Living in Derby

Derby's a compact city, with loads going on, and it's the safest city in the East Midlands

Watch our video about shopping in Derby.

“

Derby is a fairly special place. Because of the size of the city, it feels like it's a city specifically for the students.

”

Matt Warwick, graduate

The Students' Union bar, The Academy is a great place to relax with friends or join in on the latest UDSU event.

Derby has a good range of bars, restaurants and clubs for all tastes. Watch our nightlife and eating out video.

Derby has lots of cultural experiences on offer; whether you're into art, theatre, dance or music, there is lots to see and do.

The QUAD arts centre showcases visual arts, film and media, and is a big supporter of our graduates.
Derby Live runs a number of theatre venues, which offer a wide variety of entertainment including comedy, drama, music, pantomime and opera.
Déda Dance is a dedicated dance centre, offering performances and classes in a range of techniques and styles.

If you enjoy performing arts and street entertainment, Derby Festé is an event you won't want to miss. It's an annual event showcasing spectacular outdoor performances from around the world.

Watch the trailer for Derby Festé 2011
Look at photos of Derby Festé

Watch our Derby moving forward video

Derby has great live gig venues such as The Victoria Inn, The Old Bell and The Venue which have both new acts and old favourites performing regularly.

Shopping

You'll find plenty of shopping opportunities in the city, from individual shops and designer boutiques along the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, to big names like Primark on our high street and over 190 shops in Westfield Derby like H&M and Topshop.

Westfield shopping centre has more than 1 million square feet of shopping heaven with over 190 shops and Eat Central with 800 seats and mouth watering tastes from around the world.

You can also enjoy a break from shopping by visiting the luxury 12-screen Cinema De Lux, which takes part in the Orange Wednesdays 2 for 1 offer.

Nights out

The Students' Union organises some great student events - the best ones are our Graduation ball and Westfield Student Lockdown which have previously featured some great acts such as: Example, The Saturdays, The Wombats, Mr Hudson, Sugababes and Zane Lowe.

The official Derby student nights for this year are:

Mondays - Gossip at Syn
Wednesdays - Mukky Duck at Walkabout

The UDSU also run our plush Students' Union bar, The Academy.

In the city centre there's a good range of bars for all music tastes:

For those who are into more alternative music, places like The Friary, The Blessington Carriage, Vines, Redemption, The Vaults, Mosh and Blue Note are the places to go.
If you are looking for a fun night with chart music then Walkabout, Fever, Scream, Revolution, Syn, Coyote Wild and Nono8 are the clubs for you.

Eating out

There's a good variety of places to eat with different types of food on offer, including Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai.

There are well known names like TGI Fridays, Pizza Express, Nando's, Frankie & Bennie'sand Zizzi. And of course there are also lots of take away places - perfect for that 2am kebab after your night out!

Sports and activities

If sport is your thing, there's lots going on at Derby:

Team Derby focuses on sport at the University by offering lots of opportunities for people to get involved in sport, whatever their level.
Our brand new gym and fitness centre, has all the latest equipment, also offering personal trainers and classes.

Our Students' Union runs lots of sports clubs:

From football and netball to less common sports like dodgeball and archery!
If the sports clubs that are already running aren't really your thing, then you could always start your own.

Off campus:

Pride Park Stadium is the home of Derby County football team, and Derby's the hub for the Sustrans national cycle route.
If you're into walking, climbing, or more adventurous sports, there are miles of countryside right on your doorstep in Derbyshire and the Peak District.
Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure is set in the heart of the Peak District National Park, and there is no better way to view the Peak District than 35 feet above the forest floor!
Alton Towers and Drayton Manor are both on your doorstep which is perfect for those who seek adrenaline.

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