#uonsu

Written by Athena Potsos, a fourth year MEng Chemical Engineering student at the University of Nottingham.

University is an exciting place: you get to meet new people, learn new things… But these happy feelings are almost always found with homesickness lurking in the dark. As an international student, when I’m in the lecture hall, sitting with my friends, smiling, having a good time, I’m still 3,700 miles (6,000 km) away from home. Away from my friends, my parents, my brother, my baby sister, my dogs and my home. It’s tough, seeing my sister grow up when I’m on the other side of the Atlantic. But that homesickness doesn’t bother me anymore, and it shouldn’t bother you.

What to do when you feel homesick

Accept it

The first step in overcoming homesickness isn’t ignoring it, or thinking that it’s wrong. It’s accepting the fact that it’s a completely normal response. Whether you’re from Nottingham or from New Zealand, or anywhere in between, your homesickness is valid. It’s a normal human response, so don’t hide it: understand and accept it. Accept the fact that a lot has just changed. That the life you were used to has just been thrown upside down. The feelings you are experiencing are to be expected. 

Stay in touch 

The next step is to find a way to connect back home. Today we have loads of options: Skype, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and plenty more. All of these services let us talk to the ones we love and miss back home.

Home doesn’t seem so far away when I’m chatting with my family on Thanksgiving, or saying hello to all my relatives when Easter rolls around. Staying connected is super important, so don’t forget it!

Make friends

Another great way to curb your homesickness is to find others in your situation. One of my best friends is also an international student and we’ve bonded over it many times. Just remember that anyone could be in this situation, not just those far from home. Just find someone who may also be struggling and say hi.

If you’re still finding it hard, go out and find a sports group or society to join. It’s often said that a good way to deal with homesickness is to keep busy. By engaging in positive activities, you may begin to see that the homesickness gets easier and easier. There are loads of opportunities at Nottingham, and a lot of the people you'll interact with have been in your shoes before and understand how you feel.

Give yourself time

Finally, if you've done all those things and still have trouble, just give it time. It will get better. Take time to get used to the changes in your life and you'll soon make friends and get into the routine of lectures. I know it may sound impossible and the homesickness feels like it'll never go away, but I promise you it will.

Whether you’re a first year undergraduate just starting your University adventure, or furthering your academic career as a PhD student, everyone needs a little support from time to time.

From mental health issues and general wellbeing to academic support and night time safety, there’s loads of help available at your Students’ Union, no matter what stage of study you’re at.

That’s because you’re automatically a member of your Students’ Union from the day you arrive to the day you graduate, and we’re all here for one thing: to look out for each other’s welfare, health and wellbeing.

Here are a few of our support services and where you can find them:

Your Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer

Myles is your Equal Opps and Welfare Officer for 2019/20, and it’s his job to promote and advocate for your health, welfare and wellbeing. He’s working with your SU and the University to make sure we provide the best welfare support possible.

Make sure you say hello when you see him around campus, or pop in to see him in the Officers’ office on C Floor, Portland Building, University Park.

Email: [email protected] Twitter: UoNSU_Welfare Facebook: UoNSUWelfare

Welfare Network 

Headed up by Myles, your Equal Opps and Welfare Officer, the Welfare Network brings together staff, students and welfare service representatives, runs campaigns on welfare and wellbeing, and holds events like Wellbeing Cafés.

Look out for details online and on campus.

Visit: su.nottingham.ac.uk/societies/society/welfarenetwork/

Students’ Union Advice 

The place to go when you’re looking for help with housing, money or your course. It’s also a hate crime reporting centre.

Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9am – 4.30pm; Wednesday 10.30am – 5pm Call: +44 (0)115 846 8730 Email: [email protected] Visit: https://www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/advice/

Nightline 

A student-run service that’s here to listen to you, whether you’re having problems with friends, exam stress, or if you just need someone to talk to.

Open: Every night during term time, 7pm – 8am Call: +44 (0)115 9514 985 Email (open 365 days a year): [email protected]

Night Owls 

A team of students who make sure you’re safe on nights out. They’ll help you get home and provide you with water, first aid and food.

Look out for them on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12 midnight – 4am Call: +44 (0)115 784 1580 Email: [email protected] Visit: nottinghamnightowls.co.uk

HealthyU

The University offers lots of support with your health and wellbeing. From mental health and sexual health to advice about alcohol, drugs, smoking and addiction, their HealthyU pages have plenty of information on who to contact when you need help.

Our Welfare Guide  has even more information about where to go when you need a helping hand, as well as other key information like where to register for a GP, what your other student Networks are and how to contact campus security, so make sure you keep it handy.

Written by Georgina Pittman, an English graduate from the University of Nottingham and now your 2019/20 Activities Officer!

