At the University of Nottingham, we're committed to fostering an inclusive environment for everyone. Our goal is to support students of all backgrounds, providing equal opportunities and celebrating diversity. We turn principles into action, creating a thriving environment for personal, academic, and professional growth.
Starting uni means starting a new life and creating the real you in the process. Not that there is something wrong with who you are, it’s that all the experiences at UoN will help you define yourself a little better.
There is no peer pressure to actually do anything. You can be as out or as discreet about your sexual orientation as you want. We want to reassure you that it's perfectly fine to embrace your true self and feel comfortable with who you are.
The University of Nottingham has a very active LGBTQ+ network that organises events constantly, from socials at the campus bar, to quieter meetups for a movie or coffee, and of course the big picture things: fundraisers and educational activities. There’s also a regular Monopoly night organised by the LGBTQ+ network. But be warned: in this game, you may make more enemies than friends - so join at your own risk!
The Student Union has both an LGBTQ+ Officer and a Liberation Officer - they're there to represent you and are on hand if you need them.
Outside of campus, the scene for LGBTQ+ is very much alive, with the option to go for a night out and have fun in a safe environment. Wandering around typically occurs after social events, where people gather as a group, although it's usually spontaneous and not officially arranged by the LGBTQ+ network.
Here’s a tip to get you started:
Beyond the LGBTQ+ network, the University of Nottingham actively campaigns for diversity, equality and inclusion. We have a proud and diverse history of supporting research into LGBTQ+ issues.
Nottingham holds an array of LGBTQ+ themed events throughout the year, from educational lectures, to tackling under-representation, to addressing mental wellbeing, to actions that celebrate the diversity of our staff and student body.
The purpose of all these events is to encourage you to be proud of who you are while making sure everyone understands that the university is a place where difference is acknowledged, respected, and encouraged.
We support various activities, ranging from short-term working groups addressing specific issues to broader initiatives aimed at enhancing staff training. Our central aim is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive culture that promotes a safe, happy, and authentic environment for all. We take an active approach and employ a clear plan for measuring our progress and identifying areas for improvement.
Undergraduate students walking in the Trent Building quadrangle.
This will help create an environment where we can all listen and share our experiences, ensuring inclusivity in everything we do.
Addressing both student and staff communities, it will see us become more proactive in encouraging diversity.
We want people to feel confident in practicing equality, diversity and inclusion in everything they do, with clear data, oversight and evaluation.
As a university, we represent more than Nottingham, so we need to showcase and encourage the diversity of all our people across the entire community.
We launched this campaign to inform, educate, and guide people through the core values behind equality, diversity and inclusion. This illustrates how the university integrates these values into all aspects of its operations, benefiting everyone at the institution, whether they are students, staff, or alumni.
Although not as large as in the major hubs of the UK, Nottingham has a diverse and active LGBTQ+ culture and nightlife. Nottingham has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with bars and clubs, to enjoy a night out, and even a friendly cafe and cinema that often screens LGBT films.
What's more, Nottingham has a proud LGBTQ+ history. It was the first city in the UK with an officially licensed gay club, held the first trade union LGBT support group, and it is also the first place to have a permanent rainbow crossing.
The same can be said about the University of Nottingham.
Here, you can be open and out, and express who you are without any social or cultural restraints. Our mission is to make sure this is the place where you can feel welcomed and at home.
