Frequently Asked Questions
We’re sure you’ve got a whole load of questions about what to expect and how to prepare for university – we hope page this helps to answer most of them, written by students who were in your position just a few years ago. If you’ve got a question that isn’t answered here, feel to get in touch with us at suweekone@nottingham.ac.uk.
Where can I find some more information about my hall of residence?
For anything questions not dealt with here, you can get a feel for your hall by heading over to ’Your Hall’ to see some photos, read a description and get a written welcome from your hall’s WeekOne Representatives (“Reps”).
There is further information about the details of the hall, including room types and typical furnishings, on the University of Nottingham website.
You’ll also be able to ask any questions at all about the hall in person the day you arrive, and Your Reps will be happy to answer.
Do I need a TV license if I bring a television to my room at University?
Yes. The hall’s licence will only cover the common room television, so if you want to watch a personal TV in your room, you need to be responsible for buying the appropriate licence for it.
If you are just using the TV to watch videos or DVDs a licence isn’t necessary, but for use of television channels it definitely is.
There is a service called Freewire that allows you to receive all broadcast channels on your laptop; however, this is still subject to the same licensing laws as a TV
How do I get the Internet in my room?
Information about all of this will be in your room when you arrive so don't stress! There will be an internet cable in your room, along with instructions about setting up the internet on your personal computer or laptop.
You will have to go through a few on-screen scans to ensure your computer is of a suitable level of security protection to be ‘plugged-in’ to the University network. If you’re having problems, you can phone the I.T. Helpline from the phone in your room on 16677 – though for the first few days, the line is generally busy.
There’ll also be I.T. volunteers roaming around halls for the first few weeks to help students with set-up. Note that many points around campus, such as all the libraries, most departmental buildings and some hall bars, offer free wi-fi. You can choose to opt out of the scheme if you don't want to use the internet in your room, and you'll be reimbursed by Nottingham hospitality.
Do I need to bring things like lamps, rugs and shelves to my hall at university?
First and foremost we do strongly recommend your own duvet and pillow as well as sheets – the hall (upon request) can provide duvets and pillows but they are not of good quality.
The only non-fitted furnishings you’ll tend to find other than bedframe and mattress are a chair, lamp a fridge. Many people do bring extra bits and bobs to university to brighten up their bedroom and make it more homely, such as rugs.
(There is a Poster Sale on campus during Freshers Fair!)
As long as you stick to the regulations outlined by your hall (which does not permit fairy lights, candles and a few other bits and bobs), you are free to bring what you want to your room.
We don’t recommend going crazy and transferring your entire life into halls of residence, as each holiday (unless under some special provisions) the rooms have to be completely emptied again.
We do recommend a trip to IKEA for a bedside table, washing basket and maybe another light for the room.
There is further information about the details of typical furnishings on the University of Nottingham website.
Can I bring electrical items like irons and kettles to my bedroom?
Most halls have electrical regulations which limit the amount of wattage you can use in each bedroom for fire and safety reasons. Irons and kettles often exceed the amount specified by these rules.
It is recommended that you use a travel version of appliances with high wattage; travel kettles and irons can be bought easily at electrical retailers. Alternatively, you can use the communal kettles found in the small kitchens of halls.
Are “on-campus” halls better?
This opinion would only come from the fact that some people feel University Park Halls tend to form an overall community rather quicker thanks to shared meals, and there is some truth to the generalisation that people tend to go out more, again perhaps because of the shared mentality that springs from dinners spent together.
However, plenty of off-campus students will tell you that they prefer the independence of self-catered life, and have actually found that fitting in to a tightly-knit group of residents has been easier and far more comfortable than facing the widespread networks of catered halls. There are plenty of thriving social groups outside of catered halls, and there is less of a pack-mentality about the social scene.
There are regular free hopper busses between the off-campus accommodation and campus, so you’ll get to lectures just as quickly as most on-campus students. Rest assured that the vast majority of people never look back on their hall with any regret – everyone grows to love them like a home.
How do I get to my lectures if my hall is on a different campus?
The university runs a free bus service known as the ‘Hopper Bus’ which runs from the main University Campus to the Jubilee Business Campus all day. Another Hopper Bus also has free shuttle services which run from University Park Campus to St. Peter’s Court and to Sutton Bonington. Getting around Nottingham is fairly easy as you’ll soon learn when you get here!
I don’t live in a hall, does this mean I can’t get tickets to WeekOne Events?
