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In this guide we will take you through 7 of the best study spots you need to try as a University of Nottingham student, covering both on and off campus locations so that you can find the best spot that suits your routine, workload and study style.

1. George Green Library

Location: University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, NG7 2RD

George Green is the most popular choice amongst University of Nottingham students. It is well known for being open 24 hours during term time, making it perfect for those early starts or late-night study sessions (make sure you bring your uni card if entering after 10pm). The library also offers a mix of study spaces for example, if you are looking for zero distractions head to floor C or E for silent study. For postgraduate students, you have the privilege of going all the way up to F floor, offering a more focused environment away from the busier areas of the library. George Green is the best option for those living in on campus student accommodation.

Tip: Make sure you book study rooms and spaces in advance, especially in those busy periods leading up to exams.

2. Hallward Library

Location: University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, NG7 2RD

From students’ experience, Hallward Library is often seen as the place to properly “lock in” and get your work done, whereas George Green can sometimes be considered as a “social hub”. That said, this is not strictly true, just like George Green, Hallward offers a mix of study areas and atmospheres which can change depending on the time of day. It is also conveniently located just a 6-minute walk from the David Ross Sports village, perfect for those looking to head to the gym during lunch.

Tip: This library is not 24 hours so try to get there as early as possible to maximise your days’ work.

3. Djanogly Learning Resource Centre

Location: Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Rd, NG8 1BB

The Djanogly Learning Resource Centre is one of the most unique study spaces at the University of Nottingham, sitting right on the water at Jubilee Campus. If you are living in off campus accommodation in Lenton, then you are just walking distance away. The library is also perfect for a quick break, offering a Games Zone with puzzles, crafts and board games to help you unwind without having to leave the building. Luckily, it is very conveniently located right opposite SPAR and Café Terazzo, perfect for affordable lunch options.

Tip: Try grab yourself a seat next to the window, the natural light and water view can make it a really calming place to get your work done.

4. Portland Coffee

Location: Portland Building University Boulevard, NG7 2RD

If you are looking for a change of scenery from Hallward and George Green library, then Portland Coffee is a solid option especially for those living in on campus student accommodation. The range and affordability of their snacks and drinks have made it a popular option for Nottingham students in between lectures. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxed atmosphere then make sure to visit on the weekends, the café can get quite loud and busy during the week with students coming in and out throughout the day.

Tip: Make sure you pick up a loyalty card which gets stamped after every purchase.

5. 200 Degree Coffee

Location: City Centre (multiple locations)

Founded right here in Nottingham, 200 Degrees is the number one spot when it comes to café options for University of Nottingham students. The space is brilliant for getting through reading, admin tasks or those lighter study sessions, especially if you want a change of scenery from campus. Their locations have tables and seating suitable for laptops, and some light background noise making you feel productive without being distracted. If you are looking for something new to do during your lunch breaks, 200 Degrees also offer barista training courses for beginners, this is a perfect way to stay productive at university whilst also learning something new!

Tip: It rarely gets busy during the week, but make sure you get there earlier in the day so you can grab that seat with a plug socket.

6. Crocus Café

Location: 18 Lenton Blvd, Nottingham, NG7 2ES

Crocus Café is a very convenient option if you are living in student housing near Lenton. It is a great place to work during the weekend with your housemates after spending a week on campus with your coursemates. The café is fully vegetarian and offers a wide range of food and drink options, making it easy to settle in for those longer sessions. They serve breakfast all day, so you can still enjoy your weekend lie in and get there in time for some relaxed revision.

7. Water’s Edge Pub

Location:  3 Castle Bridge Rd, NG7 1GX

If you are looking for a social space to study off campus, Water’s Edge is brilliant. Located right by Nottingham’s canal, they offer outside seating making it a great option in the warmer months. It is very conveniently located in castle boulevard right next to Lenton making it an easy commute for those in Nottingham student housing. During the week, the Water’s Edge is incredibly quiet, so there’s no need to worry about getting distracted by high volumes of noise. Their affordable food and drink menu means that you can easily settle down for longer study sessions.

Tip: If you are going with friends, make sure you stay focused, don’t let the study session turn into a day drinking.

UoN Architecture students design local canalside garden - The University of Nottingham

Everyone studies differently, what works for one person may not work for someone else. Some days you may need total silence to get your work done, other days a café or social space might help you stay motivated. It is important you keep an open mind and try a few spots to find what suits you. Mixing up where you study throughout the day can also help you keep things fresh and make those longer days become more manageable.

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Student Homes in Arboretum, Nottingham

Arboretum, nestled just short of a 5-minute walk from Nottingham Trent University and the city centre, offers the perfect blend of convenience and atmosphere. With a tram stop in the heart of the Arboretum, you have the choice to travel by tram into the centre or simply take a stroll, admiring the lovely scenic ponds, landscape, and paths of the Arboretum Park. The Arboretum is also next to the Forest Recreational Ground, a pitstop for runners, football lovers, or café hoppers, sipping on the finest brews while tackling their assignments.