Although you probably know our SU exists, you might not be aware of the variety of opportunities it offers. Looking for a new hobby? Contact the Students’ Union. Want to play for a sports team? Contact the Students’ Union. After fun experiences that will give your CV a boost? Contact the Students’ Union.

Joining societies and student groups 

Lots of people think that joining a society or student group means you need certain skills or qualities and having 100% commitment, but that isn’t at all true! In fact, all you need is curiosity.

As an English student, I was involved in the English Society from the start of my first year and was elected onto its committee in my third year. I’m also a fan of musicals and got involved in Musicality halfway through my third year, when I helped out backstage at one of its shows.

From both groups, I developed life skills like organisation, self-confidence and creativity, all while sharing some brilliant memories with amazing friends. So no matter how much you do with a group or how long you’re a part of it, investing just a little time in a student group that sparks your imagination can completely transform your University experience.

Getting involved in sports 

Even though I never officially joined a sports team, trying out new sports taught me a lot about myself. Most obviously, trying new things provides a great opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Even though I wasn’t very good at korfball or karate, I’m still proud of myself for stepping out and not being afraid to look foolish for a couple of hours. And trying synchronised swimming and cheerleading gave me completely new perceptions of the sports. That kind of ‘go get it’ attitude has served me well ever since in both choosing both more obscure course modules and in applying for jobs.

I have plenty of friends in sports teams too, and they consider their teams like family. If you can find a new family away from your real family, I’d say you’ll find a way to make yourself at home anywhere.

Boost your CV 

Moving from University and into the working world can be daunting. But your SU can help there too. In fact, I can safely say that being involved in the SU has transformed my CV and career ambitions.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community – whether that’s helping your fellow students as a Welcome Mentor or supporting the wider community through projects with local schools or charities. Helping others is also great for your wellbeing and, as cheesy as it sounds, you get out of it what you put into it!

If you’re strapped for cash, the SU also offers several paid opportunities, including Brand and Insight Ambassadors – a role I’ve loved! I’ve been paid to cover Varsity on social media, write blog posts (like this) and chat to prospective students on open days.

If that’s not for you, student positions are also available in SPAR, Mooch and Portland Coffee Co. As well as making a worthy contribution to your CV, these jobs also give you an insight into how the SU works – something you can take forward into your future career, no matter what that is.

Written by Jonelle Awomoyi, a Religion, Philosophy and Ethics graduate from the University of Nottingham. @jonelleawo 

“There’s nothing to do in Nottingham!” – said no UoN student ever. That’s because the city has a range of spaces that cater for a variety of tastes where students can enjoy themselves.

Here are seven places I’d recommend for any student in Nottingham.

Bunk and Pepper Rocks 

Whether you’re with a group of friends or that special someone, Bunk and Pepper Rocks are the places to go! 

The stunning interior is a mix of modern grunge and rainforest vibes; a spot which is undeniably Instagram-worthy – in fact, I myself am honoured to have been reposted to their official Instagram! 

Bunk specialises in chicken wings that are served in a variety of unique sauces like mango chili or maple and bourbon, alongside fun-themed cocktails. It also offers half price wings and £5 cocktails before 10pm! 

Pepper Rocks specialises in popcorn, hotdogs and cocktails. The hotdogs are delicious and are only £3.50 each!  

Mooch Burger Bar

You’ll find Mooch Burger Bar on the basement floor of the Portland Building, University Park, and it’s a hub for students who want a beer, a bite and bit of banter.

Some evenings you might be lucky enough to catch some live music, but there’s always a large range of food and drink available – from burgers to platters.

With an outdoor seating area overlooking the lake, Mooch is a vibe in the summer but it also has a comfortable indoor area that’s perfect for the colder months.

Kitty Cafe

Sometimes you just fancy a cuppa and a cuddle with a cat. 

Stress-free vibes with rescued felines are what’s on offer at the Kitty Café. You’ll find it on Friar Lane in Nottingham city centre.

Whether you’re taking a break from coursework deadlines or just need to chill in new scenery, the Kitty Café is your best bet for releasing any tensions.

It has a range of food and drink available including pizzas, wraps and jacket potatoes, along with a meal deal that includes food, drink and cake for just £11.95.

So kick back on the comfy armchair and enjoy the company of cute kittens.

Skateland

Whether you can roller-skate or not, grab a group of friends and head down to Skateland in the heart of Lenton.

On Wednesdays we roller disco. Didn’t cop yourself a Crisis ticket in time? Don’t worry! At Skateland you can come along to the roller disco (and skate hire is just £2). It’s definitely a fun way to meet new people, listen to great music and have a laugh. 

