If you go looking for information from people who have had to deal with Student Finance, there is one word you will get used to seeing very quickly: "Useless". I know so many people that have had horrible problems with Student Finance that there seems little point in saying much more here. They are notoriously slow, difficult and hard to deal with. Adding to the already plentiful list of negative comments about Student Finance seems pointless.
Instead, I want to talk about something good.
The Student Support service at the University of Nottingham have been consistently brilliant. University can be a hugely stressful experience if there are problems and having the ability to solve those problems quickly and efficiently is a wonderful luxury. Every time I've had a problem, I've found the Student Support staff to be friendly, approachable, knowledgeable and practical. There has never been an instance of being told that something is "not their job" - a response that can often throw up obstacles when trying to resolve an issue - instead, when this has been the case, they've put me in touch with someone who is better-suited to help.
Peace of mind can mean everything at times, and the Student Support team seem well aware of this. There has never been an instance where I've been made to feel as if I'm asking a stupid question or being over-cautious. The reassurance that this reliable, approachable and efficient team are there can make a world of difference.
The counselling service is another incredible resource for those who need it. There's a short waiting list due to the huge number of people who use it and the limited resources they have, but they make sure that the service continues to run as efficiently as possible.
It's not something that most people consider when choosing a University, but it's something that has really impressed me while I've been at Nottingham.
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Monday 5 September 2011
19 days to go!
Getting VERY excited now! Under 3 weeks until I get back to Uni and I can't wait!
Reading
I managed to locate reading lists for the modules I'll be starting this term. Making a start on reading any of the books on the list that I already own as well as anything that might prove useful. Right now I'm reading The Histories by Herodotus (which has it's good points, but some of it is SO tedious!) and The Ancient Greeks for Dummies by Stephen Batchelor because it never hurts to go back to basics and see if there are any gaps in your knowledge!
Packing
I've not actually started packing yet, but I am planning it! Trying to decide which guitar to take this year - last year I took my 12-string acoustic, but I'm considering taking one of my electric guitars this year instead. Decisions! I need to wash all of my bedding as well. I've got a double bed at Mother's house and a single bed at uni, so I can't use my uni bedding at home! I think it was clean when I packed it all up, but it's been packed up all summer, so it'll probably benefit from being freshened up a little!
Social life
One of the other reasons I'm looking forward to going back is all the going-out things to do! Where my Mother lives is pretty remote, so nights out are usually hard work! In Nottingham, most things I want to do are within walking distance - or a short bus ride at the most! Looking forward to having a few interesting nights out!
People
Of course it's going to be good to see the people I met last year again (apart from The American, who has gone home to America... It won't be the same without her!) but also looking forward to meeting new people. Lots of new people in halls and maybe some new people on my course too. It's going to be interesting to see who's around!
Modules
I think I've posted about this before - but I'm really looking forward to some of the modules I'm doing this year! Last year was mostly general Greek and Roman history, but this year I get to focus a lot more on the things I'm really interested in! Very exciting!
Reading
I managed to locate reading lists for the modules I'll be starting this term. Making a start on reading any of the books on the list that I already own as well as anything that might prove useful. Right now I'm reading The Histories by Herodotus (which has it's good points, but some of it is SO tedious!) and The Ancient Greeks for Dummies by Stephen Batchelor because it never hurts to go back to basics and see if there are any gaps in your knowledge!
Packing
I've not actually started packing yet, but I am planning it! Trying to decide which guitar to take this year - last year I took my 12-string acoustic, but I'm considering taking one of my electric guitars this year instead. Decisions! I need to wash all of my bedding as well. I've got a double bed at Mother's house and a single bed at uni, so I can't use my uni bedding at home! I think it was clean when I packed it all up, but it's been packed up all summer, so it'll probably benefit from being freshened up a little!
Social life
One of the other reasons I'm looking forward to going back is all the going-out things to do! Where my Mother lives is pretty remote, so nights out are usually hard work! In Nottingham, most things I want to do are within walking distance - or a short bus ride at the most! Looking forward to having a few interesting nights out!
People
Of course it's going to be good to see the people I met last year again (apart from The American, who has gone home to America... It won't be the same without her!) but also looking forward to meeting new people. Lots of new people in halls and maybe some new people on my course too. It's going to be interesting to see who's around!
Modules
I think I've posted about this before - but I'm really looking forward to some of the modules I'm doing this year! Last year was mostly general Greek and Roman history, but this year I get to focus a lot more on the things I'm really interested in! Very exciting!
Thursday 1 September 2011
It's September!
I think I'm officially allowed to get excited now!
I don't move back into halls until 25th September, but at least I'm in the right month! I've been trying to get a bit of extra reading done in preparation for going back, but it's hard to know what is going to be useful!
I'm SO tempted to start packing my clothes now - I've got all the boxes and bags ready to be filled up already!
I don't move back into halls until 25th September, but at least I'm in the right month! I've been trying to get a bit of extra reading done in preparation for going back, but it's hard to know what is going to be useful!
I'm SO tempted to start packing my clothes now - I've got all the boxes and bags ready to be filled up already!
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