Our Freshers' events

Explore an exciting line-up of activities designed to introduce you to campus life, from vibrant social mixers to engaging workshops. Get ready to dive into the energy and opportunities that await you at the University of Derby. 

Be a Derby Fresher and receive a free wristband worth over £60 to give you access to exciting events including headline act Basshunter

Making friends and finding your feet at university is really important, especially for the students joining this year who have already faced so many challenges in their education. 

Undergraduate students who join the University of Derby for their first year this September will receive a free Freshers wristband, providing access to an exciting line-up of events designed for Freshers. There are party nights, including a UV rave party and foam party, as well as gigs with top headline acts including singer, producer and DJ Basshunter.   

If partying is not your thing, there’s no need to worry. We have a host of other events on offer for you to enjoy and find your tribe. From sports and socials to quizzes and games nights, there’s a variety of fun, inclusive and engaging events giving you the opportunity to meet new people, get involved in the Derby community and fulfil your potential.   

Dominic White, President of the Union of Students, said:

The cost of living crisis means that not every student can take part in Freshers, and are losing out on opportunities to socialise. I am delighted that the Union of Students is working with the University to enable all our first years to get involved in Freshers for free. I can’t wait to welcome everyone here in September.

Make friends, make memories, and make the start of your University of Derby journey one to remember.    

Don’t miss out, join the University of Derby today. The Future is Now. The Future is You.  

* Wristbands are available to first-year students only and will be distributed at enrolment to first-year students. Some of the events have limited capacity so entry will be on a first come first serve basis.

Terms and conditions apply

Icebreaker event 2015, University of Derby.

Our Freshers' events

Join us for an electrifying series of Freshers' events that are all about kick-starting your university journey. Discover clubs, enjoy live entertainment, grab delicious treats, win prizes, and make lifelong connections. Don't miss out - see you there!

Find out more about our freshers' eventsFind out more about our freshers' events

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If you're still looking for a place at university, or have changed your mind about what and where you want to study, find your place with us through Clearing.

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Strictly 18+ | Please Bring ID and Student ID to all events

Wistband criteria: To qualify for a free Freshers wristband you will need to be an undergraduate student who is starting their first year at the University of Derby. 

Wristband Collection:

For Purchased Wristbands, you can collect your wristband from the wristband collection stand at the Welcomefest on Sat 16 at the Kedleston Road Campus, or from the Friary/Popworld over the freshers period. For free of charge wristbands, these will be given out at enrolment.

Entry:

Although Wristbands do not guarantee you entry all night due to venue capacities, there is a Wristband only timeslot at the start of each event to ensure Wristband holders get priority. Please ensure you arrive early to the events to ensure your entry as events will be busy.

Rights of admission are reserved by each venue, and standard entry policies still apply.

Refunds

We don’t offer refunds, however for purchased Wristbands we can offer a goodwill gesture of credit towards our clothing shop to exchange for a hoody/jumper for the same value. This only applies in week one of freshers and for unused Wristbands. Free Wristbands are non-refundable

Additional information

The event or activity may be filmed, photographed or recorded. Buying/accepting a free-of-charge Wristband affirms your consent to the filming and sound recording of yourself as a participant of the event. If you have any objection, should this happen when you attend a show or event, please contact a member of staff.

Whilst every attempt is made not to, we reserve the right to change/replace parts of the Freshers Week with equivalent events at our sole discretion.