Transitioning to student life
Sometimes, starting university can be a bit of a culture shock. New students can find it very different to what their school or college experience was like – whether it’s the new rules, or new ways of studying. We want to help you to understand how universities work, and outline some of the additional support that’s available.
Life at university
There is plenty of information on our web pages to help you prepare for your new life at university. From information about booking your accommodation and life in halls to managing your money.
Discover how to enrol, what is a student card and how to use it as well as information on our Welcome Week, the activity-packed introduction to life at Nottingham Trent University. We even have a checklist of suggested items so you don't forget anything.
If you still have questions or need help, our Student Services Centres and Disability Services team are here to support you.
Get Sorted
Each year we run a transition event for students with disabilities and long-term health conditions. At these events, you can come and meet your support teams, explore the kind of help that’s on offer, and make sure you have everything in place to start at NTU. The events are a lot of fun and great icebreakers – a nice introduction to your life at the University!
Our expert staff can provide:
- help with applying for the Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) and other funding streams, as well as guidance on paying for additional support
- weekly advice sessions across all campuses for students with autism; physical, sensory and long-term medical conditions; and dyslexia or other specific learning differences (SpLD)
- individual Access Statements, to share your adjustments appropriately across NTU.
Academic support
Details of university term dates are available online so you can plan when you will be at university during the year.
When you arrive you will have course induction sessions which run throughout the first few weeks of term to introduce you to your course. Information on preparing for your studies including academic support and the NTU Online Workspace, or NOW can be found on our Starting at NTU pages.
The Library offers a full range of services including supporting online learning and developing key study skills. Find out more about the library and the disability support available.
Social and wellbeing
Starting at university is an exciting time and a great opportunity to meet new people. You can get involved by joining one of the many clubs and societies on offer or even try a new sport through our Sport Access Scheme. The Student's Union, NTSU is an independent organisation that represents all NTU students and offers opportunities, events and support.
Your health and well being is important, you should register with a medical practice on arrival. There are medical practices based at both the City and Clifton campuses (students based at Brackenhurst usually register with the Southwell Medical Practice). You have the opportunity to sign up for these when you complete your online enrolment, or you can visit in person at another time. Our Healthy NTU guide contains lots of useful tips and information on various support services.
Need help?
There are a variety of ways to get help and support, so don't worry – if any issues arise, know that you’re not alone. During office hours, you can contact your Disability Officer or Disability Support Services via disability.support@ntu.ac.uk or +44 (0)115 848 2085. If you need assistance out of hours, you can also contact:
- GP
- 111 phone line
- Ambulance – phone 999
- Samaritans
- Nightline – a student-run volunteering organisation that provides a confidential and anonymous point of contact for students at both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, 365 days a year.
Alternatively, click on one of the links below to contact wellbeing services via their online forms.