No! There are three lovely Regional Students Association reps (<<check out their profiles!>>) who will make sure that new students who are not in halls at all enjoy WeekOne as much as everyone else. You will hear details of how to get tickets for each event from them. The Facebook group for RSA is here
(Please note, though, that WeekOne wristbands and all WeekOne events are strictly limited to students who are either a resident in a hall [including returners], or a first year student at Nottingham not living in halls).
I’ve heard that Nottingham city has a reputation for crime, how true is this? Am I coming to a really dangerous University?
Firstly, if you haven’t visited already, halls are safe, enclosed buildings. On-campus halls sit within the four walls of the campus (which has three guarded entrances), and contain individual blocks which require a combination code, or otherwise swipe-and-entry with your University Card.
Off-campus halls are situated on their own self-contained grounds such as Broadgate Park which are gated communities that require University Cards for swipe-and-enter after dark. All halls have a night porter and a yellow phone outside with which to dial University Security (on 13013) which operates 24 hours a day. Halls of residence are safe places to live – find more about the University’s Security network.
In the first weeks and months, police visit halls to provide free ‘Smartwater’ for all your valuables – a liquid that is wiped onto your valuables and electronically contains your postcode, deterring thieves.
This, of course, is all comforting but doesn’t mean theft from rooms on campus is impossible. It is strongly recommended that anybody with a ground floor rooms keeps their curtains and window closed when not in the room. Additionally, each room in halls comes with a key – students are expected to use it.
As for the wider community and the student village - ‘Shottingham’, as the phrase goes, is simply not warranted. Nottingham does have crime like any other city, and like any other university city, the student village is an easy target. And like in any city, you can reduce your own vulnerability by being safe, vigilant and looking after your possessions.
For living in houses, it’s the usual oversights that students are lazy with (leaving the front or back door unlocked, or windows open). Ways of avoiding yourself from being a target soon become obvious, such as not leaving the cardboard boxes for 50-inch plasma screen televisions next to the wheelie bin.
The police endlessly bombard students living in the local town about how to stay safe, because most of the time it comes down not being careful. Altogether though, if it was that bad, why would Nottingham still be one of the most popular universities in the country?
In relation to guncrime specifically: media reports have fed off one exaggerated claim after another, and the city has become an easy - but unfair - example to peddle. The number of shootings in Nottingham recently fell by 74%. High profile arrests, tougher sentencing, concerted campaigns to tackle the issue and greater deterrents are thought to have combined to create the massive reduction.
According to Home Office figures, the number of recorded homicides per head of population in this region was lower than nine other areas of the United Kingdom, including areas perceived as 'quiet' such as Cumbria and Humberside.
I don’t like drinking/clubbing/dancing.
First of all, take note of the fact that this is in the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section. You are guaranteed to be surprised by the number of people in your position.
The idea that going out at night is compulsory at University is absurd.
The typical perception of Freshers Weeks around the country is certainly one surrounded with a focus on alcohol and nightlife, but this, of course, is only going to be one side of the week’s activities.
Moreover, it’s not something to be intimidated about.
Indeed, as well as all our other daytime and alternative nighttime activities, there are a number of people who experience the university nightlife during WeekOne without drinking, and the majority of new students take at least “one night off” during the week to stay in halls and relax.
The main two things to remember are, far from worrying about how you might not fit in, you can always be sure that a) your WeekOne Reps are there to listen to you and to help you – they have been through rigorous training on ensuring the wellbeing of everyone and being sensitive to different circumstances, so that absolutely no-one is left out of enjoying WeekOne – and b) there will be a tonne of other students in your exact same position
.
If you do feel like you need to talk somebody besides your WeekOne Reps, Nightline is an anonymous service run by the University where you can chat about absolutely anything you like from Nightline (lines open 8pm).
I have a disability which might make it difficult for me to attend events, does this mean I can’t be involved in WeekOne?
No! If you contact us, your hall or let your reps know what kind of events you might like to attend, we can make the necessary arrangements to ensure that everybody gets an opportunity to be involved in WeekOne activities.
Please note that Nottingham University Students’ Union also has an extremely strong set of support networks, including, amongst others, the Disabled Students’ Network.
You can visit the page at su.nottingham.ac.uk/disabilityaction or email the Disability Officer (who’s also a student) at sudisabledofficer@nottingham.ac.uk.
What other forms of support are there for me?
