A big hello and welcome to new students who have chosen Nottingham to study and live. This city is a great place, it is inclusive and vibrant and we value the active and postive contribution you make. We hope you settle into your new home and immerse yourself in everything this city has to offer.
Things to do
There is so much to do in Nottingham, with plenty of places to visit and see. Dive into rich history as you unravel the stories of Robin Hood at Nottingham Castle. Plus, your ticket gets you free entry to the Castle for a whole year.
Head into the great outdoors and discover our fascinating network of caves and enchanting parks and green spaces. If you fancy some history, then head to Newstead Abbey and Wollaton Hall. There is great shopping in the city, with plenty of high-street brands, high-end stores and local independents, plus we think we have some of the best pubs, bars and cafes in the country.
There are some fantastic events coming up, including the fantastic Goose Fair at Forest Recreation Ground. It runs from Friday 29 September to Sunday 8 October with more than 250 rides and attractions and Fairgoers can once again get money-off ride vouchers at whatsonnottingham.com.
Why not wrap up and enjoy a spooky film at our Halloween Outdoor Cinema at Wollaton Park and Newstead Abbey, showing Hocus Pocus, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, Scream and more.
Then we head into the festive season, as Winter Wonderland opens in Old Market Square from Tuesday 7 November until New Year’s Eve and will once again include the Ice Rink and Sky Skate ice path, plus the popular Ice Bar and Sur La Piste and Altitude ski bars.
You can book in advance for the Ice Rink and Sky Skate, observation wheel and bars, to avoid disappointment on the day. Nottingham city residents can also get 10% off super off-peak and off-peak skating. Read more.
You can find out more about what’s on in Nottingham here.
Getting around
Coming to a new city is exciting but it can be daunting – we’ve got you covered with a Nottingham Transport 101 for Nottingham newbies.
You can find all the information on using public transport like buses, trams and trains, plus details on using e-scooters, e-bikes and cycling in the city. You can also get discounts on local travel here.
Get active
We have some fantastic gyms with Active Nottingham, and you can get a discount Student Fitness+ Membership which gives you unlimited access to all our gyms, swimming pools, fitness classes and health suites.
This discounted offer is only available to claim until 15 October 2023.
Staying safe when out
Nottingham is a safe city and partners work together to keep it this way. But you should always look out for each other, especially on nights out.If you experience threatening behaviour, violence towards you or your friends, or feel vulnerable in a situation, call 999 or find the nearest Police or Community Protection officer.
If you need to speak with the police about any other concerns, please call 101 or a live chat is available through the Nottinghamshire Police website.
In an emergency – always call 999.
Plus both universities offer extensive student support, whether it’s financial, wellbeing or on more practical matters. Visit your respective university web sites to learn more.
Student Living Strategy
The Council, the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University work together on priorities like increasing the choice and quality of student housing, maximising the benefits of a large student population and better tackle any challenges for communities.
The Student Living Strategy sets out three main priorities:
- Improving the quality, safety, affordability and location of student accommodation, and encouraging a better balance of student housing choice across the city.
- Encouraging neighbourliness, where students contribute to creating a clean, attractive and sustainable environment, and tackling the impact of waste and noise
- Increasing community cohesion, ensuring students are valued members of their communities and improving graduate retention in the city
Nottingham is your new home and we hope you enjoy it and love it as much as we do and enjoy everything Nottingham has to offer.