Nottingham is a true student metropolis: more than 70 000 learners split between the University of Nottingham (~36 000 on UK campuses) (nottingham.ac.uk) and Nottingham Trent University (~33 000–40 000) (Nottingham Trent University) call the city home each year. That critical mass helps explain why Nottingham ranks 51st worldwide and 9th in the UK in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 list (Top Universities) and why its nightlife continues to hold the coveted Purple Flag for safety for a 15th straight year (mynottinghamnews.co.uk). Still, excitement often comes bundled with nerves during Freshers’ Week. At AchGoldEstates we specialise in warm, well-located accommodation that softens that initial culture shock—and the tips below will speed up your transition, too.
Personalising Your Space
The quickest way to tackle those how to feel at home in student accommodation blues is to stamp your personality on your room from day one:
Your student room or flat should reflect you and your style. A few small changes can make it feel like home. Try these ideas:
- Display Photos and Artwork: Hang framed photos, posters, or art you love. Seeing familiar faces and memories around your room reminds you of home and makes the space uniquely yours.
- Cozy Bedding and Decor: Use a bright duvet cover, pillows, and a soft throw blanket. Adding a small rug or cushions can instantly make the bed or floor much warmer and more comfortable.
- Add a Splash of Green: Bring one or two potted plants or succulents. A bit of greenery brightens up a room, makes it feel fresher, and brings a touch of life to your study corner.
- Keep Things Organized: Tidy spaces feel more relaxing. Use shelves, under-bed boxes, or desk organizers to store books and gadgets neatly. When everything has its place, you’ll feel more at ease and ready to focus.
- Soft Lighting: Swap harsh ceiling lights for a desk lamp or string lights. Warm, soft lighting instantly changes a bare room into a cozy retreat for studying or relaxing.
Little touches borrowed from home, your favourite mug, a scented candle (check your accommodation rules), that worn hoodie you always lounge in, create instant familiarity and are a proven antidote to student homesickness Nottingham.
Exploring Nottingham Early
Nottingham has so much to explore. The sooner you check out your new city, the quicker it feels familiar.
- Lenton & Arboretum: A lively student area near campus, with cafés (like AvoCafé), shops, and leafy streets. The nearby Arboretum Park is perfect for relaxing walks or study breaks.
- Wollaton Park & Castle Grounds: Expansive green spaces near the city. See deer roaming and visit historic Wollaton Hall. The grounds around Nottingham Castle are also nice for picnics and a bit of local history.
- Nottingham City Centre: The bustling heart of the city. Stroll Old Market Square, browse the Lace Market, or grab coffee and street food. Many student events and nightlife happen here, so it’s always busy.
- University Park & Highfields: If you study at University of Nottingham, explore campus itself. Walk around the lake, find hidden gardens, or chill on the lawn. Nearby Highfields Park has a boating lake and flower gardens—ideal for a peaceful break.
Getting Involved
First year is a great time to get involved on campus, doing so helps you meet people and makes Nottingham feel more like home:
Volunteer or Work: Consider volunteering at a campus organization or taking a part-time job. Helping with library shifts, event setup, or charity causes connects you to people and builds your confidence. Build micro-routines
Join Clubs or Societies: Both universities have hundreds of student societies (arts, sports, academics, culture, and more). Find one that excites you; it’s a ready way to meet others with similar interests.
Get Active: Try a campus sports team or sign up for a gym class. Whether it’s football, netball, or yoga, playing sports or exercising is a fun way to bond with new classmates.
Attend Events: Go to Freshers’ Week events, club nights, and campus fairs. Student unions and halls often host mixers and theme nights. Even lectures or workshops can be great for meeting people.
Walk your route to campus before lectures start, note the nearest 24-hour shop, and download the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram app. Early familiarity shrinks the city to a comfortable village and fast-forwards settling into university life Nottingham.
Managing Homesickness
Homesickness is normal, but there are ways to cope:
- Stay in Touch (but not constantly): Schedule regular video calls with family and old friends. Hearing familiar voices can help, but also make sure to spend time with new people here so you’re not always looking back.
- Bring Comforts from Home: Pack a few favorite items like a pillow, throw blanket, or photos of family and pets. These little comforts make your new room cozier and remind you of home in a positive way.
- Keep a Routine: Set up a daily plan for classes, meals, exercise, and relaxation. For example, enjoy a morning coffee at your favorite café or take an evening walk with friends. A routine provides structure and something to look forward to.
- Find Support: Talk to your flatmates or classmates, many people feel homesick. Don’t hesitate to reach out to student support services or counselors if you need someone to listen or guidance.
Finding “Your” Spots in the City
Everyone needs a few go-to spots that make the city feel cozy. Explore Nottingham and pick a few favorites:
- Local Café or Hangout: Find a café, bookstore, or pub you like—maybe near campus or your flat. Becoming a regular means the staff will recognize you, making Nottingham feel more familiar.
- Study or Chill Nook: Identify a quiet place where you can focus or relax. It could be a corner of the library, a campus coffee shop, or a bench in the park. A consistent study or lunch spot can become comforting.
- Walking Route or Park: Discover a favorite walking or jogging path, like a loop around campus or a trail through a park. A regular stroll or run along the same route helps you learn the area and unwind.
Student Testimonials
“Walking through Wollaton Park with new friends on a sunny afternoon made Nottingham feel like home. I also made my flat cozy with fairy lights and family photos—it helped a lot!” — James, first-year Civil Engineering student
“Joining the photography club and decorating my AchGoldEstates room with my own prints made such a difference. I quickly made friends and our study group became like family!” — Lucy, first-year Fine Arts student
“Scheduling video calls with my family helped, but the thing that really worked for me was attending Freshers’ Week events. I met so many friendly people, and my flatmates felt like family.” — Aisha, first-year International student
Find Your Nottingham Home with AchGoldEstates
AchGoldEstates wants to make your move to Nottingham as smooth as possible. Our student accommodations are in prime locations and include friendly on-site teams. Our supportive staff and fellow students help create a home-away-from-home feeling. We offer furnished rooms and cozy common areas where you can meet new people. Many of our halls host welcome events and activities to help new students settle in faster.
Ready to find your new home? Visit AchGoldEstates to explore our Nottingham student flats. Our friendly team will help you find the perfect room so you can focus on your studies and enjoy uni life. Nottingham can become a wonderful home away from home, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let AchGoldEstates be your partner in making Nottingham feel like home.
Welcome to Nottingham—and to your new home with AchGoldEstates!
