Welcome to Nottingham Student Guide 2021

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Please let us know what you think of this guide We want all new students to have the best possible time in Nottingham. Fill out our reader survey to let us know what you liked and how we can improve this guide in future years.

We’ll take your comments on board for next year.

Plus, as an added incentive, you could win:

£200 Beer Tab At one of the city’s finest craft beer taprooms for you to enjoy.

£200 Vouchers Rock some sustainable style from Nottingham’s leading pre-loved fashion shops.

£200 Vouchers Imagine all the books and vinyl you could buy at this amazing record store!

leftlion.co.uk/feedback

Hello there. Welcome to Nottingham, and welcome to your Welcome to Nottingham Guide - try saying that after (responsibly) downing a few Jägerbombs. Congratulations on getting into these top class universities and coming to this top class city.

writing - and for making sure us ode folk keep things young ‘n’ fresh. Shout out to Meg Chadderton, former head designer of NTU’s Platform magazine, for penning a gorgeous cover, and our own head designer, Natalie Owen, for making this thing look so good too.

You might be coming at a strange, unpredictable time, but I’d argue there’s ultimately no bad time to make Nottingham your new home. Not too small, not too big, it really is just right.

Goldilocks would love it, and you will too. Looking for a breath of fresh air? Try the Arboretum. Wanting to get your history fix? Take a trip to the Castle. Fancy a proper pint with your mates? Check out one of the countless bars and pubs that line the city’s streets.

All of this without having to break a sweat (unless you’re walking up Mansfield Road - that’s a killer).

Hopefully we’ve covered all the bases and, after reading every word with impressive attention-to-detail, you feel equipped to take this next step in your journey with confidence and excitement. I know the past eighteen months have sucked - my own master’s at NTU was cut short by COVID (cue the tiny violins, please) - but things are starting to look better. Keep washing those hands and keep being sensible - together we can keep Nottingham open for everyone.

University life isn’t always fun and games, though, and with exam stresses and the anxiety of meeting new people, things can get difficult sometimes. We have provided advice and guidance from an expert on mental health (page 21), but the most important thing is to reach out if you’re struggling - there are services at both universities that are there to help (page 20).

Putting together this guide for you has been an absolute privilege, and we’ve worked hard to make sure you have everything you need to make the most of your time in the East Mids. I’d like to give a special thanks to Lilith Hudson and Frieda Wignall, who joined us straight from their own time at UoN and have been incredibly helpful with their excellent research and

If you need help with anything else or want to find out more about your new home, drop me a line. Despite what you might be led to believe, I don’t know everything about everything, but I do know what it’s like to study at both universities and I’m always happy to help. Until then, have a cracking time in your new digs and have fun checking out your new city. You’ll have a blast - and heaven knows you’ve earned it.

Be excellent to each other, George White Editor of Welcome to Nottingham george.white@leftlion.co.uk

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Where Nottingham Meets

LEFTLION MAGAZINE

FREE EVERY MONTH Pick up your issue at venues and supermarkets around Notts

Features | Interviews | Reviews leftlion.co.uk

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM

46 MAP OF NOTTINGHAM

Check out the best spots in your new city

8 HANNA INES FLINT

Journalist, film critic, writer, broadcaster, host – we chat to ex-UoN student Hanna Ines Flint about it all

11 CLASS OF THE PAST Both of Nottingham’s unis have produced some proper talents. We list some of the most famous of the lot

29 BLM

Nottingham has a deep, proud multicultural history - but there’s always more work to be done

36 RALEIGH’S ROUTES Our friends at Raleigh pick out some of the best cycling routes for you to peddle on off to

14 STUDENT TIPS

40 THE CASTLE

From studying a PhD to DJing at the Acropolis, we hear all about Max Cooper’s remarkable story

18 EX-STUDENTS

Former students of NTU and UoN tells us about their roles and what they love about Nottingham

21 MENTAL HEALTH

48 BUCKET LIST

From visiting Rock City to reading LeftLion, there are certain things you just have to do here

55 NOTTS LINGO

We have a lot more to say than just ‘ayup duck!’, you know. We’re actualleh proper cultured, init

62 NOTTS REBELS

If there’s one thing us Notts folk love, it’s standing up for ourselves. And we’ve done it a lot over the years

25 LGBTQIA+

63 IT’S ALL HOOD

27 STAYING SAFE

We’re doing all we can to make sure our city is safe for everyone, regardless of gender

42 A WINNING TEAM

Fresh from a huge £30m revamp, Nottingham Castle is the perfect place to take the fam for a day aht

Expert Paul Crawford discusses the challenges of settling in at uni and how to overcome them

Find out everything you need to know about Nottingham’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community

6 PAUL KAYE

Both universities have support networks in place to make sure everyone has equal opportunities

We hear from GK Barry about gaining 1 million TikTok followers and a management deal

16 MAX COOPER

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30 NO BARRIERS

12 GK BARRY

Students from both universities share their wisdom to help you settle in to your wonderful new city

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You might have heard of a chap called Robin Hood.

We track his time on screen and in literature

65 GEEK CHIC

Nottingham has a rich gaming culture - we run through the best venues the city has to offer

We chat to the ex-NTU student about Games of Thrones, After Life and more

Find out how Notts students are helping to keep their streets tidy

CREDITS EDITOR IN CHIEF Jared Wilson

EDITOR

George White

DESIGNER

Natalie Owen

PRODUCTION EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Allison Caroline Barry Ashley Carter Christina Geggus James Kramer Alex Mace Lucy Manning Jamie Morris Faith Pring Bridie Squires Emily Thursfield Frieda Wignall

Alan Gilby

EDITORIAL INTERNS

MARKETING

Lilith Hudson Frieda Wignall

Adam Pickering

COVER

Meg Chadderton

ILLUSTRATORS Becky Riley

PHOTOGRAPHERS Curtis Powell Ekam Hundal Tom Morley Tracey Whitefoot Eve Smallman

PROOFERS

Ashley Carter Daniela Loffreda

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PAUL KAYE interview: George White

From fighting in the Greyjoy Rebellion to giving Ricky Gervais therapy sessions, Paul Kaye has had an on-screen career like no other since studying Theatre Design at Nottingham Trent University. Yet as an accomplished theatre performer and musician too, the 56-year-old also has plenty of strings to his bow (pardon the Robin Hood pun).

We hear from Kaye about his time in Notts, filming in Iceland and his jam sessions with The Hound…

What made you want to study in Nottingham?

I visited Nottingham and fell in love with it. The Theatre Design course there felt a bit like Fine Art with a purpose. They had a big studio theatre in the Waverley Building which we were told was ours to use. I ended up writing, directing and designing a play about the Nottinghamshire Luddites for my degree show. I think it’s still the thing I'm most proud of.

How was your experience of the city?

I found Nottingham to be a really friendly city and it had such a romance about it. There was a community vibe down in Forest Fields and Hyson Green which I’d never really experienced in London. I was really into my reggae and we had the Marcus Garvey Centre on our doorstep. I got to see Steel Pulse, Burning Spear and Lee Perry down there.

I lived on Ewart Road for my first year with an amazing guy called Matt Marks who I knew from back home in Wembley, and who sadly passed away a couple of years back. He stayed in Nottingham and devoted his life to making art and music for the city. He became known as the Accordion Man of Forest Fields.

I got very close to Rory McCann, who played the Hound, and Richard Dormer, who played Beric Dondarrion. We’d always have our guitars with us wherever we went and would jam the night away One of your most high-profile acting roles was Thoros of Myr in Game of Thrones. What was it like working on one of the biggest TV shows of all time?

Working in real locations was one of the best things about the job. We were up in the Moor Mountains just outside Belfast and walking through forests and under waterfalls in Enniskillen.

Nothing prepares you for the wonders of Iceland, though that place was out of this world. It felt like we were on Jupiter.

We spent three days just walking across a glacier, it was such an amazing adventure. I got very close to Rory McCann, who played the Hound, and Richard Dormer, who played Beric

Dondarrion. We’d always have our guitars with us wherever we went and would jam the night away. We called ourselves the Brotherhood Without Banjos and our catchphrase was ‘For the night is dark and full of Terry’s Chocolate Orange’.

You have also recently starred in other TV sensations like The Stranger and After Life. How was your experience on these?

I really enjoyed The Stranger. I signed up to it when there were only a couple of scripts written but my storyline just got better and better as the new episodes came in. After Life was a blast.

I hadn’t worked with Ricky since the late nineties, pre-Office.

He’s such a clever guy and just doesn’t care what people think, which is so rare these days. I kept reading that people were fast-forwarding through my bits which I got quite a perverse thrill out of.

You’re an accomplished theatre actor. What is it that draws you to live performance?

The highlight of my working life was playing Mr Wormwood in the RSC’s Matilda The Musical. The director Mathew Warchus gave us a lot of artistic freedom to create the characters in rehearsal and Tim Minchin’s songs were just pure genius. I did over 500 shows in Stratford and the West End and I loved every single one of them. Maybe because I studied Theatre and played in bands for so many years, I’m always happiest when I’m on stage.

What are your plans going forward?

I lost my Dad to COVID last year and then worked non-stop for twelve months, so I’m going to take a bit of time off and deal with stuff. I’ve also been trying to write something for ages but a job always turns up which drags me away from it. I’m going to dedicate myself to that or it will never get done.

Do you have any tips for Nottingham’s next generation of students?

I don’t want to put any undue pressure on them, but a combination of their skills, imaginations and tenacity will determine what kind of future we have on this planet!

Will you be returning to the city yourself any time soon?

I never went to my graduation ceremony in 1987, but a few weeks ago I got invited by the University to come up in December to pick up an honorary degree which was very unexpected and very nice of them. My Dad was annoyed with me that I never picked up my original one, so I’m going to go and get this one for him.

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HANNA INES FLINT interview: Frieda Wignall

Journalist, film critic, writer, broadcaster, host – in the media world, Hanna Ines Flint has practically done it all. She has had an enviable career since graduating from the University of Nottingham with a degree in English and American Studies in 2009. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, GQ, ELLE and Empire, and she’s interviewed everyone from Samuel L. Jackson to Sir Ian McKellen to Zendaya. This time, she experiences some role reversal as she answers our questions about the film industry and her career path…

What’s your top film recommendation for a fresher settling into university?

Legally Blonde. I love that film. It’s a great shout for someone who’s starting somewhere new, might not feel like they fit in, might feel like they’re not smart or serious enough. I think the film tells you that who you are is exactly what makes you a success and you shouldn’t have to change.

Any favourite experiences from your time in Nottingham?

So many! I had the best three years at Nottingham. In my final year I was captain of the basketball team when we got Team of the Year and were promoted to the premiership.

Playing for the university team gave me a whole group of girls who were amazing and great fun.

What would you tell your university aged-self?

I would say don’t restrict yourself in thinking you have it all mapped out, because this is just a period to learn about yourself and the world and really work out what you want to do. You’re not supposed to have all the answers yet.

Was media and journalism always the plan?

Originally, I wanted to do fashion journalism. I saw How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days and thought, ‘Ooh, that sounds fun.’ But I did a work placement during one summer at a fashion magazine and I spent the whole time in a cupboard organising clothes. Media was definitely the goal, but my idea of what I could do definitely expanded as I grew up and got into the field.

Who has been your most interesting interviewee?

Stellan Skarsgård. I interviewed him for The Painted Bird.

That movie is four hours of pain - I do not recommend it!

But I really enjoyed speaking to him, because he had a really dirty sense of humour. I was laughing so much the whole time.

Any advice for young creatives and writers, especially those of colour?

As someone who’s half-Tunisian, being able to find places where I can promote Arab, Middle Eastern and North African cinema is quite meaningful to me. I’ve been able to understand myself through my work and writing - but also don’t let your identity limit what you’re able to write about.

I can write about The Man Who Sold His Skin, the Tunisian Oscars entry, as much as I can write about The Suicide Squad. You should be able to write about anything.

Equally, if you want to write about your identity and feel like you have something to say: don’t stop, especially if you have something worth hearing.

You co-founded The First Film Club. Tell us a bit about that.

It’s an event series that brings together a community to celebrate film and usher through emerging talent. We screen an established filmmaker’s directorial debut paired with an emerging filmmaker and bring them together to have a discussion afterward. The last screening was with Gurinder Chadha just before the first lockdown where we screened Bhaji on the Beach. It’s just a really informative and entertaining way to build a connection between everyone in the film community.

I really enjoyed speaking to him, because he had a really dirty sense of humour You’re also a co-chair of the Time’s Up UK Critics Committee. What needs to change in the industry four years on from the #MeToo movement and what do you hope to achieve on the committee?

Time’s Up isn’t just about achieving a safe space for women. It’s also about fair pay and fair opportunities.

One of the things we’ve been working on is empowering our members, most of whom are freelancers, to have the confidence to negotiate for fair pay.

We’ve partnered with the National Union of Journalists, the British Film Institute and Sundance. We organise Zoom meetings so people can have a space to share advice, network and just to vent. One of the things we learnt from MeToo was strength in numbers. That’s what the committee is about - a communal effort to empower the individual.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

It’s not one thing, it’s more that I can do this career as a living. I’m now at a point where I’m writing for the outlets I used to read. My dad has read Empire since the first issue, so to now be writing for them is massive. I feel very privileged, very lucky, but I also know that I’ve worked really hard to get to this point. I hope that anyone who wants to venture into this field feels empowered to know that it’s not always going to be a straight path, but even a winding road can get you to where you want to be if you’re willing to put in the effort. flintonfilm.com @hannaflint

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

NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY MATT BERRY

BOBBY FRICTION

VARUN DHAWAN

This funny bloke has appeared in classics such as What We Do In The Shadows, 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 in the corporate entertainment world.”

Before becoming one of Bollywood’s most well-known - and well-paid stars, Varun Dhawan bagged a degree in Business Studies.

The 34-year-old, who boasts an astonishing 11.9m followers on Twitter, once said of his time in Nottingham: “I have done many crazy things over there.”

DAN HARDY Dan ‘The Outlaw’ Hardy is a former UFC Fighter and nowadays a commentator, who studied Fine Art. For one performance piece, he hung a punchbag from the ceiling of his art studio and punched it for six hours non-stop. He was an analyst for the mammoth Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather fight in 2017.

DAME LAURA KNIGHT

CARLY TELFORD

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.

In 2015, Carly Telford graduated from NTU with a media degree and was called up to England's World Cup squad. Not a bad twelve months, that. Four years later, she stepped up between the sticks in a tense semi-final against the United States. The Chelsea ‘keeper said she really enjoyed her time in this “vibrant city”.

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM RUTH WILSON After studying History, Ruth went on to become a three-time Olivier nominee and twotime winner. She has appeared in BBC's His Dark Materials, Luther and as Alison Lockhart in The Affair, for which she won a Golden Globe. Her trophy cabinet is jampacked.

DON BROCCO

LONDON GRAMMAR

THEO JAMES

PROF VAN TAM

The lads formed the alt-rock/poprock/post-hardcore band after studying at uni together.

They’ve had three top-ten albums, played at festivals like Download, and 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 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 studied Philosophy before joining the Bristol Old Theatre School.

He then went on to become a renowned hunk by playing Tobias “Four” Eaton in the Divergent franchise. You might also know him as the smarmy holiday rep that dates Carly in The Inbetweeners Movie.

