Forest Fields and other areas nearer the city. You can read more about these areas and other suburbs on page 56. Read the reviews More often than not, you’ll be dealing with a housing agency when it comes to planning for next year, and like with everything, there are good ones and bad ones. But it’s ridiculously easy to get a hold of some reviews of letting agencies – just Google them! It’s good to know what kind of a company you’re dealing with, what past students have

found they’ve been helpful with, and vice versa. Not only that, but this little bit of extra research (that will take ten minutes, tops) is bound to give you a bit more peace of mind. It’s also worth checking if the accommodation or landlord is accredited under the council-approved Unipol Code. This is a scheme that providers sign up for that makes sure they meet certain standards. These include deposit protection, timely repairs and maintenance, and a robust complaints procedure. Get your contract checked Let’s be honest, the contract is a daunting document – lots of pages, lots of words, some of which you won’t even know the meaning of. Luckily for you, both universities offer services through which your contract can be checked and explained to you, to ensure you don’t get tripped up by any pesky small print. University of Nottingham: You can talk to the Students Union Advice Centre, based on floor C of the Portland Building for this. You can chat to an adviser in person by emailing suadvice@nottingham.ac.uk to make an appointment. Nottingham Trent University: The Student Accommodation Services Team, based in the Student Services Centre at City Campus will be able to help you, where you can chat to an adviser in person, or get in touch by emailing accommodation@ntu.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can visit the Information and Advice service at NTSU, where they too can check your contract and give you advice. The SU also runs Housing Fairs throughout the year. Any problems? If you end up shacking up somewhere that you feel isn’t meeting the correct standards, don’t be afraid to seek help and put in a complaint if necessary. If your provider is under the Unipol Code, you can follow the code’s complaints procedure. Alternatively, you can call the council’s Safer Housing Team for advice and support on 0115 876 1331.

YOUNG AND CREATIVE Whether you fancy yourself the next Charles Dickens or spend your lectures making extravagant doodles, the Young Creative Awards is definitely something you should get involved in. Now in its twelfth year, the awards are the annual celebration of the talented young people living, studying and working in our beautiful city.

Work by winners

Entries are open to 13 – 24 year-olds and there are eleven different categories - Animation & Digital Media, Architecture & Design, Creative Writing, Dance, Fashion & Textiles, Film, Graphic Design, Music, Photography, Theatre and Visual Art. There’s no theme - it’s just a great way to put yourself out there. It’s a dead good opportunity to show off your talents, develop your contacts, and perhaps even to launch your own creative career. You can conjure up something new to submit, or show off your existing work, including stuff you’ve done at uni. You’ve got nowt to lose, and you could bag yourself a cash prize, as well as open up a whole load of opportunities. Previous YCA winners have gone on to creative heights including performing at Glastonbury, having a book published, taking part in international festivals, designing a dress for Beyoncé, even having a top ten record! Winners also get opportunities to take part in exhibitions and showcase events, and to take up work placements and mentoring opportunities with creative businesses in the city. The Young Creative Awards will take place in May 2020 with entries opening in January 2019 - keep an eye on the YCA social media channels for more details. youngcreativeawards.org

A city on the up Congratulations! You’ve arrived in Nottingham right at the start of an exciting new era for the city.

Nottingham Southside in particular is currently undergoing a major transformation with £2 billion of ongoing development projects and future opportunities in the pipeline including the redevelopment of intu Broadmarsh as a major leisure and retail destination, a brand new Central Library as part of a new bus station and car park, a new City Hub for Nottingham College and the creation of a world class visitor attraction at Nottingham Castle.

...the greenest city in the UK?

Meanwhile there are ambitious plans for a major development on the massive Boots Island site and new Grade A office developments near Nottingham Station. It’s the start of a decade of development for Nottingham, creating more opportunities for graduates and making the city an even better place to live, work and play.

Nottingham aims to become

Nottingham College Hub the first UKCity city to be carbon An impressive new City Hub for Nottingham College neutral - by 2028. Some is being built on Southside near to Broadmarsh. The or of the things underway building will offer facilities and resources for college planned to achieve this are: students and the wider community such as a new training restaurant, café and performing arts centre.

New Central Library, car park and bus station

A fantastic new Central Library will be built as part of work to construct the new Broadmarsh Car Park and Bus Station. The aim is for it to include the best children’s library in the country.

Nottingham Castle transformation

Work is underway on a £30m transformation of the Castle site. A state-of-the-art visitor centre is being built and a new extension to the Ducal Palace where brandnew Robin Hood and Rebellion galleries will be created to celebrate Nottingham’s most famous outlaw.

intu Broadmarsh

The 1970s shopping centre is being completely modernised, focusing on retail and leisure with a new bowling alley and cinema, with more shops and activity providers in discussions and likely to be announced as work on the centre progresses.

Boots Island site

A major development on this 40 acre site on Nottingham Southside has now received planning permission with the space set to be used for 900 new homes, a five star hotel, offices, bars, restaurants and student flats.

Nottingham... ...the greenest city in the UK? The Guardian recently described Nottingham City Council as ‘arguably the most ambitious council’ on tackling climate change - and it’s easy to see why the city is getting a reputation for being the greenest in the UK. Nottingham’s green credentials stretch back twenty years with the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change which most councils in the country signed up to. We’ve been turning our waste into energy for local homes and businesses for years and have carried out one of the most extensive programmes of solar panel installations on homes and other sites. We’ve also been at the forefront of developing sustainable transport, retaining public ownership of one of the city’s main bus operators and being early adopters of park and ride to encourage public transport use. We expanded this with our tram network – now running on green electricity from our own energy company Robin Hood Energy. Trams and other ways to tackle congestion and pollution have been partly funded through Nottingham’s innovative Workplace Parking Levy – still the only one in the UK. It means we have among the highest public transport use outside London. Nottingham has already met its 2020 target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 26% and is on track to meet its 2020 target of 20% of energy generation from low carbon sources.

Nottingham aims to become the first UK city to be carbon neutral - by 2028. Some of the things underway or planned to achieve this are:

In numbers 5,000 homes and over 100

business premises served by Nottingham City Council’s extensive Energy-from-Waste heat network.

40,000 energy efficiency measures in local homes.

100% of the electricity provided by Robin Hood Energy - the first not-forprofit Energy Company owned by a council - is from renewable sources. A 20-mile electric tram network linking suburbs to the east, west and south with the city centre.

12 miles of priority bus lanes – including the UK’s first Eco Expressway also for low emission vehicles. 5,000 parking spaces at 9 park & ride sites.

200 charge points to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.

60% increase in the number of cyclists on key commuter corridors in the last two years and 50% citywide following investment in cycle routes.

Making more use of renewables, such as solar carports and combining solar energy with domestic, community and commercial energy storage facilities Making more homes energy efficient with new outside walls and windows, a solar roof, and a state-of-the-art heating system as part of the UK’s first Energiesprong initiative Expanding the UK’s largest fleets of electric buses and the world’s largest fleet of biogas double-decker buses Developing a public network of charge points to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles Greening the taxi fleet, only licensing Euro 6 or Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) taxis from 2020 Trialling heating buildings using water in the extensive network of mines in and around Nottingham Using innovative fuel cells to replace gas boilers

BUCKET LIST You’ll be spending at least three years in our city, so you’ve got plenty of time to try out our local pastimes. If, by the time you graduate, you manage to tick every box on this list then you can count yourself as “Proper Nottingham”... shoes ncing e iconic a d r u Get yo head to th on and ity Rock C

Rent High a boat an fields d Lake float aro und

Go and awesom see some Hockley e live music at Hustle

Meet a friend at the left lion statue in Old Market Square

deer a ong the Walk amn Hall park Wollato

n’ at t’s occuri See wha s Corner and Speaker’p’ to the Brian say ‘ayu statue Clough

Wrap yo tasty treaur smackers arou t from D n oughnott d a s

Buy yourself a vintage jacket in Hockley

Have a paddle in the Market Square founta ins at Chill out retum o rb A the

Go to Riverside Festiv

to the r parents e u o y e k a T ood statu Robin H

Buy a pot with mint of mushy peas legendary sauce at the Goose Fa ir

Read a

azine

n Mag

eftLio py of L

Finish an Burger S entire Annie’s hack burg er

Attempt a 360 toe flip on your skateboard at Sneinton Market

Visit Nott Contemp ingham orary

ll m, ro a tra e where n o Jumpe, and se a dic end up you

WHAT’S ON:

Mon 14 Oct

Wed 30 Oct

SKINNY PELEMBE

DUSTBOWL REVIVAL

Fri 13 Sep

Thu 17 Oct

Fri 1 Nov

QUEER NOISE CLUB

SNAPPED ANKLES

CHILDREN OF ZEUS

Wed 18 Sep

Fri 18 Oct

Sun 3 Nov

FERRIS & SYLVESTER

MELT YOURSELF DOWN

RHYMES AGAINST HUMANITY

Thu 24 Oct

Mon 4 Nov

BBC INTRODUCING

THE DELINES

Fri 25 Oct

Fri 8 Nov

FLAMINGODS

LED BIB

Sat 26 Oct

Fri 15 Nov

HÆLOS

CELESTIAL

Sun 27 Oct

Fri 29 Nov

HOCKLEY HUSTLE

THE COMET IS COMING

Sat 21 Sep

PARTIAL FACSIMILE Thu 26 Sep

CAMP COPE Fri 27 Sep

SARATHY KORWAR Mon 30 Sep

MANU DELAGO ENSEMBLE

SOLD OUT

FEATURED: JUST THE TONIC

Enjoy the best stand-up comedy in Nottingham as Metronome hosts Just the Tonic.

FREE MEMBERSHIP

Students can access discount on tickets, drinks and lots more with Metronome’s free student membership.

