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✨Welcome to International Students Thread for the University of Nottingham!✨

Thinking about studying at the University of Nottingham? You’re in the right place!

Hello, and a very warm welcome to all international students considering the University of Nottingham for 2025 entry, Undergraduate or Postgraduate level and beyond! 👋 You have choices if you wish to study in the UK.

This thread is your space to ask questions, share your thoughts, and get support throughout your application journey whether you’ve already applied, received an offer, or are still exploring your options.

Our friendly team is here to help with:
Entry requirements and qualifications
Visas and CAS
Scholarships and funding
Accommodation options
Support services for international students
What it’s like to live and study in Nottingham 🇬🇧

Why choose Nottingham?
We’re proud to be ranked among the Top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025), and we’ve been named the top UK university for graduates entering highly skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2024).

Nottingham is home to a diverse and inclusive global community, with students from over 150 countries. Whether you’re joining us from India, China, Malaysia, Nigeria, the EU or anywhere else, you’ll find support, friendship, and opportunities here.

Not sure about your options? International clearing is now CLOSED for the 2025 intake.

Feel free to say hello, tell us where you're from, and ask us anything about studying at Nottingham. We’re excited to support you as you take your next step toward learning in the UK.

📍You can also connect with current international students and read about their experiences ask, and our International TSR Ambassadors reps will respond.

We can’t wait to hear from you. #UoN #WeAreUoN #InternationalStudents #StudyUK #Nottingham2025 #GlobalCommunity
(edited 3 months ago)

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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

📣 Myth-Busting & UCAS Deadline Reminder 29th January! 💡

Hi everyone! 👋

If you're thinking about applying to university for 2025, you might have a lot of questions or feel a bit overwhelmed by the process. Don't worry we're here to help! 💚

At the University of Nottingham, all undergraduate applications go through UCAS. The UCAS website has loads of advice to guide you, but here are some quick tips to get started:

💻 How to Apply
1️⃣ Register with UCAS online.
2️⃣ Start building your application.
3️⃣ Write your personal statement (this is your chance to shine ✨).

It’s a good idea to set yourself some mini-deadlines along the way. Breaking the process into smaller steps can make it feel much more manageable.

🎥 Check Out Our Myth-Busting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kweEkf3a7tc
We've also made a short video tackling common myths about applying to university like whether you need to have everything figured out right now (spoiler: you don’t!). It’s packed with tips and reassurance, so give it a watch.

Reply 3

Don’t Forget the UCAS Deadline!

The deadline for 2025 applications might feel far off, but it will come around quicker than you think the 29th of January. Start your application early and give yourself plenty of time to perfect it.

Have questions? Or maybe you’re stuck on your personal statement? Drop them below! Our friendly team is here to help, and we’d love to hear from you.

Good luck, and we can’t wait to see you on campus someday! 🏛️✨

Reply 4

Original post
by OffUniRepKaren
Don’t Forget the UCAS Deadline!
The deadline for 2025 applications might feel far off, but it will come around quicker than you think the 29th of January. Start your application early and give yourself plenty of time to perfect it.
Have questions? Or maybe you’re stuck on your personal statement? Drop them below! Our friendly team is here to help, and we’d love to hear from you.
Good luck, and we can’t wait to see you on campus someday! 🏛️✨

hii! how long does it take for an offer for BEng courses? applied a while ago and kind of worried :unsure:

Reply 5

Original post
by astr0star123
hii! how long does it take for an offer for BEng courses? applied a while ago and kind of worried :unsure:

Have you tried contacting the Universities you've applied to? They will be inundated with applications though, so are probably working their way through and hopefully you will hear some-thing soon ☺️

Reply 6

Original post
by OffUniRepKaren
Have you tried contacting the Universities you've applied to? They will be inundated with applications though, so are probably working their way through and hopefully you will hear some-thing soon ☺️

Yep! Fair enough, I’ll wait it out more haha

Reply 7

Explore Your Future at Our Undergraduate Virtual Open Day
Thinking about university and curious about what studying at the University of Nottingham is like? Our Find Your Nottingham Live event on Saturday, 25th January 2025, is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight and get your questions answered—all from the comfort of your home.
This session is designed to help you:

Hear directly from our admissions team about the application process.

