Derby Student Guide
The city of Derby can be found in the East Midlands region of the UK. Derby has a large student population of over 22,000, which accounts for the thriving youthvibe.
Nightlife
There are many pubs and bars scattered throughout the city, particularly in the area of Sadler Gate. Saddlers is an intimate bar and attracts students for its quirky interior. The bar features comfy sofas and a courtyard, which is lit up with fairy lights.
Saddlers can get busy, particularly at the weekend when DJ’s play house music. Zanzibar is one of a few nightclubs in Derby and features two dance floors. The club often hosts live music nights and it is a great chance to hear some up-and-coming bands so check their website so as not to miss out. The Blue Note is popular with indie kids and plays a mixture of alternative, rock and R&B.
Top Things to Do
Thrill seekers should take advantage of Derby’s location close to Alton Towers, winner of ‘Best UK Theme Park’. The park attracts around 2.7 million visitors per year and is home to several thrilling rides and attractions including Oblivion, the world’s first vertical drop rollercoaster, Nemisis, Rita, and Ice Age 4D, a multi sensory performance experience. Alton Towers makes for a great day out, although there can be long queues in the summer- the best time to go is during term time. Look for money off vouchers online before you go, they are frequently available and will save you a lot of money, as entry can be expensive.
Shopping
Derby’s compact layout makes it great for shopping. The city offers the chance to browse hundreds of shops in the city centre, from high street brands like Topshop, H&M, and New Look, to smaller, independent boutiques. The Eagle Market can be found near Westfield shopping centre and is a great place to spot a bargain or two! Stalls at the market range from jewellery and fashion to cake decorating. Derby’s Market Place hosts a variety of activities and events including a regular Farmers Market. The market is held every third Thursday of the month and is a great place to pick up fresh bread, seasonal fruit and even ostrich burgers!
Where Can I Study in Derby?
There is one university in Derby: the University of Derby.
The university provides places of study to over 22,000 students every year. The University of Derby is organised into four main faculties: Faculty of Business, Computing and Law; Faculty of Art, Design and Technology, Faculty of Education, Health and Sciences and the University of Derby Buxton, which is home to the School of Culture and Lifestyle. The university has a good reputation across several fields, particularly in History, Music and Teacher Training. In 2012, The Complete University Guide placed the University of Derby 108th in the national university league tables.
The main university campus is at Kedleston Road, and facilities at the campus include a bookshop, the student union, hairdressers and cafes. The university offers a variety of resources and facilities to students including computer laboratories, computer game development suites, a hospital teaching environment with robotic patients and a Learning Resource Centre. The Buxton Campus is located in a Grade II listed building in the small, friendly town. The town has lots of character and is at the edge of the Peak District National Park, which provides a great opportunity for peace and quiet.
The University of Derby has a small research development department and the research material is often highly regarded as either ‘world class’ or ‘of international excellence’. Research topics at the university include Law, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Visual Communications, Psychology, Biology and Creative Technologies.
Should I Study in Derby?
A student’s honest opinion:
“I’m originally from a small town so Derby is a great city- not overwhelmingly big but gives you a bit of a city lifestyle.
There’s tons of shops, restaurants, and cafes for the day, and enough clubs and bars for the night too! One of the best highlights for me has to be the distance from the Peak District- when the weather is warm it’s great to nip over and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Regarding the university, it is really top notch. Students and staff alike are really friendly and they have some good resources. There’s loads of clubs to join and the union is great for hanging out too.” – Nina, 21