On top of the WeekOne Reps that are personal to your hall and who you can talk to about anything (and WeekOne Exec above them), you can also turn to:
- Hall Management and the Night Porters (at reception – for questions about accommodation)
- The I.T team (16677 from internal phones) and the I.T. volunteers; the receptionists and staff at your department to help you with starting on your course
- The confidential listening service Nightline: available on 01159 514 985; the local police; 24-hour University Security (13013 from internal phones)
- All of your fellow hallmates, there are a number of channels as part of the Students’ Union and wider University to carry you forward from WeekOne into a happy and healthy year where you can ensure your voice is heard and your views are represented.
Head over to ’Welfare’ to find out more.
How do I get my Subsidiary Modules (“subsids”) sorted?
In First Year, many of the arts (including humanities) and social science courses encourage you to take modules in different subjects.
If your course allows you to do this, make sure you check out the Student Guide for Module Enrolment for all the information.
My timetable is confusing me! What do I need to do?
Your timetable can be found online, but it’s not personal to you and includes a number of classes that you may not need to attend.
Don’t worry if you can’t suss it out, it’s pretty confusing and you’ll receive a personal one in WeekOne! Additionally, you’re unlikely to know all the modules you’re taking until you register.
Wait until you are arrive, and everything will be explained once you register and during your first lectures. Most departments write to you about a week or two beforehand telling you where to register.
If for any reason you don't get one then just pop along to your department on the first day and ask what you need to be doing. They will be happy to help.
Do I need to worry about getting my University e-mail account beforehand?
Not really. It’s possible to register in advance, but we really wouldn't worry about it, it gets done automatically for you once you arrive and register.
Why are there lectures in WeekOne, doesn’t this get in the way?
Although there are a few introductory lectures in the first week, lectures don’t start properly until the Thursday of WeekOne. It really doesn’t infringe on the social side, and gives you the opportunity to meet people on your course much earlier.
We strongly recommend you attend any introductory lectures/talks in the first week.. They usually include an introduction to the department or school, its associated societies (if any) and the structure of the course.
When do we find out what fancy dress themes/club nights we’re doing?
The full timetable for Nighttime Events, along with their themes, can be found at ‘Calendar’ within Events. Each hall has its own calendar of nighttime events, and halls attend parties as one big group.
Remember: if you don't already have the relevant fancy dress then we have a Fancy Dress Sale throughout the week, which is heavily subsidised.
What are the clubs like about fancy dress?
We've briefed all the staff and bouncers, and they know what to expect with a fancy dress student night. The only thing that’s going to stop you from getting into the clubs is your own behaviour!
Where do I get tickets for Week One Events?
Tickets for all events are sold day-by-day by your WeekOne Reps, who will be sat at a permanent ‘post’ in your halls of residence throughout the week – hence tickets are very easy to get hold of.
Tickets will go on sale in the mornings at roughly midday. It couldn’t be easier. If you are a Medic then there will be special reps selling tickets at the QMC to make sure you don’t miss out.
What if my lectures/inductions clash with Daytime Events
Unfortunately some lectures that commence towards the end of the week will inevitably clash with daytime activities, but for the majority of subjects the 'lectures' in the first week will just be gentle introductory lectures and won't exceed an hour or two a day.
We've planned round it as best we can and you really shouldn't miss too much!
How much money will I spend in WeekOne?
The first week at university is a notoriously expensive time, but your expenditure need not be phenomenal if you are sensible about how many clubs and societies you join, how much you drink, and what you buy.
Typical costs of club nights during WeekOne (Monday to Friday) are £4-6 per ticket. The daytime events are cheaper, averaging about £1-3. In local clubs and bars you can expect to pay around £1.80 for a spirit and mixer and £1 for non-alcoholic drinks. These figures aren’t official, but they at least give you some idea!
The final WeekOne Party is more expensive at £25 as it provides the massive culmination of the week, with famous bands and DJs playing live. These acts won’t be revealed until nearer the time but you can be assured it’s an amazing line-up!
The best thing about WeekOne at Nottingham is that there is no ‘one off’ financial commitment, you can chose which nights and activities appeal to you and buy tickets for those events… there is no pressure to go to everything!
What do postgraduate students do during WeekOne?
Please see our Postgraduate Introduction
Aagh, there’s loads of things like ‘Reps’ and ‘Exec’ and ‘JCR’ and ‘Karni’ being floated around, what means what?
This will all come clear to you in the first few days and it’s not necessary for you to know what the structure is beforehand, but if you would like an overview:
- S.U. (short for “Students’ Union”)
The parent body of everything else below, including all of WeekOne
- WeekOne Rep (short for “Representative”)
These are students who have been living in your hall throughout the past year and were elected by popular vote to show you a good time throughout WeekOne – they were the most loved students from the year before you and know what having a good time is all about!