metronome.uk.com Huntingdon Street, Nottingham NG1 1AP

YOU, ME AND HUMANITY Nottingham is a beautifully diverse city, and we’re dead proud of that. These streets have become home to folk from all around the world, and the City Council reckon that the diversity of Nottingham’s communities is a huge asset that should be celebrated, and seen as one of the city’s greatest strengths. Now that you’re pitching your tent in our camp, we’d appreciate it if you lot continue to spread this message of unity. Diversity is about valuing our individual differences. Last year, Nottingham Trent University made headlines after a first year student became victim of racist abuse. Rufaro Chisango, who was eighteen at the time, said she was too scared to leave her room after fellow students began chanting racial slurs outside her door. She tweeted the footage, which was met by disgust from many UK politicians, musicians and celebrities, who all offered up their support. The university reacted with a full investigation into the perpetrators, who were immediately suspended, taken to court and charged with racially aggravated harassment. Responding to the incident, the President of the National Union of Students said: “Our education institutions should be spaces where all students, regardless of background, feel secure and safe.” And we wholeheartedly agree. You’re an adult now; don’t discriminate against another person, for any reason, just because they’re different to you. The University of Nottingham expects both staff and students to adhere by the Nolan Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Students at Nottingham Trent experiencing bullying can get in touch with their Dignity and Respect Contacts, who provide a confidential, informal and timely source of support. Pete Rodgers, Community Organiser at Nottingham Citizens, urges anyone who experiences a hate crime to contact the police: “Our recent research revealed a deep under-reporting of hate crime in the city. We simply have to keep picking up the phone and making noise for the authorities to see the extent of these incidents across the city. We must also create a culture of bystander reporting; if you see someone else being abused, report it.” Nottingham Citizens develop the skills of ordinary people to win social justice change. They’re a grass-roots organisation

funded almost entirely by member organisations, an alliance of trade unions, faith and community groups, charities, schools and the universities. The organisation acts on the issues that are important to their members; so far they’ve brought about improvements to Notts’ social care and mental health services, helped improve BAME recruitment in the city, improved the lives of the refugee community, and much more. “We work with people who want to transform the world from what it is to what they believe it should be,” says Pete. “For the past six or seven years, we’ve created an environment where people can work together to bring change. Our work brings together Muslims and Jews, Christians and atheists, students and the elderly, and helps them unite around what they have in common.” Young people are the lifeblood of their organisation; they are already working with thousands of them. As both universities are dues-paying members, it’s easy for you lot to get involved. There are three main ways to participate: get trained up in the craft of community organising at their training events, join a strategy team, and attend their public assemblies, the next one being scheduled for the springtime. “It’s an amazing opportunity to grow as a human being while at university, and to win justice change in the process. Do something, anything, that gets you out of your student bubble,” says Pete. If there’s something seriously grinding your gears, or you want to help your new city to develop to its full potential, these are the people to help you. Pete has found that people are far more effective if they act on the issues they truly care about themselves, rather than the issues their mates care about. Find that injustice that makes you so mad you could punch a wall or burst into tears, and channel that energy into making a positive change. “We live in scary times; Brexit, fake-news, Trump, Boris Johnson’s ‘letter-box’ comments, all of this contributes to creating a ‘fear of the other’ mentality, which is divisive in today’s society,” says Pete. “If you go through your three years and don’t connect with the life of this vibrant city, then not only has Nottingham missed out, then you have too. Throw yourself into relationships with people who are unlike you. Be curious, ask questions and take risks with people.” citizensuk.org/nottingham

words: Emily Thursfield illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Caroline Barry photo: Tom Morley

OVER THE RAINBOW One of the most exciting parts of starting university is the promise and potential that comes with a new city. It can be stressful figuring out where to go and where to know in general, let alone in terms of trying to find the LGBT+ scene. Luckily for you, Nottingham has loads of places and events out there. Pubs and Clubs

Events

Bar No. 27 can be found in the venue formerly known as Wax at the end of Broad Street, just a mere hop from Broadway Cinema. While 27 is still working on creating a niche for itself, it is worth noting this will be one of the cheaper nights out in Nottingham.

DirtyFilthySexy’s Nana Arthole, Marilyn Sane and Glitterhawk are a drag collective worth knowing for a truly decadent and downright dirty night out. These queens have their finger on the pulse of what is hot in the world of drag. Tickets fly fast for their events and you can catch them in a number of venues across town.

A weekend venue that offers cheap drinks, cheap music and cheap entertainment – you know the drill, every town has one. Yes, it’s Propaganda. Still, it packs in the punters most weekends with special offers on drinks like £1 drinks until 1am. Find Propaganda in the Lace Market from 10pm. Broadway Cinema has a wonderful display of LGBT+ cinema on show, which changes every month. By going to see queer cinema, you show directors that queer voices and culture matter. Nab a ticket (only a fiver for under 25s) and get down. If you are a fan of comedy or RuPaul’s Drag Race, then Glee Club is the pub, club and stage venue to know about. Drag acts have recently included Trinity the Tuck, Jinx Monsoon and all-star favourite, Trixie Mattel. The Lord Roberts pub has recently been taken over and re-introduced to the LGBT+ scene. Situated across from Bar No. 27 at the bottom of Broad Street, this is a better match for those who want a quiet pint in a lovely beer garden, a treat which doesn’t go amiss on those warmer days. The New Foresters is a classic in the Nottingham gay scene, although tucked away on St. Ann Street. They were the first venue to advertise their LGBT+ Halloween events, which pleases me – a Halloweenloving punk gay – to no end. It’s also worth noting that the pub offers a £2.30 chip butty – hangover cure perfection.

Club 96 is the latest in a long line (if three can be called a long line) of clubs, pubs and LGBTQIA spaces to open. Situated above the Hockley Rebel pub on Broad Street, head here for RnB, cheese and house tunes. They also offer something called a zombie cocktail too.

A group of comedy cabaret performers found in venues all over Nottingham, The Scream Queens will have you rollin’ about chuckling. While their shows are a good laugh, be warned that you may come away covered in breadcrumbs and cake. Don’t ask, just go.

Facebook Groups Nottingham LGBT 20s and 30s A Facebook group dedicated to the sharing of social events, groups and hang outs in and around Nottingham. Derby and Nottingham LGBT Social Group This is exactly what is says on the tin but with an added bit of Derby! Nottingham LGBT Board Gaming Group Sometimes, you just want a good game that isn’t finding your own wallet at the end of a drunken Saturday. This Facebook group has all the meet up information you could ever desire. This is but a taste of what is out there. Get up, get out and start being visible. Be gay, be proud, and this city will embrace you. Just because you’re in the East Midlands, it doesn’t mean you can’t Go West. And, like we’d say to anyone beginning to explore the nightlife in a new city – please be safe. Use protection, take a taxi, let someone know where you are going and practise a buddy system.

Basford

Beeston

Located on the main tram route, Basford is split into two parts; Old Basford, which is situated a bit further from town, and the mainly Victorian New Basford. It’s an affordable working-class area with a decent mix of pubs and shops, and was once home to the brewing empire, Shipstones.

Located near the main University of Nottingham campus, it’s a popular area for students – particularly postgraduates who want a more laid-back lifestyle in their old age. The origin of its name is “bees”, for its abundance of honey, and “tune”, which used to mean a farmstead settlement.

Population: 17k Postcode: NG6 Famous resident: Actor Arsher Ali, who starred in Four Lions, grew up here. Go see: Vernon Park is a lovely place to chill in the summer. Bus from city: 70, yellow line

Population: 37k Postcode: NG9 Famous resident: Motown legend, Edwin Starr, lived and died here in 2003. Go see: George the Beekeeper sculpture on Beeston High Road. Bus from city: 36, orange line

Clifton

A former village and historic manor, recorded as far back as the Domesday book in 1086. The whole area was owned by the Clifton family for over 700 years. Population: 27k Postcode: NG11 Famous resident: The birthplace of Jake Bugg, the 25-year-old who’s already got three top-ten albums under his belt. Go see: Clifton All Whites FC, the breeding ground for Jermaine Jenas and Viv Anderson. Bus from city: 48, navy line

There’s more to Nottingham than the city centre. Its urban area consists of twenty voting wards, and each suburb has its own distinct local identity. Get the lowdown on the parts that you’re more than likely to stumble across in your time here.

Forest Fields

Lenton

The name might suggest that you’ll be entering a leafy woodland, but this area is actually one of the most densely populated inner-city areas. A community spirit to rival the best, it also has Berridge Road, one of the best streets in the city for Asian food shopping.

As well as being popular with students, Lenton is also home to the city’s only surviving pre-war cinema, the Savoy, and the headquarters of miniature behemoths Games Workshop. There’s also the place you hope you don’t end up – unless you’re studying there – the Queen’s Medical Centre.

Population: 21k Postcode: NG7 Famous resident: Writer Alan Sillitoe lived round these parts, and much of his work references nearby streets. Go see: Forest Recreation Ground, which is where Nottingham Forest were founded. Bus from city: 68, yellow line

Population: 11k Postcode: NG7 Famous resident: WWI ace pilot Albert Ball VC. Go see: Tabletop gaming giants Games Workshop’s HQ. Bus from city: 35, orange line

Netherﬁeld

Lying about three miles to the east of the city centre, just outside the city boundary and in the borough of Gedling. It’s a pretty a sleepy suburb, even though it was once targeted by a German Zeppelin bomber in 1916. Despite its diminutive size, it still has its own train station. Big up, Netherfield. Population: 8k Postcode: NG4 Famous resident: Four-time super middleweight boxing champion Carl Froch. Go see: Nottingham Greyhound Stadium, if you fancy a flutter on the dogs. Bus from city: 44, red line

The Meadows

Located next to the River Trent, this is a traditionally working-class area that was originally constructed to house railway workers. The area is split into two distinct areas; the Old Meadows – an area of mainly pre-1919 privatelyowned terraced housing, and the New Meadows – largely consisting of social housing. Population: 8k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: Leicester City captain Wes Morgan grew up here. Go see: Nottingham War Memorial on The Embankment. Bus from city: 48, navy line

St Ann’s

Named after the patron saint of lacemakers, this area has a largely working-class population and a diverse ethnic mix, with prominent cultural hubs in both the Pakistani Community Centre and the Afro Caribbean National Artistic Centre (ACNA). Population: 19k Postcode: NG3 Famous resident: Sociologist and author Lisa McKenzie lived here for many years. Go see: St Ann's Allotments, the oldest and largest allotment site in Europe. Bus from city: 41, blue line

Sherwood

No men in tights or wooded areas to be seen here. A charity shop mecca, this northern suburb is an affordable, artistic haven with plenty of independent cafes and shops. Look out for Sherwood Art Week in June each year. Population: 16k Postcode: NG5 Famous resident: Sleaford Mods singer Jason Williamson. Go see: Sherwood high street has a great range of charity shops. Bus from city: 89, navy line

Sneinton

West Bridgford

Wollaton

Population: 13k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: Film director Shane Meadows lived and shot dozens of short films in the area. Go see: Green’s Windmill, a restored and working nineteenth century windmill. Bus from city: 43, red line

Population: 45k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: England cricketer Stuart Broad and Tory MP Kenneth Clarke. Go see: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Bus from city: 6 and 7, green line

Population: 25k Postcode: NG8 Famous resident: Olympic ice-skating sensations Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have roads named after them. Go see: Wollaton Hall doubled as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises (2011). Bus from city: 30, pink line

A stone’s throw from the city centre, it’s got its fair share of art galleries and centres, boasts a market, and a couple of decent pubs. Add to that a windmill, and one of the best views over Nottingham if you take a walk up Colwick Woods, and it’s a pretty decent spot.

One of the posher parts of Nottingham, it’s sometimes called Bread and Lard Island because people thought its inhabitants spent so much money on big houses and fur coats that they had to skimp on meals. This ‘burb has no “streets” – the Victorian planners thought the term too urban, and went for roads and groves instead. Oo-er.

A leafy, suburban area in the western parish that balances the 2km surroundings of Wollaton Hall and Deer Park – not a bad green space to have on your doorstep – with thriving pubs, shops and one of the best chippies in the Midlands, nay, the world. Also kind of posh.

illustration: Becky Riley

STEP ONE. have a drink/some food in one of our pubs

STEP TWO. take a photo of your visit, get creative

extra points for visiting more than one

STEP THREE. share using #CRBwinning on

extra points for amusing us

extra points for sharing on all three

R BE M E N A 2 7TH O V W E D N E S D AY R P O I N T A R E NP E S A O AT T H E M O T a t t h e F O X & G R

M O T O R P O IN

T ARENA • N O T T IN G H A

27 • 11 • 19

#CRBwinning

STUDENTS

O N LY

ADMIT TWO

+ pizz a a n d dri nk s e the sho w . . . befor

T&Cs: You need to be an NTU or UON student to enter - proof of student status will be required. We reserve the right to refuse service and to amend or remove this prize at any time.

