By a Environmental Health BSc (Hons) NTU Alumni
Starting university is a daunting prospect, but also one that provides many opportunities to meet new people and try new activities, develop as an individual and as a member of society, and of course learn! There are many clubs and societies at NTU that will give you plenty of enjoyment outside of your course, provide a distraction from your studies, allow you to meet people from across NTU, and enhance your CV and make you stand out when it comes to joining the world of work. During Freshers there will be lots of people looking to sign you up for all kinds of things, so get involved and see what’s on offer. There really will be something for everyone. One opportunity you might not have considered yet is the university Armed Forces units.
NTU is served by Birmingham University Royal Naval Unit (BURNU), East Midlands University Officers’ Training Corps (EMOTC) and East Midlands Universities’ Air Squadron (EMUAS). They all take students from local universities and whilst joining is ideal for someone considering a career in the Armed Forces, there is absolutely no commitment or expectation to do so. However, every student leaves with a positive impression of the Armed Forces and a good understanding of the valuable contribution they make around the world, which they then carry with them through life. It looks great on a CV, as they provide a unique opportunity to develop as an individual, as a team member and as a leader. There are lots of opportunities to travel, and to train at some of the most renowned leadership academies in the world; Dartmouth, Sandhurst and Cranwell. You even get paid, so for some it might mean not having to get a part time job whilst at university.
I joined BURNU while I was at NTU and had a fantastic time. Each URNU has its own ship, so during weekends and for several weeks every year I went to sea on HMS Exploit. It was an incredible adventure and a great opportunity to mix with people from other courses and other universities, learn about leadership at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth and do something positive in my spare time. The highlight was spending a summer on a wilderness canoe expedition in Canada, and getting paid for it! To prove my earlier point, I didn’t join the Royal Navy. I did however join the British Army, and have continued to travel the world, but I will always remain grateful to BURNU and the Royal Navy for the opportunities I had whilst at university.
Whatever you’ll be studying, do some research about the clubs and societies at NTU before you start and get yourself to the Fresher’s Fair; you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer!
For help and advice whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Personal Pastoral Support at NTU (general worries and anxiety, homesickness, loneliness, a relationship breakup, or a bereavement)
Support from NTU
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Depression advice
Counselling
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Struggling at Uni? Go to Student Minds
10 Keys to happiness
Healthy NTU 