10 minute read
STUDENTS WHO STAYED
Phoebe Stafford Creative Engagement Coordinator at Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature BA French and English (Class of 2020) University of Nottingham
I studied French and English at UoN, which I really liked. It was a varied course, and in my third year I spent time working abroad in both Paris and Nice, which was a great experience and set me up well for life post-uni. Back in Nottingham, I enjoyed spending time in the city with friends and getting involved with societies, particularly STAR, which coordinates weekly English classes for refugees in the local area. Nottingham has a great creative scene, with some brilliant independent cinemas, galleries, museums, and bars, and I’ve loved exploring these more since graduating. There’s also a really strong sense of community here, and there are amazing groups all across the city that regularly host community workshops, performances, exhibitions, and more. After finishing uni, I took part in the UoN Creative Pathways scheme and interned at Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature for six months, where I assisted on project management, marketing, and administration. Over a year on, I’m still there, and now work in creative engagement, coordinating the creative events programme at City of Lit!
Frieda Wignall Junior Programmes Officer at Climate Charity Ashden Liberal Arts (Class of 2021) University of Nottingham
Going into university, I had next to no idea about what I wanted to do with my life and was practically allergic to the word 'career'. Liberal Arts was the ideal course, because it gave me choice and freedom to explore all my interests. I took modules on everything from environmental philosophy to South Asian history. Studying in my hometown while seeing other students experience my city with fresh eyes made me look at it differently too and, unexpectedly, I found a new affection for Notts. I'd encourage Freshers to venture beyond the city centre and the student bubble by getting involved in community volunteering - that's where you'll meet the people who pack this city with such character. Now I work for a climate charity and help support councils across the UK to do better tackling the climate crisis at a local level. Flexible working means I get to stay rooted in Nottingham despite the organisation being based in London. And, though I'm a bit biased, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else; I'd miss Nottingham's unique buzz, the drama of local politics, and the convenience of the tram (seriously, public transport anywhere else sucks in comparison).
Claire Miller Web & Digital Content Officer at Nottingham Trent University MA Creative Writing (Class of 2020) University of Nottingham
I felt totally lost after completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Derby, and floated around miserably in the world of work for a while. But I soon realised that I wasn’t done with academia. Applying to the University of Nottingham was a big leap of faith; I hoped that moving to Nottingham held the answers I was looking for. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I was presented with so many opportunities beyond honing my writing – from the many welcoming communities and societies to join, to the endless events at both universities and in the city – and this time around I threw myself into everything. I learned to code, went to poetry open mic nights, was nominated as Editor of UoN’s Creative Writing Society magazine, went to parties, worked part-time waitressing in the bustling city, and became obsessed with Nottingham’s unrivalled indie food scene. I began to flourish, gaining confidence in my capabilities, and it felt like Nottingham brought that out of me. So I stayed! Now I work in NTU’s Web team, improving the university’s web content to help persuade others to study here. It feels like everything has come full circle.
Lauren McGaun Freelance Journalist at BBC Radio Nottingham BA Politics and American Studies (Class of 2022) University of Nottingham
Journalism is something I’ve always been passionate about and Nottingham has been a great base to develop this interest. Over the past three years of my Politics and American Studies BA, I’ve taken an active role in the uni’s media societies including Impact Magazine and URN. The friends I’ve met, the confidence it’s given me and the skills I’ve learnt have been huge assets. So, when my degree came to an end in May, I didn’t want it all to end. Thankfully my time at Nottingham meant I completed two weeks of work experience at BBC Radio Nottingham. This has led to regular freelance shifts there, as well as doing some shifts nearby at BBC Radio Lincoln, meaning I’ll be living and working in Nottingham. In an industry that can often feel inaccessible to make a living from, it’s amazing that I can learn my trade in a city I’ve spent the last three years in. The city’s location is also great for commuting as I’m originally from Leeds and have some work experience lined up in London, so I have easy access to both locations. Some of my other friends have also decided to stay, so I’m excited to spend time with them and enjoy my time in Nottingham study-free!