This man has been front-and-centre throughout the pandemic, with his calm approach to press conferences helping to reassure the country during a challenging time.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, MBE, and former student and senior lecturer at UoN, Jonathan Van-Tam is a proper smart cookie.

LIZ CARR Acting, comedy, broadcasting, activism; Liz Carr has done it all.

Studying law wasn’t a problem either she graduated back in 1993. Since then she’s featured in The OA and Silent Witness and toured the globe telling jokes. She’ll soon join Henry Cavill in the second season of The Witcher, too.

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GK BARRY interview: Lilith Hudson

TikTok sensation Grace Keeling - better known by her nom de guerre, GK Barry - has come a long way since starting out as a fresh-faced film student at NTU three years ago. Now with a following of over a million, and signed to a management team alongside some of the biggest names in the influencer world, her hysterical videos are being acclaimed by the likes of Daisy May Cooper. We caught up with TikTok’s queen of comedy to talk about her career as a content creator, cancel culture, and how her appearance in a different magazine tops this one… *cries* How has your experience been as a student in Notts?

I remember being seriously scared before I went to uni; I was really shy! As soon as I came to Nottingham, I don’t know what happened, but I was just so social. Uni really boosted my confidence. I loved it.

Have you got a favourite memory from your degree?

It probably has to be from first year when my course went on a trip. They took us to the sticks - I mean literally the middle of nowhere - and made us sleep on rockhard bunk beds, but at the end of it we were dropped off at this pub. Naturally, we all got very drunk. It was incredible. I had like two friends when I went there and I came back mates with everyone.

I started TikTok in the first lockdown and by that August I’d reached 100K followers Where would someone be most likely to find you on a Friday night?

This is a difficult one because at one point I was a proper Pryzm rat. I would live, breathe, and dance Pryzm. But now I feel like I’m more of a cocktail girl. I think you’ll probably find me somewhere like Pepper Rocks. Any cocktail place to be honest!

Tell us about your rise to fame on TikTok. How did it change student life for you?

It was all very quick. I started TikTok in the first lockdown and by that August I’d reached 100k followers. By the time I’d had the app for around a year, I’d reached a million. I’d say the only thing that’s changed is that a lot more people recognise me on nights out, which is really fun. It’s like having an extra group of mates on your night out!

Have you faced any challenges entering the public eye so quickly?

Well, I’m someone who has a tendency not to think before they speak and this has proved problematic a fair few times. Nowadays cancel culture is a big thing, so I have to be careful not to get cancelled. I definitely have to think a lot more about the things I say. At the end of the day I don’t want to cause any upset, I want to make people laugh. In this industry you have to remain so neutral, so that has really been a learning curve for me.

Why “GK Barry”?

Basically, I didn’t want anyone to find me on TikTok so I used my initials and my best friend’s second name, Barry, and merged the two.

Was it difficult juggling your new responsibilities during your final year of uni?

I prioritised TikTok over my uni work in my final year and I learned my lesson from that. Everyone else can learn this from me too… It got to the last two weeks of final term and I’d done nothing towards my assessments. It dawned on me. I was like, ‘I’m supposed to get a degree and I’ve barely done anything.’ So yeah, I had a bit of a meltdown, it was very stressful. I managed it, but I feel like I definitely could have earned a better grade - maybe - if I focussed on my education a bit more.

What’s been the highlight of your career as a TikToker?

Forbes magazine are writing an article about me! I’m so uneducated that I didn’t even know what Forbes was and my mum was like, ‘Are you sure you have that right?’ I’ve also met some really cool people. The biggest people I’ve met in person are the Love Island lot, but there are two people I’ve spoken with online which were real ‘Oh my God’ moments. Those were Daisy May Cooper from This Country and Amelia, the girl from Chicken Shop Date. They’re two really funny and famous people and when they reached out to me I was like, ‘You know who I am?!’

Any tips for someone hoping to grow their online platform?

Firstly, don’t go in caring about what people you know are going to think, otherwise you might as well not bother. They’re probably going to have a negative opinion when you first start out. Number two: post loads.

Post like three times a day. The more people are seeing you, the more likely they’ll think, ‘I’m going to look at this person’s profile. They’re everywhere.’ My third tip would be to follow trends. Things go viral on TikTok all the time.

If something is viral, hop on that. Even if it’s not your thing, you’re getting the views and you’ve gained more followers. Now you can show more people what you actually want them to see.

Three words of advice for Freshers. Go. Sleep when dead. @gkbarryx @gkbarry

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

Make Friends and Manage Finances When you start university, a great way to make friends is by joining societies. I joined two of the media societies (Fly Live and Trent TV) and absolutely loved it!

Get involved in everything you can - attending society socials is a great way to meet new people. You’ll find out everyone is in the same boat as you, so don’t worry. Also budget, budget, budget! Set yourself a weekly allowance and keep an eye on your bank account as otherwise, before you know it, it’ll be the end of Freshers’ Week and you’ll have spent all your money…

Daisy Smith, Broadcast Journalism, 3rd Year, NTU

Get Freshers’ Week Right First of all, do not buy those dodgy tickets off Facebook beforehand. Instead, invest in wristbands/tickets directly from uni. I bought one after four days and I wasted money and time getting into events when you can easily avoid that. Additionally, do not feel pressured to go out every night of Freshers’ Week. Set limits, especially if you are new to clubbing. I managed seven out of the nine nights, but I knew I couldn’t handle more!

Sophie Puffett, Product Design, 3rd Year, NTU

Check Out Colwick and Clubs My favourite place in Nottingham is Colwick Country Park. It’s so easy to use the cycle routes. In nice weather you can do some yoga or have a cheeky swim, and if it’s cold there’s a little coffee van so you can get a hot drink to warm you up. Get involved with something, whether it’s your student radio or magazine, a society, or dare I say it, a sports club. Don’t feel nervous - student groups rely on participation so you should always be welcome. They are the best way to make friends with common interests and the social events they hold mean you don’t have to do all the planning yourself!

Alice Nott, History and Politics, 3rd Year, UoN

Try Out Independent Restaurants My favourite place in Notts is definitely Sexy Mamma Loves Spaghetti, a little familyrun Italian restaurant in the Lace Market. A hearty bowl of pasta, a glass of wine and your best mates is the combination of dreams! My friends and I only discovered this gem in the spring term of second year, but it has quickly become a crowd favourite.

Nottingham is littered with little independent places like this. Your first year is such a great opportunity to try out new things and meet so many people, so take the time to do so and find what makes you happy!

Melina Williams, English, 3rd Year, UoN

Find Your Group Starting university can be such an uncertain time but joining a society offers such a variety of fun ways to get out of your flat and gain a host of friends outside of your course and housemates. It also means you can be a part of something which isn’t just about clubbing. You’re able to be surrounded by like-minded people who enjoy doing similar things - whether that is in the Make Up, Football or Knitting Society, you will find something to suit you!

Niamh McKenzie, History, 3rd Year, NTU

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Visit Wollaton Hall A fantastic place to visit is Wollaton Hall. It’s only a short ride away from the city, by the University of Nottingham and Queen’s Medical Centre. Sitting within Wollaton Park, the Hall is fantastic for a day out with a group of friends. It was established in 1588, making it over 400 years old - so it’s great for students interested in history. For film lovers, it also featured as Bruce Wayne’s (aka Batman) manor house in the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises. It will make for a memorable day, with lots of places to take amazing pictures.

Kieran Burt, Politics and International Relations, 3rd Year, NTU

Be Flexible Always be flexible with yourself and your attitudes. My final semester in China was interrupted and the majority of my time in the UK has been under lockdown, but the most important and useful skill we will learn in this unprecedented time is flexibility.

Engage with your peers and tutors when possible. It’s hard to stay in contact with people virtually or under restrictions, but discussing your class materials with other people can give you surprising insights.

Sharon Yun-San Hsieh, English Language and Literature (2+2), 3rd Year, UoN

Explore Your City I love Nottingham Contemporary. It’s rare to find a gallery so committed to great art, and so utterly unpretentious. Head over to Park Terrace in the evenings, and walk over to the Park Steps to get the best view of the sunset – you can sit there for hours. Nottingham’s a (comparatively) small city, so make the most of that! You can watch deers at Wollaton Park and be sinking beers at Bodega within half an hour of each other – there are very few cities where that’s possible. Speaking of bars, Nottingham has so many brilliant watering holes. Try them all.

Louis Griffin, Physics, 3rd Year, UoN

Check Out the Cornerhouse As a student who is originally from Nottingham, the most underrated place in the city has to be Nottingham Cornerhouse. This heart of entertainment includes a brilliant selection to visit with friends, from the cinema to adventure golf and even a rooftop cocktail bar! This prime location is the place to go with your newly found uni mates. If the venues within Cornerhouse haven’t already blown your mind (and your student loan), then visit the nearby cocktail bars of Revolution and Slug and Lettuce - which are perfect for pre-drinks on a Saturday night.

Jack Proverbs, Journalism, 3rd Year, NTU

Track Your Cash Being a student and being flush with cash go together like chalk and cheese.

However, with a little bit of planning, there is no reason why you can't be sitting on a comfortable amount of money at the end of term. Nottingham is full of opportunities to find part-time jobs in retail or hospitality to help you earn some extra money. The most important thing, however, is to budget properly - a simple spreadsheet will help you track your incomings and outgoings. Other handy tips like bulk-cooking meals, searching for student discounts and comparing student bank accounts can all help too.

Matt Lee, Journalism, 3rd Year, NTU

Need more advice?

The Students’ Unions at both universities offer tips and guidance to help you settle into life in your new home: •

•

UoN: Students’ Union Advice - Will provide confidential and impartial information around all aspects of student welfare and education, such as financial, housing and course issues. You can chat to an Advisor in person or by phone, email or live chat. suadvice@nottingham.ac.uk

NTU: Information & Advice Service - Expert advisers from NTSU offer independent, free and confidential information and representation services to all students at Nottingham Trent University. You can book an appointment or get advice online. advice@su.ntu.ac.uk

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MAX COOPER interview: Lilith Hudson

Originally hailing from Belfast, electronica DJ and producer Max Cooper came to the University of Nottingham in the late nineties. He left the city eight years later with his debut EP and a PhD in Computational Biology, two assets that would coalesce to influence his career for years to come. Here he reminisces about his days as the party-goer rather than performer, and tells us what he’s been up to since…

What is your best memory from your time in Nottingham?

That's tough. I think my overarching positive memory was the feeling of potential - leaving home and arriving somewhere new where I could go out every night. Also studying in a field that was growing rapidly at the time too (genetics/genomics). After the shackles of schooling and home life in Belfast, everything opened up and I began to explore what I wanted to do on my own terms, having a load of fun in the process.

My friends would go out and I’d sit in my makeshift “studio” working all night on the weekend with duvets hanging on the walls Did you have a favourite night out?

It would have to be the Marcus Garvey Ballroom in Lenton. The first time I went was in 1999 for my first ever DnB experience. I'd never even heard of DnB until I met a friend, Ross, in halls. He suggested an event at the Garvey - I think it was called Synaptic. I just remember experiencing something totally new in so many ways. Stealth also needs a mention, we had a lot of great nights there. More recently it's all about Wigflex, whichever venue they take on still has that Notts magic going on.

What’s been the highlight of your career since graduating from UoN? Recently I was asked to work with the Acropolis in Athens for my live visual show. I love using special architectural structures as a canvas and building a live audio-visual experience tailored to each space and audience. As someone with a research background, the Acropolis, where much of modern science, philosophy and politics was born, is up there with the most special locations I've worked with so far.

Your work is experimental in exploring the intersection between music and science. How would you describe your art and main influences?

Nature is an endless source of rich aesthetics and inspiration. Not just looking at a tree or a mountain, but looking at the systems which yield them, and the systems which yield those systems. I spend my time reading science and philosophy of science, and noting down ideas which lend themselves to visual projects for my music videos and live shows. The musical side to

this process often works as if I'm making a film score, using the visual stories as a guide. Sometimes I'm able to embed the technical ideas more literally into the musical structure too.

You began releasing music around the time you graduated from your PhD. Were you making music during your studies?

Yes, I was learning to make music for the last couple of years of my research and during my Postdoc at UCL. I was working hard at both and waiting to see which one could turn into something more. It was music that won in the end.

How did you manage your time around that?

It was long hours of work. My friends would go out and I'd sit in my makeshift ‘studio’ working all night on the weekend with duvets hanging on the walls - which don't really work by the way - and my dodgy laptop sat on a lunchbox full of ice to try and stop it from overheating.

I kept hammering away at it and making a lot of terrible music, and stringed together enough flop records to get started.

How are you feeling about the return of live music and performances? Any projects in the pipeline?

I had my first proper, non-socially distanced show at Nuits Sonores festival in Lyon. It's hard to describe the feeling of performing, but it's something that grabbed me immediately at my first gig in some unknown bar in Belfast around 1997 and sent me down the DJ rabbithole. It was really nice to get back to that. I hope it doesn't all get pulled out from under us again, for the sake of the wider industry. As for new projects, I have a new album remixes package coming soon, a new album and visual show on the way soon after that, and a lot of exciting projects and releases on my Mesh label. Plus some ongoing physical and digital installation projects which can function outside of traditional events, such as PVNP. Any words of wisdom to students?

I'd say experiment with life. Find things you enjoy which could become a job and then work harder than everyone else at those things. If they don't work out, you had a lot of fun in the process anyway. I had a lot of knockbacks and still make projects I end up doubting or hating, but I love the process of creating, so that aspect is less important. Getting stuff out there which I believed in and keeping a constant flow of output has generally served me well, alongside trying to ignore all the noise of everyone else's views. maxcooper.net @maxcoopermax

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STUDENTS WHO STAYED Jessica Sims Marketing and Communications Officer at Nottingham Castle Trust BA English Studies (Class of 2017), MA Viking and Anglo-Saxon Studies (Class of 2018) University of Nottingham I was born and bred in nearby Hucknall. As a kid, I was often whisked away on school trips to the likes of the University of Warwick so that I could see what a life in academia might look like. My teachers always had high hopes for me, even though there were times where I rebelled against the system. I had my moments, especially as a teenager!

Although I now work in heritage, I didn’t actually study history until I went to college, and even then it was my worst grade. Everyone always assumed I’d become an English teacher because that was my best subject, and I was encouraged to pursue English at UoN. My heart has always been with history though. I graduated with a decent grade and went on to do a master’s in Viking and Early Medieval Studies. Since then, I’ve had roles at several heritage sites across Nottinghamshire and now I work in marketing for Nottingham Castle. It’s a real privilege to work for a place that has such a tumultuous past and nothing makes me prouder than championing our Rebel City’s long and complicated history.

Nat Henderson Theatre-maker at Chronic Insanity Theatre MA English (Class of 2019) University of Nottingham From writing prose poetry experiments to decoding Ancient Nordic runes, running linguistic eye-tracking tests, or learning what “Brechtian theatre” means, the University of Nottingham introduced me to a diverse range of disciplines. Inspired by this incredible melting-pot (with a helping hand from the Nottingham New Theatre), I finished my degree with a hunger to do more. Co-founding a theatre company and making 12 shows in 12 months seemed like a logical progression. I was not expecting the range of creative spaces in Nottingham. Jazz clubs, open mic nights, tech and cinema and live art meant that we were spoilt for choice when looking for locations to start. From the City of Caves and the National Justice Museum to Broadway Cinema’s basement and Pepper Rocks’ attic, everyone was so incredibly kind and welcoming.

