Triangle

Community Building Initiatives

We promote a variety of different campaigns at key points during the academic year. Our campaigns centre around several different themes but all of them give you the opportunity to tackle community issues, educate and empower yourself, and have a safe and enjoyable time whilst living off campus. Many of these campaigns are delivered by the Community Engagement team in collaboration with a variety of community and university partners. 

Undergraduate students in Nottingham City Centre



Community Chest Fund

Do you want to help your local community?

Have you thought of a way to contribute to the safety, social harmony and environment in which you live?

Would you like to promote social responsibility and community engagement to students and long-term residents?

If so, apply to the Community Chest Fund and receive a grant of up to £500 to make your project a reality and your community an even better place to live.

Apply here and find out more about the projects we've funded 

 

Lenton Funday 3
 

 

Pack for Good

This campaign gives you the opportunity to donate unwanted items such as clothes, electricals, books and furniture to British Heart Foundation (BHF) collection banks on campus and in the local community.

As students vacate their Nottingham homes at a similar time each year, waste management needs to be taken into consideration. Since 2012 the University of Nottingham has joined forces with Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham City Council to support the Pack for Good campaign.

The donated items — which would otherwise likely have ended up in landfill — are taken to BHF charity shops, where they are sold on to make money. The money raised supports the lifesaving research and work of the BHF.

BHF

In the years the campaign has been running for, students living in halls and in the community have both donated generously. It has been a remarkable effort which, in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Trent University, has raised over £1.65million for the charity. 

The British Heart Foundation raises money to fund research into cures and treatments for a whole range of heart and circulatory conditions– this has included supporting research projects led by scientists at the University of Nottingham investigating strokes, vascular dementia and using stem cell biology to tackle heart attacks.

Not only have the donations raised money which has gone into life saving research, but all of the donations could have ended up in the general waste stream. In total, the donations have diverted a staggering 1106 tons of items from landfill after 29,678 bags of donations have been collected.

Read the most recent report

 

Community Swap Shop

Our annual Community Swap Shop is a popular initiative that brings together students and local residents to encourage sustainability and community spirit. Each year, as students prepare to move out, the Swap Shop invites everyone to donate unwanted items – from clothes and kitchenware to books and electronics – and offers a chance to take home what they need, completely free!

This competitive, impactful campaign helps reduce waste, provides useful essentials to others, and promotes reusing. Any remaining items are donated to local charities, such as Trent Compassion and the British Heart Foundation, extending the campaign’s positive impact. Each year’s success is a testament to our community’s commitment to sustainability and generosity, with detailed reports and success metrics available in our annual PDF summary.

Explore more community events and join us in making a difference!

Swap Shop edit

 

Scavenger Hunt

Looking for a fun activity for children this half term? Come visit University Park campus for an exciting scavenger hunt trail! Follow the clues around the beautiful autumnal campus. Stop off at Portland Coffee along the way for a special scavenger hunt hot chocolate. Dogs are welcome!

For younger children

Find the clues here (for the kids)

Find the map and answers here (for the adults)

 For older children (with a longer route)

Find the clues here (for the kids)

Find the map and answers here (for the adults)

Running from Monday 21st October – Sunday 3rd November

Can you crack the clues to complete the quest on campus?

 

Scavenger Hunt Main Page

 

 


Neighbourhood Award

Nottingham Neighbourhood Award

Has an individual student, student group, society or student household made a real difference in your neighbourhood?

We're looking to recognise, celebrate and reward our students that go above and beyond to contribute positively in the area in which they live and study. 

Have you had exceptionally considerate and helpful student neighbours? Have you witnessed an individual act of selflessness, bravery or kindness? Has a student group or society supported residents to make a difference where you live?

If you know of a single student, household or student group that deserve recognition for their positive impact on you, your family or on your community as a whole, please nominate them below. A panel of judges will shortlist nominations and decide on a winner.

We welcome nominations from students, non-student residents, charities and community groups.

Click here for nominations

 

 

Love Your Neighbour

Our Love Your Neighbour Campaign, which runs each year during Valentine’s week is an initiative designed to foster kindness, connection, and a stronger sense of community among students and local residents.

The campaign explores:

  • Strengthening relationships – Practical ways to connect with neighbours and build positive relationships.
  • The benefits of community connections – How a supportive neighbourhood can improve well-being, safety, and overall happiness.
  • Inspiring examples – Stories of communities coming together to create positive change.
  • Ways to give back – Opportunities for students to contribute to their local area.

As part of the campaign, Community Engagement Ambassadors spend time on campus sharing information and handing out free sweets and chocolates.

 Other interactive elements of the campaign include:

  • Good Neighbour Bingo – A fun challenge to complete small acts of kindness.

  • Neighbourly Quiz – Helping students reflect on their impact within the community.

  • Community Chest Fund Signposting – A funding opportunity for student-led initiatives that improve the local area.

  • Nottingham Community Award Signposting – Recognising individuals who go above and beyond to support their neighbours.

  • Neighbourly Postcard – a downloadable template encouraging students to connect with their neighbours.

The Love Your Neighbour campaign serves as a year-round reminder that small actions—whether introducing yourself to a neighbour, offering support, or being mindful of shared spaces—can make a big difference. By working together, we can build a friendlier, more connected Nottingham for everyone.

Love Your Neighbour Website