According to legend, Nottingham was once home to the infamous outlaw Robin Hood and also has a statue dedicated to his adventures. Outlaws, caves, and England's oldest pub make it far from your average student city. Nottingham has something to offer everyone. From history to sports, eating out to shopping, you'll always find something interesting to do.
Welcome to Notts.
Learn below more about what makes Nottingham such a great city for international students and what you can do while studying in Nottingham.
Studying and Living in Nottingham: Student Guide
Warm, Inclusive and Fun. Just like its Students
Nottingham has one of the youngest populations of any major UK city. It is currently the second youngest core city, with more under 30 than any other except Manchester. The city is renowned for its safe and diverse culture while also being top rated for affordability. Not just that, you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city or go on a shopping spree to later catch up with friends! There’s all this and more!
You can get on a bus or tram, cycle or choose to walk around the city. The most convenient way to get on a bus or tram is to buy a student Robin Hood Card.
Nottingham has also adopted the new concept of PBSAs (purpose-built student accommodations) which are thoughtfully designed student accommodations that offer fully-furnished housing for university students.
Nottingham is ranked the 6th best student city in the UK, with a majority of students coming from India. In fact, Nottingham is generally known for its welcoming and inclusive environment, making it a comfortable place for Indian students and professionals to live and study here.
The city of Nottingham celebrates Indian festivals like Holi, Eid, Diwali and also the Nottingham Mela throughout the year offering great opportunities for Indian students to feel at home and also acquaint others with the Indian culture. There is also the Indian Community Centre Association which organises regular meetups and is available with assistance and resources should students need any.
Popular areas for students to live in are Park Estate, Wollaton, etc. with Beeston and Forest Fields having the biggest Indian communities.
Top Ranking Universities
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university that is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fields such as engineering, medicine, business, law, and the humanities.
A must visit is the Jubilee Campus, the award-winning green campus recognised for its innovative architecture and sustainability. The university supports International students with many scholarship options that could be availed depending on their courses, merits or other achievements, such as in sports.
- Acceptance rate: 11%
- Top courses: History, Psychology, Economics
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University has a strong reputation for its creative and artistic courses, including fashion design, photography, and music. It also offers courses in areas such as business, law, and science. The University offers many scholarships based on merit and courses.
- Acceptance rate: 15%
- Top courses: Art and Design, Architecture, Law
Both universities have a diverse and international student population, with students from over 150 countries, and offer a range of support services for students, including accommodation, career advice, and student societies.
UK’s oldest Pub to Vegan Markets, There’s a lot to Relish
Nottingham offers a vibrant food and nightlife scene. The city is known for its diverse range of restaurants, offering everything from traditional British cuisine to international flavours. When it comes to nightlife, there is something for everyone, with a mix of traditional pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and nightclubs.
Allegedly, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem dates back to AD1189, making it the oldest pub in the UK. The city is also home to a range of live music venues, including the Motorpoint Arena and Rock City, which attract both local and international acts. Nottingham truly offers a great food and nightlife experience for all tastes and budgets.
It has many Indian restaurants and Asian grocery shops like Raja Brothers, Asiana Express’ and more. Eateries like Memsaab, Anoki, Calcutta Club and Kayal offer great Asian treats to the one longing for some Indian flavours. The city also boasts of a lot of food festivals and markets like the Festival Of Food and Drink, the Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival held at the regal Nottingham Castle, and the monthly Sherwood Vegan Market.
Caves, a Forest and Batman’s Home
Nottingham is an eclectic mix of the past and present, and that makes it a fascinating place to visit. For people that enjoy the great outdoors, Sherwood Forest is the perfect getaway. The site attracts a staggering 350,000 visitors every year. Visitors enjoy a variety of activities such as nature walks, archery, historical events and tours.
Nottingham is often referred to as the "City of Caves" due to its vast network of man-made caves and tunnels that date back to the medieval period. Originally carved out of the sandstone rock beneath the city, they were used as a hideout for outlaws and as air raid shelters during World War II. Today, some of these caves have been converted into museums, tourist attractions, and even bars and restaurants.
Next, we have Wollaton Hall, a location so impressive that even Hollywood came calling! Christopher Nolan used the exterior of Wayne Manor in the 2012 Batman movie “The Dark Knight Rises”. A must visit for fans.
Home to Trent Bridge
Nottingham has a strong and diverse sporting scene, with plenty of opportunities for people to participate in and enjoy sports of all kinds. It is home to one of the world’s oldest cricket grounds ‘Trent Bridge’ which is practically a pilgrimage destination for fans of cricket. The grounds have hosted several international matches, including Ashes Tests, and are also a popular venue for music concerts.
Nottingham also has the largest public tennis centre in the UK and supports a thriving local tennis community of all ages and abilities. The city is best known for its two rival football teams, Nottingham Forest and Notts County. Nottingham Forest has won two European Cups and numerous domestic titles, while Notts County is one of the oldest football clubs in the world.
Career Possibilities
Nottingham is a bustling city with a strong economy that offers a wide range of career possibilities across different industries. Students can look forward to a career in Healthcare, Engineering, Finance, and Education, and it also boasts a thriving creative sector. Some of the companies that have a presence in Nottingham are Capital One, Boots, National Health Service, Experian, and Rolls-Royce.
Study in Nottingham
An adventurous city for students who love nature, folklore and a vibrant environment, Nottingham makes for an ideal student destination. Look no further if being in a student-friendly city is important to you when deciding where to go! Contact SI-UK today to begin your journey of studying in Nottingham.
Living and Studying in Nottingham FAQ
Nottingham is usually considered an affordable place to live as compared to other big cities in the UK. The cost of living in Nottingham depends on factors such as accommodation, lifestyle, and personal preference.
Yes, Nottingham is considered a good place for international students. Home to two top-ranked universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, the city attracts a large number of international students each year. Nottingham has a diverse and welcoming community.
Popular areas for student accommodation in Nottingham include Lenton, Beeston, Dunkirk, and Arboretum. These areas offer a wide range of transport and accommodation options.
As a student, it is recommended to live near the university you study in. However, the suitability of an area also depends on individual preferences and requirements. Some popular areas known for their good quality of life are West Bridgford, Beeston, Mapperley, and Wollaton.
Nottingham is known for its vibrant nightlife and is especially popular among students. There are many bars, clubs, pubs, and entertainment venues that cater to different tastes and budgets. Areas such as Hockley, Lace Market, and Market Square are known for their nightlife scene.
As a rough estimate, the average monthly expenses for an international student could range from £700 to £1,200 per month.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
