The Student Room Group

✨Welcome to the Official Thread for the University of Nottingham Medical School!✨

Season’s Greetings from the University of Nottingham Medical School! 🎄

Hello, future medics,

The University of Nottingham Medical School Official Reps would like to wish you season greetings 🌟

We know some of you may still be preparing for interviews or awaiting updates. Please know we’re here to support you when we return in early January after a short break starting 20th December. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue preparing and caring for yourselves during this busy time.

Enjoy the holiday season, and we look forward to supporting you further in the New Year!

Warm regards,
The University of Nottingham Medical School Team
(edited 5 months ago)

Reply 1

Starting the New Year Strong: Weekly Budgeting Tips from a University of Nottingham Student.

Happy New Year everyone!
January can feel like a tough month for our finances—especially if you’re settling into uni life or waiting for your next Student Finance drop. As a current University of Nottingham student, I wanted to share how I keep my weekly budget in check, while still leaving room for fun.

Come Up with a Budget

Map Out Your Income & Outgoings: To start with, figure out exactly how much money you have coming in (Student Finance, part-time jobs, savings) and balance it against the essentials (rent, bills, transport, food, etc.).

Set a Weekly Threshold: Once you see how much is left, divide it by the number of weeks until your next loan date. This weekly cap keeps your spending balanced.

Always Be on the Lookout for Discounts

Student Discounts (Including UNiDAYS & Student Beans): From clothes to takeaways, many places offer student deals—just ask if you’re unsure. Even a 10% discount can add up over time. Also, before buying anything online, do a quick check on apps like UNiDAYS or Student Beans for potential discount codes.

Travel on the Cheap: If it’s practical, walking or cycling is free (and healthy!). For longer journeys, the 16–25 Railcard may cut a third off train fares—perfect if you’re visiting family or friends.

Shop Smarter and Eat Smarter

Meal Planning: Plan out your meals each week so you only buy the ingredients you need, helping you avoid food waste and overspending.

Batch Cooking: Cooking in bulk and freezing portions saves both time and money—you’ll thank yourself on busy revision days when a meal is ready to go.

Consider a Part-Time Job

Boost Your Income: If you still find money tight, a part-time job can make a real difference without taking too much time from your studies.

Check Campus Opportunities: The University of Nottingham often has flexible roles designed for students. For instance, Unitemps is a great place to look for on-campus or temp roles that fit around your timetable.

Final Remarks

With a bit of planning and the right discounts, you can enjoy the social side of uni life without worrying about running out of funds.For those experiencing financial hardship, please remember that the University of Nottingham has support available. Take a look at the UoN Financial Support Funds, or get in touch with Student Services to discuss any concerns you have.

Happy budgeting, everyone—here’s to a financially stress-free start to the new year! It would be great to hear from anyone on their best money saving hack, please post your comments in this thread. Let’s help one another.

Have you ever tried setting a weekly budget? How did it work for you?

If you’ve managed to stick to it, share your secret. If not, what were the challenges?

What’s the best money-saving hack you’ve learned since starting university?

Maybe it’s shopping at a specific store, finding student discounts, or using a budgeting app.

Do you have any tips for cutting back on spending without feeling like you’re missing out?

Balancing socialising and saving can be tricky—how do you do it?

Reply 2

Scheduling: The Key to Study-Life Balance

Develop a Routine: Add timetabled sessions and deadlines to a calendar—knowing what’s ahead helps you plan effectively.

Front-Load Your Work: Tackle most of your workload early in the week so unexpected tasks or social plans don’t throw you off.

Use Micro-Moments: If you're short on time, read a page or solve one problem—small efforts add up over time.


Finding a Study Space & Staying Productive

Designate a Study Spot: Working at a desk in the library (not your bed!) helps you focus and maintain good posture! Book a Study Space at UoN.

Break Work into Chunks: Tackle big tasks bit by bit instead of cramming everything at the last minute.


Prioritising & Making Time for Fun

Rank Your Tasks: Identify what needs attention each week and fit social plans around it—end-of-term crunch is real!

Join Societies & Events: Uni isn’t just about studying—societies and clubs help you make friends and take a break from work.


Looking After Yourself

Health & Well-Being: Eat well, rest, and take breaks to avoid burnout. If you need support, check out the university’s Wellbeing Services.

Stress Management: Exercise, mindfulness, or hobbies help you recharge. If you're on campus, check out David Ross Sports Village (DRVS))


Learn From Others

Personal Tutor: Your tutor offers academic and pastoral support—use them!

Advice from Older Students: Chat with second- or third-years for study tips, part-time work advice, or social recommendations.


Final Tip:

Stay organised, pace yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Got any more tips? Drop them in the comments below!

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