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A Student’s Search for Presence

When we establish a routine, it almost feels like nothing in the world could ever disrupt our rhythm. The rhythm of lectures, seminars, workshops. The rhythm which binds us on a set journey towards a certain career. Some time ago, I would have shunned this rhythm. This monotony. Yet, I realise that none of it …

A Guide to Fresher’s Fear

Freshers week. A few months ago these two simple words would make me feel an all-encompassing sense of dread. Even voicing the phrase was enough to make my mouth dry up a little. However, at present, I can proudly state I am a true survivor of this worrisome week and am offering to share some …

Reading: A Guide for Undergraduates

With most English undergraduates taking six modules per year, and each module carrying its own hefty reading list, it can be difficult to know how best to stay on top of such a daunting workload. Most of us are taking this course because we love to read, but finding time to read for pleasure can …

Having a ‘creative block’? How to stay creative when immersed in an academic world.

The University of Nottingham is a brilliant place. We are spoiled with an academic environment full of specialists, passionate about the subjects they teach. We are encouraged to read deeply and broadly, be inquisitive, be critical, be this and be that. I sometimes find myself so focused on the academic side of the course that …

How to Spend Your Christmas Holiday

With Christmas holidays coming up and assessments looming, many of you might be concerned with how best to spend the one-month break. Depending on your degree, you may be facing upcoming exams or coursework deadlines, in which case the holidays might look like a black hole of stress. Some of you may already be planning …

Summer reading check list…

This blog was written by second year English student, Emily Hall. As the expanse of summer stretches out before us, many people will look forward to different things. Holidays, parties, weddings; all of the summer fun you can imagine. Perhaps something less common, but a relief for English students is knowing that you can finally …

Must Read (non-academic) Books This Summer

This blog post was written by final year English student, Hannah Smart.  Whilst most students on most other courses will give a collective sigh of relief at the thought of not having to read anything particularly exhaustive until next semester, here in the School of English, we cannot wait to get our heads into another …

Exam stress tips – from A levels to Uni life

This blog was written by first year English student, Phoebe Raine. Hello, I’m Phoebe, a first-year English student. A year ago, I was sat exactly where you are – surrounded by colourful mind maps, struggling to add (or delete) those extra 500 words for coursework, and questioning whether it’s all worth it. From somebody who …

The Benefits of Group Study Sessions

This blog was written by second year English with Creative Writing student, Holly Humphreys. It can be easy to get weighed down by essay deadlines and exam revision, especially if you find yourself holed up in your room or squirrelled away in a corner of the library to do your work. One way to combat …

English at A Level vs English at Degree Level

This blog was written by first year English student, Harriet Mills. Having nearly completed my second term at University (scary) I have looked back at some of the differences to studying English at A Level vs Degree level. Firstly, I did 2 books for my A Levels, which seems almost too easy compared to the …