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Travel Support for Students

What Support is Available?

We know that getting to university can sometimes be challenging, whether that's because of travel costs, a disability or long-term health condition, or simply because you're getting used to travelling to a new place.

This page explains some of the travel options and support available, as well as additional help for students who may experience barriers to travelling because of a disability or health condition.

Getting to Campus

If you're studying at our Derby campuses, there are a range of options for getting to university and travelling between sites.

The UniBus U1 and U2 services connect our University locations and parts of the city. Walking and cycling may also be an option depending on where you are studying. The University encourages active and sustainable travel where possible, alongside the use of public transport.

You can find further information on the tiles below:

 

A group of mix-gender students walking up the main drive at Kedleston Road campus
A black Unibus parked in front of a bus stop. Students are getting off the bus.
Unibus and Public Transport info

Find out about the public transport options for travelling to the University of Derby

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Student Car Parking

Find out more about how students can apply to park at the different University of Derby campuses

Students walking towards the camera
Travelling to our Derby Campus

Browse travel information for our Derby campuses, including site maps and guides to walking and cycling between sites

Worried about the cost of travel?

Travel can be a big expense while you're studying, particularly if you need to come to campus regularly. If travel costs are putting you under financial pressure, support may be available.

Our Student Money Advisors can provide information and guidance around money and finances. You can contact the team for support on SMART@derby.ac.uk

You can also apply for financial support through the University's Discretionary Support Fund. Find out more and apply on Unihub: Discretionary Support Fund Info

 

 

A black sign saying

Travelling with a disability or long-term health condition

If you have a disability or long-term health condition, we understand that travelling to university may present additional challenges.

You might find it difficult to use public transport, need to plan your journey around your health/mobility needs, or face additional costs because you're unable to use the same travel options as other students.

Please see the tiles below for more information on how we can help:

Two students walking near the Quad building in Derby city centre
Yellow sunflower representing hidden disabilities
Disability Support

Our Disability team supports students with a range of disabilities and long-term conditions, and can help you with any support you may need while studying.

A group of two male and two female students gathered around a laptop
Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) can help towards the cost of extra travel to attend a course or placement because of a disability or long-term health condition.

A female student with dyed green hair sat in a halls kitchen talking to an advisor holding a clipboard
Accessibility on Campus

You can find detailed accessibility information for our buildings and facilities through AccessAble, including step-free routes, lifts, accessible toilets and door widths.

Further support for travelling with a disability

Explore the dropdown links below to find out more about the different support available to students travelling with a disability or long-term condition

Any student who is a resident of Derbyshire or Derby and has a qualifying disability can apply for a Gold Card.

A Gold Card currently allows free travel on local buses throughout Derbyshire, from 9:30am up to 11pm on weekdays, and at any time during weekends and on bank holidays.

Gold Card holders are also offered discounts at hundreds of businesses around Derbyshire.

You can apply for a Gold Card online. To make an application, you will need to upload proof of identification, proof of address and eligibility documents.

Please note that the University of Derby does not administer this scheme. If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact Derbyshire County Council.

Derbyshire County Council also offers discounts to young people via the b_line2 travel card. This gives you a maximum £1.50 fare for young people in college, university, on training courses or in an apprenticeship up to their 19th birthday providing they live in Derbyshire. Find out more and apply for a b_line card.

Derby City Council can provide travel assistance for learners who live in Derby, on a full-time education course (minimum 16 hours per week), who cannot reasonably be expected to walk or use public transport independently, due to a temporary or permanent disability, learning needs or medical condition. The Derby City Council website provides more information.

The Blue Badge scheme aims to help disabled people with severe mobility problems access goods and services by allowing them to park close to their destination.

The scheme is open to eligible disabled people regardless of whether they are travelling as a driver or as a passenger. 

For more information and to find out how to apply, please see the Derby City Council's website.

If you are disabled or have a progressive medical condition, you are eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard which grants 1/3 off adult rail travel. Costing just £20, you could save an average of £126 over a year.

For more information and how to apply, see the Disabled Persons Railcard website.

You can use the Passenger Assistance app to request assistance on rail journeys ahead of time by letting station staff know your exact access needs. Find out more information at the Passenger Assistance website.

Students who are parents of disabled children may be able to claim the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance. You can find out more at the gov.uk website.

Similar to the DLA (see above), the PIP is for young people over 16 years and includes a mobility component to help with getting around. Find out more at the gov.uk website.

The Guide Dogs charity has extensive guidance about travelling with an assistance dog by air, boat, car, coach or rail. This includes an A to Z of what to do to prepare for travel, how to go about it, what to do on a journey and how to successfully leave and return to the UK with your dog.

Useful Info

If you're unsure what support might be available, get in touch with Student Services. We can listen to your circumstances, talk through your options and help you find the right support. Find our contact details and further uni support below:

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Contact Student Services

If you would like any support from Student Services, you can contact the team on the details here.

University campus at Kedleston Road
StudentHub@Derby

The StudentHub@Derby has a whole host of services that support in every aspect of your student life, including enrolment, assignment hand-ins, student fees and much more.

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Mental Health & Student Welfare

The Student Welfare team can offer support through self-help guides, workshops and short-term counselling to help you thrive at university.