Week 1: Welcome to Nottingham!

Greetings family and friends,

It’s so hard to believe that just one week ago I was getting off the airport coach and starting my journey in Nottingham. I was nervous…well more like terrified...but still very excited for the many new experiences the semester would bring. After one week there are still a few jitters but I’ve really started to adjust to life in the UK and I love it.

The first 5 days were devoted solely to International students, not including EU members. We all stayed in temporary housing which was a pain because we basically had to live out of a suitcase. It was great to meet so many people from all over the world. To date I’ve talked with people from Nigeria, Malawi, Hong Kong, Argentina, Brazil, Canada…the list goes on and on. I can’t forget my Aussies though. I’ve become quite close with some really sweet Australian girls (3 of whom are named Stef). Every Aussie that I’ve met has been so friendly which is a relief since I won’t know a single person when I head to Australia.

There were a few mandatory events during International week but for the most part my schedule was open. My new found friends and I took advantage of every opportunity to explore the surrounding city and village. Beeston is the nearest town and is very typical of a small British town. There’s one high road (see the picture) that has small shops packed right next to each other. My favorite pub, The Last Post, is at the end of the main road. I discovered a cheese onion pasty my first time there, and I’ve gotten it every time I go back. Everyone laughs because I don’t branch out. English cheese and onions wrapped in a flaky crust!! Why would I even want to try something else? My Dad will be happy to hear that I’ve tried quite a few brews here but I can’t say I have a favorite yet.

I’m used to living in small towns so I was hesitant about living in such a large city. I have to say though, that Nottingham is fantastic. I can walk 5 minutes, hope on the #13 coach and be in a vibrant and bustling city in 20 minutes. The city centre of Nottingham is where everyone congregates. Shops, restaurants, and of course pubs are packed into a relatively small area. I’m pleasantly surprised by the prices here. It’s a little dangerous because I can get a pasty and a pint for £1.50. Everything I could ever want I can find in Nottingham. Primark is the largest department store and has been a haven for all us poor exchange students looking for cheap towels and duvets. The pound store (think dollar store) is also amazing.  

People have asked what the biggest difference between school in Nottingham and school at Linfield is. The answer is simple: alcohol. The drinking age here is 18 so nearly everyone I’ve met is able to buy and consume alcohol. There is a bar in the lobby of every hall that serves every type of beer, wine, and cocktail. The student union store also sells large quantities of vodka, beer, you name it. Of course Linfield students drink, but they have nothing on the students here. “Week One” or “Freshers Week” is a week only for new Notts students. This week is hosted entirely by the student’s union. Every night is a themed night at a different club. When I say every night I mean EVERY NIGHT. From Monday to Sunday students are encouraged (almost required) to dress up, drink at the hall bars, and dance their hearts out at the clubs til at least 2am. Clubs are a huge part of the young people’s culture here and it’s so weird to think that I can’t even get into most until I’m 21. I’m happy to go out with friends but I’m getting so tired!

As of yet I haven’t ventured outside Nottingham. I’ll have my timetable confirmed tomorrow so I can start planning weekend trips. I don’t have class on Friday which means more time to travel! Me, along with 7 of my uni friends have booked our tickets to Dublin for the end of October and there are also plans to travel into London in a couple of weeks. I’m so excited to see more of the UK!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in getting to this point and everyone who wished me well at my Bon Voyage party. Cheers!

My love to you all,

Elisabeth