You want to create a virtual reality experience from scratch? Sure, here’s the key to our studio! Everyone’s independence and creative spirit propels this city into something incredible; there’s always something happening. My advice to anyone new here?

Investigate everything - it takes half an hour to walk across the city centre, but you’ll be exploring for years.

Jamie Drew Library Advisor at UoN Business Library English with Creative Writing (Class of 2019) University of Nottingham Since the first day I moved into student housing at the University of Nottingham, I knew this was the city for me. Five landlords later, that’s still true. Initially I thought it was just the university community that attracted me - the easy locality of the student base and the warmth of welcoming uni societies like Improv and the New Theatre but even after graduating, it’s impressive transport infrastructure makes Nottingham feel like one big campus, with everyone just a tram or bus ride away. I do think the university has been at the centre of my decision to stay in Nottingham, not least because I now work in UoN’s Business Library, which allows me to indulge in every English student’s dream of being surrounded by books, but there is much to enjoy beyond it. The Dice Cup in town is a board game cafe with an excellent vegan menu and regular quiz nights, and the Savoy Cinema in Lenton has been a favourite hangout of mine for years now (although the Broadway and the new Arc Cinema in Beeston are hot on its tail). Ultimately, Nottingham offers the thriving connectivity of a big city without being overwhelming, and has made a permanent convert of a former small town boy like me.

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Laura Phillips Marketing Coordinator at Nottingham Trent University MA Magazine Journalism (Class of 2020) Nottingham Trent University I studied Marketing at Nottingham Trent University for my undergraduate degree, a course covering a diverse range of topics which allowed us to explore roles and industries, and a course which has set me up for life with employability skills. It wasn’t until my year in industry that I really got a taste for what I enjoyed – writing – which made the decision to stay on to study a master’s in Magazine Journalism a no-brainer; the reputation of NTU’s Journalism department only bolstered my choice. Throughout my time at university, I was a member of many societies, including NTU Burlesque, and worked in numerous bars and venues across the city, which all contributed to my amazing experience of Nottingham.

I now work in the Marketing department at NTU and it’s so satisfying to have a role I really enjoy, where I essentially get to tell everyone how amazing both the University and Nottingham are in various media formats, as my job. Nottingham is bursting with life and there’s always so much going on, from club nights and gigs to board game cafes and museums. There is culture around every corner and the community is next to none.

Sophie Gargett Founder and Editor at The Dilettante MA Magazine Journalism (Class of 2020) Nottingham Trent University I am a Nottingham native who was drawn back to my hometown after almost a decade away.

Before I returned, I honestly thought there was little new to discover here, but this is a city that keeps evolving, a place that pulses with creativity, filled with people making things happen.

Upon my return I began a free zine dedicated to creativity called The Dilettante Gazette, which was distributed for free in bars and cafes throughout the city. There is a strong DIY culture here, with few pretensions. We are a city with a long history of rebellion and people do things for the love of it. Wanting to take my journey into publishing further, between 2018-2020 I went back to study a master’s in Magazine Journalism as a mature student at NTU. The course was amazingly hands-on, strengthening my existing skills, teaching me new ones, and providing a wealth of knowledge about what makes good journalism. Today I am in the process of turning The Dilettante into a full-length print magazine, which will be published this autumn - it’s been a fascinating journey.

Olimpia Zagnat Trainee Reporter at Nottinghamshire Live BA Journalism (Class of 2021) Nottingham Trent University I fell in love with Nottingham instantly, and have called it my city 2000 km from home for about three years now. As cheesy as it might sound, I came here from Romania with no more than two suitcases, a backpack and an ambitious dream - to become a journalist.

After meeting some of the most inspiring people I have ever come across - my tutors who then became my mentors and shortly after my friends - my dream turned out to be my reality. I worked my way up through university by making mistakes, learning from them and - most importantly - listening to other people’s stories. Perhaps that is why Nottingham is so important to me. It is filled with some of the most fascinating tales and incredible characters. Did you know that someone in Nottingham has the biggest private aquarium right in his basement? Have you ever stopped on one of your walks down the canal and bumped into the man with a large TV and also a chimney inside his boat? Well, you should.

Chathura Sudharshan Founder of Chanodil MSc Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial and Business Operations (Class of 2018) Nottingham Trent University I got a scholarship to study MSc in Entrepreneurship at NTU and thought of taking a total swing in my life, so I quit my job where I worked in Bangladesh and came to this city. I really enjoyed my studies at the university as it was a practical course rather than theoretical. I have joined many programmes in a few different countries as a result of my studies. I have been to France for about three weeks to consult a tech startup named Catspad to help with the internationalisation strategy. Then I went to Belgium for the Brussels management challenge.

And for my final thesis, I was selected to participate in the European Innovation Academy in Italy, where students travelled from all different parts of the world. After my studies, I wanted to get into my passion which is entrepreneurship, so I started Chanodil with a few hundred pounds in my pocket. I got so much support from the university to start the business at the most vital times. Currently, we are operating in more than 10 different countries and have over 50 fashion brands working with us to take their fashion business to the global level.

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UNIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES words: Lilith Hudson

Your time at university is exciting and rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges.

Life as a student can be tough at the best of times, not least without the complications of a global pandemic thrown into the mix. It’s very likely there will be bumps along the road, but thankfully both universities offer a vast array of services to support you during your studies.

Nottingham Trent University

University of Nottingham

Counselling Service NTU’s counselling service offers confidential counselling sessions with experienced professionals. Every student is entitled to up to four face-to-face counselling sessions (conducted over the phone or via Microsoft Teams during the pandemic due to COVID restrictions), and an online email service for those living away from university or who feel more comfortable communicating online.

Counselling Service The counselling service offers free and confidential counselling sessions to all students which can be made through a self-referral.

Usually they are able to offer face-to-face sessions but appointments are carried out by telephone or Microsoft Teams depending on local COVID restrictions. Alongside individual counselling sessions, the service offers their own group workshops which you can sign up to whenever you want with no commitments.

Online Support SilverCloud is NTU’s online support service. It offers instant access to various cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programmes targeted towards various mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and stress. The service is available to all students and only requires you to sign-up through your university account. You can access the individual programmes whenever you like from any device with no commitments, making it really simple to use around your studies.

Wellbeing Week In conjunction with University Mental Health Day which takes place in March every year, NTU hosts a Wellbeing Week to encourage conversation surrounding mental health and raise awareness of support services available across the university.

Healthy NTU Wellbeing Programme The Healthy NTU guide (available in a nifty online pdf) has helpful information and tips about starting uni, managing stress and keeping your finances in check. Think of this as your holy grail of supporting your physical and mental health. This guide contains everything you need to know about registering with a GP or dentist, reporting discrimination and even where to hire a bike - because when did a bike ride not make you happier? @NTU_SSC

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Students’ Union Advice The SU offers free and impartial advice on a whole range of issues including housing, finances and wellbeing. You can also report any hate crime incidents to them and they can sign-post you to other support services if necessary. The charity Student Minds also run a peer support group called Positive Minds for students who experience struggles with their mental health while at university.

Nightline Nightline is a confidential listening service run entirely by student volunteers. Their traditional call service is available from 7pm to 8am everyday and 24 hours a day during welcome period and exam seasons. They also offer anonymous messaging, email or skype service. The trained listeners are there to listen to any wellbeing concerns you may have if you need listening ear or advice on other health services.

Wellbeing Week UoN celebrates University Mental Health Day by organising various events across the university including talks from mental health experts. The university also creates challenges and competitions to bring people together and raise awareness of mental health at university. nottingham.ac.uk/healthyu

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF Paul Crawford is a mental health campaigner and professor of Health Humanities at the University of Nottingham, a discipline which explores how the arts and humanities can inform public health. He talks us through the challenges we’re likely to encounter at university and gives some tips on how to handle them.

When we bring up challenges to mental health we immediately think about serious mental disorders, but there’s more to it than that. Going to university is a transition into a more independent world. You’re starting to set out on what is viewed as an important and pivotal moment in your life. You’re starting to take those first steps into life away from your parents in quite possibly a new location in the country or the world. This is why the first few weeks of university are pretty overwhelming, both from a joyful and exciting point of view, through to all the mechanics of life and the different tasks and demands on you. For some, this may provoke depression and anxiety.

It’s a big challenge, but it’s also a challenge that with the right encouragement and support becomes a wonderful opportunity Feelings of loneliness can be strong when you move to a new place where you don’t know many people. Although you’ll likely meet and make new friends, you might find yourself alone a lot more to start with. You’re also trying to get a sense of who you are within this very dynamic environment. For the first time you’re set free to experience an unfolding relational life that’s probably bigger and more diverse than what you’ve experienced before. There are other social ‘tests’ at this time as well, such as dealing with finances etc. Having that sole responsibility for the first time can be quite scary, particularly if you can’t rely on a bank of Mum or Dad. A lot of students will share this kind of challenge of day-to-day practical survival, so valuing each other’s ideas and solutions about how to manage is really important.

University is a place of judgement as well. You’re moving through one of society’s structures for deciding who goes where with what particular skills. It can be an intense setting. You become more visible to yourself as a performing being who needs to do well, amplified by the metrics and feedback of the university grading system, and that can make things quite pressured for young people. That’s where perfectionism comes in. Depending on your background, your family experiences and the way you’ve been educated previously, your expectations of yourself will differ.

Anything we can do to allow for and accept failing as learning, to allow for being sufficient as opposed to 100 percent perfect, is really important. Sometimes being good enough is good enough!

In the campaign I led in collaboration with Aardman, ‘What’s up with Everyone?’, we tried to get more upstream about dealing with life’s challenges rather than particular mental health disorders. It’s normal for a person’s mind to struggle with some of the challenges that life puts before them. It’s about finding strategies: for balancing independence with dependence, for coping with social media so you can use it and not be abused by it, for calibrating perfectionism to the point it’s bearable for yourself and others, striking the right balance about being competitive, and for countering loneliness a nd isolation.

There’s a biting point towards the start of university life where so many things come together that are potentially wonderful as well as quite daunting. It’s a big challenge, but it’s also a challenge that with the right encouragement and support becomes a wonderful opportunity.

Being young is a time when you’re looking for new opportunities and horizons. The pandemic put a lot of things on hold or brought a great deal of uncertainty about the future. Depression and anxiety rose among young people and I’m not surprised. During lockdown my son and I wrote Cabin Fever: Surviving Lockdown in the Coronavirus Pandemic, in part to deal with our own isolation and find purpose. Hopefully, your experience of university life will not be so severely disrupted as we all find ways to manage through the pandemic. But if you do feel distressed by the pandemic and its effects, and how this is impacting on your university life, do talk to someone you trust about your feelings.

We need to keep challenging the stigma and start allowing for vulnerability. Students should realise just how life changing it can be when you reach out and say ‘I am not coping’. I think they'll be nicely surprised by the level of support they get within the university.

In terms of advice, I would always start with the word compassion.

Often the focus is on compassion for others but I would say to students, think about being compassionate to yourself as a starting point. Be kind and gentle to yourself; we’re often our own biggest critic. whatsupwitheveryone.com

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NOTTINGHAM. PURPLE FLAG

ACCREDITED SINCE 2010

Visiting or living in a Purple Flag accredited city means that you should feel that you are in a safe, enjoyable and diverse environment during your time there. Multiple organisations including Nottingham BID, Nottinghamshire Police and Nottingham City Council work all year round developing and updating initiatives and schemes to make this possible.

Street Pastors Offer on-street support in the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

Nottingham Night Owls Nottingham Night Owls is a student run service dedicated to improving the safety and well-being of students on nights out.

Best Bar None A national scheme that provides accreditation to licensed premises that are well managed and operated.

Nottingham holds the national record for most accredited venues with 116 bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants in 2019.

No Place For Hate The No Place For Hate campaign aimed at reducing incidents of hate crime in Nottingham.

The campaign included a charter supported by hundreds of Nottingham businesses and voluntary organisations, all promoting the campaign to reinforce the message that hate crime will not be tolerated here.

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. 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…

Nottingham Writers’ Studio Since 2006, the Nottingham Writers’ Studio has been incubating a fruitful crop of literary figures. It supports both existing authors and those newly developing. With impressive alumni who have Man Booker shortlists and Dublin IMPAC awards under their belts, there are few better places to grab yourself a membership for.

Local Bookshops Nestled behind Primark and down a little alley opposite a defunct bookie, you’ll find Five Leaves Bookshop, a proper hidden gem that won Independent Bookshop of 2018 at the Nibbies. And, just a short walk around the corner, there’s the charming Ideas on Paper tucked into Cobden Chambers, offering the bestof independent magazines, journals, books and stationery.

Writing East Midlands 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, and even provide one-to-one guidance – they’re just that supportive.

Black Writers & Artist Network Continuing the rich literary tradition of the African Caribbean community in the city is the Black Writers & Artist Network. Run by Nottingham Black Archive, and headed by Panya Banjoko, the collective is a growing haven for creative writers of African-Caribbean descent to write, share ideas, curate events and perform.

Nottingham City Libraries Nottingham City Libraries have reading groups with specific focuses such as crime fiction to mental health, Bengali Literature

to Urdu poetry. There are also ties with local writing groups, with the likes of the DIY Poets and the Nottingham Poetry Society getting stuck in.

Nottingham Women’s Centre library 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 books and magazines which were donated in the seventies and eighties when the library was first set up.

DIY Poets 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.

City of Literature City of Literature itself is well worth getting involved with. They have a lot on offer for students now, including opportunities to submit their writing and get it published, and a literary calendar with all upcoming local events on their website. In May every year dozens of venues across the city usually play host to Nottingham Poetry Festival.

University Societies 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. nottinghamcityofliterature.com

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words: Caroline Barry and Frieda Wignall photo: Tom Morley

OVER THE RAINBOW All the things you’ll see and all the people you’ll be: one of the most exciting parts of starting university is the potential of a new city and the limitless possibilities it holds for reinventing yourself. Equally, however, it can be stressful figuring out where your nearest supermarket is, let alone trying to scope out the LGBTQIA+ scene. Luckily for you, dear reader, we can help point you in the right direction to meet others who are here, queer and used to this city…

Clubs and Collectives QTIPOC Notts ‘Making space in a straight white world’ – a social group for LGBTQ+ people of colour in Nottingham and the surrounding areas. facebook.com/qtipoc Nottingham Ladies 20/30s Facebook group for meetups and drinks. facebook.com/groups/ nottinghamLGBT20sand30s DirtyFilthySexy Drag collective famous for their amazing performances by queens, DJs and musicians. dirtyfilthysexy.co.uk Fan Club Female and non-binary collective that book and put on queer performances and ensure safe spaces. facebook.com/fanclubnotts

Scream Queenz Nottingham drag comedy group. facebook.com/ screamqueenzcomedychaos Shady Cow Collective Organise and showcase queer performances and events, usually hosted at Rough Trade record shop. shadycowcollective.wordpress.com Venues Five Leaves Bookshop Great book events plus a treasure trove of queer literature, fiction and non-fiction.

JT Soar DIY gig venue that regularly books queer performers.

Nonsuch Studios Performance space for events including gay comedy.

