Here’s how to make the most out of your final semester at UoN

Whether you’re a slave to George Green library, a Crisis cult follower or somewhere in between

9 months ago

I don’t know how it happened but it’s already the last semester of final year, and overwhelmed is an understatement. While it’s hard to imagine life past dissertation deadlines, exams and awkward job interviews, don’t let this last term pass you by without completing this Notts bucket list.

One last picnic on the Downs

Nothing says first year like a picnic overlooking the downs. Sit back, relax, and imagine you’re 18 again: your dissertation deadline isn’t looming, you’ve no grad schemes to apply to and you’re not scraping a 2:1. On a lighter note, ditching the library for the Downs was a first year staple and it’s only right you revisit the memories one last time before you leave. Drag your friends out George Green, grab a few lukewarm tinnies and reminisce on the past few years.

Your final Fosters

If there’s one thing that Notts students know how to do right, it’s the pub. Lenton locals are spoilt for choice with the White Hart, Sheaves and the Rose and Crown on their doorstep. Yes, it’s Fosters in a plastic cup, but its £2.80. Enjoy it while you can, those of us heading back down south post grad will be lucky to get a diet coke for that price. Round 4 of the Six Nations kicks off in a couple of weeks, take a break from studies and drown your sorrows with the England team x

Be a tourist in your own town

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Coming as a surprise to most students, Nottingham tourism extends past Ocean nightclub. Before you graduate, be a tourist for the day. Visit the castle, explore the caves or learn the tales of Robin Hood. Tickets for the castle and grounds are single purchase and then can be used for a whole year! Not convinced? After a day of serious sightseeing, you can head down to Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, England’s oldest pub for a pint… or two.

Discover some local talent

Nottingham has some great independent music venues that you’ve got to visit before graduation. Rescue Rooms offer ‘Acoustic Rooms’ on Monday nights which boast live music, free entry and a happy hour (apparently Dua Lipa performed here so you’ll get full bragging rights if you discover someone before they’re famous).

Or with free exhibitions, Nottingham Contemporary has got to be on your Nottingham bucket list. If you’re into photography, Paul Mpagi Sepuya is currently exhibiting ‘Exposure’, an incredible collection of intimate studio portraits and the first institutional display of his work in the UK. A cultural education and a cute gift shop/café, what more is there to love?

Make the most of your student discount

There’s few problems that can’t be solved with a bit of retail therapy and good food. Make the most of your student discount whilst you’ve still got it. Enjoy a shopping spree and then head off to to Hockley to visit Notts’ best independent restaurants and cafes. Sexy Mamma Loves Spaghetti are offering students hand-made, fresh tortellini and a glass of wine for £15. Alternatively, Ugly Bread bakery have daily offers. Final year’s tough so treat yourself, you deserve it.