Explore career opportunities and the support available to help you achieve your goals.

Get a feel for what it’s like to study here through conversations with our lecturers and insights into academic life.

📅 Date: Saturday, 25th January 2025
Time: 1pm GMT (5am PST, 8am EST, 5pm GST, 9pm HKT)
This isn’t just about information—it’s about helping you decide whether Nottingham is the right fit for you and giving you a chance to see what makes us stand out as a Top 20 UK university (QS World Rankings 2025).
💻 Reserve your place here: Book your Virtual Open Day
We hope you’ll join us and take this step toward your future. If you have any questions before the event, feel free to ask—we’re here to help!

Reply 8

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!

Reply 9

🎉 University of Nottingham UCAS Extra is opening soon here’s what you need to know!


Have you used all five of your UCAS choices but don’t hold any offers? Don’t worry—UCAS Extra could be your next step!

💡 What is UCAS Extra?
UCAS Extra is a scheme for applicants who haven’t received offers or have declined all their offers in the main UCAS application round. It gives you the chance to apply for courses one at a time between 26 February and 4 July 2025.

Why use UCAS Extra?
If you’ve changed your mind about your course or want to explore new options, UCAS Extra is a great way to find a place that’s perfect for you.

🗓️ Key dates to remember:

Opens: 26 February 2025

Closes: 4 July 2025


💻 How does it work?

1️⃣ Find a course: Search for courses with vacancies.
2️⃣ Contact the university: Check if they’re open to considering your application.
3️⃣ Add the course: If they confirm they can consider you, add the course details to your UCAS application.

🕒 What happens next?

You’ll be “locked in” to your Extra choice for 21 days, during which the university will review your application.

If you don’t hear back after 21 days, you can either wait for a decision or withdraw your application via UCAS Hub and apply for a new choice.


🚨 Important!
You can only apply to one course at a time through UCAS Extra.

📖 Got questions?

Check out the UCAS Extra FAQ’s here or drop your questions below—we’re here to help you through the process! 💬

Reply 10

Discover Nottingham Through International Eyes

Curious about what it's like to live in Nottingham as an international student? Our students have shared their top tips for staying connected to home while at university. From restaurants and food shops to cultural and community groups, Nottingham offers plenty of ways to find your home comforts.

📍 Explore our interactive map to see recommendations from around the world.

🍽️ Khushi’s favourite: Dosa and Chutney, an authentic Indian restaurant near Market Square.

🎉 Carrie’s experience: Celebrating Lunar New Year with traditional food, arts and crafts, and an amazing projection display.

Got a favourite spot in Nottingham that reminds you of home? Share it with us, and you could help others feel at home too.
View the map and share your recommendations

Reply 11

Original post
by UoNOffRepDan
Discover Nottingham Through International Eyes
Curious about what it's like to live in Nottingham as an international student? Our students have shared their top tips for staying connected to home while at university. From restaurants and food shops to cultural and community groups, Nottingham offers plenty of ways to find your home comforts.
📍 Explore our interactive map to see recommendations from around the world.
🍽️ Khushi’s favourite: Dosa and Chutney, an authentic Indian restaurant near Market Square.
🎉 Carrie’s experience: Celebrating Lunar New Year with traditional food, arts and crafts, and an amazing projection display.
Got a favourite spot in Nottingham that reminds you of home? Share it with us, and you could help others feel at home too.
View the map and share your recommendations

Undergraduate Student Finance applications are open

To make sure you have funding in place for the start of your undergraduate course for 2025/26 and apply now via the gov.uk website.

Reply 12

Your Ultimate Open Day Survival Guide What to Expect and How to Make the Most of it!

