KEEP ON MOVING

words: 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 the 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 different ways to get started, we’ve done a run down on what’s going on where:

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

University of Nottingham was named Britain’s top Team Sport University in 2020 (ranked Number 1 in the UK by British Universities & Colleges Sport - BUCS) and there's a reason why they have sat in the top ten for over thirty years! UoN has more sports clubs than any other university so there’s something for everyone, from gaelic football to mixed martial arts. Teams compete in the BUCS 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. If playing isn't your thing, Nottingham are renowned for bringing the colour and noise to games through their supporters, so keep an eye out for the fixtures and make sure to wear something Green or Gold!

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 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 Moves

NTU Moves is a brand new app which allows you to track your moves and claim rewards. Students and staff members are able to start earning points by downloading the NTU Moves app from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. Your points can be used to purchase NTU merchandise, hot drinks, and other offers from the university’s outlets.

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.

Also, check if your landlord is accredited under the council-approved Unipol Code. This scheme means that the property meets a certain standard.

View student houses

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.

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. Security features - like secure doors and check windows are double glazed. Fixtures and furnishings - ask what’s included and whether you can put up your own decorations.

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 - will you need to buy a permit for your road?

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.

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.

Getting ready to rent 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.

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

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!

LET’S GET POLITICAL

words: Frieda Wignall and Gemma Cockrell 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 King Street and Queen 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.

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 the Newark constituency (NTU’s Brackenhurst campus) is represented by Conservative Robert Jenrick.

We are a diverse, united and strong community and a city that has a lot to offer everyone from all walks of life

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.

Elected in 2019, Nadia Whittome is the country’s youngest MP 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.” Fancy a spot in the limelight yourself? Campus politics offers several avenues for scratching a political itch, whether it's via the standard societies, the non-party affiliated societies, or by standing in the Students’ Union elections. You’re bound to find at least one person you agree with – and probably plenty to disagree with!

“Definitely go to society events!” encourages Ella Grech-Cini, President of the UoN Politics Society. “There are lots of political societies, depending where you are on the political spectrum.” Sofia Bernhardt, President of the NTU Politics and International Relations Society, echoes Ella’s sentiment when it comes to joining societies: “It’s the first thing you should do. They can help you to meet other people who are interested in politics.”

Ella also recommends reading local magazines and utilising social media if you want to find out more about the political scene in Nottingham. “UoN’s student magazine, Impact, is written by and aimed at students, and they are really good at reporting on local news. LeftLion is another great resource, and Twitter is good for following local politicians and activists to keep up-to-date.”

If you are looking for work experience opportunities, Sofia recommends volunteering for a local MP, something that she has previously done herself. “I think it’s such a good entry into the political world, you learn so much and meet new people,” she explains.

For those searching for something a little more grassroots, check out the Nottingham branch of Citizens UK, an alliance of faith communities, unions, charities and community groups. Current projects in 2022 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!