They can always be found in hall throughout the day, selling tickets, asking questions, solving problems and being generally awesome. At night, they lead from the front, taking you to the best club nights and staying until the music stops. This is THE most coveted job in university, make the most of them!
- Karni (short for “Karnival”)
Once the smoke clears from WeekOne, Karni step into the breach. Karni are a ‘rag’ organisation that arrange a huge range of events and acitivites to raise money for charity, from skydiving to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro their infamous weekly Rag Raids.
Each hall has it’s own dedicated Karni Reps (with bright red tops) who will be at dinner following WeekOne, keen to get you involved.
- JCR (short for “Junior Common Room [Committee])
Almost every university hall in the country has a JCR, and it’s the committee of students within the hall who sustain the wellbeing and enjoyment of student life in halls.
Each hall JCR has a budget for the year with which to get together sports teams, arrange parties and events for the hall, as well as hoodies, hall photos, even trips abroad for the hall – and everything in between.
They will truly shape the character of the hall – and the best bit is, you’ve got the chance to get involved! Elections for the 2011-12 JCR Committee for your own hall will take place in October, so keep an eye out.
- WeekOne Exec (short for “Executive”)
The nine WeekOne Reps of 2010-11 that have gone on to get elected to run the whole of Freshers Week this year. ‘Nuff said.
What societies are there at Nottingham?
The whole list of societies at Nottingham is here.
As you can see there are groups for most subjects, hobbies, sports, nationalities, religious denominations and political alignments.
What do I actually do on my first day when I arrive at University?
Whatever you want to do! You can arrive at your hall from 10am on Sunday 25th September (unless prior arrangements have been made). Once you arrive in Nottingham and have found your hall of residence you’ll be greeted by your WeekOne Reps, as well as a tonne of other future friends unloading all their own suitcases (plus associated parents!)
Someone will be able to usher you into your new room where you will be given your key, some hall regulations and University documentation, your WeekOne wristband and any extra information you need. What you do then is up to you-- you can unpack, have a wander, have some lunch with your parents, make a shopping list for Ikea...
Whatever you feel like! New students tend to gather in the Hall bar throughout the day and start to meet the people they’ll be spending the year with. Sometime in the late afternoon or early evening you will be taken to the Sports Hall by your obliging WeekOne reps, where you’ll be given a dynamic and highly exciting welcome from the Student’s Union.
Then, the first evening of WeekOne (that Sunday night) is spent in halls, giving you a chance to get to know some people and settle in before your busy week begins!
Do make sure that in the week you do three important things: register for the University, register for the Medical Centre, and head down to Freshers Fair.
When do my lectures start?
Most courses will start lectures on the first Thursday of term (Thursday 29th September this year). Some courses like Medicine, however, tend to start earlier. Departments should contact you directly about your timetable in these cases.
My lectures start in WeekOne, how will I get tickets for events if I am away from hall all day?
If you are on a course which requires you to attend lectures during WeekOne, then don’t worry, you can still get involved!
If you just let your reps know at the start of the week that you aren’t going to be around to buy tickets at particular times. They will do everything in their power to make sure you have the opportunities everyone else gets.
If I forget to bring something is there a shop on campus?
Forgotten something? Don’t panic! There are Students’ Union shops on all the campuses. The shop sells basic amenities like milk, tea, phone cards, toothbrushes, shampoo, toiletries and stationary.
Alternatively, from University Park the town of Beeston is about an 8-10 minute walk from the West Entrance. You can find lots of shops here as well as a fairly big Tescos.
What’s the nightlife like at Nottingham?
Nottingham enjoys a fantastically diverse and exciting nightlife, and there’s something here to suit every taste.
Clubs range from enormous, student-only venues such as Ocean, to smaller, more intimate clubs that are great for acoustic live music.
There is something in Nottingham to suit every music taste, with nights ranging from pure cheese to drum n’ bass, electronic or dubstep, even swing and rock n’ roll. The venue Stealth draws in some of the biggest names in DJing from around the country.
If live music is more your thing, Nottingham is home to the legendary Rock City-- a popular venue on many national tours.
For larger gigs the National Ice Arena is perfect, playing host to many bands and artists every year.
The bar scene in Nottingham is unrivalled. A taxi driver once told us that you could start going out every night in central Nottingham from the start of WeekOne and you wouldn’t have to go to the same bar twice until late December.
That’s a lot of bars! We’re not suggesting that you try it, put it gives you an idea of Nottingham’s busy social scene.
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If there is anything else you want to know, big or small, then drop us an e mail at suweekone@nottingham.ac.uk