FIND OUR PUBS AT WWW.CASTLEROCKBREWERY.CO.UK/PUBS

IT’S ALL HOOD With the green hat, archer’s bow, and occasionally a goatee, Robin Hood is a true icon of Nottingham. Our home-grown legend has been featured in thousands of different stories around the globe since his conception hundreds of years ago – here are some of the most notable examples of his pop culture presence... On the big screen

1991’s Prince of Thieves is far from Robin’s first cinematic appearance, but it’s certainly one of the most memorable thanks to its all-star cast. Kevin Costner dons the tights in this interpretation, facing off against Alan Rickman as the Sheriff – we also see Morgan Freeman as fugitive Azeem and Sean Connery as King Richard. A couple of years later, Men in Tights gave us another iconic take on the hero, this time taking itself much less seriously. Director Mel Brooks loosely follows the story beats set by Prince of Thieves, but fills the film with jokes and musical numbers to keep it light-hearted.

On TV

Before Men in Tights, there was Maid Marian and her Merry Men, a BBC comedy series created by Blackadder actor Tony Robinson. Initially created for children, the show was also appreciated by parents for its underlying social commentary and pop culture references. The outlaw returned to the BBC in 2006 with a grittier series simply titled Robin Hood. Jonas Armstrong took the lead role in a story intended to have clear parallels with modern-day politics, but it gradually came to a halt due to numerous actor departures over the course of its three-year runtime.

In animation

Perhaps the most recognisable version of Sherwood’s hero is Disney’s Robin Hood, featuring the titular character as a charming fox and his pal Little John as a bear. The songs are super catchy and the classic hand-drawn animation can’t be faulted, making this one of the best depictions of Robin Hood out there. A version of the character with a French accent appears in the first Shrek movie, voiced by Vincent Cassel. “Monsieur Hood” and his Merry Men are featured as minor antagonists in this depiction, performing a musical number as they attempt to slay Shrek, before being single-handedly defeated by Princess Fiona.

In literature

Marian by Ella Lyons reimagines the legend from the love interest’s point of view, moving to Nottingham from the countryside. In this retelling, the Robin Hood she falls in love with is a young woman who wants to become a knight, and ends up protecting her from the king. DC Comics have their own modernised version of the legend called the Green Arrow, who fights crime alongside superheroes such as Batman. In the graphic novel The Longbow Hunters, we see Green Arrow look to a painting of Robin Hood for inspiration before donning his own viridescent threads and heading out to tackle injustice.

words: Jamie Morris

NOTTINGHAM LANGUAGE AND GRAMMAR: AN INTRODUCTION illustration: Raphael Achache and Natalie Owen

words: Bridie Squires

Welcome to your beginner’s guide to the Nottingham language. Keep this handy translation kit with you on your travels around the city, and you’ll be sure to decipher the local vernacular in no time. Once you’ve covered the basics, why not test your fluency on the locals? ‘Appeh lonnin’.

THE HUMAN FACE Bonce Tabs

Tegs Gob

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK Cob

Tuffies/duddos

Nobby greens

Musheh Peas

Sukka

Watter

Taters

Guzzgogs

USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES Hello – Ayup Goodbye – Tarrar/Tattar Yes – Aye No – Nehhh How are you? – Ahh yow gooin’ on then? I would like… – Gizzsum

Something – Summat Here you go – Ee-yar Please – I beg yer Thank you – Ta Hot – Ott Cold – Code

Anything – Owt (pron. Oat) Nothing – Nowt (pron. Note) I am feeling unwell – Am a bit badleh You’re making me grumpy – Yer mekkin’ meh mardeh You/Yourself – Yow/Yersen Me/Myself – Meh/Mesen

MADE IN NOTTS illustration: Thomas Goodwin

words: Jared Wilson

HIGH PRESSURE WATER Papplewick Pumping Station is not just a brilliant piece of alliteration. It’s also a result of the city hosting the country’s first high-pressure water supply, originally installed in the castle rocks during the 1830s. Not to be confused with low pressure water, which takes everything in its stride and sits about all day getting salinated.

HP SAUCE

The brown blob was invented by West Bridgford grocer FG Garton in 1895. He – foolishly, in hindsight – swapped the recipe for £150 and the settlement of a debt. The HP originally stood for Houses of Parliament, as they were serving it at the time. Ironic that now HP has come to mean getting in the red.

LACE IBUPROFEN

When Dr Stewart Adams invented a pain relief cure at the Boots factory in 1961, he aptly did it with a hangover. Fifty years on, and the nation’s binge-drinking capital still pay homage to his invention every Sunday morning. And Saturday morning. And Friday morning. Sod it, any day goes.

Not only did the city’s famous openwork fabric give it’s name to an area of the city that would confuse many a tourist into thinking there was an actual market there. Nottingham became a popular place to get a new gal because of this, as most of the lacemakers were women, so at one point there was apparently three women for every man.

MRI SCANNER

Boffin Sir Peter Mansfield used radio waves and magnets in the seventies to develop a well-fast brain scanner that could detect serious health issues.

Since before most of you lot were born, the Left Lion statue in Nottingham’s Since before most of you lot were born, Market Square has been used as a the Left Lion statue in Nottingham’s regular meeting spotmost friends allwere born, before of you lot MarketSince Square hasfor been used as a over the city. But today we want you all to Left Lionspot statue Nottingham’s regularthe meeting forinfriends Market Square hasan been used a meet different LeftLion; arts andasyou overa the city. But today we want to regular meeting spot forborn friends all culture magazine that is 100% and meet aover different LeftLion; an arts and the city. But reasons today wewhy want you to bred Notts. Here’s a few culture magazine thatLeftLion; is 100% bornand and meet a different an you should look out fora their onlinearts bred Notts. Here’s few reasons why culture magazine that is 100% born and and paper mag, stacked neatly in you should look out for ourreasons online why and bred Notts. Here’s a few corners all around Hoodtown… paper mag, stacked in corners you should look neatly out for their online all

aroundand Hoodtown… paper mag, stacked neatly in corners all around Hoodtown…

We’ve been going been for over fifteen years and 117 issues You get to read the opinions a wideone range of journalists, We’ve going for over fifteen years We like to thinkofwe’re step ahead of the game So, basically, we know what we’re talking about. Back in local folk So, basically, we know what we’re talking about.writers Back andWe want our magazine to be a platform to all the 2003, three childhood friends – Jared, Alan and Timmy – Apart from a small number of full-time staff who sort out in 2003, three childhood friends – Jared, and up-and-coming talent whoofwe thinkrange are of about to make We’ve been over fifteen yearsAlan and 117 issues YouLeftLion get to read the opinions wide journalists, were frustrated that there was so going much for cool stuff popping the technical bits, is put together by avolunteers So, basically, we know what we’rewas talking about. 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And, exactly interestingly enough, a large our cinema screenings in caves, poetry events the moon core team spent time where youWe guys arepercentage right cinema screenings inhappening caves, events about now the moon core team have spent time where you are right there’s sonot much in Nottingham than when people get touch withalways anguys interesting and sunrisetwo, yoga.but And, if that’s enough, ourpoetry online listings – in those bright, polished halls ofinexactly NTU. We’re and sunrise yoga. And, if of. that’s not enough, our online listings story, nowor – in bright, polished halls of We’re that you might notcouldn’t be aware anthose that our brains could neveralways have section features all the stuff we squeeze onto the after fresh talent too, so ifidea you’ve got something toNTU. say and section features all the stuff we couldn’t squeeze onto the after fresh talent too, so if you’ve got something to say and up alone. printed page. 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This city istheir andIt’ssunrise yoga. And,though. if that’s not enough, our Our volunteers haveatdown gone onat toLeftLion. pave way corner of Nottingham home tonumber a staggering number of independent food and drink corner of Nottingham home to a staggering of independent food and They’ve drink online listings section features allcultural-like the stuffactivities. we couldn’t some proper interesting career paths. started This city is full to the brim of The core establishments, from pizzas and thai food to a multitude This city is full to the brim of cultural-like activities. The core from pizzas and thai food to a multitude squeeze onto theteam printed page.ofIfa you’re lookingestablishments, for apps, opened artbars. galleries, have acted alongside editorial is comprised number of hidden cocktail We want to advise on the best the editorial team is comprised of a number of section editors,of section ofeditors, hidden cocktail bars. We want to advise you on theyou best a way to waste a rainy weeknight, orone organise a eateries last likes of Robert Downey at each with a particular passion for of Nottingham’s eateries and watering holesJunior around and town bagged that’ll blowroles Nandos each with a particular passion for one of Nottingham’s and watering holes around town that’ll blow Nandos numerous “scenes”. Therefore, our magazine and online out the watersuch any day. brand-spanking new food section minute date, you our know where to go. publications as Our NME and Buzzfeed. We’re always numerous “scenes”. Therefore, magazine and online out the water any day. Our brand-spanking new food section content focuses on multiple aspects of Nottingham life, includes reviews restaurants and listicle-style Top 10 after fresh talentoftoo, so if you’ve got something to content focuses on multiple aspects life, poetry, theatre, includes reviews of restaurants and listicle-style including: music,of art,Nottingham fashion, literature, film, pieces, as well as tit-bits of info aboutTop new10 menu launches It’s not about events though. We delve deep say and wish to be in great company, drop us a line. including: music, art,all fashion, literature, poetry, theatre, film, pieces, as well as tit-bits of info about new menu launches food and sport. and foodie events coming up that month. into each corner of Nottingham food and sport. and foodie events coming up that month.

This city isThat’s full to brim all ofthe cultural-like activities, relaunched our food and notthe forgetting inspiring community stuffso that’s We’ve We’verecently got big plans for the future

