Professor Andreas Kropp teaching in a seminar room

A day in the life of a Liberal Arts student

Second-year student Grace shares a typical day...

Grace

9am: 'How Voters Decide' workshop 

This workshop was in in the Pope Building, with Dr Siim Trumm. As it was the first workshop of the semester, we were introduced to a software programme which we’ll be using in assessments.

I love the fact that this module teaches us skills like data analysis, because all my other modules that I’ve taken so far have been essay based. I like the challenge of something new – particularly as maths is not a strong point of mine!

I also love where studying Liberal Arts takes you around campus, as most of my other modules are based in the west side of campus, where the humanities and arts buildings are. Getting to explore new areas of the university in the science park that I wouldn’t get to see otherwise is exciting! 

Computer screen in a seminar

Using software on the university computers while writing notes alongside on my laptop, in my politics workshop.

11am: 'Material Cultures' lecture 

This lecure is in Trent Building with Dr Ed Clough. The core Liberal Arts modules (which all Liberal Arts students take) are always so engaging as there’s so much variety in what we focus on. There's lots of interaction, too, so students studying different subjects get to come together and have loads of disciplinary perspectives on different ideas.

For example, during the first lecture, we started getting philosophical about broomsticks, and this week we talked about gender inequality in product design.

1pm: Lunch in Portland Coffee

The Students' Union building, Portland Building, has so many places to choose from to get a quick coffee or lunch, but my favourite is the university’s own coffee shop. I think the drinks are the best there – my favourite is their chai latte with soya milk, which I got from the coffee van they had set up inside the Portland Building.

They always have new drinks to try, and in all the coffee shops around campus, bringing a reusable cup means you get a discount on your drink.  

Portland coffee van

Barista at the Portland Coffee Co. stand, working hard in Portland Building

2pm: Study time in Monica Partridge Building

Today I found a quiet spot in the Monica Partridge Building, which is probably my favourite teaching building on campus. It’s a new build so it feels very modern, but there’s also a lot of natural light so it’s perfect for concentrating as I had some seminar preparation I needed to do!

I also have a couple of classes in the seminar rooms, so it’s a great place to go when I have a break in between classes. There’s also vending machines and even a Starbucks kiosk for those long study days.  

The sun is shining into the Monica Partridge Building!

5pm: Home, and writing for The Nottingham Tab

It’s getting dark, so I’m off home now to get some work done which I do outside of my studies.

The Tab is a national student newspaper completely run by the students, and joining the local branch’s team means I can meet other students who are interested in writing. It also means I get to know Nottingham, and the universities, really well.  

Grace's desk in her room

Back at home, writing my article for The Tab