Savoy Cinema 

Unlike the grand Savoy Theatre in London, our humble cinema is cosy, small and full of life. Located smack-bang in the centre of Lenton – it’s on Derby Road – you can’t miss it. 

You can watch all the latest releases right here. And for only £4.85 a ticket, what’s stopping you?!

Highfields Park 

Also known as the lake and park area near Portland Building and Trent Building on University Park Campus. In fact, because it’s so close to University Park, lots of people make the mistake of thinking it’s part of the University. But it’s not – it’s Highfields Park! 

Nonetheless it’s a great place for students to enjoy a day out either on the boating lake, playing adventure golf or even enjoying a picnic. Just look out for geese! 

The Rose and Crown pub 

Come rain or shine, the Rose and Crown is the place to be. And it’s right by Jubilee Campus. After a couple of lectures, it’s a great place to relax, sit out in the beer garden and have some grub! And on Mondays and Tuesdays, you can get a steak meal for a cheeky fiver. Bargain!

Written by Grace Smith, an Environmental Science Graduate 

Working while studying is a great way to earn some extra cash and gain some valuable experience for your CV. Personally, I wanted a small source of income to supplement my loan and savings, so working as a Brand and Insight Ambassador for the Students’ Union was a perfect fit. The basics of the role are as a student support to the Marketing and Insight team, writing blogs (like this one!), supporting the SU social media and helping with data collection to improve the SU.

Here are eight things I’ve loved about being a Brand and Insight Ambassador! 

Freedom of hours 

Fitting paid work around your studies can sometimes be a major concern. But in this role, you only sign up for the hours and jobs you can fit in. This means you can not only work around big deadlines or exam time, you’re also able to pick up more hours when you need a bit more cash.

Range of hours

Through this role I’ve written blogs and reports, facilitated focus groups, and run social media accounts for events, among other things! It’s the variety of work that keeps the role interesting and engaging.

Presence at events

My personal favourite part of the job is covering events on the SU social media accounts. By doing this I’ve attended events I’d never normally go to, particularly during Varsity. I’ve been to Thai boxing, squash, cricket, football – and many more – all as an SU representative.

Work from home

Unlike a lot of other jobs, the hours are very flexible and you can work from home to meet your deadlines. Not having fixed office hours made it very convenient to work around all my other University commitments.

Meeting other students 

The Marketing and Insight team is a lovely group of students and staff to work with. I have made some good friends through work and also had friends of mine apply for positions after learning how good the role is! This creates a very relaxing and supportive working environment.

SU perks

As well as being paid for your work, working for the Students’ Union also comes with some extra perks! (Getting 10% off at places like Portland Coffee is always a bonus!) There’s also an SU staff Wellbeing Week every year, which has events and free gifts, and you can get involved in it too.

Transferable skills

Being a science student, report writing is a large part of my degree. So I’ve found that the practice I’ve gained through writing for the SU has massively improved my writing in my degree. Alongside this, any presenting skills are always boosted through going out there and talking to people – which is also a large part of the position.

Fun!

All of this comes together into a job that I have thoroughly enjoyed over the past two years of my University experience, and I will miss the role and community so much when I leave.

Written by Miriam Thompson, English Graduate from the University of Nottingham

Four top tips for first year University students

Coming to University can be a very overwhelming experience for many as you’re moving away from home for the first time and suddenly being immersed in a whole new culture. I remember feeling so nervous for my first day and fearful because I didn’t know anything about University until I arrived. It’s often easy to get lost in just how much is going on, so here’s some advice that I wish I could have told first year me. 

Make friends

If you don’t get on with your flatmates, don’t stress – this isn’t the end of the world. In fact, it’s quite normal and many people don’t become best friends with their flatmates (if you do then great!). 

If you find yourself struggling to get on with the people you live with, make an extra effort with course friends, join a club or get a job. 

Generally, I’ve found if you make the effort to meet new people, you’ll feel a lot better about yourself and most people will make an effort back with you. It’s cheesy but everyone really is in the same situation in first year, so you’ll find people are grateful when you’re friendly towards them.

Get involved!

One of the things that’s made my University experience is having the courage to just get involved with everything I could. After all, now’s the time to try that activity you’ve always wanted to.

Join societies and sports, and sign up for any volunteering you’re interested in! You’ll find yourself doing things you never expected as well as strengthening your CV, so it’s a double win. Also, you don’t have to join everything in first year; it’s very common to join clubs in second and third year.

Being proactive and getting stuck in has absolutely made my university experience but it is also important to recognise when you’re doing too much stuff. Try not to burn out and make sure you still have some time to relax and – importantly – to do your course work! 