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In the past twelve months, we’ve run features films, video interviews and more, as well as all the regular or offering and a helping hand to those who deserve more content for you to enjoy. We’refood talking podcasts, short sport. and drink establishments on topics ranging from sustainability and protest culture to of independent shenanigans. A lot of love goes into making one of these that recognition. In the past twelve months, we’veartists, run features films, video will interviews and more, as well as all the regular skateboarders and sticker and even ran Nottingham’s mags, we’re excited to see where the next blowand Nandos out the water any day.year Wewill want to on topics ranging from sustainability culture to Awards. shenanigans. Atake lot of love goes into making one of these Dengest Catto andprotest Most Boofin’ Doggo We’re alladvise us. That’s notfirst forgetting alland the inspiring community you on the best eateries and watering holes skateboarders and sticker and content. even ran Nottingham’s mags, and we’re excited to see where the next year will aboutartists, that quality stuff that’s happening, too. We love nothing more around town that’ll blow Nandos out the water any first Dengest Catto and Most Boofin’ Doggo Awards. We’re all take us. It’s free, so why not than championing local folk who arecool going above day. brand-spanking new section includes We’ve interviewed some really people in the past It’sOur no secret that you guys are all a food bit skint. No judgement about that quality content. and beyond forsixteen theiryears, cause. In had themany pastatwelve restaurants and listicle-style In our we’ve householdIt’s name grace though – we’ve all been there. Our magazine isTop free 10 andpieces, is free, so reviews why not of our printed the we bagged stocked intit-bits 450are venues around theNo city, including your months,some we’ve run page. features onfirst topics ranging from well asguys of ainfo about new menualllaunches We’ve interviewed really coolFor people in ever the issue, past It’s Shane no secretasthat you all bit skint. judgement Meadows the cover, best known for his directorialand work on and greasy-spoons, barbers and stores, and even sustainability and protest culture toname skateboarders foodie events coming up month. In our sixteen years, we’ve had for many a household grace though – we’vefavourite all beenpubs, there. Our magazine isthat free and is British cult classic film and subsequent series This is England. on your city campus. Keep your eyes peeled on the first week artists, and even ranweNottingham’s our printedsticker page. For the first ever issue, bagged Shanefirst Dengest stocked in 450 of venues around the city, including all your In the earlier issues you can also spot the faces of fashion the month for a shiny new issue, or check out our website Catto anddesigner Most Boofi n’ Awards. We’re We’ve big happenings. plans forand the future Meadows for the cover, best known forDoggo his directorial work on all favourite pubs, greasy-spoons, barbers stores, and even Paul Smith, author Alan Sillitoe, Derren Brown, for all got the latest British cult about classic film and subsequent series This is England. on your city The campus. your eyesare peeled on the first week thatDizzee quality content. nextKeep six months an exciting time for us here Rascal and The Prodigy. leftlion.co.uk In the earlier issues you can also spot the faces of fashion of the monthatfor a shiny check out the ‘Lion,new as issue, we’reorgearing upour to website create a whole More recently, we’ve interviewed the people likes of Game of all Thrones’ designer Paul Smith, author Alan Sillitoe, Derren for the latest We’ve interviewed some really Brown, cool heaphappenings. of new content for you to enjoy. We’re talking Dempsie and Bella Ramsey, Line of Duty’s Vicky McClure, Dizzee Rascal and sixteen TheJoe Prodigy. leftlion.co.uk In our years, we’ve had many a household podcasts, short films, video interviews and more, as Jake Bugg, comedian Bill Bailey, transgender rights activist

name grace our printed page. In the earlier issues

leftlionmagazine

well as all the regular shenanigans. A lot of love goes

Paris Lees, boxer and of funny-man More recently, we’ve interviewed the Carl likesFroch of Game Thrones’ extraordinare you can spot the faces of fashion designer Paul Smith, into making one of these mags, and we’re excited to Nick Frost. Joe Dempsie and Bella Ramsey, Line of Duty’s Vicky McClure, author Alan Sillitoe, Derren Brown, Dizzee Rascal and see where the next year will take us. leftlionmagazine Jake Bugg, comedian Bill Bailey, transgender rights activist We like to think we’re one step ahead of the game too Paris Lees, The boxerProdigy. Carl We Froch and funny-man extraordinare want our magazine to be a platform to all the up-andIt’s free, so why not Nick Frost. coming talent who we think are about to make the big-time.

More recently, we’ve interviewed the likes ofmaking Gamewaves, It’s no secret @leftlion that you guys are all a bit skint. No Whether it’s a new local band that’s already

Thrones’ Joe Dempsie and Bella Line event, we judgement though – we’ve all been there. Our or one the latest creative collective to Ramsey, puttoo on a sell-out We like to of think we’re step ahead of the game toMcClure, shout aboutJake them the rest of the world of magazine Duty’s want Vicky Bugg, comedian Bill does magazine is free and is stocked in 450 venues around We want our to be a platform to allbefore the up-andJustare askabout the likes of London Grammar andboxer St Raymond, the city, including all your favourite pubs, greasycoming talent who transgender wetoo. think to activist make theParis big-time. Bailey, rights Lees, @leftlion who we’ve been bigging-up since their first EP’s. Want to Whether it’s a new local band that’s already making waves, Carl Froch and funny-man extraordinare Nick Frost. spoons, barbers and stores. Keep your eyes peeled know more about the latest vegan cupcake business to spring or the latest creative collective to put on a sell-out event, we on the first week of the month for a shiny new issue, up outta St Anns? Hit us up. @leftlion want to shout about them before the rest of the world does or check out our website for all the latest happenings. too. Just ask the likes of London Grammar and St Raymond, who we’ve been bigging-up since their first EP’s. Want to know more about the latest vegan cupcake business to spring up outta St Anns? Hit us up. @leftlion

leftlion.co.uk

leftlionmagazine

@leftlion

TOP INDEPENDENTS Bar Iberico

Broadway Cinema

The Dice Cup

Having scooped up a ton of awards in 2019, including the Best Independent of the Year, this restaurant sure lives up to all its shiny trophies. It’s the most mouth-watering tapas you’ll get your hands on, with bits like crispy cauliflower, patatas fritas, and more. Wipe the saliva off yer chin, duck.

The home of indie films in Notts, this cinema has been endorsed by greats such as Quentin Tarantino and Paul Smith. It’s been about for thirty-odd years now, but still keeps up with times with its sleek exterior and interior. Nab an under 25s ticket for £5, a drink from the cafe for the film, and you’re golden.

Located on Mansfield Road, The Dice Cup blend tasty snacks and comforting drinks with super fun and exciting games that you can play right there in the store. With hundreds of games available to play and a mouth-watering selection of delicious cakes to choose from, you're sure to have a fun time here.

Carlton St, NG1 1NL baribericotapas.com

Broad St, NG1 3AL broadway.org.uk

Mansﬁeld Road, NG1 3GY dicecupcafe.co.uk

Flint Barbers Their dedication to keeping up with the latest trends and techniques mixed with the super friendly team has quickly made Flint the go-to barbers for many in the city, despite only being open for a year. Plus, forget about added bonus biccies – this barbers has a heckin’ underground arcade. King St, NG1 2BH ﬂintbarbers.com

Handmade Nottingham

Hopkinson Centre

Knit Nottingham

You’ll find this place tucked up down King’s Street, just off Trinity Square. They champion products made by Nottingham folk, and sell a range of jewellery, cards and other home accessories. Consider yourself sorted if you’re scouting for prezzies for the folks back home.

A paradise for treasure seekers, vintage lovers and curators of beautiful home aesthetics, Hopkinson is one of the most exciting and charismatic attractions to visit in Nottingham. With over sixty stalls of vintage clothing, beautiful antiques and retro furniture, there is something to strike everyone's fancy.

Didn’t yer know that knitting is cool now? This award-winning craft shop is perfect for avid crafters who love nothing more than curling up on a Friday night surrounded by their yarn. If you start now, you could make a lovely blanket for your mum for Christmas.

Peggy's Skylight set out with the mission of creating a space that the region’s jazz and blues aficionados could call home, as well as serving up tasty middle-eastern style dishes. Clearly they’ve well and truly achieved that. This jazz club is brimming with character.

Station St, NG2 3AJ hopkinson21.co.uk

Trinity Walk, NG1 2AN knitnottingham.co.uk

George St, NG1 3BH peggysskylight.co.uk

King's Walk, NG1 2AE handmadenottingham.com

If getting stuck into life a little left of the mainstream floats your boat, Notts has a mean selection of independent outlets for you to discover. This year, the people of Nottingham voted these our top independent outlets of 2019…

Peggy’s Skylight

BEST OF NOTTS: FESTIVALS

There’s no such thing as resting on your laurels in Nottingham. There’s a load of events cracking off left, right and centre throughout the year, so you can get stuck in as soon as you touch down...

DETONATE FESTIVAL

DOT TO DOT

GOOSE FAIR

HOCKLEY HUSTLE

This one is loved by students at both universities, so no doubt you’ll have plenty of mates to accompany you. On an island in the middle of Nottingham’s oldest country park, the guys at Detonate provide over 12,000 of you with some of the biggest DJ’s in the country.They do a Halloween one too.

Fancy a festival with the best in indie music and the support of up-and-coming bands, spanning multiple city-centre venues for under twenty quid? Welcome to Dot To Dot Nottingham. It’s a day out in Notts full of dancing and discovering your favourite new artists, going from midday right until the sun goes down.

For over 720 years, Nottinghamians have been gorging themselves on mint sauce and mushy peas, and seeing if they can keep them down after a session on the waltzers. With over 500 different attractions Fill yer purse and nab yersen a giant teddy.

The Hustle is something special. Hockley gets taken over by musicians, street performers and food stalls in an all-out shindig for charity. Performers include some of the biggest artists from our local thriving music scene.

June and October, Colwick Park detonate1.co.uk

MAYHEM FILM FESTIVAL Every year, Nottingham’s independent fireball of a picturehouse, Broadway Cinema, is home to the flick festival to end ‘em all. Expect screenings of horror, science-fiction, and cult cinema, premieres, previews and masterclasses.

10-13 October, Broadway Cinema mayhemﬁlmfestival.com

24 May, Various venues dottodotfestival.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL For nine days in November, sixteen venues in the city will be taken over by peeps who make us laugh for a living or because they love to. This year’s line-up includes names like Mark Ritchie and Rob Beckett, plus many others.

1-10 November, Various venues

nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk

ROBIN HOOD BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL

2-6 October, Forest Recreation Ground

27 October hockleyhustle.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM PRIDE

NOTTINGHAM COMIC CONVENTION

Nottingham Pride is a magical day for all. The parade moves through the city centre and the streets are filled with trans singers, comedians, spoken word artists, emerging LGBTQ+ performers and drag queens and kings. There’s normally an arts arena, stalls and plenty of places to dance.

For the fifth year of this event, they’ve managed to bag some very special guests, including Kickstarter comic kings the Etherington Brothers. It’s hosted in partnership with local shop Forbidden Planet, and is definitely one for you. 19 October, Nottingham Conference Centre nottinghamcomiccon.co.uk

Late July, Various venues nottinghamshirepride.co.uk

SPLENDOUR

If you like sampling beers and ciders, you’ve come to the right place. CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) used to hold the event at the Castle, but due to the redevelopment it’s being held down at the Arena. With over 1,000 real ales and 200 ciders to sample, pace yourself.

This is the day us Notts folk kick the deer out of Wollaton Park and take over the grounds to host the biggest music event in the city. Headliners over the past few years have included Paloma Faith, Kaiser Chiefs, Busted, Dizzee Rascal and the Notts legend that is Jake Bugg.

