How to navigate freshers at Nottingham Trent University
Freshers week has started and runs for 10 days with a programme of more than 20 events.
NTU has a lot of opportunities to get involved in alongside your studies where you can meet people and try new things.
Here are a few tips and advice from your Students’ Union Vice President for Communities and Welfare on what to do during your first few weeks at university.
Societies and sports clubs
There are over 120 societies at NTU, covering a wide range of interests and communities.
Societies put on regular socials for their members to meet up with others and have fun celebrating their specific interests.
The university is also recognised for its sports clubs with more than 60 to choose from.
Many of the NTU sports clubs take part in national competitions and leagues with other universities and have won these titles.
If you’re a complete beginner to a sport, you can join a group and develop a new skill as many clubs welcome people of all abilities.
If you want to find out more information about a society or sports club (and grab some freebies), head to the freshers fairs on Monday (September 16) at Clifton, Tuesday at Brackenhurst, and Wednesday (sports) and Thursday (societies) at City campus.
Olivia Brooks, NTSU VP Communities and Welfare, said: “Try and build a new community by checking out the taster sessions for sports and societies in your first couple of weeks.”
Events
Ocean Beach Party – Tuesday 17th September
Ocean is a very popular nightclub amongst NTU students and it is known for its fancy dress.
Societies and sports clubs head to Ocean every Wednesday with an outfit theme and a bar crawl beforehand.
Make sure to bring any fancy dress items you own and you can get costumes from Luvyababes in the Victoria Centre which gives a 10% discount to students.
The beach party in freshers week is the perfect opportunity to experience this club night early and dance the night away to popular and throwback music.
Trent Army at Rock City – Sunday 15th September
Rock City is one of Nottingham’s most famous clubs and holds its own student night for NTU every Thursday.
The club has three rooms and 2-for-1 drinks on student nights.
Trent army is an iconic theme for NTU socials so this event gives freshers the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit right away.
District at The Level – Saturday 21st September
District is NTU’s own club night every Saturday with three floors and two DJs including an R&B room.
Look out for lots of events being held at the Students Union during freshers week including a Taylor v Harry club night on Thursday 19 September and the weekly Sunday quiz upstairs at The Loft.
Trentival at The Point – Tuesday 17th September
If you are studying at the Clifton campus or just prefer a more sober social, this is the perfect event for you.
There will be plenty for you to do such as a fairground ride, photobooths, and there is also free popcorn and candy floss.
The Point is Clifton campus’ social space which holds many regular events including Quids In every Thursday and Bingo Bedlam.
Adjusting to university life
It can often feel daunting for freshers to move away from home for the first time and settle down in a new city.
Olivia said: “Prioritise your health by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and familiarise yourself with the student support that’s there for you.
“Pace yourself and try not to compare anyone’s university experience to yours – trust me they may be feeling the same as you are but just not showing it.”
Nottingham is a great student city with a vibrant nightlife, a variety of shops and plenty of places to eat and drink.
It’s a good idea to explore your new area to find your favourite spots and it can help to make Nottingham feel more like your student home.
