Are you considering studying in the UK? UK Guarantor have put together a comprehensive series of guides to major Universities and University cities in the UK. Read on for everything you need to know about Nottingham including tips on UK student accommodation.
University of Nottingham
University of Nottingham occupies the following positions in the world ranking proposed by the various league tables:
| World ranking | Type of league table |
| 101 – 150 | The Academic Ranking of World Universities |
| 143 | The Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| 28 | The Professional Ranking of World Universities |
| 140 | Centre for World University Rankings |
| 87 | QS World University Rankings |
| 15 | The National Student Survey (students’ overall satisfaction) |
Zoom in:
- University of Nottingham is part of the Russell Group and therefore a leading research university in the UK.
- It is actually ranked the 8th best university in the UK based on research power.
- It is the 9th largest European producer of entrepreneurs.
What the league tables say in more details:
The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
University of Nottingham is considered to be amongst the 101-150 universities in the world and amongst the 10-17 universities in the UK. It ranks best in life sciences and medicine.
The ARWU ranks universities based on 4 major criteria, further split by categories:
| Criterion | Weight | Score | |
| Quality of education | Number of alumni who have won a Nobel Prize | 10% | 11.5 |
| Quality of Faculty | Number of staff who have won a Nobel Prize | 20% | 20.0 |
| Number of highly cited researchers | 20% | 19.1 | |
| Research Output | Number of Papers published in Nature and Science | 20% | 15.9 |
| Number of Papers cited in Science Citation Indexes | 20% | 45.9 | |
| Academic Perf. | Per capita academic performance | 10% | 20.1 |
| Overall | 100% | 23.34 | |
The ARWU offers scores for each of the criteria above, but one disadvantage is that it does not rank the universities based on individual criterion as well, so students do not get full insight into university rankings based on their personal preferences.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
Overall, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings places University of Nottingham on the 143rd place in the world.
The league table considers the following criteria (each with an equal weight):
| Criterion | Score (of 100) |
| Teaching quality | 40.3 |
| International Outlook | 80.6 |
| Industry Income | 39.8 |
| Research capabilities | 39.0 |
| Citations | 77.5 |
| Total | 54.1 |
University of Nottingham is:
- In top 20% universities in International Outlook in 2015-2016
- In top 20% universities in Teaching in 2015-2016
The main statistics on University of Nottingham consist of:
- Number of students: 30,144
- % of international students: 27%
- Students to staff ratio = 15
- Female: Male ratio = 54:46
The Professional Ranking of World Universities (PRWU)
This league table ranks university by a simple criterion, undeclared but verifiable: the number of alumni holding a post of chief executive officer or equivalent in one of the 500 leading international companies, at a particular time and with the data, (companies and company leaders) of the Fortune Global 500 classification. The last such survey was conducted in 2009 based on the companies included in Fortune Global 500 at the end of 2008.
University of Nottingham has a score of 2.5 meaning that this is the equivalent of how many of its alumni have taken top management positions in the companies considered at the time of the research.
Centre for World University Rankings
Based on this ranking, University of Nottingham is the 140th academic institution in the world, with an overall score of 49.02/100, and the 10th in the UK.
CWUR uses eight objective and robust indicators to rank the world’s top 1000 universities:
| Criterion | Measurement | Weight | Ranking by criteria |
| Quality of Education | Measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals relative to the university’s size | 25% | 131 |
| Alumni Employment | Measured by the number of a university’s alumni who have held CEO positions at the world’s top companies relative to the university’s size | 25% | 109 |
| Quality of Faculty | Measured by the number of academics who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals | 25% | 84 |
| Publications | Measured by the number of research papers appearing in reputable journals | 5% | 116 |
| Influence | measured by the number of research papers appearing in highly-influential journals | 5% | 176 |
| Citations | Measured by the number of highly-cited research papers | 5% | 146 |
| Broad Impact | Measured by the university’s h-index | 5% | 140 |
| Patents | Measured by the number of international patent filings | 5% | 138 |
QS World University Rankings
Based on these criteria University of Nottingham ranks the 70th university worldwide.