9-12 October, Motorpoint Arena beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org

Late July, Wollaton Park splendourfestival.com

BEST OF NOTTS: NIGHTCLUBS THE BODEGA It’s been at the forefront of the Midlands’ live music scene for the past two decades, having hosted some of the biggest names in the industry before they hit the big-time. But it’s also regarded by locals and students alike as one of the best places for club nights. Don’t miss: The Pop Confessional, every Friday Pelham St, NG1 2ED bodeganottingham.com

Before we kick off, some sage words. We’re not telling you not to drink, but no-one wants to see you face down in your own vomit. So have fun, but be sensible out there. Now we’ve got that over with, here’s a list of some of Notts’ best party places. BOWERY

COCO TANG

NTSU

Once the ping-pong balls stop bouncing, the downstairs of Das Kino turns into The Bowery Club, which plays the best in dance and R&B. If you’ve been pourin’ drinks or bussing tables all week, there’s a special club night for you too. Don’t miss: Industry Sunday

Look out for the chinese lantern that hangs proudly over the entrance on Bridlesmith Gate. If you see a burly bouncer and a big queue of nicely-dressed students desperate to get a cocktail in their hand, you’ve found the right place. Don’t miss: Student night, every Wednesday

The union bar is open every day to grab a pint after an extremely challenging lecture, but it does like to treat its students to one wild night every Saturday. And don’t worry UoN students, they’ll let you in too if you smile nicely enough. Don’t miss: Quids In, every Thursday. Climax, every Saturday

Fletcher Gate, NG1 2FZ

facebook.com/theboweryclub

Shakespeare St, NG1 4GH trentstudents.org/ents

OCEAN

POM POM

PRYZM

RESCUE ROOMS

Possibly the only club in the entire country that still has carpeted floors, but you’re gonna love it anyway. NTU turn up in fancy dress, whereas UoN don their ordinary clothes to dance to cheesy music until 3am. Prepare to Baywatch... Don’t miss: Ocean Wednesday, NTU. Ocean Friday, UoN

Full of neon signs, urban artwork and chinese lanterns, Pom Pom is your typical, everybody’s-happy kinda club. There’s a pop room and an R&B room, and as it’s in The Cornerhouse, you’re literally seconds away from a row of takeaways for your chips. Don’t miss: Dirty Mondays, YoYo Thursdays, Shakedown Fridays

Could Notts even be classed as a city if we didn’t have a Pryzm? Since they already have ten clubs in the country, most of you probably know the drill with this one. Popular music, cheap drinks and the latest reality stars doing personal appearances. Don’t miss: Playground, every Saturday

If you’re looking for plenty of alternative tunes, with a helping of rock, a side of pop and a sprinkle of hip-hop, you’ve found the right place. It’s also one of Nottingham’s most loved gig venues, so check out their gig guide if you’re just after the tunes. Don’t miss: Pressure, every Tuesday. Stealth vs Rescue Rooms, every Saturday

Greyfriar Gate, NG1 7EF iloveocean.co.uk

Burton St, NG1 4BT pompomnottingham.com

ROCK CITY When they don’t have world-famous bands gracing their stage, they’re holding some of the biggest parties in town. The tunes are a real mixed-bag, so it’s a good place to go. Don’t miss: Crisis (Weds) and Tuned (Thurs) Talbot St, NG1 5GG rock-city.co.uk

Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GN cocotang.co.uk

Lower Parliament St, NG1 3BB pryzm.co.uk/nottingham

Masonic Place, Goldsmith St, NG1 5LB rescuerooms.com

STEALTH It describes itself as the “musical mecca” for dance fans in the Midlands, and prides itself on showcasing the newest musical talent each week. They bring resident DJs and mix it up with hip-hop and some nineties throwbacks. Don’t miss: Stealth vs Rescued, every Saturday Goldsmith St, NG1 5JT stealthattack.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: LIVE MUSIC JAMCAFE

METRONOME

MOTORPOINT ARENA

NTU UNIVERSITY HALL

Aside from serving crazy good Chinese food, the Hockley venue also delivers a cracking live set or two from some of Hoodtown’s bestloved bands. They also host regular live Friday Sessions and a Wednesday open mic, should you feel all inspired to get up and give it a go yourself.

This is the newest venue to hit the streets of Notts and it’s right next door to Confetti college. It’s home for all things that deserve a stage from music, moving image, video games, live performances to spoken word. Not only can you catch local talent, but you can also see national and international artists too.

The behemoth venue where all the truly massive acts go and tickets can be pricey. Still, if you want to catch Little Mix, Liam Gallagher, WWE or stand-up comedian Jack Whitehall before the year is out, then this is the place for you. It’s also the new home of Nottingham Beer Festival.

If you’re looking for topquality classical music, take a look at what NTU’s beautiful new venue, University Hall, has to offer. The 19th Century former Wesleyan Chapel will open its doors to the public in October with the launch of two new music series. Expect traditional chamber music through to exciting, innovative and experimental contemporary composition.

Heathcoat St, NG1 3AA jamcafe.info

Huntingdon St, NG1 1AP metronome.uk.com

ROCK CITY, RESCUE ROOMS, BODEGA AND STEALTH This set of venues also double as nightclubs, so see their full listing on the previous page. They’re all owned by Nottingham’s DHP Family, who also have a couple of venues in London and Bristol too. Between them, they put on some serious heavyweight live acts of all genres, but they aren’t afraid to take a punt on up-and-coming artists either, so keep an eye out on their line-ups.

We’re not short of places to catch music in its purest form here in Notts…

Bolero Square, NG1 1LA

motorpointarenanottingham.com

Shakespeare St, NG1 4FQ ntu.ac.uk/created

ROUGH TRADE

NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY

DJANOGLY RECITAL HALL

There’s only five of these in the world, you know. Two in London, one in New York, one in Bristol and one in Nottingham. It’s a record shop with a great live music venue upstairs. They’ve had some pretty big names in too – usually you just have to buy the record to get a ticket for the gig.

There’s nowt quite like a gig in the basement of an art gallery. This space has been purpose built for live performances, with a natural oiled oak floor, professional acoustic design and top-notch lighting. You’ll find everything from folk bands to hyped-up DJ sets down ‘ere.

As well as acting as the recital hall for UoN students, a series of concerts and conferences will be available to the public throughout the academic year, particularly on Thursdays and Saturdays. The staple piece of this hall is the Steinway Piano which is not to be missed.

Broad St, NG1 3AJ roughtrade.com

Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB nottinghamcontemporary.org

East Drive, NG7 2RD lakesidearts.org.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: ART GALLERIES

Like any decent city, Nottingham has a rich history of art that goes beyond the crude doodles in the gents’ toilets in some of the choicer pubs...

BACKLIT

BONINGTON GALLERY

CITY ARTS

LAKESIDE ARTS

A two-storey independent art gallery located in Sneinton and set up by NTU graduates. It provides affordable studio spaces, supports early career graduates and emerging artists, and puts on some banging – and often confrontational – exhibitions.

An exhibition space and curatorial entity situated within the art and design department at NTU. They curate a monthly programme of exhibits that are always interesting and thoughtprovoking. If you’re studying on the city campus, it’s on your doorstep.

From sauerkraut-making workshops to gigs and digital art, City Arts is a forty-year-old collective centred on inclusivity and accessibility, with a base at the edge of Hockley. Over the years they have done everything from bringing art into care homes and to challenging preconceptions around mental health.

Located on the main University of Nottingham campus, Lakeside Arts has two visual arts venues. The Djanogly Gallery presents a year-round programme of largely twentieth-century and contemporary art exhibitions by British and international artists.

Ashley St, NG3 1JG backlit.org.uk

Dryden St, NG1 4GG boningtongallery.co.uk

NEW ART EXCHANGE A showcase of contemporary art, but with a focus on cultural diversity. The New Art Exchange believes that art can stimulate political debate, but that the voices of non-white artists need to be better represented. Pop down to their galleries to see work from both British and international artists. Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6BE nae.org.uk

NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY One of Britain’s leading, and largest, centres for contemporary art, with four major exhibitions per year and hundreds of other events aside. It’s totally free to get into the exhibitions, and they have a great cafe bar downstairs where you can talk about what you’ve seen with your mates after. Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB nottinghamcontemporary.org

Hockley, NG1 1FH city-arts.org.uk

University Park, NG7 2RD lakesidearts.org.uk

PRIMARY

SURFACE GALLERY

An artist-led and not-forprofit studio located in an old primary school just off Ilkeston Road. They hire out spaces, have regular and rotating exhibitions as well as many artist workshops dedicated to different themes and focuses. Make sure you pop into Small Food Bakery for some delish grub.

Led by volunteers and showcasing the city’s raw talent. One of their most popular endeavours is the annual International Postcard Exhibition, where anybody can submit anything as long as it fits on a 6x4 postcard. They’re always after volunteers too, if you want to get involved.

Seely Road, NG7 3FZ weareprimary.org

Southwell Road, NG1 1DL surfacegallery.org

BEST OF NOTTS: STAGE AND SCREEN BROADWAY

CINEWORLD

THE GLEE CLUB

JUST THE TONIC

An independent local cinema, situated in the heart of bustling Hockley, showing the best selection of independent and foreign films this side of Cannes. They do a reduced price student ticket for £6.70 or £5 for under-25s. Check out the Paul Smith seats and the top-notch bar.

You know the drill with this one. The nation's favourite multiplex is situated in The Cornerhouse, so you can catch the latest J-Law film with an Ice Blast, and then make your way up to Fun Station for a quick round on the arcade games.

You can see some proper off-kilter stuff at the canalside venue that specialises in both music and comedy. There are regular burlesque and cabaret nights from The Gilded Merkin; and they host the Best in Live Stand Up every Saturday night, as well as loads of live music.

Ready and raring to give you the jolly’s every weekend, their Saturday Night Comedy gig is a great place to discover some up and coming stars. Their nights are now held at the new and shiny Metronome, so head down there for all your chuckle needs.

Broad St, NG1 3AL broadway.org.uk

Burton St, NG1 4DB cineworld.co.uk

Canal St, NG1 7EH glee.co.uk

Huntingdon St, NG1 1AP justthetonic.com/ nottingham-comedy

LAKESIDE ARTS

NOTTINGHAM NEW THEATRE

NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE

SAVOY

Located on the main University of Nottingham campus, Lakeside Arts houses two great 200-capacity performance rooms; the Djanogly Recital Hall and Djanogly Theatre. The former is used for regular classical and world music shows and the latter for comedy, theatre and much more.

Based on the University of Nottingham’s main campus, this is the only entirely student run theatre in the country, staging an in-house production every week of term and a further ten throughout the year in their emerging site specific external season. If acting is your thing, you need to get involved.

Crowned Regional Theatre of the Year by The Stage Awards 2019, the Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres. It’s dedicated to bringing fresh, daring performances and timeless classics to the heart of Nottingham. Be sure to check out its courses, work placements and artist development programme, Amplify.

If you’re on a date, this ArtDeco treat is an absolute must. Not only can you bask in the glory of your romance in one of their snug loveseats, but you’ll be treated to proper popcorn in a bucket, so you can awkwardly brush hands as you both reach in. It’s also only £5 with an NUS card.

University Park, NG7 2RD lakesidearts.org.uk

Cherry Tree Hill, NG7 2RD newtheatre.org.uk

SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX This swanky cinema brings back fond memories of birthday parties as a kid, and Saturday morning movie sessions complete with film specific snack trays. Plus, as a “de Lux” cinema, it’s got ridiculously fancy reclining seats. Redﬁeld Way, NG7 2UW showcasecinemas.co.uk

If your little brother is basking in his new found ability to use your Netflix account without you clocking him one round the lugholes, it’s time to leave your halls and venture out to the best in the Notts theatre and cinema scene...

Wellington Circus, NG1 5AF nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Derby Road, NG7 1QN savoyonline.co.uk

THEATRE ROYAL This lovely place is split into two sections; the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall. One side is the place to be for upcoming shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The other usually hosts touring acts, with comedian Jonathan Pie and X-Factor lad James Arthur booked in. Theatre Square, NG1 5ND trch.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: A BITE TO EAT 31K

ANNIE’S BURGER SHACK

BUNK

A hidden gem in Hockley, 31K specialises in cocktails and meatballs – a winning combination. With buildyour-own meatballs, and a 144 hour long happy hour from Sunday to Friday, you’ll never have to overpay for your tropical cocktails again.

Home to the biggest burgers in Hoodtown, it won’t be long until you fall for the charm of the whoppers. There’s over thirty burgers on the menu, each of which can be made meaty, veggie or vegan, so it’s the perfect spot for a flat meal out. They also offer a cracking American style breakfast menu.

