Norwich University College of the Arts

What’s it like as a place to live? Norwich is a very friendly city with lots to discover. There’s a growing art scene, with several graduate-led galleries with good volunteering opportunities for students. The city itself is quite small in size, which makes it relatively safe. Norwich is a vibrant city with a mix of historic buildings, cobbled streets, antique shops and a more modern shopping complex and town centre, There are lots of individual cafes and bars and a wide variety of shops, from specialist boutiques to high street stores and large market. It definitely pays to explore, as there are lots of hidden gems to discover.

How’s the student accommodation? The student accommodation is fairly basic but clean and of a good size. There are 2 choices, Beechcroft halls consisting of 10 corridors with shared bathroom and kitchen. There are communal areas and a garden at the back, as well as free parking for students. Some rooms are bigger than others and this is selected at random. Places are limited to 70 and first choice goes to students who have moved a long way from home. There is also Nicholas Mews, which is a small street of 6 terrace houses, each with 6 rooms − this has a really friendly community atmosphere, and is a more independent experience than living in Beechcroft. If you don’t manage to get a place in halls then NUCA sets up a share list and puts students in touch with one another so that thy can live together in approved private accommodation.

What’s the student population like? The student population is relatively small compared to larger institutions. Because of this there is limited diversity. Students come from a large range of social backgrounds but the majority are from the local area. Its small size means that there is a strong community spirit and friendly atmosphere. Being a specialist arts institution means that you meet lots of like-minded people and mix with students from lots of different creative fields, which makes it a really exciting community to be part of.

How do students and locals get on? Due to its central location, NUCA is well known amongst locals. The Private View for the end of year show is a renowned social event within the city, with students, parents and locals all pouring out onto the streets and cramming into the studios to look at the work. Many students also take part in local sports teams and NUCA’s rugby team regularly plays local teams. Lots of the local bars and pubs are popular with both students and locals, and there is no divide.

What’s it like as a place to study? NUCA is a small and specialist arts institution and has been since the 1800’s. Working in buildings with such a long history makes it a really special place to learn. The courses are contemporary and promote innovative practice, which means that students come out with a truly original take on their specialist subject. The facilities are excellent, and the technicians and tutors are all devoted to helping students. I really enjoyed my time studying here and couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

What are the teaching staff like? Tutors are very student-focused and there is a lot of one-to-one tuition, which can be hard to come by at other institutions within the sector. There are lots of contemporary visiting practitioners and lecturers, which help keep students aware of current trends. The teaching staff are all very supportive I always felt that they truly had the students interests at heart.

What are student societies like? There are several clubs and societies that students can get involved in. Storehouse magazine is a publication designed, funded and distributed by students and showcases student work. It is popular both within NUCA and the city, and gives students a chance to submit work, and get hands on experience of running a live magazine. We also have a popular events committee, which organises all major social events such as the Christmas Ball and Su Bar theme parties. There is also successful mixed rugby team. Students can get involved with current campaigns and volunteer to raise awareness of issues affecting students.

What’s a typical night out?  A typical night out would start in the Student Union bar, which is a beautiful space that was once a monastery, and is very popular with students. It is open until 11pm on weekdays and 12am on the weekends, and is pretty much always the first stop before a night out because you are guaranteed to bump into people that you know and the drinks are so cheap! After the SU Bar we would usually move on to one of the many late-opening bars in the city centre, there are some really individual bars, with quirky décor and fun theme nights. Finally, we would end in a club. Clubs range from standard nightclubs on Prince Wales of Road playing chart music, to independent clubs playing more alternative music, with scene-based nights. All clubs are in walking distance which saves money on taxis. There is also lots to do that is not drinking based. The Playhouse is 5 minutes down the road and offers student deals. Cinema City is five minutes the other way, and shows a good mix of block-buster and art house films. There is also the Arts Centre, which shows anything from alternative music nights to comedy to poetry. Many of the pubs also do acoustic nights, which lots of art students get involved in. 

And how much does it cost?  Depends on where you go. Student Union Bar prices are very reasonable (a double spirit and mixer is £2.20) and the majority of clubs are free for students on at least a couple of night a week. I think with taxis, drinks and club entry averagely you would spend £30 but I have had some pretty good nights only spending a tenner! Cinema/plays/gigs range between £5−£20, depending on what you see.

How can you get home safely? Taxis are fairly reasonable, a journey from halls into town costs around £6, which is obviously less if you share. Buses run until 11pm. A lot of students walk, especially to and from halls, which is safe if you are in a group. Like all cities some parts are safer than others, but generally there is a low crime rate, and it is a safe city to walk around in.

Is it an expensive place to live? Norwich is a cheap−average place to live, with lots of student discounts available. Club entry at the most would be £5, the local cinema offers free membership to students and a discount card which means films for £4.50 and discount on drinks in the bar. Rent is also low with the average cost is around £260 a month. Food-wise most of the restaurants do student deals, and there are lots of reasonably priced cafes for lunch, as well as a large market, and cheap food available in the Student Union bar.

Average price of a pint? £1.80 in the Student Union Bar  £3.20 in local pubs and bars.

And the price of a takeaway?  Around £7 for a curry with rice. Burger and chips on the way home, after a night out would be around £4

What’s the part-time work situation? There are a lot of shops and restaurants, but competition is quite high as there are a large amount of students for the size of the city, but bar work is usually available. Most part time jobs are minimum wage. Casual work is available within NUCA − there are opportunities to help out at open days and in the SU bar which are paid. The University College is supportive of students with commitments and will help students to manage their time.

What’s the best feature about the place? The friendly atmospheres, the historic buildings, dedicated tutors, perfect location − all of it, I can’t choose! I had an amazing three years and have met life long friends and contacts.

And the worst? I’ve tried, but I can’t think of anything! Except perhaps the lack of diversity

And to sum it all up? An individual, friendly, specialist institution which has the feel of an authentic art school. There is a strong student focus and excellent lecturers who inspire students to create innovative and contemporary work. 

Contact the SU on 01603 766846