Freshers 2025 - What's On

20+ Events From massive DJs and paint parties to quizzes, karaoke and outdoor cinema
10+ Venues Molly Malones, Revs de Cuba, Popworld, Derbion, Electric Daisy, Stein and more
2 full weeks(13–28 September 2025) Time to connect, settle in and join what suits you

Get involved, meet new people and making the most out of your first weeks at Derby.

The University and your Union of Students have planned over 25 events across two weeks to help you settle in, from paint parties and quizzes to karaoke, outdoor cinema and the Freshers Fair.

You’ll need a Freshers wristband or individual tickets to attend. Check out the calendar below for a taster of what you can expect. Visit the Union of Students website for a full list of their events and to purchase your wristband. Pick what suits you and make it your own!

Friday 12 September - Quiz and games night

There are prizes to be won at the quiz and games night, hosted by your Union of Students. Domino's Pizza included!

If you’re staying in University of Derby halls we will pick you up and take you there on foot via ‘walking bus’.

7pm

Free entry

Venue: One Friar Gate Square

International students enjoying a quiz and ‘fish and chips’ supper hosted by the Multi-Faith Centre

Friday 12 September – Friendship bracelet and keyring making

Take a breather and meet some new people while making a little keepsake or gift for someone.

10am-5pm

Free entry

Venue: Union Social Space, Kedleston Road

roles of string in different colours with pair of scissors on top

Friday 12 September - Shadows of a Silhouette

Live band performance

Doors: 6pm
Event starts at 9pm.

£4 with code STUDENT (not included in Freshers wristband)

Venue: Dubrek Studios

Tickets: Buy from SeeTickets

close up of microphone on dimly lit stage

Saturday 13 September - Welcome event

Enjoy a wide range of activities and entertainment, from live music and performances to games and giveaways. Union staff will be on hand to help you 'find your tribe' and food and drink will be on sale.

Enjoy the quieter space provided in our Calm Zone, where friendship bracelet/keyring making is also taking place all day.

Times: Drop in between 11am and 5pm

Free entry

Venue: Kedleston Road

Student in Atrium

Saturday 13 September - Explore and Draw walking tour

Join a guided walking tour from Peak Court halls of residence to the Kedleston Road campus, with 5-minute stops to chat with others in the group, sketch points of interest and landmarks, and create a montage of sketches to take away as a memory of the day.

Free entry

Venue: Meet at Peak Court

Kedleston Road campus in autumn

Saturday 13 September - Unplug and play

Join us for a chilled evening of board games, puzzles, crafts, and free hot drinks. A great way to meet new people in a calm, friendly, alcohol-free space.

No loud music, no pressure, and no phones - just real conversation and old-school fun.

7pm until 9:30pm.

Free entry

Venue: One Friar Gate Square

close up of dice and pieces on a wooden board game

Saturday 13 September – Welcome Party

Start Freshers with one of the biggest nights on the calendar – DJs, giveaways and a packed dancefloor.

Venue: Popworld

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A large group of students attending the Freshers Welcome Party

Sunday 14 September - Pottery workshop

Decorate your own ceramic coaster, which will be glazed and fired, ready for collection from Student Services a couple of weeks later. Decorative inspiration will be provided.

This is a great chance to meet other students and learn more about the University from friendly Student Services staff.

1-3pm

Free entry

Venue: Kedleston Road

close up of hands forming pot on a pottery wheel

Sunday 14 September – Friendship bracelet and keyring making

Take a breather and meet some new people while making a little keepsake or gift for someone.

1pm-5pm

Free entry

Venue: Union Social Space, Kedleston Road

roles of string in different colours with pair of scissors on top

Sunday 14 September - Postcards from Derby

Design and print your own postcards at our print making workshop.

3pm-5pm

Free entry.

Venue: Kedleston Road

postcards hanging on a drying line

Sunday 14 September - Outdoor cinema and afterparty

Grab your flatmates, a blanket, and some snacks because we’re transforming Electric Daisy into a magical movie night under the stars.

Venue: Electric Daisy

Free entry a Freshers Wristband or £2 on the door. Film starts at 4pm.

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

Popcorn popping into the air against a yellow background

Monday 15 September - Bloc Party: Welcome to the City

Get ready for a FULL Wardwick shutdown as 1000s of students take over Derby’s nightlife scene for a multi-venue party like no other.

Venues: Revs de Cuba, Stein Strasse, Molly Malones + more

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A large crowd of people at a bar watching live music

Tuesday 16 September – Big Fat Quiz

Test your general knowledge (and your friendships) at a classic student quiz.