Ten wings and curly fries for £6.50. We repeat: ten wings and curly fries for £6.50. Get to Bunk any time before 10pm, and you can enjoy half price wings tossed in your favourite Bunk seasoning and all the house cocktails for £4.50 each. Don’t worry veggies, they do exactly the same with Quorn nuggets for you too.

Goose Gate, NG1 1FE bar31k.com

Broadway, NG1 1PR anniesburgershack.com

Stoney St, NG1 1LP bunkwings.com

CLEAN CUT KITCHEN From fit fish and chips to super bowl salads, Clean Cut Kitchen is Nottingham's one stop shop for all things healthy and delicious. Its modern and quirky vibe makes for a snazzy environment when tucking into your granola. If you're after summat refreshing, they also sell clean juices and smoothies. Derby Road, NG1 5AA cleancutkitchen.co.uk

In Nottingham we refer to our food as “snap” or “nosh.” Don’t ask why, we don’t know either. Anyway, here’s a list of some of our favourite places to grab a bite to eat in town…

DAS KINO Das Kino is a cool bar where you can tuck into some pizzas while trying your hand at ping pong. Their pizza names are filled with pop culture references, such as the Good Morning Vietnam, which is topped with a full English. Other shiners include the tomato tikka-based Slumdog Millionaire, and garlicey delight Mutha Clucka. Fletcher Gate, NG1 2FZ das-kino.co.uk

FRENCH LIVING A stalwart of Nottingham’s food scene, French Living is still run by the same couple who opened it as a small deli back in 1994. The interior will transport you into a romantic, authentic bistro so it’s a great shout for a date night.

King Street, NG1 2AY frenchliving.co.uk

COCO TANG ORIENTAL CAFE Most closely associated with cocktails, Coco Tang has recently delved into the world of coffee and cake. Set in true Vietnamese style, you can enjoy their slow roasts on the popular rooftop garden, or devour a sweet treat indoors surrounded by their planters from Vietnam. What’s not to love? Byard Ln, NG1 2GJ cocotang.co.uk

FRITES Looking for something to snack on while you explore the city? Grab a cone of Belgian chips from Frites and pick ‘n’ mix from 33 unique sauces including BBQ, piri piri, middle-eastern or plain-ol’ mayo. And if you’re feeling really lazy, you can get it dropped off right on your doorstep via Deliveroo. Upper Parliament St, NG1 2AG frites33.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM'S TO S ORTS BAR & LI E MUSIC ENUE

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18 FRIAR LANE, NOTTINGHAM, NG1 6DQ SOUTHBANKCITY.CO.UK 0115 950 6149 @SOUTHBANKCITY

BEST OF NOTTS: A BITE TO EAT HUNGRY PUMPKIN Affectionately known as Hungry Pumps, these guys bring the Italian lunch to Notts with fresh pasta sauces, paninis, proper coffee and the cannoli… oh my the cannoli is so good. Keep an eye on the special board for fennel sausage ciabatta or the Italian style baked eggs.

High Pavement, NG1 1HN hungrypumpkin.co.uk

KAYAL This place offers a style of Indian cuisine that’s a bit different from the norm; they serve more traditional Indian cuisine, but make sure its proper quality. If you’re after a quick and tasty bite in between lectures, they do a business lunch for six quid. Bargain.

Broad St, NG1 3AL kayalnottingham.com

KUSHI-YA

MOWGLI

From skewers and snacks to rice and miso soup, each dish served here is presented as if designed purely for the ‘gram, but there’s a relaxed vibe here too. There’s nothing too spicy or in yer face, but they’re not afraid to be brave either. This is the place to go if tapas-style Japanese food is yer thing.

Up for a bit of spice? With a wide range of Indian dishes on offer, Mowgli offers its visitors a variety of curries and flavours, with special vegan and gluten free menus available too, so there’ll be no more struggles with the fussy one in your party. Head down to Mowgli for a street food experience to remember.

Cannon Court, NG1 6JE kushi-ya.co.uk

Stoney Street, NG1 1LG mowglistreetfood.com

NO.12 HOUNDSGATE

NAN TEI

If you’re one of those veggie or vegan folk, this gaff will sort out all your brunch needs. Tuck into classic dishes with a twist like the The Great British Fake Off fry-up, or even something a bit wilder like blackened broccoli and ricotta. Wash it all down with a fancy latte fulla nutrients – we recommend the turmeric elixir. Whatever you have, it’s sure to give you life.

Humble new Asian restaurant Nan Tei is an easy one to miss, with only a little red paper lantern out front to catch your eye. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with a cheery “irasshaimase!” and guided through the traditional ways to eat their delicious oriental dishes. Dining at this hidden gem is like being in Japan.

Olly, an ex-local-solicitorturned-entrepreneur founded Oscar and Rosie’s in 2013, after growing tired of lackluster pizza with “plastic-like toppings”. It started off as a pop-up in a sandwich shop, but the people of Notts love it so much they keep growing into bigger venues. We’ve heard the gluten-free ones are ace. 10/10 would recommend.

You can’t beat a good pie and since this place specialises in the boggers, they’re the best you’ll find around. Don’t be fooled that this place is just for meat lovers, as they have some pretty cracking vegetarian and gluten free options too. The best bit is that you can get a pie and two sides for just a tenner. Bargain.

Hounds Gate, NG1 7AB no12houndsgate.co.uk

Maid Marian Way, NG1 6AJ nantei.com

Stoney Street, NG1 1LP oscarandrosies.com

Long Row, NG1 6JB pieminister.co.uk

OSCAR AND ROSIE’S

PIEMINISTER

BEST OF NOTTS: A BITE TO EAT SON OF STEAK This is the perfect place to treat yourself to a steak dinner without breaking the bank. Take your pick from flat iron, ribeye, sirloin and lomito, and load your plate with sides, sauces and extras for the ultimate beef experience. Their house mojito is also a wonder to behold. Trinity Square, NG1 4AF sonofsteak.co.uk

STREET FOOD CLUB

TOUGH MARY’S BAKEHOUSE

Shopping centres don’t tend to house a street food section but the top floor of Victoria Centre in Notts is a little different. Homeboyz, led by Masterchef 2015 finalist Pete Hewitt, serve up pan-asian cuisine and Smoqued do Mexican barbecue. The other two stalls change weekly, with a communal bar.

This place specialises in sourdough bread that’s smashin’ for lunchtime sarnies. Not only is the stuff much healthier for you than Tesco’s own batch of white, but it tastes a whole lot better too. If yer looking to switch up your snack game, they also offer a whole host of savouries, pastries and other sweet treats.

Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN streetfoodclub.co.uk

UCANTEEN It don’t look much, but we promise you it’s some of the most authentic Chinese food you’ll find on these streets. The menu is extensive, with well over 150 options, but we reckon you can never go wrong with a big bowl of honey pork noodles. Slurp to your heart's content.

Derby Road, NG1 5FD toughmarysbakehouse.co.uk

Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AF facebook.com/ucanteen

UGLY BREAD BAKERY

WARSAW DINER

YAMAS

ZAAP

You can order their locallybaked sourdough bread as the base for a variety of pizzas and sandwiches, or get them to wrap you up a loaf to use for tomorrow’s pack-up. Pop in after lectures and grab any pizza, side and drink as part of their student deal.

Themed in the style of a classic American diner, but with an unusual nod to Poland. Their pancakes will make you go “Yee-haw!”, and so will their homemade hash browns. In the evening, the menu transforms to traditional Polish fare. They’ve been goin’ for twentyodd years, and are definitely a local institution.

Greek food at its best. This Mediterranean oasis is the perfect place to visit with a group of hungry friends: just make sure they like to share. Tapas-style dining means you can try a lot of dishes for a great price – some of our favourites are the meaty stifado and the vegetarian-friendly halloumi saganaki.

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to central Bangkok, thanks to the insane decorations in the place alone. The food is a whole other story, being the most authentic Thai food in the city. To top the whole ruddy thing off, from Monday to Thursday students can get 10% off their food bill.

Carlton Street, NG1 1NN uglybreadbakery.co.uk

Derby Road, NG1 5BB warsawdiner.com

Thurland St, NG1 3DR yamas.co.uk

Bromley Place, NG1 6JG zaapthai.co.uk

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CINEWORLD

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T&C’s – 25% off food bill to students only with a valid student photo ID. Available Sunday – Thursday when presenting your valid student card to a member of our team at the till point. Only valid on main menu items. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or promotional menu. All items and dishes subject to availability. To activate your discount please present a valid student ID to the server when ordering your meal. Our management team reserve the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

BEST OF NOTTS: DESSERTS BSWEET

CREAMS

COOKIESHAKE

While they also offer pancakes and delicious cheesecakes, BSweet specialise in their ice creams and sundaes, with over twenty delicious flavours to choose from. Their ice cream also happens to be dairy and sucrose free, as well as made with olive oil, so is suitable for all you vegans. Wheeler Gate, NG1 2NA bsweetdesserts.co.uk

Forget going out for dinner. Get yoursen into 2019 and hop on board the new trend – going out for dessert. Not as nutritionally valuable as a superfood smoothie, but a whole lot better tasting than a pot noodle...

During the day, this place can create almost any milkshake flavour you could dream up. At night, it transforms into a bangin’ bar. The cookies are delightful but so are the 99p shots, like the sweet starburst or the love heart. That’s right, 99p. Not even a pahnd. Upper Parliament St, NG1 2AD

DOUGHNOTTS

They describe their menu as “big, flamboyant desserts”, and we couldn’t agree more. It is home to the bubble pop waffle, the latest craze in the sugar world. Basically, they take a sundae and pop it inside a giant waffle with big bubbly bits on. It’s deffo one of the most Instagrammable spots on this list.

facebook.com/cookieshakeuk

Trinity Square, NG1 4AF creamscafe.com

Doughnuts like you’ve never seen doughnuts before. Some of our faves include the Homer, red velvet, vegan cinnamon sugar, and the one where they make it into a proper millionaire's dream, with shortbread and all of that caramel. You really have to see ‘em to believe ‘em. King St, NG1 2AS twitter.com/Doughnotts

HEAVENLY DESSERTS

KASPA’S

PUDDING PANTRY

All their desserts are “made with love”, and are dishes are also geniusley named. Check out the ‘I’ll have what she’s having’ strawberry and chocolate waffle or the ‘what’s fudge got to do with it?’ cake. If the puns don’t put a smile on yer face, the desserts definitely will.

From their traditional apple crumble and chocolatedipped strawberries, to their mouth-watering gluten-free chocolate layer cake and maple temptation crepe, there is plenty at Kaspa’s to tickle your fancy. Wrap your smackers around one of their tasty treats and indulge.

Your quest for the best pancakes and milkshakes ends here. They’ve recently upped their pudding game to a whole new level too; their blackberry pavlova includes shards of charcoal meringue. How fanceh. They also do a crackin’ brunch and are open late for pancakes and prosecco at the weekend.

Angel Row, NG1 6HL heavenlydesserts.co.uk

Maid Marian Way, NG1 6BJ kaspas.co.uk

Trinity Square, NG1 4AF thepuddingpantry.co.uk

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BEST OF NOTTS: CAFE CULTURE 200 DEGREES

THE AVENUES CAFE

BLEND

COFFEE HOUSE OF NOTTINGHAM

These guys are all about making sure you get a perfect coffee and are proud of it. After getting a good foot in the coffee-house door of Nottingham just off the square, they opened a second cafe, near the train station, which is conveniently located for commuters.