I'm Abian Sanchez, a current MEng Aerospace Engineering student and a proud Student Ambassador here at the University of Nottingham (UoN). With our Open Day fast approaching, I wanted to share some key tips to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you're keen to dive into academic life, explore our campuses, or get a feel for our vibrant city, this post is for you!

Tip 1: Plan Your Day in Advance

Before you arrive, check out the Open Day schedule on our website. Highlight the talks, tours, and activities that interest you the most. Whether it's attending a course-specific talk, exploring potential accommodation options, or learning about sports and societies, having a plan ensures you won't miss out on anything important.

Remember to allow travel time between activities some events may be spread across different parts of the campus or even different campuses. For example, if you're moving between University Park and Jubilee Campus, factor in the travel time so you arrive promptly. Arriving early will help you maximize your time and make the most of the day's events.

Tip 2: Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

This is your best chance to see what UoN is like from within! Chat with Student Ambassadors like me, lecturers, and staff members. We are all here to share our experiences and answer all your questions—from course details and workload to the best spots on campus. No question is too big or too small, so don’t hesitate to ask us questions!

Tip 3: Explore the City of Nottingham

Nottingham has a vibrant mix of history and modern culture. After you have concluded your visit to our campuses, venture into the city centre. You may explore the historic Nottingham Castle, delve into the caves beneath the city, or enjoy some shopping at Victoria Centre. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and parks (check out Wollaton Park!) where you can relax and imagine life as a student at University of Nottingham.

Tip 4: Take Notes

There's a lot to take in during an Open Day, so it’s easy to forget details. Keep a notebook or use your mobile phone to note key points, impressions, and any important information you gather. These will be really helpful when you're reflecting on your visit later!

Closing Thoughts

The most important thing is to enjoy your visit. This is an exciting step towards your future, and we're here to make it as informative and enjoyable as possible. Remember, we're here to help, so feel free to approach any student ambassador or member of staff with your questions. We will be more than happy to help with directions, share our student experiences, or just have a friendly chat!

Reply 13

We’ve just been named one of the Top 100 universities worldwide in the latest QS World University Rankings and we couldn’t be prouder! 💫

Our global community is at the heart of everything we do, and this ranking recognises our commitment to international education, research excellence, and preparing students for successful global careers.

We’re also the top UK university for graduates entering highly skilled jobs (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2024), helping students like you stand out to employers around the world.

If you’re thinking about applying from overseas, this is a great time to discover what makes Nottingham such a fantastic place to study.

📖 Find out more: https://bit.ly/40dsECH #WeAreUoN #Top100 #QSWorldUniversityRankings #GlobalStudents #StudyUK

Reply 14

Masters Open Day Reserve your place now 🙌

Hi there!

Are you thinking about taking a Master’s course? If you are, then you may find one of our virtual open days helpful in making your decision.

We have three dates coming up, tomorrow 25th July, then 22nd August and 20th September all from 1.30pm-3.30pm UTC.

You will hear directly from our academics about subjects in the following areas:

Business, economics and management

Science

Culture, languages and communication

Law, education, geography, politics and international relations, public and social policy, public administration, and criminology

Engineering

Health and medicine

No matter where you're joining from, our Virtual Open Day is the perfect way to get all the info you need to plan your future at Nottingham.

You can also watch our Master's Virtual Open Days in Mandarin.

Interested? Book here
Enjoy!

Reply 15

📢 SQA Results Day A Huge Well Done from University of Nottingham

To everyone receiving their SQA results yesterday congratulations on getting to this stage! 🎉 We know how much hard work goes into your studies, and no matter how you’re feeling right now proud, nervous, relieved you've achieved something big.

We’re seeing some great conversations on TSR, and ambassadors jumping in to help.

If you’re thinking about applying to a university in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or just want to chat through your options we’re here to help with friendly advice and information about courses, accommodation, or Clearing.
Drop your questions below or explore with us and other students. You're not on your own we're here for you every step of the way.