Fortune and Glory Film Club Film club who put on LGBT classics across the city with killer goodie bags. facebook.com/fortuneandgloryfilmclub

Nottingham Castle Newly renovated and dedicated to telling Nottingham’s queer stories dating back to the fourteenth century.

Notts Hyking Dykes Ladies who organise walks. nottinghamhd.org.uk

The Lord Roberts Good for quieter beer garden drinks, drag and much more.

Queer Noise Club Experimental queer club. facebook.com/queernoiseclub

The New Foresters Iconic Notts LGBT+ venue, and do a wonderful £2.30 hangover-curing chip butty.

Reel Equality Screenings that focus on equality, fairness and telling the stories of the underrepresented in film. facebook.com/reelequalitynotts

Support The LGBT+ Service Nottinghamshire The LGBT+ Service Nottinghamshire provide a range of specialist services for young people who identify as LGBT+ or may be questioning this. They offer a safe space for people to be themselves, meet new people, make new friends, take part in activities and access specialist support from trained staff on everything from accessing LGBT+ health services to reporting Hate Crimes and incidents.

Lgbtplusnotts.org.uk Notts LGBT+ Network Your first port of call for any and all questions you have about being LGBTQ+ in Nottingham. The Network produces the bi-monthly Queer Bulletin, a round-up of local gay news. nottslgbt.com Notts Trans Hub A safe space offering support meetings and information on trans-friendly events, services and resources. nottstranshub.wordpress.com This is just a taste of what is out there.

Whether you are stepping into the community for the first time or have been out for years, there is a place for you.

To keep queer here and ensure Nottingham remains the fantastically colourful city that it is, our gay venues will need your love and glitter. Be gay, be proud, and this city will embrace you.

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BREAKING THE SILENCE words: Bridie Squires and Lucy Manning

illustration: Natalie Owen

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, or if the assault is physical ring 999. This doesn’t always 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.

Here are some other support networks for women in Nottingham...

Nottingham Women’s Centre A safe haven for women in the city which played a massive part in bringing about classing misogyny as a hate crime. 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 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, and provide lots of support.

Nottingham Sexual Violence Support Services Open to anyone over thirteen years old, specialising 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.

Equation A not-for-profit organisation that promotes healthy relationships by working within the community of Nottingham to reduce the impact of domestic abuse, sexual violence and gender inequality. They have guidance for all genders, children, as well as how to help someone you know in an abusive relationship.

University Services 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.

And 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.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER words: Frieda Wignall

Nottingham is now one of the most diverse cities outside of London, with a BAME population of 35% recorded in the 2011 Census, a figure likely to rise once the 2021 Census is published. Over the years, generations of black excellence have left their mark on this city – and their legacies are invaluable. Nevertheless, the stark reality of structural racism remains embedded in health, education, policing, politics and beyond - both locally and across the UK. True anti-racism is not a throwaway trend. More than a year since George Floyd’s murder reignited a global movement, the work must continue. Here are some resources, groups and organisations committed to nurturing black dignity, joy and achievement in the city. Black Lives Matter, always.

Support Communities Inc Non-profit organisation tackling hate crime in the city. communitiesinc.org.uk 0115 964 8227 FlyGirl A local platform launched in 2020 to connect and empower women of colour.

Provides mentoring, practical business advice, financial guidance and access to funding for individuals forging careers in creative industries. Open to all selfidentifying women as an inclusive space to grow and amplify each other’s voices. fly-girl.co.uk BAME Counselling Hub Notts Counselling Centre is committed to remedying the inequality of access to and racial ignorance of mainstream counselling services. The BAME Hub provides culturally sensitive listening ears without prejudice or judgement. nottinghamcounsellingcentre.org.uk Arts Community Recording Studio Established in 1991, the Community Recording Studio is based in St Anns. The charity offers training in film, video and music as well as providing access to studio space, professional equipment and key industry contacts - including musicians like Estelle and Aloe Blacc. crsstudionotts.co.uk SHEAfriq A Nottingham-based collective of creative females of black heritage. Organised the Nottingham African Market in 2020. @sheafriq The New Art Exchange Entry is free to the largest art gallery in the UK dedicated exclusively to displaying culturally diverse artists. The

NAE welcomes 80,000 visitors annually to its funky building in the heart of Hyson Green and seeks to make art and culture accessible to all. Past NAE exhibitions have focused on themes of identity, migration and religion, with an upcoming exhibition on BLM. All Black Connect is its young people’s collective. nae.org.uk Black Friends A creative platform that aims to facilitate frank conversations about race. Hosts talkshows, panel discussions and The Black Friends Podcast, which frequently covers local black history (including a recent episode on the 1958 St Ann’s race riots). @blackfriendsHQ Step up: community + activism Black Lives Matter UK – Nottingham Activists Established in 2015, the Nottingham branch was one of the first official BLM groups in Europe. Follow the Facebook page for info on current events and protests in Nottingham, as well as nationwide news. @blacklivesmatternottinghamactivists Next Gen Movement After organising the June 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstration in Nottingham attended by over 4000 people, friends Shan Vincent, Tyla Henrique-White and Janelle Brown founded Next Gen. This youth-led movement has lobbied key power players in the city for institutional change centred around their 4Es: Education, Engagement, Empowerment and Employment. nextgenmovement.co.uk Himmah A grassroots charity providing services to tackle poverty, racism and social exclusion.

The Himmah foodbank delivers 650 food parcels a month and its People’s Pantry

enables residents to purchase quality food at a discounted price. In 2021, Himmah’s work became nationally acclaimed after receiving a £10,000 donation from Meghan Markle. himmah.co.uk Kairos A support group for black lesbian and bisexual women seeking refuge from homophobic persecution. Kairos guide individuals through the asylum application process. lisg.nottingham@gmail.com Mojatu Foundation Mojatu is a Swahili word which loosely translates to ‘togetherness’. The Foundation has assisted and empowered black women and girls on health-related issues, notably FGM, since 2009. Mojatu has a truly impressive reputation within the communities it serves, but also nationally and even internationally. Always welcoming new recruits and volunteers. mojatufoundation.org The Pythian Club Mentoring and engaging young people through the power of sport in the inner city, Pythian’s mission is to combat racial and socioeconomic marginalisation so that all kids in Nottingham can have a fair and dignified start to life. Inspirational Young Leaders are a key part of the Pythian set-up. thepythianclub.co.uk Join a group at your university students’ union NTU’s The New Black society focuses on helping students progress in the face of adversity, while UoN’s Black and Minority Ethnic Student Network runs events and campaigns throughout the year. @TheNewBlackNtu bme-network@uonsu.com

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NO BARRIERS words: Frieda Wignall

Academia can sometimes be tricky to navigate with a disability, whether it’s hidden or otherwise. Each of the roughly 10,000 disabled students in Nottingham deserves to live their university experience to the fullest, whatever your access needs. Below you’ll find some tips and info to get you started.

Start early. Talk with your university disability service as soon as possible. Be prepared and get a support plan in place. Universities can arrange support workers, coursework extensions, exam accommodations, formatting of library resources, flexible attendance, lecture slides online in advance and more. They can send recommended adjustments directly to your School to inform your tutors of the support you require during your time at university.

Speak up. Don’t struggle in silence or be afraid to vocalise what you need. Make sure you ask for the help you are entitled to. If you face discriminatory behaviour, raise it with your university disability service or the disability/welfare rep of your student union.

Join a society. With dozens to choose from, there’s something for everyone! Some are disability-related, like UoN’s Wheelchair Basketball club or NTU’s Sign Language Society, and some are Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) 60% of students who are eligible for the DSA are unaware of it and don’t apply. So, what is it and how do you get it?

DSA is a support fund designed to cover any additional essential study-related costs you may have as a direct result of your disability. It is a grant and you do not have to pay it back.

DSA covers support for physical disabilities, mental health conditions, long-term health conditions and learning differences like Dyslexia and ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Conditions.

Through DSA you can receive specialist equipment like a screen reader, adaptable furniture for your room or services like support workers (including note-takers or sign language interpreters) depending on your needs. DSA could even cover the additional cost of transport to and from your university campus if you can’t access public transport, for example.

You can apply for DSA via the Student Finance England website. This can be done at any time during the year and is separate from your student loan application. However, you

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not, but the options are almost endless. Both universities also have a Disabled Students Network.

Don’t pressure yourself. Work at a pace that is manageable for you. Don’t forget: your worth is not defined by your productivity.

Download AccessAble. This app provides information about thousands of venues in the UK and their accessibility. Everyone’s needs are different and the app caters to this – you can find out if a pub is wheelchair accessible or if an art gallery has audio description.

Register with a GP. Something all students should do, but if you are a frequent visitor or are on regular medication, this ensures you are covered and there are no gaps in your care.

will need to update your existing Student Finance details to say you’re disabled if you haven’t already. Once you do, the DSA application will come up on your to-do list on the Student Finance website.

The DSA application involves submitting evidence. For most people, filling in the short DSA evidence form or a letter from a health professional is enough. For Specific Learning Differences like dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD etc you will need to have a recent diagnostic assessment. Once your application is processed and your eligibility is confirmed, a DSA assessment takes place. This is essentially a brief chat to determine what equipment or services you might need.

If you feel like you could benefit from DSA, even just a little, then apply. Do not think that your disability or medical condition may not qualify – these resources are meant to help you.

gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa

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 standup member of your local community. Student living is fun, but remember, your neighbours have jobs, families or may be elderly, and they won’t like listening to your drum and bass at 4am on a Tuesday. Take heed of this advice...

Keep coronavirus at bay The virus is still about, and with students from all over the country flocking to the city to study it’s important that everyone stays vigilant. Make sure to follow the government guidance: isolate if necessary and remember to wash your hands regularly making sure to give ‘em a proper scrub. Do ya bit and get ya vaccine too - you can find out how to book or find walk-in clinics at gov.uk.

Remember, we’re all in this together.

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 dance floor.

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 Look out for UoN’s Nottingham Night Owls or the Nottingham Street Pastors in their high vis vests. These guys are here to make sure you all get home safely after a night out and they’ll probs offer you a lollipop or two if you’re lucky. If you’ve run out of cash, you can still avoid walking home in the dark - Nottingham Trent Students’ Union has an agreement with Nottingham Cars so you can get a lift home but pay the next day.

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 are 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 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.

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 Macbook 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.

Make it hard for burglars It sounds simple, but get it done: lock all those windows and doors. Make sure you’ve got home insurance, too. Ask your estate agent or halls if it’s included. If not, check out Endsleigh; they offer student-friendly contents insurance.

Bring the bleddy bins in The council and your new neighbours aren’t going to be best pleased if you leave your rubbish out on the streets for too long, and it can really make your street pong too. You’ll have different colour bins so familiarise yourself with what you can put in each because you can get into trouble if you don’t comply. Have a look online to find out when your bin day is too. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reportit nottinghamcity.gov.uk/bin-and-rubbish-collections

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KEEP ON MOVING words: Alex Mace and Lilith Hudson

Exercise and the student lifestyle aren’t exactly concepts that go hand-in-hand (usually because those hands are filled with cheap vodka and pizza), yet we all know that exercise is good for us. Yes, we agree, PE sucked – with the exception of that mental climbing apparatus every school seemed to have – but when the reality check of university lifestyle comes calling, there’s never a better time to pick up the dumbbells or strap on the running shoes and make a change.

With a variety of timetables and numerous different ways to get started, we’ve done a run down on what’s going on where: Nottingham Trent University Sports Centres Over in the heart of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent’s Sport membership will get you full access to the City Sports Centre to take advantage of the 10m climbing wall, the 100 stations in the two-tiered gym or the fully equipped dance studio that also plays host to various fitness classes and club sessions.

At Clifton campus, the opportunities are equally fruitful. Their Lee Westwood Sports Centre offers spaces for badminton, volleyball, football, hockey, cheerleading and martial arts across their many fitness halls and suites; if you name a sport, there’s a good chance they have a room for it.

Sports Clubs From American football to volleyball, NTU has a whole host of sports clubs aimed at all different skill levels. Whether you’re a Tom Brady or a Tom Haverford, joining a club is a great way to make friends, keep fit and have fun. You never know, though, show enough talent and varsity could come calling…

Play for Fun and IMS Sessions NTU has their fair share of relaxed options too. You can take part in Play for Fun sessions which can be booked through the NTU Sport app at a pay as you go price. If you’ve got a competitive streak but lack dedication - it’s okay, we don’t judge - they also have IMS sessions where you can enter a team for a small fee and prove your hall, course or society are the very best. ntu.ac.uk/sport

University of Nottingham David Ross Sports Village Over in the western region of the city, the University of Nottingham hosts the sprawling metropolis that is David Ross Sports Village. Complete with a 25m pool, 12m climbing wall and a 200-station fitness suite, this is a fitness freak’s idea of heaven. If pumping iron isn’t for you, try out the Zumba, HIIT or spin classes. They’ve got smaller sports centres on every campus too.

Sports Clubs You’re not quite Loughborough but you’re not far behind, and there’s a reason for that! UoN has more sports clubs than any other university so there’s something for everyone, from gaelic football to ten pin bowling. Teams compete in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) leagues and attend regular training and coaching sessions. With hundreds of taster sessions during welcome week, it’s the perfect time to try out something new.

IMS and Just Play If the thought of performance sports has you quaking in your boots, have no fear, IMS and Just Play are here!

IMS (Intramural Sports) gives you the option to compete for your course, society or university hall in weekly leagues. It’s nowhere near as intense (or expensive) as the performance sports teams; think of it as a friendly! The Just Play programme is purely non-competitive and free from commitments. Turn up to as many sessions as you like for a teeny weeny fee of three quid. These are great opportunities to enjoy the benefits of sport without the cost or commitment. nottingham.ac.uk/sport

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ALL ABOARD words: Frieda Wignall

Not to brag, but travelling across Nottingham is easier than tying your shoelaces. Okay, not quite, but we do have the award-winning Nottingham City Transport bus service and our beloved trams to get us around. If you’re anticipating being a frequent bus user, NCT offers student passes that will give you unlimited travel for the academic or calendar year. A Robin Hood travel card covers both trams and buses on a pay-as-you-go basis, and NCT and tram operator NET each have handy apps on which you can purchase tickets or track buses.

Without a travel pass, a student single ticket is roughly £1.70 via bus or £1.80 via tram. Cheap and cheerful - what more could you ask for?

Here’s our handy guide on how to get arahnd tahn.

