// Latest Posts

Working full-time, studying part-time and keeping long-term goals in mind

Lots of blogs will tell you about ways to manage your time with conflicting responsibilities, however, what I want to discuss is:  How I identified my ‘why’ which helped to focus my choices.     How I found alternative ways to pursue my long-term goals when plans changed.   Whilst studying part-time with Nottingham University’s distance learning MA …

How the University is tackling period poverty

What is Period Poverty? Period Poverty is a problem evident all around the world that can impact anyone with a menstrual cycle. Many factors have contributed to a rise in Period Poverty; one of the most prominent being inflation of prices. This has meant many people cannot access hygienic and safe sanitary products. As this …

What to consider when picking modules

Picking modules can be daunting. The number of options can be overwhelming and choosing something when you’re not certain if you’ll enjoy it can be scary, especially if you get to choose modules in first year where you don’t have the foundation of the first year modules to help you make your choice. For second …

Never underestimate the power of a green campus

Think about the size of your local duck pond, then multiply it by a thousand. That’s probably half the size of the University of Nottingham’s on-campus lake, and half the ducks. Other universities would struggle to provide such a scenic trip for visiting family members but there’s room for everyone on the 121-acre expanse of …

Reflecting on the past year of my PhD

A PhD researcher’s life is certainly varied! 2022 has been an enjoyable, successful, and productive year and I have enjoyed working with many different people. The following is a selection of highlights from this year’s research journey. Much of my main research has involved collecting, writing, and editing the place-name survey for the Isle of …

The first Christmas as a university student

As we approach the end of the Autumn semester and many of us head home for Christmas, there is time to reflect. As someone who found it hard to settle into my first year at University, I remember how difficult it can be to go back home and adapt to the shift in routine after …

Balancing your studies and socials in first year

I do have to say that this is something even as a third-year student I have not perfected! The task of finding the time to work hard and put effort into your degree as well as enjoying the social aspect of university can be tricky… But do not fear, I think that it is do-able! …

Preventing procrastination as an English student

I always find it difficult to get back into studying after a substantial time of relaxation. As an English Literature student, it can also be hard to read multiple books for seminars on top of attending lectures and making notes. New students would typically prefer to make new friends, go to parties, and focus on …

Studying while living at home

I have never lived in student accommodation; I never lived in halls, with other students, or stayed anywhere near campus. Instead, I went for the cheaper option of staying at home and commuting an hour every day for university. Blessed with hindsight, I can see that it was the less stressful option given how the …

Carrying out research within the School of English

The academic jump between A-levels and University can be really intimidating, especially when you’re expected to start researching and citing more for your essays. Don’t stress out about it just yet! Your tutor and professors will be willing to support you with the transition, and this article is going to cover some helpful resources to …