I like the atrium area, especially with Brownie Points and the other market stalls and events they have going on there. Derby is a compact city so you can walk or get a short bus ride anywhere. Good connections with London. The heating at Kedleston Road must cost a fortune though as it is always so so hot there. The money could be put towards other things such as staff salaries. Not all the tap in machines work as I recently found so my attendance hasn't been captured accurately. Other then that the lecture theatres and library are a nice place to work. There is always plenty of seating too.

I chose Derby because the staff were very enthusiastic. Sadly due to redundancies three staff members of my course have lost their jobs including the course leader. It is very unfair for the staff and us as students have lost out in some great teachers. There has not been as much contact time as I hoped. During a bulk of the first semester it averaged as 6 hours a week of being in uni. Considering it’s a professional course I thought we would be in more. We have not used the OT kitchen at all so far (coming up to the end of teachings of first year) in fact it has barely been mentioned. I thought there would be the opportunity to do some practical work prior to placement but we have only completed the bare minimum training with external staff. Whilst we have been kept updated and I appreciate the staff trying, it is a month before our 10 week placement and we still do not know where we are going for it.

Halls have been great. Very organised with good facilities for events.

The university is very welcoming and comfortable, providing many cosy study spaces around campus. The library is divided into different 'noise' zones to provide a quiet environment to concentrate. Staff are very welcoming, and each student's individual needs are recognised and supported. The free unibus needs to run more frequently, as buses are often over-crowded and full, so it is not guaranteed if you are travelling under a time limit. Throughout the day the bus only runs every half an hour, so many students need to get on in one go. Despite receiving student discount in many stores, the prices inside the university are higher than usual. This may contribute towards student's financial issues, and encourage less eating during the university day.

Due to being unable to attend my first tutor meeting, I have not yet had contact with my tutor over 2 months into my course. Lectures are taught in person, with a variety of workshops. I find that workshops are extremely long, and the work which takes place within them could be condensed into a much shorter amount of time. Along with lectures, I find myself switching off because of the slow pace. Lecturers are happy to provide additional help for students and put their needs first, creating a comfortable environment for all students.

No