Venue: Molly Malones

8pm-11pm

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

An abstract image of a large number of blue questions marks
University of Derby student Rumannah in a graduation gown and cap taking a photo with a friend

I don’t drink, so I thought Freshers might be awkward. But there was loads going on — film nights, late-night shopping, all sorts. I went to the Derbion Takeover and met Anna (my best friend) – we even graduated together!

Rumannah Akhtar
Business and Marketing Graduate

Tuesday 16 to Wednesday 17 September - Freshers Fair

Join us for two days of fun and freebies at the fair as we help kickstart your university journey! Stop by to meet the Union, find out how we can enhance your student experience and get your hands on some amazing freebies from some of the biggest brands.

Venue: Sports Centre and Atrium, Kedleston Road

10-11am: quiet opening hour

11am-3pm

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

Stalls at the University of Derby Freshers Fair, taking place in the Atrium at Kedleston Road campus

Wednesday 17 September – RAMMED Launch Party

The biggest night of Freshers. RAMMED is back – and bigger than ever.

Full club transformation CO2 cannons, confetti, inflatables, dancers, hilarious stage games + giveaways.

Venue: Popworld

9pm-5am

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

Big Narstie performing in front of a crowd of students at a University of Derby Freshers event

Thursday 18 September – Derbion takeover

Discover everything Derbion has to offer with exclusive discounts, giveaways, prizes, and offers from top brands.

Venue: Derbion Shopping Centre

4pm-8pm

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

Spacious shopping centre interior of the Derbion with multiple levels. Shoppers browse well-lit stores

Friday 19 September – Karaoke night

No judgement. No pressure. Just pure, off-key, belly-laughing fun. Belt out your favourite bangers.

Venue: The Friary

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A microphone on a stage opposite a crowd of people

Saturday 20 September – Paint Party

Throw on a white T-shirt and get covered in UV paint. Loud, messy and fun. This is a full-throttle colour explosion you’ll never forget. Bring energy and maybe a poncho.

Venue: Popworld

9pm-3am

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

Freshers club night with party-goers posing for a picture at Derby Popworld
A headshot of a smiling University graduate

Most of my mates were from my course, but joining a few societies was the best thing I did. It gave me something to turn up to and made everything feel way less overwhelming

James Walker
Business and Marketing Graduate
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Sunday 21 September – Explore the City night

One wristband, multiple venues – a chance to try out Derby’s full nightlife scene.

Venues: Popworld, Stein, Revs, Molly Malones, Hideout, Slug & Lettuce, Friary, Fever

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

Derby City at night

Monday 22 September – Ultimate Rave Bingo

Bingo with a twist – music, mayhem and a few unexpected moments.

Venue: Revs de Cuba

8pm-2am

Find out more on the Union of Students' website.

A close up of a red bingo tumbler cage with coloured numbered balls within

Tuesday 23 September – Big Fat Quiz

Missed the first quiz? Or just back for revenge? Another round at Molly’s, featuring Darragh ‘The Menace’ Ennis from the Chase.

Venue: Molly Malones

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

An abstract image of a large number of blue questions marks

Wednesday 24 September – Sports Team Bar Crawl (day)

Sports teams take over Derby with challenges and themed stops. Battle it out for Freshers Sports Team of the Year.

Venues: Popworld, Stein, Revs, Molly Malones, RAMMED

7pm

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A group of male university students surround each other in the Team Derby sports jerseys
A student facing the camera

Loved Popworld and making friends in random places. Cheap nights, felt safe but my highlight was cheesy chips on the way home.

Liv Wilkinson
Marketing Graduate

Wednesday 24 September – RAMMED UV Party (night)

Full UV takeover, face paint, glowsticks, UV batons. Dancefloor chaos all night Derby’s favourite night goes fluorescent.

Venue: Popworld

9pm-5am

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A selection of coloured lights with pinks, blues and yellows shining

Thursday 25 September – Karaoke Night (Encore)

Sing your heart out, enjoy chilled drinks and good vibes. Whether it’s Adele or ABBA, this is your night to own the mic.

Venue: The Friary

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A crowded bar watching live music being performed

Friday 26 September – Comedy Night

Some of the UK’s best up-and-coming stand-up comedians are taking over Stein for a night of absolute hilarity. Belly laughs guaranteed! Drink deals flowing. Chill vibes before the big finale later in the night.

7pm

Venue: Stein

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A microphone on a stage opposite a crowd of people

Friday 26 September – Freshers Finale

Massive DJ sets, confetti drops, surprises, and unforgettable moments. This is your Freshers Finale – one last night to go all in.

Venue: Popworld

Find out more on the Union of Students website.

A stage with stage lights surrounded by round tables of viewers looking onto it