Essential ways to make the most of autumn as a student in Nottingham

Although you may have seen Christmas stock in shops for what feels like forever, it’s fortunately (or unfortunately if you’re a Christmas enjoyer) not even Halloween.

If you’re a fresher you may be wondering how you can spend the next few autumn months before the winter assessments take up all your time.

So here are some essential ways to make the most of autumn in Notts.

A pint in a cosy pub

Personally, I always find myself wanting to go for a cheeky pint (or two) with my mates in a cosy pub that does great drinks and snacks.

If you want to check out somewhere that fits the bill, then I’d recommend Somewhere Beerhouse in Beeston.

A 10 minute walk from the West Entrance of campus, it’s a great spot for pints, offering a range of lager, specialty IPAs, and stouts. They have several more specific wines on hand if pints aren’t your thing.

The snacks are your typical pub scran, including sandwiches, crisps, or if you’re feeling adventurous, wasabi peas.

With a few seats downstairs by the bar and more loft seating upstairs, this place is perfect for a cosy, autumnal social!

Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is a classic autumnal activity whether you’re looking for a wholesome night, or to go out for drinks afterwards.

There are several events going on around Nottingham such as a fireworks display in Long Eaton on the 2nd November.

It’s about 35 minutes away by bus and will also have loads of your typical fairground rides and food stalls.

If you want to stick closer to home, there’s a fireworks night being held at the Trent Bridge on the 1st and 2nd November, which will also include lots of street food.

Notts has a great food scene, so it’s worth checking it out!

Thrifting for a cosy winter wardrobe

As the weather cools down, you’ll be needing a trusty jumper for those cold walks to your dreaded 9am. That’s where Nottingham’s extensive thrifting scene becomes essential for the colder months ahead.

White Rose is great for vintage and reworked clothes, especially for women’s fashion. There are a couple of branches in both in the centre of Notts and Beeston.

For a wider selection head to Cow Vintage in Lace Market. You can find good designer stuff that will last, at a decent price.

If you’re a UoN student, then you don’t even have to bother going into town – perfect for when it’s cold and miserable, and the Derby Road Hill is just too much.

The Students’ Union hosts vintage clothes sales in Portland fairly regularly, and you can find some really nice pieces that are an absolute bargain.

Beeston is also good for clothes hunting, with a variety of charity shops that have the potential for some pretty unusual finds (a friend once found a full-length wool cloak).

Enjoy a sweet (autumnal) treat

Like any other student after a long day of uni in the cold autumn months, you’ll be craving a sweet treat or to ward off the winter blues.

I highly recommend Doughnotts while in Beeston, they have Halloween-themed doughnuts that won’t disappoint.

If you’re heading into the city centre, Public or Dispatch coffee shops are both home to a range of pastries or drinks of the pumpkin-spice variety if you’re in the mood for something warm to keep you toasty.

Related articles recommended by this author:

• Notts Talk to Tabitha volume two: Impressing your home mates on their first visit
• Top six cafés to study in as a student in Nottingham
• What your post night out scran says about you as a student in Nottingham