Nottingham Trent University City Campus • •

Close to many major bus routes in and out of the city centre Tram - stops in the middle of campus

City Centre to Brackenhurst Campus • •

Lilac Line 26 - every 30 minutes on Monday to Saturday daytimes; hourly evening and Sunday daytime buses Nightbus N26 - from Nottingham every Friday and Saturday night at midnight, 1.30am and 3am

University of Nottingham University Park • • • • •

Hopper Bus 903 - runs regularly Monday to Saturday until 11.25pm Orange Line 34, 35, 36 - every few minutes Nightbus N34 - runs through the night until 3.45am Pink Line 28, 30, 31 - for Jubilee Campus Tram - stops at Queen’s Medical Centre, University Park and University Boulevard

University Park to Sutton Bonington Campus • •

Hopper 901 - running regularly from East Drive, University Park, Monday to Friday until 11.30pm Skylink - runs via East Midlands airport approx. every hour

University Park to King’s Meadow Campus

City Centre to Clifton Campus

•

•

Doorstep Delivery

• •

Navy Line 4 - every 7 minutes at peak lecture times; every 30 minutes in the evenings Nightbus N4 - runs through the night until 3.15am Tram - stops at Rivergreen, a 15 minute walk from Clifton Campus

Hopper 901 - from East Drive

If you’re not living on campus, take…

• Orange Line 34, 35, 36 or the tram to and from Lenton, Beeston and Chilwell • Pink Line 28, 30, 31 to and from Lenton, Radford and Wollaton • Navy Line 1, 3, 4, Grey Line 53, 54 or the tram to and from Clifton • Turquoise Line 77, 78, 79 or the tram to and from Arboretum • Green Line 5, 6, 7, 11 to and from West Bridgford and Lady Bay E-Scooters If public transport ain’t your jam, you can whizz (safely and responsibly) from A to B using one of our shiny yellow e-scooters - download the Wind Mobility App to see where you can find them. nctx.co.uk trentbarton.co.uk thetram.net

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RALEIGH’S TOP ROUTES words: George White

illustration: Natalie Owen

Notts and cycling go together like Sir Chris Hoy and gold medals, with our county acting as the proud home of the world-famous Raleigh - one of the biggest and most iconic bicycle manufacturers in history. From their headquarters in Eastwood, home of renowned author D H Lawrence, Raleigh have been pushing the bicycle industry to new and exciting places for over a century, creating everything from badass Burners to iconic Choppers, the effortlessly stylish Hoppas to the city-lovin' Strada X. The physical health benefits of cycling have always been well-known, but more recently the benefits for our mental health have come to the fore. Hopping on a bike has been proven to release endorphins at a faster rate than running, and getting a hearty dose of fresh air relaxes the mind when things get stressful.

Not only can it keep you healthy, though, but it can also protect the environment. As well as helping to cut down on carbon emissions, travelling by bike can reduce noise pollution and boost biodiversity, leading to a better planet for us all. And if (somehow) that's not enough, it will help you to trim the costs - the average Notts student spends £57 a month on public transport, cash that could be saved travelling by bike. So, you can get fitter, save money, take in cleaner air and produce zero travel emissions all at once - isn’t that nice? With all this goodness in mind, we’ve created a handy little map of the best spots for you to pedal on off to if you fancy lifting those spirits.

In total, folks in Nottingham peddle 3.3 million miles a year - way up from 2.7 million in 2000 - so you know you’re joining a community of keen ol’ cyclists. Just remember to travel safely and always wear a helmet - it doesn’t matter if you think you look daft, there’s nothing cool about getting a bump on the head...

Wollaton Park Just across the road from UoN’s main campus is Nottingham’s famous Wollaton Park. Home to Batman, a hefty lake and hundreds of adorable deer, this is the ideal spot for a relaxing bike ride close to home.

Attenborough Nature Reserve This popular cycling hotspot is a hub for wildlife and, while named after Attenborough the town, was first opened by the legendary Sir David in 1966. Charming circular routes stretch across the entirety of the 205 hectare site.

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Sherwood

University Park UoN’s University Park has won a Green Flag award every year since 2003, so you know it’s super nice.

There may be hills aplenty, but with cycle lanes on most roads and bike stores dotted around campus, the best way to get from lecture to lecture is definitely on two wheels.

Bestwood Country Park A former medieval hunting estate and Victorian coal mine, Bestwood Country Park is now a much-loved local gem with beautiful woodland routes and fascinating remnants of this county’s rich industrial history.

Colwick Country Park Boasting lakes, woodlands and a marina, this is a properly picturesque spot for a refreshing bike ride in the outskirts of Nottingham. You can turn your day out into a makeshift triathlon by taking a dip in the West lake too.

Strada X

Nottingham City Centre The city centre has its own popular cycle route covering all the awesome attractions Nottingham has to offer, with guided tours available if you fancy it. Access to secure bike parks is available for just over a fiver a year too.

Wheelie Good Advice Find new routes: Sustrans: sustrans.org.uk/national-cycle-network Cycling UK: cyclinguk.org Repair your bike: Bikes Love You: bikesloveyou.org Nottingham Bikeworks: nottinghambikeworks.org.uk Join a cycling community group: Women in Tandem: facebook.com/ WomeninTandemNotts Nottingham Girls Cycle: facebook.com/groups/ NottinghamGirlsCycle Notts CTC: facebook.com/nottsctc Find a local Raleigh dealer: Pure Electric Nottingham: pureelectric.com/pages/ nottingham-store Leisure Lakes: leisurelakesbikes.com Newark Cycles: newarkcycles.co.uk

Visit Raleigh stores: Store locator: raleigh.co.uk/store-locator Shop online: Raleigh website: raleigh.co.uk 37

CONQUER THE CASTLE words: Frieda Wignall

photo: Tracey Whitefoot

Incoming freshers aren’t the only thing giving Nottingham a facelift. Located in the city centre, Nottingham Castle is welcoming back rebels following a three-year, £30m revamp and grand reopening in June 2021. History nerd or not, there’s no shortage of things to keep you occupied…

Tackle the Robin Hood Adventures If you’ve ever secretly wished to be the star of an action film, look no further than Robin Hood Adventures. In this interactive gaming gallery you can go head-to-head with Robin himself in a digital archery competition or face Little John and his quarterstaff. Alternatively, take a trip back in time to see if you can survive life in fourteenth century Nottingham.

Sounds exhausting? No problem – you can also chill out in the gallery’s virtual forest clearing.

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Discover the Rebellion Gallery Nottingham boasts a rich, wild and occasionally bloody history. Curated by Dr Richard Gaunt, a History professor at the University of Nottingham, the Rebellion Gallery commemorates the celebrated rebel spirit which has shaped the city and beyond. From the infamous night of 10th October 1831 – when rioters torched the Castle – to modern-day Notts rebels like Paralympian Richard Whitehead MBE, discover it all in this gallery.

Immerse yourself in the Creative Galleries The Castle is home to an impressive range of fine and decorative arts – oil paintings, ceramics, medieval pottery, portraits, textiles, photography and more. A particular highlight is the Hello, My Name is Paul Smith exhibition, available until February 2022, which will take you on a journey through the world of the legendary local designer. Whatever your artistic tastes are, you’re guaranteed to uncover something that inspires. You can also find The Lab, a space dedicated to showcasing emerging local creative talent run in partnership with Nottingham Trent University.

Soak up a new study space You don’t need an admission ticket to grab a treat in the Castle’s coffee shop. There’s nothing like the presence of several centuries of history to get your productivity flowing. Costa or Castle? We know which one we’d choose…

Browse the shop The Castle shop sources many of its bespoke Notts-themed products from local artists. If you’re looking for a unique finishing touch to your new room that will make you feel like you’ve truly arrived in

the rebel city, you may well find it here. Just like the coffee shop, browsing is free, no ticket needed.

Pop for a drink at England’s oldest inn Historically the favourite haunt of crusading knights, you can wrap up your Castle visit a short distance down the hill at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, founded in 1189 AD. Pouring quality pints and offering tours of its fascinating cellars, this place is perfect to chill out with a drink and find out more about Nottingham’s captivating past.

Add another string to your bow – volunteer!

The Castle is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers on both a regular and part-time basis to help with community outreach projects, special events, guided tours, conservation and other day-to-day Castle coolness. An unmissable opportunity for those interested in humanities-related careers or just anyone who wants to put ‘worked at a castle’ on their CV. Those who speak English as a second language are welcome and travel expenses can be paid if money is a barrier to volunteering. nottinghamcastle.org.uk

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A WINNING TEAM words: Christina Geggus

They are no ordinary neighbours, they’re Nottingham City Council’s admired Clean Champions, who are helping to keep your city nice and tidy. These modern day Wombles give up their spare time to help keep their neighbourhoods clean in the hopes of making Nottingham an eco-friendlier city.

Nottingham City Council started the Clean Champions scheme to encourage more locals to keep their neighbourhoods in top condition. With some 4,615 adult and children champions, the scheme is continuing to grow from strength to strength.

All champions are provided with the necessary equipment to litter pick in their local areas. Whether you choose to pick on your own, with your family, friends or other champions, it is a scheme that provides you with an opportunity to make a difference.

Mapperley Ward Councillor Rosemary Healy says, “Clean Champions are heroes. They are people who give up their time to go out and do something wonderful for their community and take pride in it.”

One champion is Kate Loewenthal, who plays a key part in keeping her local area of Lenton clean and is encouraging more Clean Champions to make a difference in Nottingham. “It really makes a difference having more of us tackle the streets and is so rewarding for us to see what we can achieve together and how clean our streets can be,” she says.

However, one of the toughest challenges being faced by Nottingham Clean Champions is trying to implement a change in people’s culture, particularly in the way people dispose of their waste.

Lisa Hampson, a PHD chemistry student from University of Nottingham and founder of the Lenton Clean Up Group, is just one of the many Clean Champions who organises regular

pickups. Lisa is pushing for more education to be given to locals on how they can keep their areas clean and follow Nottingham’s household bin rules.

Clean Champions are heroes.

They are people who give up their time to go out and do something wonderful for their community “The main thing I would like the people of Nottingham to do is manage their areas, whether that be outside their house or nearby,” she explains. “If everyone picked up the litter they see directly outside their homes, then I think every road would be clean, along with more people signing up to their local picks and being educated on how they can dispose of their household waste correctly.”

Together Clean Champions have already made a positive difference to our city and, with your help, are aiming to make Nottingham litter free.

Fancy getting involved in your local litter pick? Sign up to become a Clean Champion and make a difference to your area today. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/cleanchampions @nottinghamcleanchampions

Small Ways to Make a Change

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UoN Allotments

NTU Student Eco - Ambassadors

Green Hustle

UoN has a couple of great green projects for you to get involved with. At University Park, the Conservation and Nature Society have their own community garden, and Allotment Soc also look after, you guessed it, an allotment on Sutton Bonington campus. nottingham.ac.uk/sustainability

Have big ideas on how to get students more involved in the fight against climate change? Sign up to become one of NTU’s Student Eco - Ambassadors, who work with the Sustainability Team to organise, promote and encourage sustainability projects for fellow students. sust.dev@ntu.ac.uk

Green Hustle organises a wide range of people and organisations to make a proper difference in the local community.

Organising events like the Green Hustle Festival and Nature Relay, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the year. greenhustle.co.uk

CARBON NEUTRAL NOTTS words: Emily Thursfield

illustration: Natalie Owen

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 – so much so that Nottingham City Council has recently launched a campaign to make the city carbon neutral by 2028. So, how has Notts painted itself this lovely shade of green?

Trams By now, you’ve probably noticed the big green machines zipping around town. Our 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 – and get yourself to the city centre or the train station when it’s time to visit home.

Parks Would you believe that 20% of Nottingham is parkland, and around 70 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.

Both universities have also received Green Flag awards 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, the unis have cemented their green status.

Eco Cars and Buses Nottingham was the first city in the country to build a brand-new green lane just for buses, taxis and bikes on an existing road, and we’re also home to a fleet of double deckers which are powered using renewable biogas. 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 has also introduced charging points along its streets for electric vehicles and buses.

Awareness While the city has already made leaps towards a more sustainable future, we’re far from done. At the heart of the Nottingham 2028 plan is a desire to not only play a part in reducing the threat of climate change, but also that residents can be protected from the impact and made more resilient. Changes that will be implemented – such as trees, wild plants and green spaces added to the city centre, the use of deep mine water to heat homes and the installation of water fountains to reduce single-use plastics – will also help reduce bills and, hopefully, improve the mental wellbeing of our citizens.

Five Small Changes for a Greener Lifestyle 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Try leaving a bit earlier and walking to places This is is particularly important right now because of coronavirus, but it’s also a nice healthy thing to do anyway Get on yer bike Both universities offer a rent-a-bike service for less than the cost of a textbook - so tone your thighs as you save the world Turn off the lights when you leave a room There’s a reason your mam’s always harping on about Blackpool Illuminations Whack on a jumper instead of turning up the thermostat The coin you save on heating now can be spent at the pub later Don’t overfill the kettle with more than you need It’s surprising how much energy – and money – this saves

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

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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

EASY PEASY SAUSAGE ROLLS Serves: 4 Ingredients 6 sausages, either meat or veggie 4-5 tbsp cranberry sauce or chutney 1 sheet ready-made puff pastry 2 tbsp soy sauce or 1 egg for the wash

Method Cook the sausages until just done (usually around 15 minutes at 180ºC) Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a flat surface then spoon on the cranberry sauce down the shortest length of the sheet Crumble the sausages then sprinkle over the top of the cranberry sauce Fold over the puff pastry then seal by using a fork to pinch the edges Brush with soy sauce or regular egg wash will work too Then bake at 200°C for 20 minutes or until beautifully golden and crisp

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CRISPY CAULIFLOWER TACOS Serves: 2 Ingredients 1 head of cauliflower cut into florets 1 cup plain flour (can use GF) 1/2 cup milk or oat milk 1 heaped tsp of paprika or fajita seasoning 1/4 cup cooking oil 1/2 tsp sea salt For the yoghurt dressing 1/4 cup yoghurt 1 tsp paprika or fajita seasoning Squeeze of lime

Method Preheat the oven to 180ºC Add the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl then stir in the oat milk, give it a little whisk and set aside Cut the cauliflower into florets and add to the mixing bowl and make sure all of it is coated Pop the cauliflower onto a greased baking tray (make sure they're not touching) and bake for 35 - 40 minutes until crispy Prepare the wraps by adding a tsp of vegan mayonnaise, the crispy cauliflower, a few leafy greens and a sprinkle of sesame seeds For the yoghurt dressing Simply mix all of the ingredients into a bowl and serve with the wraps. Alternatively, you can use mayonnaise for a more tangy taste

POP TARTS

Using a cookie cutter or just a knife slice out 12 equal rectangles to form the pop tarts

For the shortcrust pastry 300g plain flour 1/2 tbsp caster sugar 1 tsp salt 120g butter (normal or plant-based) cubed at room temperature

Preheat the oven to 180ºC

Serves: 6 Ingredients

For the cinnamon icing 5 tbsp icing sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp milk (normal or plant-based) or water 1 1/2 tsp butter (normal or plantbased) 1 jar of jam Method For the pop tarts In a large bowl mix the flour, salt and caster sugar together then add the cubed butter then bring together using your hands or a silicone spatula Mix and fold together until a smooth ball of pastry has formed then place back in the bowl, cover and leave to rest in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes Take the pastry out of the fridge and place on a floured work surface, then using a floured rolling pin roll out till around 1cm thick

Lay 6 of the rectangles onto a lined baking tray then spoon on the blackberry jam, around 2 tbsp per pop tart repeat until all are covered (if you have leftover jam either add more to the pop tart filling or set aside) Match up the other 6 pastry rectangles over the top then using a fork pinch the very edges of the rectangles to seal them, then give the top of each pop tart a brush with either milk or sugar water to help get a golden crust Pop in the oven to bake for around 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden on top For the cinnamon icing Simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. You may need to add a little more liquid or a little more icing sugar to get the right texture, but it need to be thick instead or runny to sit on top of the pop tarts Cover each pop tart then add a tiny bit of jam to create a pretty pink stain

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LANDMARKS AND NICE PARKS words: George White

illustration: Natalie Owen

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1. Council House

2. Theatre Royal

3

2

3. Newton Building 11

9

10

1

12

4. Arboretum 5

5. Nottingham Castle

6. Robin Hood Statue

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7. Nottingham Train Station

6 8

Nottingham is full of iconic landmarks, awesome activities and proper good places to chill out after a stressful day. Here’s a handy little map of our city so you don’t miss anything. The land of Robin Hood and Brian Clough may not be the biggest, but it still has a massive amount for you to enjoy…

9. Wollaton Park 8. Trip to Jerusalem

10. Jubilee Park

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11. Park Tunnel

7 12. University Park 47

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’...