This ain’t the fanciest cafe on the list, but this place thrives with the fact it doesn’t need bells and whistles. Cobs, coffee, bang-up breakfasts and more all at a studentfriendly price. Their fry-up is stuff from the grease gods, and they even do a banging vegan version too.

Located in the heart of the new Sneinton Market/Creative Quarter development, this is a great place to visit, just to check out the amazing creative stuff going on down here. The LeftLion offices are this way too, so if you pass by our window, give us a wave.

A cozy independent coffee house tucked away on Hurts Yard, which as a street is worth a visit to see a range of other interesting indie places. They were the first coffee shop in the Midlands to serve the world-renowned Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee from bean-to-cup.

Flying Horse Walk, NG1 2HN Carrington Street, NG1 7FE 200degs.com

Gedling Street, NG1 1DS

facebook.com/The-Avenues-Cafe

EFFY

OUTPOST

For some of us, the most important part of a cafe is if it’s gonna look nice on the Insta page, and the pinkthemed Effy is as good as cafes get for stylish snaps of your coffee and cake. With 50p off all drinks from Wednesday to Friday, you know you’re gonna be in there for your cheap coffee fix.

If you’re a die-hard coffee lover, then this place’s inhouse roasted coffee will get you bouncin’ off the walls. All their nosh is made fresh on the day, and they make sure its proper healthy too. If you’re craving summat a bit naughtier, they source their sweet treats from Tough Mary’s Bakehouse.

Hounds Gate, NG1 7AA

facebook.com/effynottingham

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who drink coffee and those who don’t. And hey, we don’t discriminate, but a mocha from Costa doesn’t qualify you as a coffee person…

Stoney Street, NG1 1LG outpost.coffee

Sneinton Market, NG1 1DW blendnottingham.co.uk

thecoffeehouseofnottingham.co.uk

CAFE SOBAR

WHITE RABBIT TEAHOUSE

Prove you’re not a lager lout out on the razz every night by checking out Nottingham’s alcohol-free cafe/bar. They do a wicked ice-cream shake, the food’s spot on, and it’s light and bright too. They also have bangin’ menus for brekkie, brunch, and lunch, with bagels, baked taters and burgers a plenty. Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ facebook.com/ SobarNottingham

Hurts Yard, NG1 6JD

Somewhere to take yer mam, or if you want to go somewhere a bit classy. All the cutlery and plates are hand-selected, beautiful pieces that’ll make you feel like you’re in wonderland. Try one of their decadent homemade cakes, washed down with tea in a china cup. Could it get any more dainty?

Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2HB whiterabbitteahouse.com

BEST OF NOTTS: CRAFT BEER

We all love our yeast and hops in Blighty. Happily for you lot, Notts is a beer drinkers haven. Read (and drink) your way down this list, and you’ll have tried some of the best the city has to offer...

THE ANGEL MICROBREWERY

COCK AND HOOP

CASTLE ROCK BREWERY

HEAD OF STEAM

With lots of vegan friendly options, The Angel Microbrewery’s bar is jam packed with a range of beers, ales and ciders. They even have The Chapel, a space upstairs that plays host to gigs, poetry nights and more. Not to mention they do a cracking roast, plus the gaff is pooch friendly.

You ain’t gotta jump through hoops to find this place – it’s just round Lace Market way. Local beers are this historical pub’s finest offerings, which they switch up regularly. Pair a pint with a fish finger sarnie and an apple crumble for pud, and you’re sorted for a satisfied stomach.

They own loads of pubs in the city, including the Canalhouse. They do a fab range of core ales, but they also have their ultra special ‘Nottinghamian’ beers named after famous Notts folk. You can even go on a tour around their factory for £12, where you can see how they make their products so beerliant.

They do a beer and burger for a tenner on Wednesdays, live music every Thursday and Sunday and they serve a belter of a brunch every Sunday until 3pm. If you’re into craft beer, cask ales and music, then get yoursen down there fast; you can even take your dog with you.

Various venues castlerockbrewery.com

High Pavement, NG1 1HF theheadofsteam.co.uk

Stoney St, NG1 1LG angelmicrobrewery.com

High Pavement, NG1 1HE facebook.com/cockandhoop

A ROOM WITH A BREW

SIX BARREL DRAFTHOUSE

SOUTHBANK CITY

OVERDRAUGHT

If you know your Brontës from your Brownings, this micropub’s for you. We’re talking beers, books and some proper clever puns. Why not try One Brew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest? Or there’s Hoppy Potter and the Goblet of Ale...

Six Barrel is a craft beer haven that boasts over sixty different craft beers. As you’d expect from a watering hole up in Hockley, its marketing is dead cool; the blackboard outside always has a different alcoholrelated joke on it, often complete with emojis.

If you’re looking for somewhere to crack open a cold one and watch some footy, Southbank City might just be your bag. It shows every major sporting event, and also has some fantastic live music. They have a sister bar (the original Southbank bar) near the city ground too.

This gaff opened only las and it’s a super place to pop a pint or two. They’ve got a lot to offer such as quality real ales, craft beer, cider, wines and spirits. Their ping-pong table is pretty grand with a pint in hand. Beer pong is strictly banned though.

Derby Road, NG1 5FD scribblers-ales.com

Carlton St, NG1 1NN sixbarreldrafthouse.co.uk

Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ southbankcity.co.uk

Alfreton Road, NG7 3JE facebook.com/ totallyoverdraught

BEST OF NOTTS: COCKTAILS BRASS MONKEY These lot don’t monkey around when it comes to making tasty cocktails. You’ll go bananas for their crazy range of concoctions, as they stock 347 different kinds of spirits. They have signature creations, as well as happy hour 2-4-£10 cocktails that you can slurp on between 8pm-3am. High Pavement, NG1 1HF brassmonkeybar.co.uk

BOILERMAKER You’ll hear about this one dead quickly, because it’s home to the most secretive bar entrance in Notts. Although it looks like there’s an epidemic of faulty boilers in your new city, the queue outside is a pointer to the downstairs delights within.

Carlton St, NG1 1NN boilermakerbar.co.uk

HOCKLEY ARTS CLUB

PENNY LANE

Spread across three floors, Hockley Arts Club is a favourite with students and the locals. This is definitely thanks to its aesthetic, which is basically a mix of fluorescently-lit hipster sayings like “tomorrow is here”, and old-fashioned leather armchairs. The perfect haunt for an Instagram pic.

Around since only the spring of 2019, this new kid on the block doubles as a classic arcade complete with air hockey, claw machines and penny pushers. The fairground-themed cocktails are a real treat, including the sweet ‘Jammy Dodgem’ and ‘Hook-A-Duck’ sharer. Don’t forget to bring some change!

Carlton St, NG1 1NN thehockleyartsclub.com

Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QQ pennylanebars.com

PEPPER ROCKS

TIER

TILT

THE WALRUS

This one’s a favourite with anyone looking for a quiet drink, which means it can get a bit packed on a weekend, even on the terrace. If you get there before 10pm, you’ll get yer mitts on cocktails for £4.50. On Fridays and Saturdays they also hand out free bags of fresh popcorn. Tasty.

This cocktail place is located right opposite The Bodega, making it a super place to grab a tipple before/post gig. Not only do they serve a snazzy range of classic cocktails, they also do dropdead gorgeous cheese melts. Let's face it, alcohol and a bit of gooey goodness go together real good.

Squirreled away on Pelham Street, Tilt’s easy to miss. But it’s worth craning yer neck and getting up there for, as it serves seriously mean cocktails. It’s just a flight of stairs away from its sister restaurant Sample, which you can clamber up to for some fancy shmansey dining.

Hidden beneath the cobbles, you’ll find The Walrus, with cushy leather sofas and funky signs aplenty. The cocktails are cheap and cheerful, but the main attraction here are the big jugs of rum punch you use to play cocktail pong. Yeah, you heard us. It’s a must do.

Pelham St, NG1 2EG tiermelts.co.uk

Pelham St, NG1 2EH tiltbar.co.uk

King St, NG1 2AY thewalrusnottingham.com

Pepper St, NG1 2GH pepperrocks.co.uk

The week long Freshers’ hangover has worn off and you’re ready for a night out. Good news is that Notts is full of cool places to sip a cocktail or two (or five)...

BEST OF NOTTS: ACTIVITIES CIRCUS HUB

GO APE

ICE SKATING

LOST CITY ADVENTURE GOLF

Ever wanted to twirl and dangle from the ceiling like a magical circus performer? Here in Notts we have our very own circus hub, where you can learn how to hang from a ceiling in style and get fit doing it. This place offers aerial acrobatics and circus skills, both of which are amazing ways to burn off some calories.

Get some proper fresh air in your lungs and fly around in the air like a crazy mother. Attached to a zip wire, you make your way through obstacles in the heights of massive Sherwood Pines’ trees, and end up feeling like Tarzan. If that don’t toot your horn, you can rent a segway or a bike there too.

Whether you fancy some proper ice-skating lessons, or just want to try out one of the public sessions, the sickest ice rink in the country is at your service. If you want to relive those Friday nights in year eight dressed in neon with your cronies, now is the time.

Go deep below The Cornerhouse and you will find an adventure golf experience that’s a bit like summat out of an Indiana Jones film. Get a few rounds in as practice before you take your mates there and set up a bet – winner buys dinner.

Nelson St, NG1 1DR circushubnotts.com

Sherwood Pines Forest Park, NG21 9JH goape.co.uk/sherwood

Bolero Square, NG1 1LA national-ice-centre.com

PLANET BOUNCE

STONEBRIDGE CITY FARM

They’ve bagged themselves an old warehouse, bundled in a truck-full of inflatables, and created themselves a wonderful world that’s like something out of your childhood dreams. You can quite literally bounce off the walls, or have a race down the obstacle course.

Sometimes when it all gets too much, you just want to cuddle a rabbit and gaze at some cute little animals. Luckily this farm is located just off the city centre, so you can yank on yer wellies and play at bein’ Old MacDonald. It’s free and all, but they do accept donations.

Huntingdon St, NG1 3NL

Stonebridge Road, NG3 2FR stonebridgecityfarm.com

planetbounceinﬂatablepark.com

Now, we understand that when you arrive at university there’s one thing in particular you’re looking forward to: Freshers’ Week. But after the endless nights of pints and kebabs, you might want to find a few new ways to amuse yourself in our city…

The Cornerhouse, NG1 4DB lostcityadventuregolf.com

ZERO LATENCY VR Notts is home to the world’s best Zero Latency VR experiences, where you can explore their unique virtual reality escape rooms. Fight zombies in the co-op Outbreak Origins, solve 3D puzzles in Engineerium or compete against each other in the out-of-this world Sol Raiders - there’s no doubt there’s plenty to try out. Intu Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN zlvr.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: SPORTS AMERICAN FOOTBALL

BASKETBALL

CRICKET

ICE HOCKEY

Nottingham have had an American Football team since 1984 when the Nottingham Hoods – not to be confused with the basketball team of the same name – first suited up. The Caesars started as the Hoods' youth team but when they folded in 1994, the Caesars became top dogs. If you’d like to watch the matches or get involved contact them through their website and social media.

If you like watching or playing competitive basketball we’ve got that covered for you too. The Nottingham Hoods are our men’s team and the Wildcats have both women’s and youth teams. They all play in a lovely new stadium (the Wildcats Arena) in Bakersfield.