Karen 🙂

Reply 16

Reminder Event coming up

Want to feel ready for Results Day? We’ve got you.

Clearing doesn’t need to be stressful and the more you know, the more confident you'll feel about your next steps.

Join our online event today, Thursday the 7 August at 2.30pm UTC to get clear, helpful advice about:

What Clearing is and how it works
What to expect on Results Day
How to be prepared just in case
Who’s on hand to help and when

It’s a relaxed, friendly session where you can ask questions and hear directly from the people supporting students through the process.

📅 Sign up to our event here! Which is taking place on the 7th of August.

Even if you’re not planning on using Clearing, it’s always good to know your options.

💬 Know someone else who’d find this helpful? Share the link with them too.

Let’s get you ready to take the next step 👣

Reply 17

Clearing stories

💜 Clearing stories from students who have BEEN THERE 💜
Hearing from other people who have been through a similar experience to you is a great way to feel prepared.
We heard from four of our fantastic students who have been through Clearing. Here are their stories...

Edward watch the full interview here 🎥
“After I changed my mind about my firm choice, Clearing was instrumental in helping me get to the university I really wanted.
“The idea [of Clearing] was relatively stressful. When I actually went through the process, it wasn't nearly as daunting or scary as it seemed.
“I was thinking about gap years, working for a year, or going to my first choice anyway despite me not wanting to. Clearing was definitely the right option for me.”

Charlotte watch the full video here 🎥
“I had UoN as one of my five offers originally, but then I didn’t choose it. Then I missed both my [firm choice] and back-up offer.
I was crying on Results Day for hours. My teachers gave me a list of university phone numbers... and my parents helped me call them.
Clearing was something I hadn’t even considered, but looking back now I feel so lucky to have got into Notts. I don’t want to go home for the summer!
Even if it's not what you expected or wanted, there’s always good things for you to unlock. It’s kind of in the hands of fate but that’s okay. All you can do is phone people and research and be prepared. I know that you’ve got this!”

Ashley watch the full video here 🎥
I didn’t get the grades that I needed. I rang a few unis and searched for what courses would be equivalent to the one that I originally wanted.
Emotionally, at the beginning, it was quite difficult not knowing where I was going. But throughout the two hours that I was ringing up and I was researching areas, courses and locations, it got a lot easier to refine where I wanted to go.”

Aarya watch the full video here 🎥
“I missed out on both my firm and insurance choices, but Clearing helped me find the right course at the right uni, in the one place I thought I’d never stay home.
Nottingham is my hometown, so I knew the campus was beautiful and, if I stayed, I’d be close to my family. I also researched the modules before Results Day, so I knew the course would be something I’d want to study.
At the time it was quite stressful, but I can confidently say now that I don't regret my decision in coming here. I learned Mandarin and in my first year I was able to go on a Spring camp to China, which I wouldn’t have been able to do if I didn’t come here.”

We’d love to hear stories from more students who have been though Clearing, too! What was your experience like?

Reply 18

Staying Calm Before Results Day: Self-Care and Wellbeing Tips

Hey everyone, 👋 the Student Reps and Official Reps have combined our creative skills to help support future students. We hope this helps.

With results day creeping up fast, we know the nerves can start to kick in. Whether you're feeling excited, stressed, or just trying not to think about it, you're not alone. We teamed up with some student ambassadors to compile a few helpful tips for staying chill in the run-up to the big day. Let’s get into it 👇

🧘 1. Try Mindfulness
Even just taking 5 minutes to sit quietly, breathe deeply, or focus on the present moment can really help when anxiety hits. Apps like Headspace or Calm are a good shout, but even closing your eyes and counting your breaths can do the trick.

🏃*♀️ 2. Move Your Body
You don’t need to be smashing out a gym sesh a quick walk, stretching, or even a bit of dancing in your room to your favorite tunes can boost your mood. Moving your body = moving that stress out.

