Experience in Nottingham, United Kingdom by Steven

What is it like to live in Nottingham? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

What's it like to live in Nottingham? The city is vibrant and full of everything you could ever want or expect from a large city, with multiple universities and a central location, it has a very large population and a huge student demographic.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nottingham?

The student lifestyle is anything a student wants it to be, being so large and centrally located the city can offer all requirements for all students, so from fine architecture to nature parks and great resources and public events and transport and of course a huge amount of entertainments for that day or night 'off' studying. The student numbers are very sizeable having multiple universities so there is always more than plenty of student lifestyle, from the chilled out to sport and culture and everything inbetween and more. Nottingham is an extremely vibrant student city !

How much does it cost to live in Nottingham?

The prices are reasonable and the choice of shopping vast with thousands of shops, so whether it's food, or clothing, or entertainment, the choice and budget is there to suit most and there are many student offers. Loaf of bread 75p-£1.50, large beer (out) £1.50-£3.50, large beer (in) under £1. I do not know why I chose bread and beer !

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Nottingham? Is there any advice you can give?

There is a alot of student accommodation in Nottingham due to the high numbers of students, so book early if your looking for something particular, great location, great place, great price, but even those who leave it a little should be ok, although I would be prudent and book early to secure the right studying place.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The variety of food on offer is from A-Z if eating in or out, personally I am mostly cooking in but there are lots of restaurants and bistros and cheap takeaways and to really go English on the cheap, just head to a 'chip shop' where value and fullness is the order of the day. "pie chips, peas and gravy" or "fish chips and mushy peas". Great on a winter or summer evening. Or head to a pub for reasonably priced english food anytime if wanting to eat out, beer is optional.

What places would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

From Robin Hood at Sherwood Forest to Wollaton Park and the music festivals, to the Castle and the caves and the courts of justice, The river Trent, the Goose Fair, the Riverside fireworks. Far and wide, north and south, too much to mention ! There are lots of attractions and places of interest in a large city and county.

Is it good to eat out in Nottingham? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Too many favourite food spots to mention. Currently have a thing for home prepared Turkish food at Hyson Green (all shops are good and can come with free soup or tea, most hospitable and superb home cooked quality with the added touch of a possible soup or tea offered with your order (and free), great food out while on the move or as a treat and can accommodate a budget. Head all the way up the hill and on the left if really want to be assured that somebody will offer you soup or tea !). Good food is obviously everywhere and there are all the chain food places too. I can tell what I will be having to eat now sometime soon if not today, again. No matter your palette of choice, the number of eateries is endless at all budgets.

Is the nightlife good in Nottingham? Where is good to go?

Head to the Market Square (aka "slab square") and let the adventure begin, the nightlife is in abundance and the bars and clubs and pubs come in every vibe with every kind of ambience so whether it's an open mike all musicians welcome, or some funky jazz, or one of the many student hangouts to relax and socialise until whatever takes your next fancy... it has it all and lots of it. Did somebody mention bed ? No not yet. Day 1-30. Head north from slab square to go to one of the many student dominated areas. day 31+ Head in any direction from slab square or anywhere else, it's all brilliant and very welcoming.

What advice would you give future students heading to Nottingham?

Enjoy !