Coming from a small village I had hardly been out on the gay scene, except when visiting London.

However, in a smaller city like Nottingham, there's a close-knit community where, after a while, you recognise faces out and about.

As a fresher, the only places I knew about were NG1 and AD2. However, there are many other places you can go.

NG1 and AD2
NG1 is a 750-capacity, air-conditioned club with two dance floors, four bars and a café. It was recently awarded the title, for the second time, of 'Best Midlands Gay Nightclub' by Midland Zone Magazine.

AD2 is a modern bar situated next door which has a late license and a cabaret/drag act most Sundays.

NG1 offers 'A pound a pint' (for Fosters or John Smiths) on a Wednesday night and this is where the Nottingham Trent LGB usually goes.

It has free entry before 11.00pm and £2.50 thereafter and is open from 9.00pm till 2.30am.

On the first Friday of every month there is an R 'n B night and the last Friday of the month is Indie, all those in between are 70's and 80's cheese and pop nights. Admission is £2 before 11.00pm and £4 after and is also open from 9.00pm - 3.00am.

Saturdays consist of the main dance floor being dominated by current chart hits and cheese (if I hear Dolly Parton's 9-5 one more time, I might start a petition), however, upstairs funky house is played all night.

Revolution at the Palais
If you don't want to go to NG1 for a large club atmosphere, the first Monday of every month, Revolution is held at The Palais.

The one I went to in December had one half of Yomanda (remember "Synths and Strings"?) doing a two-hour stint on the decks. There was also some failure from Pop Idol performing, at least I think they were in Pop Idol… could have been anyone really as she was appalling.

Pubs
If you're a fan of pubs, instead of bars, The Lord Roberts is worth a look. It is incidentally where I work as well, and even though I'm biased, I can truly say it's the best gay nightspot in Nottingham if you're looking for friendly people and a warm-up for NG1, which a lot of people do.

Also the Nottingham Trent LGB meet there on a Wednesday night around 7.00pm. Ask the bar staff if you don't know where to go for the meeting, although it's quite easy to spot them as they usually wear t-shirts.

Bars
The Central is also a good bet if you want a dance floor as well as a pub-like atmosphere. If you're looking to make friends in the Nottingham gay scene, then working in a gay bar is the best way to do so, as you get chatting to people and they remember your face. I'm making it sound like a secret society or something, but it really isn't, as the best nights I've had out on the scene are when I'm with my straight mates. Then you can focus on having a laugh rather than trying to pull!

Pulling
Pulling is quite a simple affair for a gay man, as we're all red-blooded blokes, there isn't any wining and dining as can sometime come with heterosexual relations.

Protection is a very important issue, which even clubs and bars are taking note of. For example, at NG1 and AD2 there are free packs that contain two condoms and health advice, amongst other things, which are called "Shag Packs".

If you pull and are going home with someone, remember to pick one up. They are situated near the entrances of both venues. If you have any worries about sex or need advice there's a clinic that has times specifically for gay men called 'The Health Shop', situated in Hockley.

Attitudes
Surprisingly, I haven't experienced any negativity directed towards me in my time at uni due to my sexuality. This may be because I'm not really camp - unless I'm acting up to it for a laugh.

That was a misconception on my part thinking I was going to be singled out because I was gay.

The beauty of being a fresher and coming to university is that you can start again and have a clean slate.

People are forced into accepting one another.

If you're prejudice and go into an environment like halls, you won't survive. So, for any straight people reading this, just remember being gay is like being white, disabled or fat. It's a part of you but isn't all you are - it is only one aspect of your personality. If I were straight I would probably be different but that would be due to societies restrictions on how people should act.

To be honest I'm really glad I'm gay as I can get away with a lot more than I could if I were straight!