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.

2022/2023 Welcome timeline

View January 2023 Welcome timeline video transcript

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 your Student Portal (UDo account) and starting online enrolment.

You'll have access to your online induction before you arrive, 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.

a welcome hero

View Student life this academic year - welcome heroes video transcript

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.

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 Heroes chatting to students
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.

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

Library skills support

Throughout Welcome, the Library Skills team will be offering tours of the library and online workshops to support you in accessing reading lists, skills guides, and the library website.

Explore upcoming library workshops

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 created your UDo account, visit our safety and wellbeing tile 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: wellbeingcentre@derby.ac.uk

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

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