UQ Program: Bachelor of Environmental Management
Setting off on my first experience abroad, I was unaware of the number of strong relationships I would return with, both new and old. I was fortunate to experience this journey with my boyfriend and another close friend. At Nottingham University I studied Environmental Science subjects, with very different content to UQ. But the most valuable learning experiences were independence in travelling and confidence when making new acquaintances, invaluable personal traits in both academic and social aspects of life. Weekend trips across Europe were surprisingly easy. There were so many exciting opportunities, even had Pendulum playing outside my college window- a free concert!
Nottingham’s archaic administrative procedures were tedious at times after being accustomed to UQ’s ability to provide correct, up to date online info.
Staying on campus at Nottingham was pivotal to my experience and I made lifelong friendships with people from all over the world. Be prepared for a massive gastronomic culture shock! I ate more potatoes, drank more beer and inhaled more pizzas in the last 5 months than in my entire life, no regrets though. It was hard to be away from family, I’d never been away from my twin brother for more than a few months before, but Skype really does help with homesickness.
Top 5 Tips:
1. Take a big bag, only half pack it and take a backpack to fit a months’ travel gear for the study break. You adapt to the cold quickly and everywhere has indoor heating so pack club clothes you would wear here.
2. There are 14 bars on campus, one for each college (fill in the college form at the same time if you want to be in the same one as your friends!). “The Mooch” (uni bar) is the best place for cheap pints, post-exam frivolities, pub quiz and Sahara Nuts, the most addictive substance on earth.
3. There is no orientation for second semester (beginning January) so be prepared to get straight into it, jetlag and all.
4. Take something to remind you of home, it will be an anchor in stressful times. Don’t sweat, most Europeans love Australians, just don’t mention sport of any kind.
5. Two words: Ryan Air.
Notts forever!