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Pay a visit to the legendary Rock City

Have a stroll down the rainbow road on Broad Street

Take your parents to the Robin Hood statue

Wrap your smackers around a tasty treat from Doughnotts

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

See what’s occurin’ at Speaker’s Corner and say ‘ayup’ to the Brian Clough statue

Walk among the deer at Wollaton Park

Go for a dip in the lake at Colwick Park

Read a copy of LeftLion Magazine

Buy yourself a vintage jacket in Hockley

Finish an entire Annie’s Burger Shack burger

Attempt a 360 toe flip on your skateboard at Sneinton Market

Chill out at the Arboretum

Jump on a tram, roll a dice, and see where you end up

Visit Nottingham Contemporary

Thrash your mates at the Lost City Adventure Golf course in the Corner House

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LET’S GET POLITICAL words: Faith Pring and Frieda Wignall

photo: Eve Smallman

You’re new here, but pay attention and you’ll soon realise that Nottingham is a feisty little city. Whether you’re a true blue Tory, as far left as you can go without falling over, or have never voted before - if you’ve got something to say, this is the place to say it. And if you haven’t the foggiest, university is the time to figure out what you stand for.

At the intersection of Kings Street and Queens Street is the centre of all the action: the infamous Speakers’ Corner. The first to be established outside of London, this is where the good, the bad and the angry of Nottingham gather with placards and banners, watched over by the Brian Clough statue. Climate justice, migrant rights and the NHS are just a handful of the topics that have been debated on these humble paving stones.

Fancy a spot in the limelight yourself? Campus politics offers several avenues for scratching a political itch, whether it's via the standard societies (Labour, Tories and even the Lib Dems for any centrists), the non-party affiliated societies (Extinction Rebellion, Amnesty International or Marxist), or by standing in the Student Union elections. You’re bound to find at least one person you agree with – and probably plenty to disagree with!

Occasionally, you’ll catch a peek of your elected representatives on the Speakers’ Corner mic - when they’re not in Westminster, of course. The Nottingham South constituency (containing NTU’s Clifton campus and UoN’s Park and Jubilee campuses) is represented by Labour’s Lilian Greenwood, Nottingham East (NTU’s city campus) is represented by Nadia Whittome and Newark constituency (NTU’s Brackenhurst campus) is represented

by Conservative Robert Jenrick.

But politics isn’t all drama and elections. For those searching for something a little more grassroots, check out Community Action Nottingham. Established by NTU students Sam Harris and Katherine Barlow in 2020, CAN is all about giving back to the ordinary folk of Nottingham. Their student volunteers have delivered food parcels, wrapped Christmas presents for disadvantaged kids, served hot meals to the homeless, cleared gardens for vulnerable local residents – basically, wherever an extra pair of helping hands is needed, they’re on the scene.

Lilian Greenwood comes from a trade union background and has been an MP since 2010, while Robert Jenrick, a qualified lawyer and former businessman, has held his Newark seat since 2014.

He is currently Secretary of State for Housing.

We are a diverse, united and strong community and a city that has a lot to offer everyone from all walks of life Elected in 2019, Nadia Whittome is the country’s youngest MP at 25 and therefore the honorary ‘Baby of the House’. She even has some wonderful words for you lot: “Welcome to the city of Nottingham! I’m very proud to be an MP in the city I have always called home and I hope that in time it feels like home to you too.

We are a diverse, united and strong community and a city that has a lot to offer everyone from all walks of life. I really hope you enjoy your time in the city that means so much to me, but if you have any issues or problems, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

Here’s what founder Katherine had to say: “We want to get more young people involved in the areas they live in, not only to develop our local communities but also to improve relationships between students and residents, because students sometimes get a bad rap. We think it’s crucial to do our bit for our communities and we’re aiming to help as many people as possible in whatever way is possible.”

Another grassroots organisation to get involved with is the Nottingham branch of Citizens UK, an alliance of faith communities, unions, charities and community groups. Current projects in 2021 include their living wage campaign, tackling hate crime and supplying diverse books to every child in the city.

There’s always interesting political shenanigans kicking off in Notts, so delve in if you dare. Oh, and before we forget: remember to register to vote! communityactionnotts.com citizensuk.org/get_involved

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Basford 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.

Population: 17k Postcode: NG6 Famous resident: Actor Arsher Ali, who starred in Four Lions and Line of Duty, grew up here.

Go see: Vernon Park is a lovely place to chill in the summer.

Bus from city: 70, yellow line

Beeston Located near the main University of Nottingham campus, it’s a popular area for students – particularly postgraduates who want a more laid-back lifestyle.

The origin of its name is “bees”, for its abundance of honey, and “tune”, which used to mean a farmstead settlement.

Population: 37k Postcode: NG9 Famous resident: Motown legend, Edwin Starr, lived here for many years.

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, and it is now home to one of NTU’s main campuses.

Population: 27k Postcode: NG11 Famous resident: The birthplace of 27-year-old singer songwriter Jake Bugg and the inspiration for his song Trouble Town.

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.

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Forest Fields 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, and is home to the famous Goose Fair.

Lenton As well as being popular with students, Lenton is 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.

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 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: 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 was founded.

Bus from city: 68, yellow line

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

Population: 8k Postcode: NG4 Famous resident: Former super middleweight boxing champion Carl Froch.

Go see: TeamSport Indoor Go Karting, and see how fast you can do a lap of the track.

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 – which was formed as part of a council redevelopment plan in the seventies.

Population: 9k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: Leicester City FC captain, Wes Morgan, grew up here.

Go see: Nottingham War Memorial on The Embankment.

Bus from city: 48, navy line

Sneinton 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.

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

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: 23k 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

West Bridgford 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.

Population: 47k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: England cricketer Stuart Broad and former Tory MP Kenneth Clarke.

Go see: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.

Bus from city: 6 and 7, green 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: Both founders of LeftLion magazine live in this neck of the woods.

Go see: Sherwood high street has a great range of charity shops.

Bus from city: 89, navy line

Wollaton 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.

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 (2012).

Bus from city: 30, pink line

illustration: Becky Riley

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words: Lisa Allison You’ve just started uni and the last thing you’re thinking about is second year housing - but before you know it, it will be time to start looking for a place to live with your mates. Finding your second year house is pretty exciting but it’s easy to get overwhelmed. First things first – don’t panic! Whether you go searching in November, February or even May, there will still be lots of student properties available. Nottingham City Council’s Safer Housing Team make sure that rented homes are safe and they’ve created a guide to find the right property below.

Preparing for student property viewings Choose your housemates wisely You need to live with your housemates for at least a year, so make sure you can actually live with someone you like - as you will need to talk about the nitty gritty stuff like rent, bills and cleaning.

Calculate your budget What is everyone’s maximum acceptable weekly rent? Make sure to take into account all your other outgoings.

Research the area Check out where you want to move to before committing! Take a walk around the place, meet the neighbours, give the area a Google.

Read the reviews Find a good lettings agency. There are lots of online reviews to help you find the right one. You can also visit sites like Marks Out of Tenancy and Rate Your Landlord to read reviews on properties and landlords. Get existing tenant opinions if they are around during your viewing too.

Security features - like secure doors and check windows are double glazed

emailing suadvice@nottingham.ac.uk to make an appointment.

Fixtures and furnishings - ask what’s included and whether you can put up your own decorations

Nottingham Trent University: Student Accommodation Services Team - 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.

Look for any disrepair - damp and mould, signs of pests, check taps and showers are working and power sockets aren’t damaged or broken Ask to see the Safety Certificates - it’s a legal requirement to get these when you sign your contract so read them first Ask about parking Check utility supplies - Are bills included? Are you on a pre-payment meter?

Ask about money – what are the rent and deposit amounts? What deposit scheme is used and what happens with rent during the holidays and what is their COVID policy? Your landlord will expect the house to be occupied for the full year, so check you can afford it

Also, check if your landlord is accredited under the council-approved Unipol Code.

This scheme means that the property meets a certain standard.

Ask to see the housing licence – Your property should have a licence and if you rent a property that doesn’t have one, then you may be able to get your rent back if you apply for a Rent Repayment Order

View student houses

Getting ready to rent

You should all attend the viewing - don’t rely on just one person choosing the right house.

When out viewing properties make sure you have a really good look around and take your time and ask questions.

Get your contract checked There can be a lot of information in Tenancy Agreements, so double check everything to make sure you understand what you are signing and remember you are entering into a contractual arrangement.

Here’s what you absolutely need to be looking for and asking about and checking Fire safety - like fire alarms, fire extinguisher, fire blanket and marked emergency exits

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Both universities offer services to get your contract checked and explained to you.

University of Nottingham: Students’ Union Advice Centre - chat to an adviser in person by

The exciting bit – moving in!

Check the Inventory When you move in, take photos of everything and fill out and check the inventory so you don’t get charged for damages that were already there.

Be neighbourly If your house is surrounded by non-students, it’s good to be neighbourly. Although you may want parties, being too noisy could lead to complaints.

Any problems?

Your student housing has to abide by the law, for example a landlord or contractor must give you at least 24 hours’ notice before they can enter your property. Save the Student is a great site for information about the legal side of letting.

If you have any repair issues, speak to your agent or landlord first but if nothing gets done then contact the Safer Housing Team, who will investigate. Report issues at nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reporthousing.

You can also contact the team on Twitter or Facebook by following us at Nottingham Renters.

For more help, Just Google ‘How to Rent Guide’ and the top result is the Government’s own guide and this will help with your legal rights and responsibilities. Finally, finding a student home with your besties is a fabulous experience, so remember: enjoy yourselves!

NOTTINGHAM LANGUAGE AND GRAMMAR: AN INTRODUCTION illustrations: 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. Like anything, the Nottingham dialect tends to vary from town to town, with West Bridgford residents sounding rather different to those in Sneinton - so be careful before you start practising with the locals!

THE HUMAN FACE Bonce Tabs

Tegs Gob

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK Cob

Tuffies/duddos

Musheh Peas

Guzzgogs

Nobby greens

Sukka

Watter

Taters

USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES Hello – Ayup / Ayup me duck Duck or duck-eh - Term of endearment Goodbye – Tarrar/Tattar Yes – Yeh No – Nehhh How are you? – Yer ‘right?

Something – Summat Here you go – Ee-yar (‘Here you are’) Thank you – Ta (pronounced ‘tar’) Nothing – Nowt (pron. Note) You’re making me grumpy – Yer mekkin’ meh mardeh

Flappin’ tabs - Someone who is listening uninvited Mash - to make a cup of tea It’s a bit black over Bill’s mother’s - The skies are looking dark Mardy - Grumpy

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NOTTS REBELS words: Ashley Carter

illustration: Natalie Owen

A dig back through the people, movements and events that helped shape Nottingham will show one attribute appearing time and time again: rebellion. Whether it’s fighting unjust laws, striving to do what is right or simply daring to express yourself in a society that isn’t accepting of who you are, we’re a city blessed with rebels from all walks of life…

Alan Sillitoe Channelling the experiences of a poverty-stricken childhood in 1930s Nottingham, Sillitoe became one of the ‘angry young men’ – a title he hated – that portrayed the honest feelings of disenfranchised workingclass men in the 1950s. The rebellious, anti-establishment nature of his novels Saturday Night and Sunday Morning to The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner captured an authentic rawness of time and place, and a palpable sense of frustrated disillusionment within his anti-heroic leading men.

George Africanus A victim of the transatlantic slave trade, Africanus was taken from a Sierra Leonean village in the early 1760s. He eventually settled in Nottingham as a free man at the age of 21 where, with his wife Esther, he started an employment agency in the city’s Lace Market. As Britain’s first black entrepreneur, his trail-blazing legacy is marked with a blue plaque on the railings of St. Mary’s churchyard.

Brian Clough His management career with Forest might be defined by silverware, but his reputation as being outspokenly honest and fearlessly controversial off the field is what makes Brian Clough a rebel. Wildly charismatic and always ready with an opinion, Clough consistently marched to the beat of his own drum, and suffered no fools in the process – just ask the lad who caught a mean right hook from him during a 1989 pitch invasion.

Margaret Humphreys CBE The Nottingham-born social worker dedicated her entire life to bringing attention to the British Government programme of Home Children, the widespread policy of forcibly relocating poor British children to Commonwealth countries. After uncovering the scandal in 1987, she worked tirelessly to bring justice to the surviving victims, which included a landmark apology from then Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2010.

D.H. Lawrence Through his radical exploration of themes like sexuality, vitality and spontaneity, Eastwood-born writer Lawrence garnered many enemies during his short life. Enduring endless persecution, censorship and the misrepresentation of his pioneering work, he spent the second half of his life in voluntary exile. Now, he’s considered one of Nottingham’s greatest artists.

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Usha Sood In a career that’s spanned three decades, lawyer Usha Sood – who studied at the University of Nottingham – made huge inroads fighting for human rights. Most notably, she saw the first successful use of the Wardship in Immigrations law, which, in 2009, eventually led the Government to pass legislation to make children’s welfare a priority in immigration cases.

Sleaford Mods In a time when the music industry is filled with fake-rage and insincere rebellion, Sleaford Mods have consistently shown that they’re not afraid to put a boot firmly in the establishment’s backside. Frontman Jason Williamson’s brash, brutal style perfectly accentuates his embittered explorations of austerity-era Britain and working class life and culture.

Eric Irons OBE As Britain’s first black magistrate, Eric George Irons OBE spent his life fighting racial inequality. Having been born in Jamaica, he was recruited to the RAF during World War II. After settling in Nottingham post-war, he pushed back against the rampant racial prejudices in 1950s Britain, setting up a community group, the Colonial Social and Sports Club, at his own home.

Lord Byron From keeping a pet bear during his time at Cambridge to fighting in the Greek War of Independence, Byron’s life was so rebellious it’s almost easy to forget that he was one of our greatest ever writers. While it’s hard to pick a single definitive moment from his life, our personal favourite came on 3 May 1810, when he took it upon himself to swim the Hellespont Strait between Europe and Asia. Why? Because he could.

Robin Hood The legendary heroic outlaw is probably the most famous thing to ever come out of Nottingham, and the rebel of all rebels. Everyone knows the legend (as well as the string of terrible films): he robbed from the rich and gave to the poor, and properly irked Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham in the process. Robin Hood is less about historical facts, however, and more representative of an ideal that has survived for centuries after his purported existence.

IT’S ALL HOOD words: Jamie Morris

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.

hood

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.

Mad Cave Studios’ recent Nottingham comic-book run takes a fresh approach to the legend, following the Sheriff of Nottingham as he tries to hunt down the Merry Men in a ‘True Detective-style medieval noir’.

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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 speak to the COO of Sledgehammer Games 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.”

Not so long ago, 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 2019. 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.”

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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.”

When you’re trying to get to know a bunch of new flatmates, gaming can be useful Andy notes 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 words: Jamie Morris

illustration: Natalie Owen

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.