Emily Gill Social Media Manager at Nottingham Trent University BA Print Journalism (Class of 2015) Nottingham Trent University
I studied Journalism at Nottingham Trent University, graduating in 2015 (which seems a lifetime ago now!). I grew up in Nottingham and loved it so much that I didn’t want to leave to study, nor when I graduated. I had the time of my life at NTU and made some amazing friends and connections – in fact, I met my best friend while at university, and she ended up as the maid of honour at my wedding! Nottingham has a bit of everything and is perfectly compact, with just the right mix of big chains alongside thriving independents. Some of my favourite parts include the beautiful green spaces, quirky bars, and amazing charity shops. University is a great opportunity to fall in love with a new home, and I am so jealous of all the new students who get to experience Nottingham for the very first time – you’re in for a treat! Nowadays I work as a Social Media Manager for Nottingham Trent University, which is great because I actually get paid to showcase all the amazing parts of Nottingham and being a student here.
Damien Ebanks Videographer at Ebanks Media BA Art and Design Media Practice (Class of 2016), MA Documentary Journalism (Class of 2021) Nottingham Trent University
After years of working in bars and clubs, I decided to pursue a passion of mine - filmmaking. So I turned to the Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies (part of Nottingham Trent University) to do a Foundation Degree in TV and Film Production Technology. I loved it. I made many types of films, from documentaries to corporate videos, and worked with a variety of different people and companies in Nottingham. I then topped it up to a full degree at NTU and, with a decent portfolio under my belt, I swiftly got a TV job in London. Four years later, I decided to become a freelance videographer, moving back to Nottingham to do an MA in Documentary Journalism. I managed to find clients, study, and make documentaries about subjects that I’m genuinely interested in. Being so central in the country makes it easy to get to clients - whether they are up north or down south, it rarely takes more than a few hours to reach them. Nottingham is such a vibrant place, you can find whatever you want here. It’s hard to think that I’d ever move back to London.
Tom Dewsbury Journalist, BBC Radio Nottingham Law LLB (Class of 2021), MA Broadcast Journalism (Class of 2022) Nottingham Trent University
I originally came to Nottingham to study law, but what I really enjoyed was being part of NTU’s student radio station, Fly Live (or Fly FM, as it was then). I’d done radio before at home, but working alongside people on the Broadcast Journalism course showed me that messing around in a radio studio can actually become a job. So when I got the law degree finished, I knew I’d move over the street to the Centre for Broadcasting and Journalism. At this point, I’d already managed to stumble into working weekends at BBC Radio Nottingham, producing their Saturday breakfast show - and as I began studying MA Broadcast Journalism later in the year, I was able to bring the skills I learned there to my degree, and vice versa. Nottingham is a great place to do this kind of job: there are so many different and interesting people and organisations, and the city is vibrant and surrounded by towns where there’s always something happening too.
HERE TO HELP
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, and 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
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, and an online email service for those living away from university or who feel more comfortable communicating online. University of Nottingham
Counselling Service
The University of Nottingham Counselling Service provides a yearround service for all students. They offer a range of services including groups and workshops, self-help resources and individual counselling. The professionally-qualified counsellors can offer help with personal and psychological problems.
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
There are loads of support services available outside of both universities too. Here are just a few on offer in Notts: Base 51 - Face-to-face counselling and drop-in service - base51.org KOOTH Online - Text-based counselling service - kooth.com Change Grow Live - Drug and alcohol support - changegrowlive.org
Student Support and Wellbeing Team
The Student Support and Wellbeing Team work alongside personal tutors, supervisors, and other university services to provide practical advice and emotional support to students on a wide range of issues. There is a dedicated team in each faculty and on every campus to help students to find the right services to best meet their needs, within both the university and within the local community.
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.
Nightline
Nightline is a confidential listening service run entirely by student volunteers. Their traditional call service is available from 7pm to 8am during term time 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.
