“The best thing to remember as a fresher is that everyone is there to help you if you need it. Get involved with everything you can and just enjoy it.”
Rob Jones
Course: BA Art History (second year)
“The specialities of the academics at Nottingham were a major factor when it came to choosing where to study, as was being able to take modules related to my areas of interest. I knew the University had a good reputation and I liked the idea that it was campus-based but also close to a major city.
So far, the course has more than exceeded my expectations:
the material has been so thought-provoking and there’s
always an opportunity to tie in your own interests with
what you’re learning. Also, being taught by academics who
are world-respected within their subject areas is exciting and
unequivocally beneficial. There’s a very friendly atmosphere
within the Department and because the academics and
students are on first-name terms with each other, it’s very
easy to get advice if you need it.
I’m now the Second-Year Social Secretary for the Art History
Society, which organises things like a social for freshers,
trips to art galleries, a Christmas meal and a ball at the
end of the year. It’s great to be able to plan recreational
and educational events with my friends from inside and
outside the Department. Another good way to meet people
is by living in halls. I was in Florence Boot Hall – it’s one of
the smallest on campus and had a family-like atmosphere
because everyone got to know each other.
Since starting my course, my essay-writing skills have improved dramatically and participating in seminars has helped me become more confident about both formal and informal public speaking. I hope to develop these and other skills when I go to McGill University in Canada through one of the University’s study abroad programmes.
After I graduate I intend to continue my study, hopefully to at least masters level, and I am more than likely to stay at Nottingham to do that.”