Places that Made Us: Student Life in Nottingham

Highfields Park

Thoughts are marathons and desks too close I follow my feet down rabbit-bitten slopes down steps from another era, a glimpse of tarmac across the lake seems so far away…

circular route scenic no matter the season duckweed and decades-old trees a retreat from the rush of living in double time heartbeats and seconds never slowing until I watch the lake rippling, lapping upon its banks.

In summer boats come and go, orange as duck beaks. Along the route I side step ducks who wander past, watch webbed feet plop into puddles.

There is an open green gate and stepping stones dappled with damp in late September sunlight. A moment’s reflection does the heron look back at you elegant upon a rock?

Lauren Winson Impact’s poets explore student life in Nottingham: from favourite locations to living in a student house to treks to Tesco Express.

Tesco Express

Outside: cars at a standstill; Inside: pizza and ping meals.

Outside: Notts castle on a hill; Inside: some reet bargains concealed.

Outside: Bloody pavement’s a mess; Inside: It’s a Tesco Express.

Myron Winter-Brownhill

The ‘Student House’ Commandments

Thou shalt always offer tea when making for oneself - otherwise one is an a**hole. Thou shalt not steal from cupboards. Anything on the side or counter tops is free game. Thou shalt have a maximum of 5 dirty mugs in their room at a time. Anymore and the entire house suffers as a result. Thou shalt make pleasantries in the kitchen, even if the smile is more forced than the button on your jeans after Christmas dinner. Thou shalt not yell at ‘Alexa’ if she doesn’t understand your song request. She is a valued member of your house. Thou shalt always have an ‘open-door’ policy for those who are in need of advice, sympathy, or a bed to cry in.

Emily Hall

Hockley

Take a gander down Goose Gate these streets reveal something old, new, borrowed or blue, once a lace industry, now repurposed vintage clothes in Victorian buildings display windows a blur of colour bright as the rainbow painted upon cobbles a turquoise typewriter and donated desk in Sue Ryder, salvaged second hand books, sustainable fashion between quirky cafes. Innocuous in appearance, Hockley only reveals itself to the intrepid: look a little closer, an empty space may be an arena for one-night raves, spoken word poetry, a guitar riff you can’t quite forget.

Lauren Winson