Student Reviews
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The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2026 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
1409 Student reviews
It’s a good and well rounded uni
Overall, my university experience has been very positive. The environment on campus is welcoming and inclusive, and everyone is friendly and supportive. The lecturers are highly approachable and genuinely committed to helping students succeed. In particular, the seminars are extremely beneficial as they provide a more interactive setting to deepen understanding and clarify concepts. In terms of areas for improvement, one common concern among students is the cafeteria’s closing time. It currently closes around 2 PM, while many of us have classes scheduled until 5 PM. Extending the café’s operating hours would greatly enhance convenience and improve the overall student experience. Aside from this, the university provides a great atmosphere for learning and personal growth.
The University of Derby boasts modern, well-equipped facilities, including industry-standard labs and a recently refurbished library, creating a strong learning environment. The teaching quality is a standout feature, with passionate staff and a practical, hands-on approach that keeps students engaged. While the academic level is rigorous and supportive, some students find administrative processes, like the university app, can be a bit clunky. Overall, it offers a high-quality student experience with a strong focus on employability.
It’s fun, it’s a good learning environment as teaching as respectful and insightful.
It’s such a supporting place to study, not only by the lectures but also the people that you can go to if struggling. Offer great resources and make the university experience good.
OFGS is easy to get to and looks nice from the outside. However, over the last couple of years the standards have gone down. Recently Blends has been closed (I understand that there is one in the campus opposite though), it feels as though there hasn't been much care for this building over the last year or so and seems a little run down now. There's little charging ports in some rooms which can make things difficult if you have long lectures.
Satisfaction
Supportive teachers and amazing teaching method. The only improvement needed is timetable. It keeps changing everything which makes it hard for me to find childcare .
The environment and the new facilities which make it a warm and welcome place to live and ofcourse study
Enrich the social/cultural scene for stud Improve quality and choice of accommodation. Ensure consistent academic and wellbeing support. Boost local transport and city amenities.
Nice and clean environment. Help is available if needed. Maybe more contingency plans can help in the event of short teaching staff .
The societies
Great location, and good infrastructure. However, some modules lack structure. Union of students feels absent.
It could be improved by having more events and more advertising for student experience. More ways for commuting students to get involved
Lovely staff, with excellent facilities at hand at any time of any day of the week. It’s in a nice city which helps the university in turn feel equally safe and enjoyable to study at with great night life, daytime activities, and university-related society/event days to attend. It could be improved with better communication between lecturers and higher-ups at the university I think, and better feedback when speaking to those higher-ups, but it’s otherwise a brilliant university that I have very few, minor issues with.
18-24 years
My university experience has been a mixture of growth, independence, and challenge. While there have been positive aspects that I genuinely value, there have also been personal difficulties that have shaped my decision to move forward differently next year. One of the things I appreciate most about university is the independence it encourages. Managing my own time, meeting deadlines, and balancing responsibilities has helped me become more disciplined and self-aware. I have developed stronger organisational skills and learned how to take accountability for my progress. These are qualities that will benefit me long after I finish my degree. I have also valued the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. Engaging with students across the university has broadened my perspective and strengthened my communication skills. Branching out and interacting with other courses has shown me that the university experience can vary greatly depending on the environment, which has been important in helping me reflect on my own situation. Academically, there have been positive influences. Two lecturers on my course, in particular, have been kind, supportive, and encouraging. They create a welcoming atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating. Their approach has shown me how impactful empathy and understanding can be within education. They stand out as examples of the supportive environment I believe university should provide. However, there have also been significant challenges. For much of my time on this course, I have felt that the majority of lectures were not particularly approachable. At times, interactions have felt dismissive or lacking in understanding, which made it harder to feel confident seeking guidance. A supportive academic environment is important, and when that feels limited, it can affect both motivation and self-belief. More personally, I have experienced bullying on my course, which has had a serious impact on my overall experience. Feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome within my peer group has been difficult and has affected both my confidence and enjoyment of the course. University should be a space for growth and collaboration, and facing negative behaviour from others made it challenging to fully engage. As a result of this, I have made the decision to switch courses next year. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right step for my wellbeing and academic future. I have also felt that mental health support within the university could be more responsive. While services exist, slower response times and limited proactive support have sometimes made it difficult to feel fully supported during challenging periods. Despite these difficulties, I do not view my experience as entirely negative. It has taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of advocating for myself. Choosing to change courses reflects growth and a commitment to placing myself in a healthier environment. I am hopeful that next year will provide a more positive and supportive experience. Overall, my university journey so far has included both valuable lessons and personal challenges. While there have been moments of disappointment, there have also been supportive individuals and opportunities that I appreciate. Most importantly, this experience has helped me understand what I need in order to thrive, and that insight will guide me moving forward.
One of the best aspects of my university experience has been gaining knowledge, developing new skills, and meeting people from different backgrounds. It has helped me grow academically and personally. The most challenging part has been managing time between assignments and other responsibilities, but it has helped me become more organized and disciplined.
I like the whole uni because of the support they give and very calm peaceful envirnoment , also they do help with our studies and help whenever we want it.
The night life is minimal, with there being only 1 to 2 places each night. However, the university is really nice. The campus is modern and easy to navigate. There are places to eat, drink and relax .


I love the facilities, the staff, the support and everything they offer. The only thing I don’t enjoy is the timetable
The timetable isn’t the best with lots of half days throughout the week but it keeps me busy so it’s not all bad. The online, in person contact is simple and effective. The lecturers are respectful and I’m honoured to be able to learn from them and take their support every day.
Love my room, the kitchen, the friends I’ve made, the location is perfect. The safety could be better but it isn’t bad. I’ve had smooth consistent contact with management and I’ve really enjoyed my stay at Peak Court.