Zero Latency For those interested in virtual reality, dive into Zero Latency in the Victoria Centre – an immersive social experience in which you and 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.

The Dice Cup 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.

Ludorati 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.

Warhammer World 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 just off 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.

Page 45 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.

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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 thirteenth 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 11 – 24 year-olds and there are eleven different categories – Animation & Digital Media, Creative Writing, Dance, Design & Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Film, Graphic Design, Music, Photography, Theatre and Visual Arts.

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 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

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Beyoncé, and even having a top ten record! Winners also get the chance to take part in exhibitions and showcase events, and to take up work placements and mentoring opportunities with businesses in the city.

If you’re up for getting creative before the awards entries open, you can watch the Masterclasses available on the YCA website.

Created by former winners, there’s a range of activities you can try your hand at - from model making and puppetry to songwriting and cinematography.

The Young Creative Awards are open for entries in January 2022 – keep an eye on the YCA social media channels for more details. youngcreativeawards.org

BEST OF NOTTS: FESTIVALS DETONATE FESTIVAL

WIGFLEX CITY FESTIVAL

HOCKLEY HUSTLE

MAYHEM FILM FESTIVAL

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 DJs in the country for all your drum and bass needs.

You can rely on this annual city festival from the globetrotting, Notts-based party crew to bring stacked, electro, breakbeat and garage filled lineups. Wigflex will bring you nights out, filled with ‘rudeboy techno’, and a range of local and international acts to your new favourite local venues and beyond.

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.

June, Colwick Country Park detonate1.co.uk

October 2021 facebook.com/Wigflex

Hockley Hustle festival sees the city’s best musicians, artists and performers take over dozens of venues in thearea.or charity each October, in Nottingham’s biggest community festival.

It’s been postponed until 2022, but you can keep an eye on the collective’s family of other joyful and diverse events.

October 2022 thehustlecollective.com

CRAFT BEER WEEK

NOTTINGHAM POETRY FESTIVAL

NOTTINGHAM PRIDE

If you like craft beer, congratulations – you’ve moved into one of the UK’s hotspots. Every year there’s a whole week where the best international breweries bring their beer to Nottingham pubs and bars. Then at the end of it, there’s a massive weekend-long festival on Sneinton Avenues.

Like poetry? Well, you’ll love this fortnight-long celebration of the spoken word where poets pop up in venues all over the city from our major theatres to smaller sets in local pubs. Some of the bigger names who’ve taken part in the past include Mark Grist, Henry Normal, Roger McGough and Benjamin Zephaniah.

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. This year’s celebrations weren’t as big as we all would have hoped, but here’s hoping next year’s are busier and better than ever before!

July, various venues nottinghamshirepride.co.uk

June, various venues nottinghamcraftbeer.co.uk

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Thanks to the pandemic, the past year-and-a-bit has been a bit hit and miss for festivals. Fingers crossed things will return to normal sharpish, hey? Here are some of the best fests we hope will be back for good soon…

May, various venues

nottinghampoetryfestival.com

October, Broadway Cinema mayhemfilmfestival.com

SPLENDOUR 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, All Saints and the Notts legend that is Jake Bugg.

July, Wollaton Park splendourfestival.com

BEST OF NOTTS: NIGHTCLUBS THE BODEGA

COCO TANG

INK

NTSU

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.

This place would be completely hidden if it wasn’t 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.

With four areas and eight bars, Ink really does have something for all your mates - but be prepared to lose most of them. If you tire of one floor then simply head to another, just don’t break any bones tumbling down the endless flights of stairs…

The union bar is open every day for you 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.

Queen St, NG1 2BL clubink.co.uk

Shakespeare St, NG1 4GH trentstudents.org/ents

Pelham St, NG1 2ED

bodeganottingham.com

Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GN

cocotang.co.uk

OCEAN

POM POM

PRYZM

STEALTH

Notts’ only club strictly for students and probably the only one with carpeted floors.

On Wednesdays NTU wear outrageous fancy dress while Fridays are reserved for UoN to don more normal nighttime attire. A dip in the big O’ consists of cheesy anthems and cheap shots till 3AM what more could you want?

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 seconds away from a row of takeaways for your post-club chip fix.

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.

The housey younger brother to Rock City and Rescue Rooms. 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 often bring resident DJs and mix it up with hip-hop and some nineties throwbacks.

Greyfriar Gate, NG1 7EF iloveocean.co.uk

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After a challenging sixteen months for nightclubs, they made a welcome return this summer when students were finally permitted to go wild on sticky dance floors! But remember, the dreaded COVID is still doing the rounds, so have fun but be sensible...

Burton St, NG1 4BT pompomnottingham.com

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

Goldsmith St, NG1 5JT stealthattack.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: THEATRE AND COMEDY JUST THE TONIC Born in Nottingham almost twenty years ago, they now promote comedy across the country. JTT’s Saturday comedy gigs are a great place to discover some up and coming stars. Over the years everyone from Ricky Gervais to Stewart Lee has played for them.

Huntingdon St, NG1 1AP justthetonic.com

THE GLEE CLUB

LACE MARKET THEATRE

MISSIMP

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 comedians every Saturday night, as well as loads of live music.

This small, independent theatre is the place to check out all of the up-and-coming acting talent before they make it big. From amateur productions and stand-up comedy, to musicals and pantomime, The Lace Market Theatre were even subject to their own BBC documentary, Panto!, a few years back.

MissImp, a comedy theatre group based in the city centre, offer courses on improv, guidance on comedy writing and the chance to join in with productions yourself so get ready to show off your top banter (do people still say banter?).

Canal St, NG1 7EH glee.co.uk

Halifax Place, NG1 1QN lacemarkettheatre.co.uk

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

NONSUCH STUDIOS

NOTTINGHAM NEW THEATRE

NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE

THEATRE ROYAL

One of Notts’ newest creative venues and studio theatres opened only a few years back with a remit to “empower cultural freedom through unlocking creativity and celebrating life.” As well as theatre, comedy and film events, they offer a great rehearsal space and a selection of acting and writing courses for all ages.

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. If acting is your thing, you should get involved.

Crowned Regional Theatre of the Year by The Stage Awards 2019, the Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading theatres.

It’s dedicated to bringing daring performances and timeless classics to the heart of Nottingham. Be sure to check out its courses, work placements and development programme, Amplify.

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 Grease. The other usually hosts touring acts, with big name comedians, musicians and theatre companies making regular appearances.

Wellington Circus, NG1 5AF nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Theatre Square, NG1 5ND trch.co.uk

Lower Parliament St, NG1 1EH wearenonsuch.com

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Screen-time creeping dangerously high with online lectures? Get yourself out to see some proper old school entertainment....

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

BEST OF NOTTS: ART GALLERIES BACKLIT 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.

Ashley St, NG3 1JG backlit.org.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 talents.

Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6BE nae.org.uk

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If art is your thing then this city has plenty of studios and exhibition spaces that you should visit in your time here...

BONINGTON GALLERY 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.

Dryden St, NG1 4GG boningtongallery.co.uk

CITY ARTS

LAKESIDE ARTS

From sauerkraut-making workshops to gigs and digital art, City Arts is a four-decadeold collective centred on inclusivity and accessibility, with a base in 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 exhibitions by a range of artists.

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

University Park, NG7 2RD lakesidearts.org.uk

NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY

PRIMARY

SURFACE GALLERY

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.

An artist-led and not-forprofit studio located in an old primary school just off Ilkeston Road. They hire out spaces, have regular exhibitions as well as many artist workshops dedicated to different themes.

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

Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB nottinghamcontemporary.org

STATION ROAD BEESTON 700 RECLINER SEATS ! 8 LICENSED SCREENS A WARM WELCOME!

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IMMERSE YOURSELF

)*$%+,%-,%#,.+%%-,#& /),2.,4.&)(3=1)&>4(31&%&6? www.ArcCinema.co.uk

ALSO AT THE BYRO HUCKNA N, LL

Giant Screen 4K Laser Projection Immersive Audio

BEST OF NOTTS: CINEMAS BROADWAY 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 £5 tickets for under-25s for all shows. Check out the Paul Smith seats and the top-notch bar.

Broad St, NG1 3AL broadway.org.uk

CINEWORLD

SAVOY

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

Burton St, NG1 4DB cineworld.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: ACTIVITIES

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When it’s time to give Netflix or Amazon Prime a break, go and check out a film on the big screen at one of these local cinemas...

If you’re on a date, this Art Deco 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 a student card.

Derby Road, NG7 1QN savoyonline.co.uk

THE ARC The newest addition to Nottingham's silver screen scene, The Arc opened earlier this year as part of the council’s development plans for Beeston town centre. With eight screens, luxury reclining leather seats and all the latest tech, this is a proper posh cinema experience.

Station Rd, NG9 2WJ beeston.arccinema.co.uk

After you’ve fully settled into the city and you’re bored of drinking yourself silly, you might want to find a few new ways to amuse yourself. Here’s some things that are a bit different…

CIRCUS HUB

ICE SKATING

LOST CITY 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.

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 - and it was once the old skating ground of the legendary Torvill and Dean!

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

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

The Cornerhouse, NG1 4DB lostcityadventuregolf.com

NOTTINGHAM BOWL All that time spent on Wii Sports during your youth will finally come in handy.

As students, you can bag a single bowl for about a fiver or splash just over a tenner on three rounds of bowling - and don’t forget to take full advantage of the arcade machines and hot dogs when you’re done.

Belward St, NG1 1JZ nottinghambowl.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: LIVE MUSIC

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Live music is back and (hopefully) here to stay, and we’re definitely not short of places to catch tunes in their purest form here in Notts. Here are some of the best places you’ll find it...

JAMCAFE

J.T. SOAR

METRONOME

MOTORPOINT ARENA

Aside from serving some hard to find craft beers, this tiny Hockley venue delivers a cracking live set or two from some of Hoodtown’s best-loved 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.

In a former life, J. T. Soar was a fruit and vegetable warehouse. But gone are the days of apples, pears and cauliflowers running the shop.

This tiny Sneinton Market venue is now one of the best DIY music and arts spaces the city has to offer.

This is one of the newest venues to hit the streets of Notts. It’s home to all things that deserve a stage - music, moving images, video games, live performances and the spoken word. Not only can you catch local talent, but you can see national and international artists too.

The behemoth venue where all the truly massive acts go.

In the past Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Foo Fighters, The Prodigy and many, many more have played here.

It’s also home to regular Nottingham Panthers ice hockey matches.

Heathcoat St, NG1 3AA jamcafe.info

Aberdeen St, NG3 2DG facebook.com/JTSoar

PEGGY’S SKYLIGHT

RESCUE ROOMS

ROCK CITY

ROUGH TRADE

Like jazz? Pop on your snazziest frock and fedoras and get yourself to Peggy’s, which will give you all those La La Land vibes. With both up and coming and established musicians playing, there’s always something deliciously exciting and smooth to tap your toes to.

For intimate gigs that still give you a bit of elbow room, this venue comes to the rescue. Big names such as The Killers, Ellie Goulding and Chase & Status have all rocked the stage. Grab one of their signature cocktails and enjoy.

This legendary venue is revered around the country and the world for hosting iconic sets from huge bands and artists, such as David Bowie, Nirvana, Amy Winehouse and countless others. You can’t live in Notts and not visit at least once.

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.

George St, NG1 3BH peggysskylight.co.uk

Goldsmith St, NG1 5LB rescuerooms.com

Talbot St, NG1 5GG rockcity.co.uk

Broad St, NG1 3AJ roughtrade.com

Huntingdon St, NG1 1AP metronome.uk.com

Bolero Square, NG1 1LA motorpointarenanottingham.com

BEST OF NOTTS: HAIRDRESSERS TWENTY EIGHT BARBERS It might be styled as a barbers, but this place caters for all. Between Monday and Wednesday they offer a student discount, but on Saturdays there’s a resident DJ bringing a little funk to your experience. LGBTQ+ friendly.

Pelham St, NG1 2EG twentyeight.uk.com

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Lockdown taught us that we were all more attached to our hairdressers than we thought. Here’s where to nab a snazzy fresh trim for when you start looking a little raggedy by mid-semester...

J’ADORE HAIR AND BEAUTY

EVERYMAN BARBERS

XPRESSION HAIR & BEAUTY

Professional styling set in a delicate white and floral aesthetic. Private curtained-off cutting area, complimentary refreshments, free WiFi and hijabi friendly. Dry cut from £20 and a fringe trim for just a fiver! Student discount available too.

Strictly for blokes and strictly no appointments – walk-ins only. This place is plush and although you pay a little extra (£25 for a cut and wash) they have a range of computer games to keep you entertained while you’re waiting, and a fridge full of free beer.

Located in the centre of town, this frankly huge emporium is the place to go for black hair products, advice and styling (plus make-up if you’re wanting a little extra glam). With years of experience in Afro Caribbean hair, you’re in good hands here.

Talbot St, NG1 5GL jadorehairbeauty.co.uk

Victoria St, NG1 2EW everymanbarbers.co.uk

ARETE

DECKCHAIR

THE DANDY GENT

Fancy male grooming specialists. For these fellas, barbering is more than just a job. The name comes from Ancient Greek, so they’re more than a little philosophical and want to encourage their customers to open up about their mental health in a safe space.

Deckchair is dedicated to preserving its namesake – it’s kitted out with deckchair seating and it’s even got a jukebox. While they specialise in giving the guys a good cut and shave, they’re happy to give the gals some attention, too.

Located on the first floor of Hopkinson, Nottingham’s mecca of vintage shopping, you can catch yourself a bargain as well as a new look at £15 for a cut and style. Enjoy the vintage décor and say hi to Rolo, the resident dog.

Heathcoat St, NG1 3AG aretemens.co.uk

Derby Road, NG1 5FD deckchairbarbering.co.uk

Station St, NG2 3AJ thedandygent.nearcut.com

Upper Parliament St, NG1 6LF

DK NOTTS BARBERS Male-only black barbers serving up an immaculate shop with a clean cut to match. No more dodgy fades – book in a private appointment for a quality trim. Adult cut from £20.

Alfreton Road, Ng7 3qy dknottsbarbers.com

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BEST OF NOTTS: FOOD 31K

ANNIE’S BURGER SHACK

ALTO

BARESCA

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.

For a boujee evening out, Alto has everything you need for a classy yet affordable time. Tuck into one of their handmade pizzas, delectable small plates or snazzy salads.

They do a range of classic and remixed cocktails – their electric blue iced tea is a must-try. Make sure you’re suited and booted as Pot Noodle stained attire don’t fly.

Bringing Barcelona to Byard Lane, Baresca is all about those tapas, nibbly bits that will give you sunny holidays in Spain vibes. Baby chorizo, mackerel escabeche and crispy fried squid all feature, but if you’re veggie or vegan there’s plenty for you too. Get yourself a big glass of one of their Spanish wines and you’re golden.

Broadway, NG1 1PR anniesburgershack.com

Forman St, NG1 4DB altonottingham.co.uk

Byard Lane, NG1 2GJ barescatapas.co.uk

Goose Gate, NG1 1FE 31knotts.com

BUNK Six wings and fries for £4.50. We repeat: six wings and fries for £4.50. Bunk is renowned for its top quality deals and even better quality chicken. Don’t worry veggies and vegans, they do Quorn and tofu nuggets for you too.