If you don’t get chance to make a visit to the iconic Trent Bridge during your time at Uni, you’ll be missing out. In terms of county cricket it hosts Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, including England regulars Stuart Broad and Alex Hales. You also have the T20 team the Outlaws and regular England test matches. Under-21 discounts are available.

We take our Ice Hockey seriously in Nottingham, hence why we are home to the National Ice Arena. Our men’s team, Nottingham Panthers, play in the Elite Hockey League and get average attendances of 4-5,000. Nottingham Lions act as a feeder club, with opportunities for talented young players at youth level.

nottinghamcaesars.co.uk

NOTTS COUNTY FC Formerly the world’s oldest football league club (formed in 1862), they now compete in the National League, and are managed by former Millwall, Cardiff City and Watford midfielder Neal Ardley. Season tickets for 18-21 yearolds start at £100, but if that seems like a big commitment then tickets for most games are available for around £10 (no membership required). nottscountyfc.co.uk

Whether you like watching competitive sport or you think your skills are a tad higher than your best uni team, here’s a rundown of Nottingham’s major sports teams...

hoodsbasketball.com nottinghambasketball.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC Forty years ago under Brian Clough, they were the best team in the country. They currently play in the Championship, but they’re looking for promotion to the Premier League this season. Home tickets for 18-23 yearolds are available for as little as £12 if you get the right game and season cards are £120. Their ladies team is on the rise too. nottinghamforest.co.uk

trentbridge.co.uk

panthers.co.uk nottinghamlions.co.uk

ROLLER DERBY

RUGBY

This growing sport is a big thing in Notts. The Hellfire Harlots are our premier team and feature ladies who play the sport internationally, most of their home games take place on NTU’s Clifton campus. Nottingham Roller Derby, meanwhile, have both a women’s (Nottingham Roller Girls) and men’s (Super Smash Brollers) team. Both teams offer try-outs regularly.

Active for over 140 years, Nottingham Rugby Club had their best time in the eighties when England internationals Simon Hodgkinson, Rob Andrew, Dusty Hare, Brian Moore and Neil Back all played for the club. They’re not quite the force they were then, but with their new ground in Lady Bay they’re on the up.

hellﬁre-harlots.co.uk nottsrollerderby.co.uk

nottinghamrugby.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: PARKS ATTENBOROUGH NATURE RESERVE A slice of country life, just on the outskirts of Beeston. The on-site centre is a great place to learn about the local birds, or you could simply take the hound in your life for a walk. If you’re feeling especially green, visit one of the four tucked-away hides and spot some of the wetland wildlife going about its business. Barton Lane, Beeston, NG9 6DY

attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk

You’re studying in a busy city, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t places to escape the bricks and mortar. Here’s where to get a bit of peace and quiet, sun yourself, and enjoy mother nature...

ARBORETUM A hippy’s paradise. All it takes is one ray of sunshine to pop out from behind the clouds and the bongo drums are rolling away, the students are out in the masses, and some much stinkier clouds emerge. If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway from the hustle and bustle but can’t be bothered to venture too far outside of the city, this is the spot. Waverley St, NG7 4HF

BEESTON LOCK Fancy a walk by the river and some boat spotting? The opposite side of the weir sees a nice little pub where you can get a cuppa for about a quid. With its boats and pints, let’s face it, it’s a bit more picturesque than the Clifton side. But there aren’t loads of pebbles to play skimmers with so… potato, potarto. Riverside Rd, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1NR

HIGHFIELDS You’re not a proper UoN student until you’ve been for a gander round Highfields Park. You don’t have the prettiest campus in the Midlands for nothing. Get yourself an ice-cream and have a walk. If you venture down towards the West entrance, you’ll even find a hidden waterfall complete with stepping stones. University Boulevard, NG7 2RD

LENTON REC PARK

NEWSTEAD ABBEY

VICTORIA EMBANKMENT

WOLLATON PARK

Although you UoN lot have got a lake and a park on your campus, you’ll find most of your second and third year pals down here when the sun comes out. It’s on Derby Road, not too far from where most students live in later years, and it’s the perfect place to get a BBQ out if your landlord still hasn’t brought that outside furniture he promised you...

Lord Byron’s old haunt is about twelve miles out of the city centre, but it’s worth the trip to see the lavish gardens and spaces around it. The park is free to enter and wander around, but if you want to enter the abbey itself and gorp at the bullet holes in the wall in Byron’s old shooting room (seriously) it will cost you a few quid.

Completed in 1870, and just as popular today. You can have a good, long look at the River Trent while swanning around in the gardens, pretending you’re in an awful indie rom-com. With plenty of water-based activities going down, it’s hard to get bored around here. There are also a couple of sports pitches nearby, so you can have a kickabout too.

Known as Batman’s gaff because The Dark Knight Rises used the big hall as Wayne Manor, this is one of the best places to get your chill on. It’s a short bus ride from the city centre, so you can easily wile away the day deer spotting, or have a nosey around the stuffedanimal-packed hall. There are a couple of pubs directly opposite too.

Ravenshead, NG15 8NA newsteadabbey.org.uk

Victoria Embankment, NG2 2JY

Derby Road, NG7 2DP

Wollaton, NG8 2AE wollatonhall.org.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: FITNESS ACTIVE NOTTINGHAM

FORMULA ONE GYM

THE GYM GROUP

NTU SPORTS

Nottingham City Council preside over eight gyms, seven swimming pools, over 200 weekly fitness classes and seven health suites across the city. As a Nottingham resident, you can get unlimited access to all of them for less than £20 a month as part of their Active Nottingham package. Various venues

Based right near the Market Square, Formula One is a high-tech facility with separate gyms for men and women. They also have saunas and sunbeds and more classes than you’ll have time for. Student packages range from £45 for three months to £110 for the whole academic year.

Located in Trinity Square, their student deal is £99 for eight months. It’s part of a national chain that was set up by former England squash player, John Treharne, and their focus is on proper health and fitness benefits, rather than the luxuries that a small percentage of traditional health club members go for.

One of the perks of being a student at NTU is having great sports facilities available to you at less than a tenner a month. You have various gyms, courts, pitches, classes and even a climbing wall available to you. Plus there’s facilities across all campuses, so it doesn’t matter where you’re based.

Victoria Street, NG1 2EW formulaonegym.co.uk

Trinity Square, NG14AF thegymgroup.com

activenottingham.com

City, Clifton and Brackenhurst campuses ntu.ac.uk/sport

TIGER BOE

UON SPORTS

UFC GYM

YMCA GYM

In addition to your workout you might want to check out Nottingham’s very own community holistic centre. They’re dedicated to providing affordable, alternative healthcare such as myofascial unwinding, cranial bonework, scar healing, reiki, reflexology, Thai massage and more.

UoN’s got three gyms – two quieter ones over on Jubilee and Sutton Bonington campuses, and the eye-popping David Ross Sports Village on University Park. A year-long membership is £199, and it’ll get you access to a 200-station fitness suite, six squash courts, a martial arts dojo, a 25m swimming pool… the list goes on.

This brand-new fitness centre is the UK’s first official gym owned by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world’s biggest mixed martial arts company. The gym hosts both group and private MMA classes, as well as a series of other training regimes designed to make you as fit as a champ in no time.

Located literally a stone’s throw from NTU’s City campus, so it’s dead easy to get a workout in before you head to your first seminar. Better still, it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can blow off some steam no matter what the hour or the day. Like all YMCA projects, your membership fees go to a good cause too.

Huntingdon Street, NG1 3NL ufcgym.co.uk/nottingham

Shakespeare Street, NG1 4FG nottsymca.com/gym

Clarendon Street, NG1 5HS tigerboe.com

Now the compulsory PE lessons and after-school clubs have gone out the window, you need to take control of your exercise regime. All them pints won’t burn themselves off...

David Ross Sports Village, Jubilee Sports Centre and Sutton Bonington Centre nottingham.ac.uk/sport

Formula One Gym four reasons Simply the best student prices around

why you should join us

Student Prices 2019-20

> FREE Classes

Session

> FREE Personal Training £6

Week

£10

Month (standing order)

£19

Month (cash)

£23

> GIRLS get their own exclusive gym > BOYS get a huge, dedicated free-weights area

3 months for

Call

£45

Term-time special

No Joining Fee No Contracts Freeze Your Membership Formula One Gym 21 Victoria St, The Lace Market Nottingham NG1 2EW

0115 9505 009 enquiries@formulaonegym.co.uk or visit

www.formulaonegym.co.uk

£100 until June 2020

BEST OF NOTTS: SHOPPING BEHIND THE RED DOOR

THE CHEESE SHOP

DUKKI

Home to some of Nottingham’s most contemporary gifts and cards, this is the place to go if you’re looking for some gifting inspo. Sourced from a diverse range of companies, they also have a cheeky 10% discount for students. Perfect for getting a present that’s just a wee bit extra special.

One thing you’ll learn when you start doing the food shop yourself is that cheese can be a wee bit pricey. But good cheese is worth a bit extra, and there’s no better place to bag your brie than here. With over 100 suppliers, it’s a cheese lover’s paradise.

There ain’t a place in Notts that will say ‘ayup duck’ to you quite like Dukki. This cute independent tucked away on St James Street has an assortment of handmade East Midlands-themed gifts and homeware. Nab yourself a Robin Hood rubber duck, or even a Straight Outta Nott-num shirt.

Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB behindthereddoor.co.uk

Flying Horse Walk, NG1 2HN

cheeseshop-nottingham.co.uk

St James's St, NG1 6FG dukkigifts.co.uk

IDEAS ON PAPER This place is an absolute haven for those of you that get excited about magazines, journals, books and the smell of paper generally. It’s tucked away in Cobden Chambers, a hub of independent businesses. They also sell a wide range of stationery and put on regular talks with NTU under the banner of Raw Print. Cobden Chambers, NG1 2ED ideasonpapernottingham.co.uk

ICE NINE

NOTTINGHAM CITY GUITARS

PMT

WHITE ROSE

This gaff will meet all of your hippie-style desires, with its cool clothes, vintage jewellery and treasure trove knick knacks. There’s also a record store and an adult-section in the basement. Oo-err. It would be difficult not to find something that suits you in this one.

Being the only shop on Woolpack Lane in Hockley, this one is hard not to miss. You’ll discover that they sell loads of hard to find gear and quality used and vintage electric guitars. These guys know what they’re talking ‘bout when it comes to guitars and they’ll be sure to help you with every need.

Professional Music Technology is the UK’s largest instrument superstore, so if you’re looking for anything musical or just want to take a browse amongst their crazy selection of guitars, this place will sort yer out good ‘n proper.

This shop is all about that recycled fashion – aka previously loved high street clothes that are ready for a new lease of life. You can even bag designer stuff if you keep your peepers open wide enough. They’ve got shops all over the city centre, so it’s well worth you poppin’ in whenever you clock one.

Woolpack Lane, NG1 1GA nottinghamcityguitars.com

Huntingdon Street, NG1 1AR pmtonline.co.uk

Goose Gate, NG1 1FE icenine.co.uk

You’ll find some quirky and interesting shops across Nottingham, thanks to our thriving independents scene. Have a peruse of the places below and get yourself some bits and bobs you wouldn’t be able to buy back home…

Goosegate, Broad Street, Market Street whiteroseshop.co.uk

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