There’s no doubt that the new Asian campuses create excellent opportunities for some Nottingham students. There is a well run exchange programme in place, complete with £500 bursary from the university and the chance to study course accredited modules in another culture, but that is no use to the rest of the students.
It is clear to see why they’ve received the accolade of university of the year, of which students should indeed be proud, but the question still remains, is the money spent on the foreign campuses justifiable when the Nottingham campus has areas where it is so clearly lacking?
Approximately 50 students will be taking up places at either the China or Malaysia campus this year, and while that figure is expected to rise to over 100 next year, it still makes up a very small percentage of the 30,000 strong student population. What’s more, the opportunity for study at the Asian campuses is limited to modules in 12 faculties, which amounts to less than a third of the schools offering courses at Nottingham.
At the moment, the University of Nottingham in China and Malaysia is only able to attract a minority of the students studying in the UK. With rising student debt and top-up fees now in place, it seems unfair that funding should go to the minority, especially when the university sports facilities are highly overpriced and what should be the centre of campus life, the student union bar, is small, smelly and in desperate need of a lick of paint.
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The University of Nottingham’s student-run Athletic Union has long been campaigning to be subsidised. The sports facilities cost £286 per year for unlimited usage of the sports and fitness centres and even then some extra charges apply. In comparison, Nottingham Trent students pay just £95 for the equivalent facilities and access. The figures need no embellishment; they speak for themselves. It is little wonder that many students join private health clubs in the city. The university has allowed costs to rise over the last few years, while continuing to invest time and money in foreign campuses which the majority of students will never set foot on.
Similarly, the Student Union bar on Nottingham’s campus is an embarrassment. The facebook group named “The Ark - it smells kinda funny but it’s all we’ve got” just about sums up its appeal. Nottingham students shouldn’t be settling for less when just down the road their Trent compatriots are enjoying a 2000 capacity venue which not only has great club nights, but also plays host to touring bands and artists.
A good student union bar can provide the setting for some of the most memorable moments of life at university, as well as a safe place for uncertain freshers to go out and have fun with fellow first years, but that is sadly lacking at Nottingham.
While the China and Malasyia campuses are an admirable endeavour, with the potential to create a global institution and bring different cultures into closer contact, Nottingham needs to make sure the students to which it owes its existence and reputation also receive the benefits of a first-class campus.