Life in Nottingham
Did you also know that Nottingham is home to the oldest Bramley apple tree in the world? Speaking of which, Nottingham is also the birthplace of the traffic light.
If you're a movie fan, then you must have seen Gotham, which is an actual city in Nottingham. Or 'Peter Pan in Wonderland' which was inspired by the Arboretum close to NTU.
Yes! This is Nottingham 🏹.
Arriving Nottingham
Almost all shops in Nottingham have an App with amazing student discounts, so be sure to download the App before going shopping.
Where there's no App for the shop, don't forget to take your student card along to claim your discount.
Student Beans is also a nice App to search for discounts before your shop or book your next ticket.
First Steps
You'd need to pick up the following as you arrive:
- Student Card
- BRP
- DBS Certificate (Apply online for this if you'd like to work in a care home).
Accommodation
Not yet settled? Here are some links for student friendly houses:
- Spare room: https://www.spareroom.co.uk/
- Right move: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/
- NTU Hostel Swap: https://ntuaccommodation.boardhost.com/
Bank Account
You can start with Digital banks by downloading the bank app from the Play store, before heading to traditional banks on the High Street.
- Digital Banks: Monzo, Revolut
- Traditional Banks: Barclays, Lloyds
- Transfer to Africa: OA Pay
NI & Share Code
In addition to having your bank account, you'd need the following for a new job:
- NI (National Insurance) Number
- Share Code (to prove your right to work).
Both can be generated online on https://gov.uk
Job Hunting
It's time to land your first (or next) job in Nottingham! In addition to LinkedIn, here are some sites to explore:
- https://portal.unitemps.com/Account/SignOn
- uk.indeed.com/jobs
- https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/search
- https://recruitment.nottshc.nhs.uk/recruitment-current-vacancies
- https://talentsplace.recruitmentplatform.com/demo/Reed_TS/apply/AAACzwAA-798352f9-2da8-46c0-b5a5-8a9754c518bc/apply.html?jobId=P0OFK026203F3VBQB688MF6R0-169708&langCode=en_GB
- https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/search?cty=permanent&loc=86383&q=tier-2-sponsorship-jobs
- adecco.co.uk
- staffline.co.uk/jobs
- https://uk.gigroup.com/
- candidates.jobandtalent.com/gb/nottinghamshire
- cv-library.co.uk
- portal.workchain.co.uk
- reed.co.uk/jobs
- https://findajob.dwp.gov.uk/
- https://www.jobserve.com/gb/en/Job-Search/
- Placement: https://www.gradcracker.com/
- https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/
- https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/police-forces/nottinghamshire-police/areas/careers/careers/
Food and Grocery
I'd recommend the following shops for cheap grocery in Nottingham.
Don't forget to reuse your shopping bags.
Also, items with a Yellow Sticker are generally cheaper than other items.
Also, items with a Yellow Sticker are generally cheaper than other items.
Lidl, Asda, Tesco and Morrisons all have Apps that can help you save more on your shopping.
- Lidl / Aldi (cheapest Frozen Chicken Wings, Chips, Chicken slices)
- Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's (discounts for App users)
- B&M (best for electronics and stationery)
- Poundland (Cheapest Meal deal and quick purchases)
- Morrisons (Has a 'Savers' option for cheap laundry liquid, sausages and general groceries)
- McDonalds (Wrap of the day - £1.99)
- KFC (with discounts from Student Beans)
Getting Around
Download and activate your student profile on the following travel Apps:
- NCTX Bus App (for buses)
- Netgo App (for trams)
- Student Beans
- TrainPal (for train tickets, with discounts from Student Beans)
- UniDays (to generate a digital Student ID card that is accepted across Nottingham)
- National Express (for bus tickets to other cities, with discounts from Student Beans)
- Flixbus (for bus tickets to other cities)
- Megabus (for bus tickets to other cities)
- RobinHood Card (optional, for combined bus and tram tickets)
Faith and Worship
Here are some Faith activities in Nottingham for students:
- Muslim Facilities at DICE every Friday evening.
- Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, & Quaker worship centres.
- Christian & Catholic services, including Cathedral on Sundays from 8 am.
More information: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/faith-and-chaplaincy/places-of-worship
Prepping for the Future
Feel free to explore the following and get ready for your time after school:
- Electoral Register (This is free of charge at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote )
- Totally App or Experian App (for your first Credit Card)
- ISA and Lifetime ISA Account (for savings towards buying a house)
- Drivers Licence (temporary drivers license does not require a driving test).
And of course...some fun!
Rotaract club can help you to have some fun with responsible adults like yourself. You could also pop into any of the following student-friendly venues:
- Wax Bar (Fri & Sat) - Free entry, £12 for 4 drinks
- Rev de Cuba (Wednesday Salsa) - Free entry.
- Pryzm
- Ocean
- The Level
- The Point (Clifton Campus)
CREDITS
This post was compiled by Sir Clem and reflects his personal opinions. Please leave your questions or thoughts as a comment below. Thank you for reading.