Events and activities

Welcome@Derby

We've got lots of exciting events and activities planned to help you settle into student life at Derby. It all begins with a fantastic welcome event on Saturday 14 September, 11am - 5pm called Welcome@Derby. Taking place at our Kedleston Road site, this is a collaborative event with our Union of Students, that offers both new and returning students a chance to meet with other students in a fun and relaxed environment. 

You'll be able to take part in a range of activities and interactive games to win prizes, as well as find out more about the services and support we have available. You can also meet your Union Officers and visit our Enrolment Hub to collect your Unicard. 

The Unibus (shuttle bus) will be running on the day to help you get to and from the event. The bus will depart every half an hour from 10:30am - 4:30pm from Derby train station to the University, calling at the city centre (Morledge), Bold Lane car park and Bridge Street (Princess Alice Court). Return buses will run between the University and Derby train station every half an hour from 11:10am - 5:10pm, calling at Bridge Street (Princess Alice Court) and the city centre (Morledge).

Please note: it is essential to book your place to Welcome@Derby 2024.

Book your place

Freshers’ Fair

Your Union of Students will be hosting a Freshers’ and Activities Fair on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 September, introducing you to everything the Union has to offer. You’ll be able to find out about Union advice and elections, as well as meeting University teams and external vendors.

Then you can head down to the Sports Centre to meet all the Union’s sports and societies and find out about student-led services. With plenty of opportunities to have fun and get involved, and lots of freebies of course, Freshers’ Fair isn’t something you’ll want to miss!

Freshers’ Fortnight

Your Union of Students are working with venues across the city to get your university experience started with a bang. From drag karaoke to movie nights, foam parties to ultimate rave bingo, there’s plenty happening – and all included in your free wristband!

Those eligible will be given a wristband voucher when they enrol, which can be redeemed at the Popworld stand at Kedleston Road on Saturday 14 September, from 11am – 5pm, or at the venue on the evening of any event.

Wristband terms and conditions:

You must be a full-time first-year undergraduate student, enrolling in September 2024 to be eligible for the wristband.

You must be 18+ for all events. Free admission to an event will only be authorised upon presentation of a valid Union of Students wristband. A wristband does not guarantee entry, only free entry up until the point the venue reaches capacity. Entry requirements for each venue apply, each venue reserves the right to refuse admission if entry requirements are not met.

International students

We organise a range of activities and trips to welcome new international students to Derby.

We're excited to present two upcoming events tailored exclusively for our international students. These events are designed to foster connections, share perspectives, and create lasting memories as you embark on your journey with us.