In terms of subjects and fields of study, University of Nottingham ranks best in:
- By subject – Pharmacy and Pharmacology – number 8
- By field – Life Sciences and Medicine – number 67
This league table looks at 6 main criteria:
| Criteria | Weight | Score |
| Academic reputation (based on a global survey) | 40% | 80.6 |
| Employer reputation (based on a global survey) | 10% | 96.7 |
| Student to faculty ratio | 20% | 61.1 |
| Citations per faculty | 20% | 61.9 |
| International faculty ratio | 5% | 87.3 |
| International student ratio | 5% | 87.6 |
| Overall | 100% | 75.4 |
The National Student Survey
The National Student Survey ranks UK universities based on students’ responses to a survey which assesses the following:
- the quality of teaching
- assessment and feedback
- academic support
- organization and management
- learning resources
- personal development
- overall satisfaction
- Student’s Union
- NHS Practice Placements
Student overall satisfaction at University of Nottingham is at 86%. A further analysis of the responses shows that students have answered mostly with 4 (satisfied) and 5 (very satisfied) to most of the questions. The most dispersed answers offered by students from “dissatisfied” to “very satisfied” are those to the questions concerning assessment and feedback. In addition, more than 50% of the respondents have answered “very satisfied” and on average 40% have answered “satisfied” to questions related to the quality of teaching and learning resources.
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University occupies the following positions in the world ranking proposed by the various league tables:
| World ranking | Type of league table |
| N/A | The Academic Ranking of World Universities |
| 601- 800 | The Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| N/A | The Professional Ranking of World Universities |
| N/A | Centre for World University Rankings |
| 701+ | QS World University Rankings |
| 23 | The National Student Survey (students’ overall satisfaction) |
Zoom in:
- The university has significant international recognition for its work in Art and Design, Communication, Business, Cultural and Media Studies, English Language and Literature, and for its Professions allied to Medicine, French and Law.
- The Guardian(2015) said Nottingham Trent University was “one of the top places in the country for graduate employment”, with 94% of students progressing to full-time employment or further education within six months of graduating.
What the league tables say in more details:
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
Overall, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings places Imperial College amongst the 601 – 800 universities worldwide.
The league table considers the following criteria (each with an equal weight):
| Criterion | Score (of 100) |
| Teaching quality | 16.5 |
| International Outlook | 52.7 |
| Industry Income | 28.4 |
| Research capabilities | 8.9 |
| Citations | 27.3 |
| Total | 26.76 |
The main statistics on Nottingham Trent University consist of:
- Number of students: 21,852
- % of international students: 18%
- Students to staff ratio = 17.4
- Female: Male ratio = 55:45
The Professional Ranking of World Universities (PRWU)
This league table ranks university by a simple criterion, undeclared but verifiable: the number of alumni holding a post of chief executive officer or equivalent in one of the 500 leading international companies, at a particular time and with the data, (companies and company leaders) of the Fortune Global 500 classification. The last such survey was conducted in 2009 based on the companies included in Fortune Global 500 at the end of 2008.
Nottingham Trent University does not appear to be listed in this ranking, meaning that at the time of the study, no alumni of the university was in the position of CEO amongst the companies considered in the study.
QS World University Rankings
Based on these criteria, Nottingham Trent University ranks in the 700 and above universities in the world.
This league table looks at 6 main criteria:
| Criteria | Weight | Score |
| Academic reputation (based on a global survey) | 40% | – |
| Employer reputation (based on a global survey) | 10% | – |
| Student to faculty ratio | 20% | – |
| Citations per faculty | 20% | – |
| International faculty ratio | 5% | 37.7 |
| International student ratio | 5% | 38.1 |
| Overall | 100% | – |
The National Student Survey
The National Student Survey ranks universities based on students’ responses to a survey which assesses the following:
- the quality of teaching
- assessment and feedback
- academic support
- organization and management
- learning resources
- personal development
- overall satisfaction
- Student’s Union
- NHS Practice Placements
Student overall satisfaction at Nottingham Trent University is at 88%, with 107 universities and higher education institutions ahead. A further analysis of the responses shows that students have answered mostly with 4 or 5 (satisfied or very satisfied) to most of the questions evenly, with very few students expressing dissatisfaction with the various factors included within the criteria. Students’ answers show that above 80% of them are overall satisfied on average with the aspects considered in each section mentioned above.
Nights Out
Before we go out, me and my friends will always meet up at one of our houses for pre-drinks, where we tend to stay ‘til about 11pm. This allows you some time to catch up, without spending an absolute fortune.
After that we’ll head into town, and no matter what night of the week it is, there’s always something on offer in Nottingham. Monday nights are unexpectedly brilliant thanks to ‘Liquorice’ at Coco Tang, a half-hidden, decadent underground club that models itself on the back street bars of LA and New York. Look out for the red light above the entrance on Bridlesmith Gate, and give their ‘Cut to the Chase’ cocktail a go (seriously, it’s good).
