Making friends from day one

Whether you’re exploring new interests, navigating challenges or simply looking to connect, remember that you’re never alone. Together, let’s make memories, forge brilliant life-long friendships and continue to create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone belongs.

University is about more than achieving your degree; it’s about meeting like-minded people who will become lifelong friends. Going to university is unlike any other experience, so to share that with your friends is something special. There’ll be lots of opportunities to help you find where you belong. 

Your Union of Students

The Union of Students supports all students before, during and even after university. It’s run by students, and you automatically become a member when you start at Derby. They provide spaces and activities to help you relax, connect with others and express your student voice.

The Union hosts elections each year for their Officer team who represent all students. They also hold regular meetings and forums so you can help shape the student experience and feed back on things that matter to you. They also have a dedicated advice service, providing free, independent advice for all students across a variety of topics.

The Union offers over 80 communities - the perfect places to meet new people, continue a much-loved hobby or try something new and enrich your university life. From lacrosse to American football, hiking to debate and Warhammer, there’s something for everyone, and if we don’t have the community you’d like to join, find five people and start a new one! As well as all the social opportunities on offer through the Union of Students, there are lots of ways to meet new friends through your halls of residence – or while living at home! Remember, commuting is never a compromise – for many students, it simply combines the best of both worlds. Here at the University of Derby, you’ll always find a place to belong, surrounded by like-minded people who become life long friends.

Residence Life

One of the advantages of halls is our exclusive Residence Life programme, designed to help you test out new hobbies, make friends and settle into your new surroundings. You can choose to get involved in free activities including sports tournaments, quiz nights, cookery classes or go on low-price day trips to visit popular UK cities.

Commuting

Choosing to commute from home? Our fantastic transport links and central location mean you’ll never have to miss out on any aspect of student life, and you’ll have the same opportunities to take part in sporting and social activities as those living in our halls of residence.