From Nigeria to Derby: My Experience Living in Halls and Working as a Hall Ambassador

Why I chose to live in Halls

While preparing to move to Derby, I knew I wanted a place that would make my transition as smooth as possible. As an international student coming from Nigeria, I needed an accommodation that was fully furnished, conveniently located and within my budget. I also liked the flexibility of choosing between a mixed or single-gender flat - that's why I decided on Princess Alice Court.

One of the biggest advantages for me was the affordability. While still in Nigeria, I only needed to pay a £50 deposit to secure a room. When my visa was delayed and I couldn't arrive on time, the accommodation team kindly updated my contract to reflect my new arrival date and this took a huge weight off my shoulders.

The location of halls is super convenient. I can walk to both the city centre and my classes in about 20 minutes.

Living here, the facilities and support has made a big difference. There is 24/7 security through the halls contact number and the management team are quick to respond to any issues. The super-fast WiFi and weekly cleaning of communal areas are quite the bonus too!

What you should know before coming

Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had done differently before arriving in the UK.

1. Be mindful of your arrival airport

I flew with Air Peace from Lagos and landed at Gatwick Airport without fully considering how far it was from Derby. I ended up spending extra time and money travelling to Derby immediately after my arrival. If you can, try to book a flight closer to Derby and plan your journey well in advance.

2. Don’t overpack

I packed a lot -  much that I had to pay for an extra 23kg baggage space. This meant I landed in Gatwick with three 23kg boxes, one 7kg hand luggage and a backpack stuffed to the brim.

Honestly, I haven’t worn some of those clothes in over a year because they’re not suited to the UK weather. The same goes for my food items. I later found many of them available here at affordable prices. If I could do it again, I would pack lighter and save both money and stress.

3. Prepare properly for the weather

The cold weather in the UK is vastly different from what we’re used to in Nigeria. As a January starter, I arrived with thick hoodies thinking they would be enough for the winter, but it wasn’t at all. The cold stung and felt sharp especially the strong winds. I remember shivering on the long ride from the airport to my accommodation.

What really helps here is layering under proper jackets. Accessories like gloves, scarves and thick socks make a big difference.

Other useful tips

One thing I quickly learned is that you don’t have to spend a lot to live comfortably.

For clothing, charity shops around the city centre are a great option. I regularly shop at Dapp UK, Save the Children UK and British Heart Foundation. You can find good-quality clothes and shoes at very affordable prices. I also visit Derbion to watch out for sales at more high end retail stores like NEXT, TK Maxx and ZARA.

If you’re missing home food the Normanton area is worth visiting. There are several African restaurants and shops there and they help me feel more connected to home. My go-to spots are Mother's Touch Afro Shop, Kaneshie Market and On-point African Restaurant Ltd.

Living in halls makes it easier to build a social life. I’ve attended different hall events including cookery classes held in Princess Alice Court. I enjoy them because I  attend with my flatmate and we get to learn new meals in a relaxed setting. I take photos of the monthly schedule in advance to plan better.

There are also many welcoming societies at the university where you can meet people and try new things. I’ve always wanted to join the Taekwon-Do club but just haven’t found the time it’s on my list!

Most importantly, I’ve made some really good friends through Halls, especially my amazing flatmate.

A bit about my nursing course

Studying nursing has been both trying and rewarding.

One thing I really appreciate is the level of support available at the University. The lecturers are approachable and each student is assigned a Personal Academic Assessor and Tutor (PAAT). I regularly have meetings with mine where I can discuss any challenges especially those related to placements. I like that I’m being supported this way while I’m training.

The course itself is quite demanding and will keep you busy. During placements, you’re expected to work 37.5 hours a week alongside your practice supervisor or assessor. It can feel intense at times, but it’s also where you gain the most practical experience and competence.

The placements offer a lot of opportunities to grow. For example, your practice assessor may be able to arrange insight visits to other wards or departments that you're interested in.

Time management is one of the most important skills you’ll need as a nursing student. There are lectures, placements, training sessions and exams - so it’s important to always stay organised and prioritise tasks.

Working as a Hall Ambassador

My role as a Hall Ambassador has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience in halls. It’s given me the opportunity to connect with other students while developing skills that go beyond the classroom and placements.

I’ve improved my communication and public speaking skills a lot since I started this role. From helping during events, to speaking with potential residents or answering questions from their family members. I’ve now become more confident when interacting with different people.

I’ve also learned how to work more effectively as part of a team. Supporting hall events means collaborating with others and making sure everything runs smoothly. It has taught me how to be reliable and take responsibility - skills that I know will be useful in my future nursing career.