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.

1. Read through your Welcome magazine

The magazine contains lots of helpful tips and advice for you to prepare for your journey with us. This will have been posted to your home address if you’re in the UK.  Don’t worry if you’ve not got your copy yet, you can view an electronic version on your UDo student portal when you’re set up.   

2. Make sure to check your Welcome emails

They contain lots of helpful tips and advice for you to prepare for your journey with us. 

3. Set up your University of Derby account

You’ll have received an email called “It’s time to set up your University of Derby account”.

Follow the instructions to create your University account, which includes creating your password and multifactor authentication (MFA).  

Use our IT Service Centre Knowledge Base if you need help creating your University account or need to reset your password or MFA.

4. Access your student portal (UDo)

Once you’ve created your University account, you’ll receive an email to access UDo. Please note this may take 24-48 hours during busy periods. Follow the instructions and link in the email to gain access. You’ll need your username and the password you created.

5. Enrol online

Once you’ve accessed UDo and uploaded your photo, you’ll receive an online enrolment email invitation. The 'Enrolment' tile will also appear on UDo.

Key things to remember:

If you need help with online enrolment, you can view our frequently asked questions.

6. University induction

Before you even come onto campus, you’ll have access to your University Induction.

Your University Induction contains useful information, which you can access at UDo on the Blackboard tile.

The University Induction will give an understanding of what to expect at the University and provide you with guidance to support you to make the most of your time studying with us.

7. Complete your Right to Study checks

International students who need a visa or immigration permissions to study in the UK will need to provide copies of the necessary documents. You will need to complete the Right to Study checks with the International Team by providing documents to prove your Right to Study. Students will be asked to provide copies of documents such as biometric residence permit (BRP) and passport as part of enrolment.

8. Complete enrolment

To complete your enrolment, you need to have accessed and engaged with the information available to you on the UDo Blackboard (Course Resources) tile and complete any other steps required (if applicable, details will be provided via email). This is when you’ll be formally registered as a student, which will trigger any funding (if applicable). You will receive an email to confirm your enrolment as a University of Derby student once all steps are completed.

9. Find your College Student Centre

Each College has a dedicated College Student Centre where you can get advice and guidance on many aspects of student life. They can help with enrolment, assignment hand-ins, student fees and much more.

10. Get UDo on your mobile and download the DerbyUni App

The DerbyUni mobile app provides easy access to UDo on the go, so you can view your timetable, unimail, course resources and more – wherever and whenever you need them.

Udo brings together key systems and services and allows you to move your tiles to create an app display that is personalised to you.

The DerbyUni app is available as a free download for iOS and Android devices.

11. Check your Unimail

Your student email (Unimail) will be the main way that the University contacts you. Make sure you know how to check it and do so regularly. Access your inbox via the Unimail tile on UDo.

12. Collect your student ID (UniCard)

You will be able to collect your UniCard on campus when you've completed enrolment.

13. Download a proof of study letter

If you need a letter to prove you are a student, you can download these from the ‘Student Documents’ tile on UDo. You may need proof to open a student bank account or apply for a council tax exemption.

14. Register with a doctor

You should be registered with a local doctor’s surgery so that you can access health care if you need it and local to your term-time address. Your doctor’s surgery will also be able to help you access Covid-19 vaccinations and other medical services.

15. Ensure you get disability support

Tell us if you have any of the following as soon as possible: a disability or long-term health condition, physical or sensory impairment, a mental health difficulty, autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. We can offer you appropriate advice and support during your studies.

Email Student Services

Complete our online form if you've enrolled

Tel: 01332 593000, available between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

16. Download the TalkCampus app 

The TalkCampus app provides free and instant support for your mental health and wellbeing anytime of the day, anywhere in the world. The app allows you to be anonymous while accessing support from peers across the globe in a safe, effective and encouraging environment.   

17. Download the SafeZone app 

To help keep you safe we have a free SafeZone app for your smartphone. 

Using SafeZone means you can call for help and assistance when you need it at the touch of a button. It gives you fast access to security whenever and wherever you are on campus. SafeZone also allows you to easily check in and share your location on campus if you choose to – for example if you are studying late or at night. 

If you need medical assistance or help, you can immediately contact the security team through the app. We can also use the app to contact you in the unlikely situation that there is an incident on campus that requires building closures or evacuation such as a fire.