So, you’re in the first year of university at Nottingham Trent and you’re living in Meridian Court accommodation. I’m going to say you’re hoping it’s going to be great, right?
For my first year, it’s where I ended up, after coming through clearing and virtually having no other option for any of the other accommodations. My first impressions? It wasn’t too bad, if a little small (although you can opt for a larger room, just at a bigger cost) and it is a little too far from the university (although you do get a free bus pass so it isn’t completely awful).
I was on the ground floor so no struggling up the stairs with any bags of shopping any time soon, which was a plus. Most of my flatmates were already there when I arrived, so that night we all gathered in the kitchen and chatted about ourselves and our lives before university.
There are a few things to know before moving into Meridian Court; nothing too outrageous, quite simple, but these tips will make your life a little easier.
- Be aware of the fire alarms.
Middle of the night, around two am probably, we’d have fire alarms. It didn’t happen a lot, but when it did happen it wasn’t nice. Everyone trudging out of bed to go and stand in the car park, complaining about the noise and speculating whether it was a real fire or if some idiot had burnt toast again.
As first year tends to be the first time you live alone away from parents, it’s important to think about the essential things, as well as the partying and making new friends.
2. Shops
There are two big supermarkets near Meridian Court, Aldi and Sainsburys, which are just a short 10 to 15-minute walk away, with a small Tesco Express close to these also. There is a Morrisons in Bulwell, but you’ll need to get a 20 minute or so bus ride. There is also a MacDonald’s not too far for those late-night food trips when you don’t want to cook.
3. Try and be tolerable with everyone in your flat.
It’s a lot easier to live together if you get on (or are at least civil). Again, I was lucky with my flat and lived with some really nice people, but if you have someone who is particularly loud or a bit messy, form a relationship early on where it’s easy to talk to them if there is a problem.
4. Set up a cleaning rota.
This could be said for all accommodation setups but because there are communal showers and toilets in Meridian Court, it’s important to keep them clean – it’s easier for everyone if each person takes it in turns to clean the bathroom, trust me.
And finally, the last crucial tip that is so important for a student on a budget:
5. Don’t neglect your bus pass!
Unless you buy another one in year two, it’s doubtful you’ll get a free one again. Use the opportunity to go out and explore the city, just jump on a bus and see where it takes you. Even better if you make friends in your accommodation or The Maltings, which is another accommodation about 10 minutes away, because then you can go out and travel with friends, free of cost.
My stay at Meridian Court was, on the whole, a great experience for first year, so if that’s your accommodation for the first year, enjoy! (And don’t be put off by the journey to university).
By Jasmin Bodman
Feature imagine courtesy of pinterest