With various types of student accommodation available in Arboretum, perfect for group living, this is a highly popular location for Nottingham Trent University students given the close distance to the student union, the library and all the shops. The student union gym is also right on your doorstep, helping you to keep fit and healthy while living in Nottingham.

Traveling to other areas is easy, with access to buses, trains, lime bikes, scooters, and trams, leading you wherever you need to go in and around Nottingham, providing University of Nottingham students an easy option to travel to campus if they choose to live in Arboretum. Another noteworthy place is the Arboretum Park, an accredited Green Heritage Site, which has widely been considered the inspiration of author J.M Barrie for his Marvel Peter Pan! You’ll find groups of friends having picnics here in summer, kicking a ball around, or having a stroll, admiring the greenery and the pond!

I reached out to fellow students living in Arboretum, and here’s what they had to say: “Summer in the Arboretum is the best, everyone gets together and just has the best time. There is nothing better than meeting my friends on a hot summer day after I’ve been to university and relaxing with them before heading back home!”

Arboretum is a host to various events all year round, including Bands in the Park festival which takes place in summer. It is bound to keep you entertained during your time in Nottingham. In the bustling neighbourhood of Arboretum, where students flock in abundance, I’ve witnessed first-hand how students here prioritise each other’s well-being, creating a supportive community where everyone looks out for one another. In this student-centric environment, you’ll find reassurance knowing that your peers have your back. My top things to do in the Arboretum are stroll around with friends, then visit the Arboretum café and the Forest Recreational ground, which is where I started my running journey.

Not sure where to live in Arboretum? Have a read of our other blog, which gives you an in-depth review of the student areas within Arboretum!

FLAT Q, PARK VIEW, ARBORETUM, STUDENT CRIBS

Key distances from Arboretum (walking):

Nottingham Trent University: 5-minutes
University of Nottingham: 40-minutes
Nottingham Train Station: 24- minutes

Student Homes in Lenton, Nottingham

Now onto Lenton, a vibrant student location that sits just 12 minutes’ walk away from the University of Nottingham and 27 minutes’ walk away from Nottingham Trent University. Lenton is the most popular place to live for all the University of Nottingham students, with a variety of student accommodation available in this location. A quick walk to the Jubilee Campus and a short 15-minute bus ride to the University Park Campus, Lenton’s convenient location is why it’s highly sought after. Lenton is a hub of student life, one of my favourite food spots is AvoCafe by Nytri2Go, a café and food delivery service specialising in healthy meals.

For entertainment, Savoy Cinema is the cutest cinema in the heart of Lenton and a hotspot for students any day of the week. Tickets are priced so cheap, so get ready to grab your popcorn and enjoy the show! Crawling with pubs everywhere you turn, Lenton has a good range of local shops, supermarkets, takeaways, and pubs, and with Nottingham’s city centre just one mile away, you’ll have all the best high street brands close to you as well. Looking for places to eat and drink in Nottingham? Particularly for students, The Three Wheatsheaves and the Rose and Crown are most popular.

Being part of the run club “These girls run” means I’ll occasionally run through Lenton, so I get to admire all the lovely houses, greenery, and of course, the famous Nottingham Castle! Lenton has a great social and cultural atmosphere, with plenty of student housing. You don’t want to be stuck elsewhere as a University of Nottingham student especially, as everyone will be in the Lenton area! In the vibrant district of Lenton, renowned for its lively student population, a strong sense of safety prevails. In my experience, students in Lenton actively watch out for one another, forming a tight-knit community where mutual care and support thrive. Due to the convenience that Lenton offers, securing student houses in Nottingham is quite competitive! So, make sure to prepare well in advance if you want to live in this much sought-after area.

Key distances from Lenton (walking):

Nottingham University: 12-minute walk
Nottingham Trent University: 27-minute walk
Nottingham Train Station: 34-minute walk

Decisions, decisions…

Both Arboretum and Lenton offer unique experiences and are perfect havens for students seeking a balanced university life. If you are looking for student homes to rent in Nottingham, Student Cribs has your back in these vibrant districts! Offering student housing in Nottingham from studio flats for one, to spacious 6-bedroom houses, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – a lively neighbourhood and a cosy home.

Now that we’ve broken down the best student areas in Nottingham, it’s down to you to choose your favourite spot. I hope this guide helps you find the perfect spot to call home during your university years in Nottingham. If you have any questions or want more insights, feel free to check out Student Cribs social media and drop them a direct message, or enquire on their website.

Cheers to an incredible student life in Nottingham – may your housing search be as exciting as your university journey!