Derby
A prosperous city
Derby is one of the UK’s economic success stories, with thriving manufacturing and high technology industries and companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Bombardier, S&A Foods, Westfield and Hero TSC providing excellent employment opportunities.
Derby is growing at a faster rate in wealth creation than any other city in England, and is ranked second in the UK for employment growth.
The latest survey of hours and earnings carried out by the Office of National Statistics shows that the average salary earned by people working in Derby is the fourth largest for any city in the UK.
The best of both worlds
Derby is a compact, lively city with loads going on, and is the safest city in the East Midlands.
Whatever you want from your student life, you’re sure to find it in Derby. With the Peak District right on our doorstep, you can have the best of both worlds – the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of the city or the peace and quiet of beautiful countryside.
Shopping heaven
Westfield Derby, one of the UK’s top shopping centres, has over 190 shops selling both the latest designer goods and high street brands. The historic Cathedral Quarter has a different feel altogether, with quirky shops and pavement cafés.
Eating, drinking and going out
Some of the best student nights are organised by our Students’ Union – from freshers’ nights on campus in The Academy, our Students’ Union bar, to affiliated club nights in the city centre.
There are many places to eat in Derby offering food from all around the world, from Thai to Italian, Japanese and Indian. You will also find well known names like Pizza Express, Zizzi and Nando’s.
At Kedleston Road, The Academy offers good food at student prices and Blends coffee shop is a great place to start your day, with its selection of specialist teas, coffees and range of snacks.
Entertainment and the arts
Derby is not just about pubs and clubs. It is also home to a regional dance centre and orchestra, 36 cinema screens, three theatres, art galleries and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Derby hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including Derby Festé, the Derby Jazz Festival, the Format international photography festival and the UK’s largest free outdoor classical concert.
UDSU
The University of Derby Students Union offer a wide range of clubs and societies which are open to all students. For more information about the UDSU and what they do, visit www.udsu.ac.uk.
Faith and religion
In Derby, there is a diverse multicultural community representing many different faiths. On campus our chaplains and faith advisers cover a wide range of religious traditions and organise talks, discussions, Fairtrade lunches, campaigns and days out.
The Multi-Faith Centre on our Derby Campus is open to everyone – people of all faiths or none. We have been voted the best university for faith provision in the International Student Barometer, an independent survey of international students studying at UK universities.
Getting around is easy
The Unibus links the city centre, train station, hospital and all our sites and halls. It runs every ten minutes and there are subsidised fares for students.
Derby has a mainline railway station, with 35 trains running to London every week day, just a 90 minute journey. The Red Arrow bus runs regularly between Derby and Nottingham.
