Erasmus Experience in Nottingham, United Kingdom by Noemi

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Why did you choose to go to Nottingham, United Kingdom?

I chose Nottingham to improve my English since I am a language student.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Five months, so my scholarship hasn't ended yet. For now I received 1300 euros, but I will receive more at the end of the academic year.

The amount of money that you'll receive is based on how much your uni/your Country/EU give for your experience abroad.

I found that 1300 are not certainly enough to live in UK and I received them one month after reaching Nottingham, so in that month you have to sustain yourself with your own money. So be prepared!

What is the student lifestyle like in Nottingham?

Different from Italy I guess.

Uni is much more expensive, the method also is different and the relationship between student and teacher too. I heard that students often go out in the week but we are used to go out in the week end.

The concept of fun too is completely different. I often see people going out barely dressed, and drink till they drop dead on the floor. I am sure that not everybody is like this but many seem to enjoy it.

The prices can vary, there are some places which are more affordable than others and you can get discount showing your Student ID or going to events.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Nottingham to other students?

Actually I am studying at Nottingham Trent University. I am not ready to make a judgement yet since I am staying another month and an half but I would recommend to inform yourself before any choice and talk with people who study the same things as you do to see if it could match your study plan and make you satisfied.

What is the food like?

I didn't get a proper chance to try local food mainly because every time I asked other students (or English people) suggestions they just answered that they can't really name a local dish.

I tried some but most of the time I ate what I normally eat back home. In fact you can find some ethnical food and still Italian food (or fake Italian food as it often is) is pretty common. One English guy thought pasta was a National dish!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Nottingham?

No but it was quite difficult. Mainly because we got our destination late, so many of the good houses were taken and at Uni they give accommodation only if you stay longer than 5/6 months, so basically only those who stay a year.

If you can, go there before the start of your Erasmus so you can see the house with your eyes and there will be no trouble! Also check if you know somebody there who can help you.

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How much does it cost to live in Nottingham?

It costs a bit but still it's a lot cheaper than other cities in England, and if you go to London you will notice.

There are many shops where you can save money, you just need time to know the city. Poundland and Poundworld will be your best friends, and Wilko too. Other than Tesco you can shop at Lidl, Aldi, Asda and others for your grocery shopping.

I find that the bus pass could be cheaper and also trains in England are quite expensive.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

If you are used to a more standard English you will need some time to adjust because some people have a very thick accent and often you will have to repeat yourself or make them repeat themselves. It's totally normal even if it can be embarrassing.

You can see how people are different, as for example people in London won't ask you to repeat even if you didn't speak properly, maybe because they are more used to so many accents and foreign people. But you will get to experience a more typical England in Nottingham, so that's plus.

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What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Nottingham from your city?

The easiest and I think most economical too is by plane. If you are lucky you can land at the East Midlands Airport.

You can find cheap offers, especially if you have time to plan a bit.

Tip: if you are going to take the flight back home there go to the security controls as soon as you can as they are quite slow.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Nottingham?

It depends on what you want to do. There are many places, pubs, clubs and the likes. I would recommend a bit of both but sometimes pubs close quite early (10:30/11:00 p. m. ). I would suggest Pitcher and Piano for the atmosphere!

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Nottingham?

I would recommend Chiquito and Tortilla. I fell in love with Mexican cuisine!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I would recommend Wollaton Hall, the Castle and the area nearby. There is also the (supposedly) oldest pub in all of England, Ye' Olde Salutation Inn. Many other places are all quite close to the Old Market Square.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Nottingham in the future?

Be prepared and get all the information you need. Even if you have the back up of both of the universities and whatever remember that you are on your own for a lot of things.

This isn't just a chance for going abroad, have parties, see how they live somewhere else, this is also a chance to gain confidence and maturity, because sometimes hard time will arise.

It's a time to learn to be happy of what you accomplished. And ask people who already have been there. I can't stress this enough.

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