😴 3. Get Some Sleep
Easier said than done but sleep really does help your brain process stress better. Try to keep a decent sleep routine (yes, that means not staying up on TikTok till 3am every night).

🥗 4. Fuel Yourself Right
Snacks are life but try to balance them out with actual meals too. Your brain needs proper fuel think fruit, veg, wholegrains you’ll feel way more stable and focused.

🗣️ 5. Talk to Someone
Bottling things up? Not helpful. Chat to a mate, sibling, or anyone you trust. You’d be surprised how much better you feel after getting it off your chest.

🎉 6. Plan Something Fun
Give yourself something non-results-related to look forward to. Whether it’s a day out, a takeaway, or binging your fave show, having something planned can help distract your brain from the stress spiral.

📱 7. Step Away from Socials
Easier said than done, but constantly seeing posts about results day? Not the vibe. It’s okay to mute, log off, or take a break if it’s messing with your head.

💛 8. Do a Gratitude Check
Sounds cheesy but hear us out jotting down 3 things you're grateful for each day can help shift your focus away from worry. Even small stuff counts (like a good cup of tea or finally finishing that Netflix series).

Little Things That Help:
Relaxing Playlist: Put on some chill music to help your brain slow down
Journaling: Dump your thoughts onto paper to stop them spinning around in your head
Breathing Exercises: Try the 4-7-8 technique (breathe in for 4, hold for 7, out for 😎 😎
Drink Water: Hydration = clearer thinking and better vibes
💬 Your Turn: What’s your go-to way to chill when things get a bit much? Drop your tips below let’s help each other get through results season 💙


#UoN Official Rep Ann

Reply 19

Hi, we've created an article that we hope will help #international students in the lead-up to UK A-Level/ Level 3 results day. We hope this helps:

🌟 Results Day Game Plan: Your Guide to Success. Results Day is your moment to take the next exciting step in your journey. Whether you’ve secured your first choice or are exploring new opportunities through Clearing, knowing what to expect can help you feel confident and in control. We are supporting the #BeResultsProud campaign here on TSR celebrating every achievement, every pathway, and every success story.Clearing isn’t just a fallback; it’s a chance to discover courses, universities, and experiences you might not have considered before. We’ve put together two easy checklists: one for if you’re changing plans and going through Clearing, and one for if you’ve got your first choice. Whatever your path, this is your day to explore, decide, and start your next chapter and remember, there are plenty of routes to your perfect course and university.

I’m going through Clearing to find a different course:

☀️🍵 Rise and shine You can log in to UCAS at 8am on Results Day to see your offers. The next step will depend on your results and the offers you receive. Have something healthy to eat and drink if you can it will help you focus.
🤔💡Explore new horizons with Clearing. Didn’t get your first choice? Want to change your mind about a course or uni? No worries! It happens to lots of people, so you are not alone. Dive into Clearing to discover your new path through the available courses. Take your time you do not need to rush your decision. Many courses share the same optional modules, and you may be surprised by the variety on offer. You’ve got this!
🔎💰Explore finance and funding. Funding your studies is crucial. If you change your course or university through Clearing, you need to update your student finance application as soon as possible. If you live outside of England, you'll need to contact the relevant funding body. University websites and UCAS will have further guidance on this.

I got my offer:

☀️🍵 Rise and shine you can log in to UCAS at 8 am on Results Day to see your offers. Have something healthy to eat and drink if you can it will help you focus.🎉 🎉 Celebrate your first choice: If you've secured an offer from your first-choice university, congratulations! Follow the instructions to confirm your place and get ready to embark on an exciting journey.
🔎💰Explore finance and funding: Double-check that your Student Finance application is up to date and any changes to your course or location of study are submitted to your relevant funding body. University websites and UCAS will have further guidance on this.
🏡 🏡 Secure your accommodation: Your university will send you information about accommodation options, and you can contact them if you are unsure.

#UoN Official Rep Ann

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