Nottingham Trent University (Nottingham Trent University in general)

Member Name: carlmcq

Product:	Nottingham Trent University in general
Date:	27/07/08 (737 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great uni. Fact!

Disadvantages: Disadvantages?!

So, having just finished at Nottingham Trent University it made perfect sense to make this brief review on the place...trust me if I reviewed every aspect of life here that I've experienced it would equate to the length of War & Peace!

Trent is officially the leading "new" university in the country and is predominantly a city-based campus, with two other campuses located at Clifton (about 5 miles south of the city) and Brackenhurst (a very rural campus based to the north-east). I spend three years there and had an awesome time.

In my first year I was based at the Simpsons Halls of Residence, which are in the Lenton area of Nottingham. Although not the nicest area of the city, the halls were certainly some of the best. Having had coursemates and friends who were located at other halls such as Hampden and Sandby which are much closer to all Uni buildings, I can confirm they pale in significance to the standard of the Simpsons. Great facilities, en-suite rooms and secure parking to name but a few advantages that Simpsons had. And with it being just a two minute walk to a bus-stop that took you into the city every 5 to 10 minutes during the day you were hardly isolated.

Within your first week obviously Freshers Week plays a major part in getting you to know the city, new people and enjoy a drink or 12! Trent boasts being the university with the most events taking place across the country. From the obvious nights out to hundreds of events during the days such as city tours and language tasters. My course performed regular 'introductory' lectures during this week which I attended a few due to my ongoing hangover! Although some were helpful, very few other courses require students to go in during this week as many would expect this to be the time to enjoy things before anyone even comes close to mention the word "studying".

Both City and Clifton campuses have a well-structured library with staff on-board to help with any queries and a 24-hour computer facilities room during term-time. Something that everyone can vouch for at some point during their time at uni...specifically around the dreaded dissertation period.

Course leaders and lecturers I found to be always helpful, with all of them checking their emails regularly if you have any questions that need answering if you're at home, or are easily approachable during the day if you ever went in to ask them face-to-face. Failing that, or if you have difficulties with aspects such as living away from home or financial problems, the Student Support Services is available in the Dryden Centre on the City Campus, or the Union Central building in the Student's Union of all 3 campuses will be willing to help and advise you with any troubles you may have.

Exam periods are often a time of stress for students, but again I found my lecturers to be helpful in keeping us informed of when and where exams would be held and what the procedure for them would be. As with coursework, they would willing help you with problems and the online submission system they use (JISC) is a state-of-the-art programme that filters through thousands of types of literature to ensure that plagiarism isn't an issue (which thankfully never was with me!)

Within the Student Unions side of life, there are plenty of sports clubs and societies to get involved with. From obvious ones such as Football, Rugby Union and Netball to somewhat more obscure or interesting ones like Korfball or Ultimate Frisbee. Societies range from different religions to Pirates! Elsewhere there are elements such as the Raising & Giving department (RAG) that is found at the majority of universities and Trent Media that includes Trent's student magazine, Platform; television station, Trent TV; and radio station, Fly FM. The latter two were something I had a major part in during my final two years, and certainly didn't effect my studies so would thoroughly recommend getting involved.

And of course, the nightlife is great. The Union's at Byron House in the City and the Point in Clifton hold weekly events, and nightclubs such as Oceana, Ocean, Gatecrasher, Snug and Stealth currently host weekly events that are endorsed by the Student's Union. Along with that there are more bars than you could ever wish to think of that compliment all tastes, and many with student offers due to such a large student population in Nottingham. And despite what the press say with all the crime in Nottingham...I've never known anyone to be mugged or beaten up by strangers on a night out. In all fairness with it being a city campus and with the majority of things being based within the main city postcode, you'd never have to step foot in some of the "dodgier" areas of the city that have a bit of a reputation. If you do, just go in a group...its common sense really.

For more information on the Union side of things the website is www.trentstudents.org and on there all this information can be found along with more academic advice and what to do on aspects such as finding a house in your second and third year, which Trent actively does to ensure students don't get ripped off.

For more on course information the University's website is simply www.ntu.ac.uk

Summary: Some of the best years of my life. If you're thinking about going, do it!