New students

Congratulations on securing your place at the University of Derby! The first few weeks of university can be packed with information so we've created a video to help you remember everything.

Before you arrive

Before you arrive, there are a few steps for you to follow.

You'll need to set up your digital access to our systems and this includes setting up your University account, password, accessing UDo - your student portal - and starting online enrolment.

You'll have access before you arrive to your online University Induction, which contains useful information about the University and your journey with us. The content included can be accessed in multiple sittings and revisited at any time during the academic year.

It's also best to get your finances in order before you start, as well as checking what bursaries and loans are available to you.

Student life

Wondering what student life will be like? We've got just the thing. Hear from our Welcome Heroes on what you've got to look forward to as a University of Derby student.

All our teaching is delivered face to face, with plenty of interactive and applied learning. Students will have access to a range of expertly designed digital resources.

All of our facilities are open, including our halls of residence, specialist study spaces, the gym, sports, libraries, social learning spaces, and food outlets. Our student services are also based on campus to offer help if needed.

A female student at our Markeaton Street site

Your guide to: enrolment and induction

Find out everything you need to know about enrolment and induction at the University, from setting up your university account, accessing your student portal (UDo), enrolling online, and your indu...

Getting your finances in order

It's important to prepare your finances before you arrive at university. Find out more about tuition fees and living costs and read our students' top tips for budgeting.

Outdoor students sitting on hillside at Burbage

Find us

Looking for maps or directions? Find out how to get to our Derby and Chesterfield locations - pop in your postcode and we'll give you directions.

One student is wearing headphones whilst the other is supporting her

Get connected

Find out some essential IT information you will need before starting university

Two female students sat on a bed in our accommodation on their phone

Essential checklist

Make sure you know the essential tasks that you need to complete before beginning your studies. Complete these as soon as you can, so that you can enjoy preparing for University.

Student smiling, sat at a desk across from another person

Welcome FAQs

Your first weeks

We're looking forward to welcoming you to our campuses in the coming weeks. Our wonderful Union of Students and teams from across the University are planning a range of activities for you to enjoy.

Welcome Heroes

Welcome Heroes are our student and staff helpers in bright pink Welcome Hero tops. Keep a lookout for them across your University sites during your first few weeks. They’ll be there to answer any questions and help you navigate the campus. Be sure to say hi!

Welcome Hero showing a student where to go

Your Union of Students

The role of your Union of Students (US) is to represent you, provide you with lots of fun and exciting opportunities, and to make sure you have the best possible experience whilst studying at the University.

There'll be Welcome and Freshers events for you to get involved in which we'll let you know about them nearer the time.

We're putting together a schedule of events with your Union of Students and we'll be hosting a wide range of sociable in-person and online activities.

What does the Union of Students do?

A video from the University of Derby explaining the role of their Union of Students

Students at a Union of Students UV Freshers party

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

Students at the University’s Freshers Fair

What support is available to students?

All of our support teams around the University help our students feel welcome, supported, and on track to do their best.

A video explaining the different types of support that is available to students at the University of Derby

Library skills support

Throughout Welcome, our Library Team will help you get to know the campus libraries and how to use the online resources. You can sign up for an in-person tour and an “Introduction to your library” workshop.

Explore upcoming library workshops

You will also have access to a host of resources, and support to help you build the skills you need at University. The Develop@Derby: Hub is your one-stop shop for learning new skills and developing existing ones!

Support for you

There’s a lot of support on offer to help you to settle into your studies, both on campus and virtually, via your Personal Academic Tutor and your Personal College Advisor (PCA). Your College also has a dedicated College Student Centre where you can get advice and guidance on many aspects of student life, including assignment hand-ins.

If you feel you need additional support and would like to talk to someone, our Student Services team have friendly and approachable advisors that can provide advice and help to coordinate the right support for you. You can book appointments with our specialist advisors throughout the year.

Our Student Services Wellbeing Team will support you during your time at University and you can book appointments throughout the academic year. If you’re experiencing personal issues that are affecting your wellbeing, or have a diagnosed health or mental health condition, disability or a Specific Learning Difference, such as dyslexia or ADHD, support is available.

Once you’ve accessed UDo, visit our Safety and Wellbeing section to find out more about how we can support you. And, once you’ve enrolled, you can complete our online form at any time to access support.

Alternatively, get in touch with us by phone or email:

Tel: 01332 593000

Email: studentservices@derby.ac.uk

We’re available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Group of students by a yellow wall taking a selfie

Events and activities

We've been working with the Union of Students to organise a wide range of sociable activities to help welcome you to Derby. Discover our programme of Freshers and welcome events.

Union of Students

To get more out of your time at university, look to your Union of Students. They provide so many great services – from fun nights out to sports teams and societies, impartial&...

Two students talking as they stroll down Sadler Gate in Derby

Looking after your wellbeing

Your wellbeing is our priority. Find out everything you need to know about the support available to help with your health and wellbeing and academic studies.