Joe
Raine

Why NTU…

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

Being from the North, the heritage and history is one steeped in politics so, naturally, I have been engaged in that from quite a young age and wanted to continue that at university.
NTU immediately struck me as an enjoyable and engaging place to study: the wide range of sports clubs and societies, as well as the location of the city campus, particularly appealed to me.

Could you describe your experience of being an NTU student?

Despite starting university during the COVID-19 pandemic, I became active at NTU straight away: as a member of the Rugby League club I have been involved in sport as my main hobby, making it onto the 2022/23 committee as Marketing & Communications officer.
I have made great friends, both students and staff, that have all contributed to a fulfilling time at NTU. The numerous campaigns and events that are constantly happening making NTU a really exciting place to study and ensure that there is always a buzz around being on campus.

How would you describe the support from your tutors, university staff and student services?

From experience, the staff at NTU (and particularly in the School of Social Sciences) are always ready and happy to help whenever needed: whether that be for academic or personal advice. There is a nice balance between professionalism and friendliness that is often difficult to find in higher education.

There is vast range of support services for students that cover an array of different topics so, no matter what the concern and however small, there is help available.

On Placement…

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience - where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

My placement has been alongside Nottingham Citizens and involved a student-led mental health campaign which looked to better appreciate the concerns facing student at NTU and Nottingham alike. The connections I have made along the way, with other students at NTU as well as the University of Nottingham, have been invaluable. The members of staff and professionals that I have met have given me a great experience of community organising and action and have created a real sense of optimism for the whole of Nottingham.

Do you have any memorable moments from your placement?

The one experience that had stood out for me have been the cross-university collaboration that has been formed between students at NTU and UoN. It has been really encouraging to meet with like-minded students that are all passionate about and committed to the same cause of improving the livelihoods of our peers.

Do you have any advice for future students going on placement?

Placements are a really rewarding thing to get involved in and offer a genuine taste of work in the field. I would say that fully engaging with a placement is important and the old adage of ‘getting out what you put in’ is really applicable.

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

What words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Lively

Homely

Diverse

Where is a good place to eat, drink or visit in the city?

Hockley is the place to be for leisure: there’s loads of bars and restaurants (Six Barrel being a personal favourite) and one of the largest independent record stores in the UK at Rough Trade!

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle in at NTU?

It has been really easy to make friends through my involvement in Trent Rugby League and the Politics & International Relations Society. Between the two, the social and academic calendar is always fun of great events that offer really fun ways to meet new people.

The Next Steps…

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

There has been a number of timetabled talks and workshops over the course of the year to offer useful information on areas such as CV building and job interviews. Careers fairs are also a great way to gain further knowledge on specific work that in in your preferred area.

What would you say to someone thinking of applying to NTU?

Go for it! Nottingham is a great city and NTU is right at the heart of it. The city campus is a stone’s throw away from the heart of town and everything is within walking distance. You’ll never get tired of things to do at NTU and you’ll make great memories before you graduate.

What is one thing you wish you knew before starting at NTU?

The pandemic has had a huge impact on everyone’s lives and starting university at its peak was a challenge. I wish I had known about the effect that would have had on life at NTU.