Student Housing
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If you’re planning to attend an open day at the University of Nottingham, this guide is for you. Whether you’re still choosing between universities or have your heart set on UoN, visiting the campus is the best way to get a feel for student life, courses, and accommodation. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore one of the UK’s most exciting and student-friendly cities.
Here’s how to get the most out of your day — from planning your visit to scoping out where you might live in second year.
🔗 Visit the official University of Nottingham open day page
The University of Nottingham has several campuses, with most undergraduate students based at University Park or Jubilee Campus. Before you arrive, check your open day itinerary, and decide which talks, tours, and sessions you want to prioritise. If you’re interested in specific courses or departments, booking subject sessions in advance is a smart move.
Don’t forget to download the open day map or app. Nottingham’s campuses are large, and it’s easy to get turned around. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle — you’ll be walking a lot.
University Park Campus is the main site, set in 300 acres of green space with beautiful architecture, lakes, and gardens. It’s home to most faculties and many halls of residence.
Jubilee Campus, located a short walk or shuttle ride away, is modern and eco-focused, housing courses like Computer Science, Education, and Business. It has impressive facilities including a state-of-the-art library and its own student accommodation.
Both campuses have their own vibe, so it’s worth seeing both — especially if your course might be split across them.
First-year students at Nottingham typically live in university-managed halls on or near campus. Open days will give you the chance to tour popular options like Broadgate Park, Cripps Hall, and Florence Boot Hall. Ask current students about social life in halls, whether they recommend catered or self-catered, and what the vibe is like in each one.
But don’t stop there. Most students move off-campus in second and third year, and the most popular student areas include:
Lenton – the heart of Nottingham’s student community, packed with shared houses, cafes, pubs, and corner shops. Just a 10-minute walk to University Park.
Dunkirk – quieter than Lenton but still very close to campus, ideal for medics or engineering students.
Beeston – a well-connected suburb with a high street, supermarkets, and its own train station. Popular with students looking for more space.
If you’ve got time after the campus tour, wander around these areas to get a feel for where you might be living in second year. Or head to student-housing.co.uk/nottingham to explore what’s currently available.
Nobody knows the University of Nottingham better than the people who study and work there. Open days give you direct access to lecturers, admissions tutors, and current students, so make the most of it.
Ask course tutors about things like assessment style, industry links, module options, and placement opportunities. And when chatting to student ambassadors, go beyond the brochure. Ask them:
What do you wish you’d known before starting here?
How easy is it to make friends?
Where do most second years live?
What’s the nightlife like?
What’s one thing you don’t like about the university?
These informal chats can reveal far more than any prospectus.
Don’t just limit yourself to campus — spend some time getting to know Nottingham itself. It’s one of the UK’s most affordable and diverse student cities, with a mix of history, nightlife, and great independent businesses.
Grab a bite in Lenton or Dunkirk, check out the city centre, or hop on a tram to experience how easy it is to get around. You’ll find high street shops, quirky cafes, hidden pubs, and cool venues like Rock City and Rough Trade.
Nottingham is also known for its green spaces. The Arboretum and Wollaton Park (famous for being Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight) are both worth a visit.
When you’re visiting multiple universities, everything can start to blur. Use your phone to jot down quick notes about what you liked, didn’t like, and what stood out. Take photos of buildings, accommodation, and even signage so you can refer back later. These will help massively when it’s time to make your final UCAS decisions.
Here are some smart questions to keep in your back pocket:
What’s the student-to-tutor ratio on my course?
How easy is it to book one-to-one support or office hours?
Are there placement or study abroad options?
What mental health or wellbeing support is available?
What are the top student areas for second-year housing?
What’s the average rent for a student house in Nottingham?
Once your open day is over and you’ve fallen in love with Nottingham, it’s never too early to think about housing beyond first year. Second-year housing usually gets snapped up fast — many students begin their search before Christmas.
At Student Housing Nottingham, we specialise in off-campus properties in Lenton, Dunkirk, Beeston and surrounding student areas. All of our homes come with bills included, modern furnishings, and experienced property managers who’ve all been students themselves.
👉 Explore Nottingham student accommodation now
A University of Nottingham open day isn’t just about picking a course — it’s about imagining your life in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities. From the buzz of Lenton to the calm of University Park, from lecture theatres to late-night takeaways, your future starts with a visit.
Make it count.
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#1 Student Lettings Agency
Student Housing is a top-rated student lettings agency offering fully furnished, bills-included accommodation across Lincoln, Nottingham, and Hull. Run by former students, we provide hassle-free, transparent housing tailored for university life.