Meanwhile, on Wednesdays, the place for students to be is ‘CRISIS’ at Rock City, where you can get Jagerbombs, and loads of other drinks, for £1.50 – just maybe don’t go there in your favourite shoes (sticky floors alert). For other great nights as the weekend approaches, check out the £2 drinks offer on Thursdays at Baa Bar, and indulge your guilty music pleasures on Friday at ‘The Pop Confessional’ at The Bodega (discount for students before midnight, and for anyone in fancy dress!).
My favourite night on Saturdays is ‘Hey Hey Hey’, back at Rock City again – write your name on their weekly Facebook event wall for free entry before 11pm. Alternatively, if your student loan has just landed, then you could head over to Saltwater at the CornerHouse, which has delicious cocktails and a heated terrace overlooking the city.
Places to Eat
For those who like to balance out their night-time exploits with a nice, civilized cup of tea and a slice of cake, then Nottingham is very much the place to be. The White Rabbit is a teahouse located in a quiet little arcade in the city centre, and has a unique, Alice-in-Wonderland theme. Book afternoon tea with a few friends if you’re looking for a relaxing few hours away from your books. Probably my favourite place, though, is the Divine Coffee House on Haydn Road – try one of their incredible homemade cakes (and it’s vegan to boot). If you’re looking for an amazing sandwich or panini, then head to Capers in Mapperley – the choice on offer there is absolutely mouthwatering.
For dining out, Nottingham has really upped its game in recent years. Junkyard is a bit secluded on Bridlesmith Walk, but offers a range of tasty, exotic small plates, which you can pair with a craft ale on draft (there are 15 beers on tap in total). If you’re after something a bit more traditional but still in budget, then check out Malt Cross. A Victorian music hall that’s been converted in recent years, you can find pub classics for under £10, plus a wide range of drinks at cheaper-than-average prices.
Hidden Gems
Not many people ever find out about Tilt Bar, and more fool them. This little bar is hidden above one of the many independent shops on Pelham Street, and has a quirky atmosphere paired with an equally quirky (but brilliant) cocktail menu – ‘Napoleon’s Nuts’, anyone? Don’t worry, though, their bar staff are talented enough to make whatever you want; they do a particularly good dry gin Martini, my favourite.
If you fancy getting out and about then you can try Wollaton Park, which is perfect for walks or having an afternoon picnic when the weather picks up. And, let’s be honest, anyone who’s planning to spend any length of time in Nottingham is duty-bound to pay a visit to the world-famous Sherwood Forest, where you can take a fab guided tour based around Robin Hood and his band of outlaws.
Best thing about Nottingham
I never properly appreciated this until my final year in Nottingham, but it’s an incredibly interesting, historical city – and I’m not just talking about Robin Hood. Underneath Nottingham city centre are over 500 caves dating back to the Dark Ages, which have been used as homes, pub cellars, and even bomb shelters over the centuries. There are some brilliant tours of this so-called ‘City of Caves’, with discounts for students – look for the entrance inside Broad Marsh shopping centre. For something a bit more modern but equally fascinating, then spend a few hours at Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, which is renowned for its inventive exhibitions and cutting-edge curation; this is also one of the few places in the city where you can take in a host of rare, art-house films from around the world.
Worst thing about Nottingham
When I lived a bit out of the city in first year, I’d have to say one of the very worst things about Nottingham was waiting for a bus to campus. Particularly when it rained, you could stand there and watch three or four buses go straight past your stop because they were already full of students! Never fear, however, because in second year I found a cunningly simple solution: I got a cheap bike and a decent waterproof jacket and, soon enough, I was loving my daily commute.
Accommodation
Another solution to the bus problem, as I’ve discovered in third year, is simply to fork out the extra £10-15 a week it costs to live in the city centre. This has worked particularly well for me as a Nottingham Trent student, as I’m able to work at the nearby city campus every day; but even for Nottingham University students, being in the city centre means you’re close to a variety of bus routes that will get you to campus more efficiently than I was able to get in from the suburbs.
West Bridgford is very popular with students, and even though it’s a fairly leafy part of town, the rental rates are surprisingly reasonable. What’s more, it’s only about ten minutes on foot from the city centre.
But the true ‘student area’ – where you’re guaranteed to bump into about a hundred familiar faces every time you pop to Sainsbury’s Local – is Lenton. The rental prices are a bit lower, and you’re only about twenty minutes on foot from the city centre, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to walk back there after dark – it’s not got the best reputation for crime, so stick with your mates, and pitch in together at the end of the night for a taxi.