So, you’re new at Trent

Posted on by healthyntu8

By Jamie Smith, a 3rd year, Business Management and Economics

This blog will cover my tips and tricks that helped me to survive and thrive settling in at Nottingham Trent University

Settling in

For some of you, this will be you’re first step into independence away from friends and family back home and its hard, but there are so many things you can do to speed the process and before you know it, Trent and Notts will be your new home away from home.

Speedy tips and tricks that will help you feel home away from home:

  • Put yourself out there and start making friends, this might not be easy, but the sooner you leave your comfort zone the sooner you’ll reap the benefits! Talk to your new flat mates or people on your course and invite them to do something fun!
  • Keep in contact with family; this one might seem obvious but its okay to call home or visit home. This can settle anxiety you’re having about this new journey. Talking about how you are feeling really helps.
  • Make time for YOU. Find time where you can relax. University can be stressful at the best of times, so finding time for yourself is very important and always needs to be prioritised. Self-Care is key!
  • Decorate your new accommodation. Fill your flat with pictures, posters, stickers and lights. This is your space, and you should make it feel that way! This will bring you comfort.

Making friends

One way to look after your wellbeing while at university is gaining a support network, and while some people will come to university with old friends, some, don’t. Not to worry, there are countless ways to make friends at Trent and in Nottingham such as…

  • Societies

Trent offers the opportunity to join 130+ societies, whether you’re into sport, fashion, politics or your studies; there’ll be one for you! Check out NTSU online to see the list of diverse societies to join Groups @ Nottingham Trent Students’ Union. Joining a society can help you meet great new friends while also trying new activities and attending events. This is a great way of feeling part of a team and building strong relationships with people who share similar interests.

Don’t feel like societies are for you? Just attending events held by NTU can be another great way of meeting new people and building friendships. Events like Bedlam Bingo are extremely popular, very cheap, and are a great time. Going to these events will allow you to meet people from different schools, courses and from different years- making friends whilst having fun… you couldn’t ask for more than that!

Course and school led events such as socials are a great way to meet people who are in the same school or even on the same course as you! Making friends with people on your course through events like this can be so beneficial as you’ll be able to see these people often, and who knows maybe you’ll meet some study buddies?

  • Local hotspots to meet new people

Knowing the local hotspots for students is a must. This will ensure you’ll always have a good time at popular bars, clubs and even food spots.

Clubs:

  • Ocean – NTU Student night every Wednesday
  • Rock City – Bust student night every Thursday
  • Stealth – busy student night every Tuesday
  • Ink – Good R&B room
  • Unit 13 – Great for Tech, House and DnB music
  • Pryzm – Currently offering a year’s entry for £10
  • NG-One – Get a NG-One card which gives you freebies and savings all year
  • The Cell – An underground club which hosts crazy events

Bars and Pubs:

  • Bierkeller – Dancing and live sports
  • The Playwright – Cheap food on Mondays as well as quiz nights and events
  • The Bodega – Beer Garden
  • Pepper Rocks – Great Cheap Cocktails
  • Popworld – Half price drinks every Friday and Saturday

All the venues above are student friendly and normally quite busy so they’re great places to have fun and socialise.

To settle in focus on yourself, your friends and studies and you’ll be just fine. It takes everyone different lengths of time to find their place at NTU and in Nottingham as a whole, but you will get there. If you or anyone you know are struggling with the process, there are plenty points of contact to help you through this time like course representatives, tutors, your school’s student support advisors and the Student Mental Health Champions! The champions run lots of relaxing wellbeing events to help you to take some time out to look after yourself. We run everything from information stands during national wellbeing campaigns to regular casual drop in activities like wellbeing activities and rock painting throughout the year. The Healthy NTU team also run lots of other events and activities throughout the academic year too.

For help, advice and resources whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Self-Care books in NTU’s libraries
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Health and Wellbeing resources
NTSU Information and Advice service
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Student Minds or Student Space
10 Keys to happiness
Mind
Papyrus
CALM

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