Various venues bunkwings.com

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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…

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 scrumptious smoothies.

Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN cleancutkitchen.co.uk

DAS KINO

DOUGHNOTTS

Das Kino is a super 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 Goat Simulator, which is topped with goat’s cheese, butternut squash and honey.

Other shiners include the tomato tikka-based Slumdog Millionaire and garlicky delight Billy Madison.

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.

Fletcher Gate, NG1 2FZ das-kino.co.uk

King St, NG1 2AS twitter.com/Doughnotts

BEST OF NOTTS: FOOD GEORGE’S Here in Nottingham, we’re about as inland as you can get. But you wouldn’t know it if you eat here. Forget your typical cod and taters from the local chippy, George’s is on another level altogether.

Sneak in some of the cocktails from their menu and pretty soon you might actually believe you’re by the seaside.

Queen St, NG1 2BL

georgesgreatbritishkitchen.co.uk

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KUSHI-YA 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.

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

OSCAR AND ROSIE’S

PIEMINISTER

Olly, an ex-local-solicitorturned-entrepreneur founded Oscar and Rosie’s in 2013, after growing tired of lacklustre pizza with “plasticlike 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.

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 less than a tenner. Bargain.

Stoney St, NG1 1LP oscarandrosies.com

Long Row, NG1 6JB pieminister.co.uk

THE PUDDING PANTRY

THE CIRCLE EATERY

TOUGH MARY’S BAKEHOUSE

Your quest for the best pancakes and milkshakes ends here. With dishes such as their blackberry pavlova, which includes shards of charcoal meringue, they’re guaranteed to change your pudding game forever.

They also do a crackin’ brunch and are open late for pancakes and prosecco at the weekend.

A hidden gem in Beeston that is super student friendly.

Featuring a traditional pizza oven transported all the way from Naples, it promises the best authentic Neapolitan pizzas in Nottingham - and saves you the trek into town to get one! Other specialities include their monstrous halloumi gyros and divine milkshakes.

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.

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 twenty-odd years, and are definitely a local institution.

Trinity Square, NG1 4AF thepuddingpantry.co.uk

High Road, NG9 2LF thecircleeatery.co.uk

Derby Road, NG1 5FD toughmarysbakehouse.co.uk

Derby Road, NG1 5BB warsawdiner.com

WARSAW DINER

BEST OF NOTTS: VEGAN FOOD THE V SPOT

CROCUS CAFE

HERBIVORE PLANTBASED FOODS

MOCKY-D

Nottingham’s only 100% vegan supermarket offers a world of conscience-pleasing delights including wholefood, gluten free, and certified organic products, as well as cruelty-free cosmetics and toiletries, non-leather shoes and more. Located just a short bus hop from town in the vibey and independent charity shop mecca that is Sherwood.

Plonked in the heart of UoN’s student centre, Lenton, this not-for-profit cafe is run entirely by volunteers helping to keep prices lower than the city’s cave system.

For simple dishes done right, have a croc at this one.

Offering takeaway options and regularly rocking up to events like Sneinton Vegan Market, Herbivore provide only the freshest handmade grub. From sushi burritos to tofu rolls, this is perfect for fans of Japanese cuisine - and it’s only a Facebook message away…

With their little food van often popping up in Sneinton Avenues or Clifton Street, you’re gonna want to catch Mocky-D when you can. With everything from mouthwatering cheezeburgers to all-day breakfast meals on offer, these mothers are best et messeh.

v-spot.co.uk Mansfield Road, NG5 2JL

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Fully committed to the vegan cause or just fancy having a crack at something different?

Nottingham is full of great places to get a delicious meatless meal…

crocuscafe.com Lenton Blvd, NG7 2ES

@herbivoreplantbased

facebook.com/mmmockyd

NO.TWELVE

PRICKLY PEAR

THE DICE CUP

13TH ELEMENT

Fancy something a bit fancy?

Things don’t get better than No.Twelve, which was crowned ‘best vegan restaurant in the UK’ last year. With a fully plant-based menu offering delicious dishes like sauerkraut and beetroot bhaji, pan seared mushroom ‘scallops’ and fennel and fig tarts, there’s something for every vegan palate.

Easily considered one of the best vegan ‘strauns in Nottingham, Prickly Pear is a must for the anti-meat lot among us. For top quality tacos, burgers and sandwiches that won’t brutalise your bank account, head on down to Mansfield Road sharpish.

Want to snack on vegan nosh while schooling your mates at Catan? Well now you ca-can!

The Dice Cup, a board game enthusiast’s paradise, recently made its entire menu vegan, meaning you and your pals can enter a whole new world while reducing the impact on your own. How sweet.

Wanna tuck into a bangin’ burger from the comfort of your own crib? 13th Element have got you covered. This talented lot have been making headlines since opening up just before the first lockdown, and they ain’t slowing down any time soon. If you’re lucky, you might catch them at an event or two, too…

no12nottingham.co.uk Wheeler Gate, NG1 2NS

pricklypearcafe.co.uk Mansfield Rd, NG1 3FQ

dicecupcafe.co.uk Mansfield Rd, NG1 3GY

@13thelementburgers

BEST OF NOTTS: INTERNATIONAL FOOD 1212 AFRO-CARIBBEAN The one-stop shop specialising in African and Caribbean food products.

Trying to recreate your grandma’s jollof? Tesco just won’t do. Get all your ingredients here, not to mention some Milo if you fancy a throwback.

Mansfield Road, NG1 3FB 1212foods.com

ASIANA EXPRESS

GOLDENS SHARIF AND SONS

HIGUYS

Oriental mini market which also features a bubble tea café. If you’ve never explored an East Asian supermarket, there’s a hole in your life.

Head on down and maybe you’ll stumble across the new favourite snack you never knew you always needed.

If your mum hasn’t already sent you off to uni with enough frozen tubs of curry to last you to winter, Radford Road is the place to replenish your spice stocks and grab a mango lassi while you’re at it.

It’s not called ‘Little Lahore’ for nothing! Easily accessible via tram.

Bubble tea fanatics will be pleased to find HiGuys, Nottingham’s own exclusive bubble tea shop. With some unique flavours and drinks on the menu (including alcoholic cocktail boba!), you’re in for an unusual taste journey.

Goosegate, NG1 1FF

Radford Road, NG7 5FU

King Street, NG1 2AS

HELLO! VIETNAM

SNEINTON MARKET

A two-in-one Southeast Asian food store and deli located in Lenton which stocks some harder to find items. Bringing working-class Vietnamese street food to Nottingham, it’s something a little different for your Friday night take-out/ weekly food shop.

Every Saturday from 102, the magic of Sneinton Market appears in the plaza at the heart of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter. You’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from Ethiopian cuisine to South Asian dosa to vegan Lebanese food on offer. Simply the best place to be on a weekend in Notts for mouth-watering food and pure vibes.

Derby Road, NG7 1PQ hellovietnam.co.uk

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At university your brain will encounter new experiences, but why not your tastebuds too? We know that food is much more than a 3am Maccies on a night out; it’s community and identity – something Nottingham knows well. Rest assured taste travellers, there’s no need to despair...

Gedling Street, NG1 1DS sneintonmarket.com

STREET FOOD CLUB Shopping centres don’t tend to house a street food section but the top floor of Victoria Centre in Notts is a little different. They host a variety of different local foodie vendors which rotate regularly so there’s always something new to try. When they say ‘Eat Global, Dine Local’, they mean it!

Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN streetfoodclub.co.uk

VICTORIA EASTERN EUROPEAN FOOD Convenience store specialising in Russian, Latvian and Lithuanian products. Worth a visit for their smoked meats and European liquor. Small shops like this are the best for uncovering the bizarre and wacky – in the past they’ve stocked whiskey sold in an AK-47 shaped bottle!

Mansfield Road, NG1 3FR @victorianottingham

BEST OF NOTTS: DRINKS THE ANGEL MICROBREWERY

BOILERMAKER

THE CASTLE

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’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.

Designed by local legend Watson Fothergill – a dude that made the hellaimpressive buildings you can spot around town – The Castle Pub is a great place to relax and soak up one of the most impressive views in town, Nottingham Castle itself. Their pizza is also to die for.

Stoney St, NG1 1LG angelmicrobrewery.com

COCK AND HOOP 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.

High Pavement, NG1 1HE @cockandhoop

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From cocktails to craft beer, our city’s bars and pubs know how to make and serve up a proper tasty beverage. Pay a visit to one of the fine venues on this list, but make sure to drink responsibly kids...

Carlton St, NG1 1NN boilermakerbar.co.uk

THE DRAGON Squished between a greasy takeaway spot and West End Arcade – a haven for the weird and wonderful – sits The Dragon, a favourite of Nottingham locals and home to a weekly Scalextric car racing nights. Yeah, you heard us right.

Long Row, NG1 6JE the-dragon.co.uk

Castle Road, NG1 6AA thecastlenottingham.co.uk

FARADAYS Faradays ain’t bad faranight out (sorry), boasting a delicious range of beers, wines and, most importantly, two-for-one cocktails. All day. Every day.

That’s right. If you fancy a trip out in the sunlight, they also do bottomless brunches.

Pelham St, NG1 2EW craft-pubs.co.uk/faradays

CASTLE ROCK BREWERY They own loads of pubs in the city, including the Canalhouse. They do a fab range of core ales,and also have their ultra special ‘Nottinghamian’ beers named after famous local folk. You can even go on a tour around their factory for £12.

Various venues castlerockbrewery.com

HOCKLEY ARTS CLUB 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.

Carlton St, NG1 1NN thehockleyartsclub.com

BEST OF NOTTS: DRINKS

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ICON BAR AND LOUNGE

JUNKYARD

MALT CROSS

PERCY PICKLEBACKERS

Adorned with murals of Marilyn Monroe, David Bowie and other icons (see what they did there?), this place is easy on the eye. You’ll more than likely become familiar with their ‘4 Shooters for £10’ deal in no time…

Hidden in a street just off the tram tracks, Junkyard will become your go-to haunt if you’re a fan of craft beer.

Their laid-back taproom and shop is perfectly chilled, and nabbing a seat in their backyard is a must in sunnier weather.

Possibly the most beautiful venue in Nottingham’s history. This old Victorian music hall has now been decked with fairy lights to become a cosy, charity-run bar which does top-notch grub too. Make sure not to miss their famous Beer and Carol nights at Chrimbo, too.

A gnarly Americana-infused drinking den that puts the “dive-in!” into dive bar, this cheeky party spot is liquored and loaded for a good time. Home to raucous live band karaoke and retro club nights, as well as high-end fried chicken chiefs Cluck Cluck Bang.

St James’s St, NG1 6FH @iconbarnotts

Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2FZ junkbars.com

St James’s St, NG1 6FG maltcross.com

Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB

PENNY LANE

PEPPER ROCKS

SIX BARREL DRAFTHOUSE

SOUTH BANK CITY

This snazzy bar 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!

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 popcorn.

Six Barrel is a craft beer haven that boasts over sixty different choices. As you’d expect from a watering hole up in Hockley, its marketing is dead cool; the blackboard outside always has a different alcohol-related 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. It’s perfect for spending an afternoon with your mates in, or can even be a stop on a bar crawl if you’re going wild.

Fletcher Gate, NG1 1QQ pennylanebars.com

Pepper St, NG1 2GH pepperrocks.co.uk

Carlton St, NG1 1NN sixbarreldrafthouse.co.uk

Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ southbankcity.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: CAFES 200 DEGREES

THE AVENUES CAFE

BLEND

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 on 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.

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

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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...

Gedling St, NG1 1DS @The-Avenues-Cafe

BSWEET 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, so is suitable for all you vegans and diabetics.

Sneinton Market, NG1 1DW blendnottingham.co.uk

Wheeler Gate, NG1 2NA bsweetdesserts.co.uk

AVO CAFE

BISCUIT AND BREW

CAFE SOBAR

NEON WOLF

Offering the finest handmade tea blends in Notts, Biscuit and Brew is a must-visit hidden gem down Hounds Gate. They’re no nonsense - they don’t waste their time on elaborate packaging or fancy China - they’re all about whipping up a proper tasty, utterly unique brew.

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 aplenty.

A coffee house with a difference. Doubling up as a tattoo parlour, this stylish spot boasts talented artists and talented baristas, making it a one-of-a-kind experience right in the heart of the city centre. Combining Victorian charm with sleek, industrial style, make sure ya get Neon Wolf on ya list.

A recent addition to the student hub of Lenton, this cafe is a must try for avocado fans. They sell coffee from 200 Degrees and stock their beans too, so you can get your caffeine fix at home. If a greasy brekkie just ain’t for you, give this spot a go.

Hounds Gate, NG1 7AB @biscuitandbrewteahouse

Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ @SobarNottingham

Derby Rd, NG1 5AA @neonwolfstudio

Park Street, NG7 1RR @Avocafe.Nutri2Go

BEST OF NOTTS: SHOPPING THE TREAT KITCHEN You’re in for a treat here.

Family business The Treat Kitchen serve up all the gift-ready goodies you can imagine. With a big focus on sustainability they’re also super ethical, supporting ace local charities and boasting a huge vegan range - so you can gorge yourself with a clear conscience.

Victoria Centre, NG1 3QB ttkconfectionery.co.uk

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

WILD CLOTHING

THE CHEESE SHOP

ICE NINE

Nottingham's original vintage clothing shop, this old-school joint is the brainchild of two ambitious fashionistas who once worked at Nottingham’s Paul Smith store. This Broad Street spot has all your stylish looks from the seventies through to the modern day.

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.

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.

Broad St, NG1 3AL wildclothing.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM CITY GUITARS

PMT

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.

Woolpack Lane, NG1 1GA nottinghamcityguitars.com

Huntingdon St, NG1 1AR pmtonline.co.uk/stores

Flying Horse Walk, NG1 2HN cheeseshop-nottingham.co.uk

SNEINTON AVENUES Immerse yourself in the weird and wonderful world of Sneinton Avenues, where you can bag anything from a new terrarium and some vegan chocolate to a retro football shirt and hand-decorated birthday card. And all from a hard-working independent, too.

Sneinton Market, NG1 1DW

Goose Gate, NG1 1FE icenine.co.uk

TWO SEASONS The perfect place for all the surfer dudes and snowboarding vert fiends among us. Stocking the best of Vans, New Balance, Etnies and more, this Lace Market institution is the place to go for the freshest looks and the coolest styles. Right on, dudes.

Fletcher Gate, NG1 2FS twoseasons.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: PARKS

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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...

ATTENBOROUGH RESERVE

ARBORETUM

BEESTON LOCK

HIGHFIELDS PARK

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.

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.

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.

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 icecream and have a walk – you’ll find plenty of opportunities to snap a selfie with the infamous Beasts of UoN. If you venture down towards the West entrance, you’ll even find a hidden waterfall complete with stepping stones.

Barton Lane, NG9 6DY

Waverley St, NG7 4HF

Riverside Rd, NG9 1NR

University Boulevard, NG7 2RD

LENTON REC GROUND

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 for a BBQ if your landlord still hasn’t bought 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. Keep an eye out for the resident peacock too.

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.

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 stuffed-animal-packed hall.

There are a couple of pubs nearby too.

Derby Road, NG7 2DP

Ravenshead, NG15 8NA newsteadabbey.org.uk

Victoria Embankment, NG2 2JY

Wollaton, NG8 2AE wollatonhall.org.uk

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