Don't stress about getting a job

Don’t panic about getting a job straight away: enjoy your first week stress free at least. 

If, like me, you needed a job to help your finances, make sure it’s not too time consuming. Remember you came here to go to University not to work full time! 

The best place to find University jobs is on Unitemps. It lists all the University work and you can find their office in Portland Building if you do need any help.

It's normal to feel homesick

You’ll probably get homesick or struggle at some point at University, but this isn’t bad - it’s totally normal.

It’s easy to convince yourself while scrolling through Instagram that all your friends from home seem to be having a much better time than you. But remember that people aren’t going to post pictures of themselves being upset because they miss their mum’s food!

Make sure you’re aware of the welfare services within the University and Students’ Union early in the year, just in case you do need to access them one day and can’t remember where to go in a panic. You may never need to use them yourself but just knowing where they are and who to go to can be comforting, and it means you can help a friend if they need it too.

Written by Shanai Momi, English Graduate from University of Nottingham. 

Preparing for the big move to University can be daunting and difficult, especially when it comes to knowing which items to take and which to leave behind! To help you, we’ve drawn up a handy university packing list of the top 12 things you should consider bringing.

Ethernet cable 

An essential piece of kit that makes sure your internet connection is more reliable. It connects your laptop to a modem or router to provide a solid internet link – so you’re not just relying on Wi-Fi. If there comes a time when the Wi-Fi drops you’ll be very glad to have your Ethernet cable! 

Extension lead

University rooms often have two or three sockets but you’ll probably need a few more. An extension lead is a great investment, and it may only cost around £5 from Wilkos. It’s so worth it as you’ll save so much time. 

Just remember to stay safe and not add too many plugs!

External hardrive

As someone whose laptop stopped working in their final year (nightmare!), I would recommend purchasing a portable hardrive to back up your work. Although pricey (mine was £50), they can store all of your degree work, family photos, and more. Definitely a worthwhile investment!

Door stop

Probably one of the most important things you can bring to uni! Use it during Welcome Week to help you meet new people; others are likely to pop in to say hello if your door is open. They’re probably slightly relieved to not have to pluck up the courage and knock on your door – you already seem warm and welcoming!

Smart Clothing

Perhaps you want to get a part-time job during University. Or maybe you’re preparing for potential summer jobs. Either way, it’s best to take one formal outfit that can be used in interviews. It’s never too early to be thinking about life beyond University!

Mugs 

Your bedroom may be the place to get some respite from University life but once you settle in, you’ll want to invite friends over. Having a few spare mugs (and maybe a handful of biscuits) ready will come in handy.

Cushions

You’ll be spending a lot of time at your desk studying, so you should be as comfortable as possible. Your favourite cushions will not only make you super comfy, they’ll also brighten the room and make you feel more at home.

Photos

Displaying photos of your loved ones will help you feel at ease and settle in. You’ll be reminded of the support you have back home during lonelier times and it’s a great talking point. 

Tupperware

Buy a Boots meal deal? Fancy a quick Starbucks? These daily treats will soon break your student loan balance. Invest in some Tupperware and pre-prepare some snacks for lectures and seminars. Trust me – this will save you a small fortune that can be better used for socials. 

Letter or document with your address

On your first day you’ll register with your local GP. A letter with your home address on it is essential so be sure to pack this one! 

Flip-flops/slides

Unless you’re extremely lucky to get an en suite bathroom, you’re likely to share these facilities with several other students. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, flip-flops or slides will be your new best friend. Taking them to the bathroom and showers will save you a lot of pain. You can thank me later.

Drying rack

University accommodation often provide washing machines and dryers at a small cost for each load. By bringing a small drying rack, you can dry your clothes in your room – and save yourself some cash. And it doesn’t have to take up too much space.

The Postgraduate Sounding board exists to represent Postgraduate students’ views as well as inform students about decision making made on your behalf between your Students’ Union and the University.

As part of the Education Network and Students’ Union, the PGSB aims for academic representation and a voice for you to feedback your concerns. The board is made up of 10 elected postgraduates – one postgraduate-taught and one postgraduate-research from each of the University’s 5 faculties; Arts, Engineering, Medicine and Health Sciences, Science and Social Science. The PGSB meet once a month to represent postgraduate student views within your faculties.

As representatives for their respective schools, PGSB members will also make up the judging panel for the postgraduate categories of the University Staff Oscars and manage applications to the Academic Community fund (a pot of money to aid social events that help build our community).

 As the PGSB members are are still being elected we are yet to meet, but I’m looking forward to our first meeting in a couple of weeks’ time!

With the current election closing today (Friday 3 November) I thought it was important to give a quick run down on what the PGSB is, to help you make your voting decisions.