Derby Uni is a calm but busy environment. There are plenty of people for it to feel like a place of education, but not too overstimulating to the point you feel you can’t work or focus. The buildings in Derby and the uni itself are particularly appealing, especially to an Interior Design student like myself. Kedleston Library is light and airy making it a perfect place to study. Britannia Mill is a restored building, so it is great representation of the cities history. The studio is full of sunlight and very spacious, a very inspiring zone to be in. An issue I have had while living in Derby, is the nightlife. Before coming to university, I was very social but that has decreased since as the clubs here are lacking. I don’t feel compelled to go out in the city centre, and often travel to Nottingham instead. However, this is easy as there’s a 24/7 bus route from Derby Bus Station to Nottingham, making travelling safe and simple. Overall, I don’t regret coming to Derby Uni as the city is a good space for those who value their academics, I often find myself easily inspired by the space

I adore my course. It was not my initial choice whilst doing my A-Levels, but it is not one I regret. Interior design has opened up a side of my creativity that I lost during my last years of high school and it’s ever-growing. My lecturers are passionate and it’s clear they love teaching, making the course much more enjoyable. The content is enough to push you to reach your best, but I haven’t ever felt like I can’t do anything. Some classes are online and the quality of these sessions doesn’t dip compared to in person lectures. Alongside this, contacting my lecturers is easy and their responses are often quick and answer my enquiries well.

I have a small en suite that over- looks the stream. I love my uni accommodation bedroom as it gets plenty of sunlight and doesn’t feel like a box. The quality of materials used is good and easy to clean. The kitchen is huge for a flat of 4 people, which means we can fit many of our friends in for socialising and still be comfortable. My hall manager is friendly and we often have a conversation when I pick up my post from reception. The only issue I have had with Darley Bank is the response time from maintenance. They’re not always quick at responding to fix broken items, but when they do, it’s done to a good level and not rushed

This academic year has been a tough one for everyone but were finally on the other side I hope and even though teaching was online and then moved to blended learning, I’d still say I’ve learned a lot and I’d say I’ve done more work too.

Though most services were unavailable this year they are starting to open back up, the services we have are great and really help towards the course and learning.

The university of derby is great when it comes to well-being and support, with helplines and lecturers all willing to lend a hand, no situation is out of there way to help.

There help was invaluable over the pandemic period, though we were online they were only a call or email away to ask and answer all the questions we had

Graduate opportunities are quite high I’d say from my experience so far and knowing what there is to do after university.