Freshers

Your student life starts now!

Welcome to university life - you made it! Whilst we do love a good party, there's so much more to student life; Communities that help you build long lasting friendships, a feedback system that let's you express your opinions and actions them, a support system to help you navigate any troubles you may face along the way - the list goes on!

Over the next few weeks as you settle in at university, there'll be so many opportunities for you to get a taste of what your upcoming student years will look like. From fairs to give it a go (GIAG) sessions, we want to help you start your student journey on the right foot!

Freshers' Fair

As the biggest event of the freshers period, this is your chance to officially find us; your Union of Students and see how we can support you, or you can chat with some of our student-led Communities and get a look at what Derby has to offer. And all whilst picking up plenty of discounts and freebies!

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An event every day

Freshers is bigger and better than ever, we've planned an event for every single day until the end of October! We've got days out, nights in, workshops and trips - anything you could possibly want to do from movie nights to quizzes, supermarket trips to days out, life skills to course meet ups - all you need to do is show up!

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Nightlife

We understand that whilst clubbing is a big part of the typical student lifestyle, it's not for everyone. Which is why we've got a whole host of events that don't centre around drinking or nightlife, so everybody is catered for! There's never any pressure to do something you don't want to do, so we've set up all sorts of events so you can get involved at your own pace.

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Freshers Events

Sat 10th October

Union of Students Day Trip to Chatsworth House: 10th October 9:20am - 6pm; Meet at the unibus stop, Kedleston Road campus; Experience a guided tour in one of Derbyshire's infamous manors, Chatsworth House. Discover their historic building, waterworks and gardens, and maybe see the farm animals too!; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students World Mental Health Day: 10th October 11am - 2pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Celebrate World Mental Health Day with us!; Freshers/Refreshers

Sun 11th October

Union of Students Make Your Own Pizza Night: 11th October noon - 2pm; Union Social Space (Kedleston Road); Join us for the Union's Pizza Night and kick off Freshers' with great food and even better company! Create your own delicious pizza from a wide selection of toppings before it’s freshly cooked.; Buy Tickets; Freshers/Refreshers | ATTR – Event Cancelled

Union of Students Open Mic Night: 11th October 7pm - 11pm; The Shakespeare; Join us at Shakespeare's every Sunday for your official weekly open mic night!; Freshers/Refreshers

Mon 12th October

Union of Students How To: Manage Your Money: 12th October 10am - 11am; Online; Want to learn practical ways to budget effectively, save money, and make the most of student discounts? Join us for the budgeting workshop!; Freshers/Refreshers | ATTR – Virtual (online) Event

Union of Students Meet your Academic Community Organiser: 12th October 10am - 11am; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; A chance for you to meet your Academic Community Organiser, Lucy! This year we have four different student organisers who each will be putting your concerns as students first.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Meet your Nationalities & Culture Community Organiser: 12th October 11am - noon; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; A chance for you to meet your Nationalities and Culture Student Organiser, Kymani. This year we have four different student organisers who each will be putting your concerns as students first.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Meet your Liberation & Equality Community Organiser: 12th October 1pm - 2pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; A chance for your to meet your Liberation & Equality Community Organiser, Evie! This year we have four different student organisers who each will be putting your concerns as students first.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Meet your Faith & Belief Community Organiser: 12th October 2pm - 3pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; A chance for you to meet your Faith & Belief Student Organiser! This year we have four different student organisers who each will be putting your concerns as students first.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Mineral Products Course Meet-Up: 12th October 5pm - 6pm; Social Space, Kedleston Road; Meet students studying Mineral Products and related programmes to connect with peers, discuss industry experiences, and build relationships within this specialist community.; Freshers/Refreshers

Tue 13th October

Union of Students Volunteering at Markeaton Park: 13th October 12:30pm - 2:30pm; Meet at Kedleston Road campus entrance; Get outdoors, meet new people and make a difference at Markeaton Park. Join the Friends of Markeaton Park for a relaxed volunteering session helping with seasonal gardening and conservation work. No experience is necessary!; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Boardgame Night: 13th October 4pm - 7pm; N502, Kedleston Road campus; Join us for an evening of board games, friendly competition and great company.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Psychology Course Meet-Up: 13th October 5pm - 6pm; Social Space, Kedleston Road; Connect with fellow Psychology students from all year groups.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Big Fat Quiz: 13th October 8pm - 11:59pm; Molly Malone's; Derby's Biggest Weekly Quiz 💭 Think you're the Brain of Britain? Or just relying on the luck of the Irish? 🍀 Either way, it's time to put your knowledge to the test at The Big Fat Quiz at Molly Malone's Derby.; Freshers/Refreshers

Wed 14th October

Union of Students How To: Navigate Student Life: 14th October noon - 2pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; An interactive drop-in session to help you discover the essentials of university life!; Freshers/Refreshers

Health & Social Care Health & Social Care - Give it a Go: 14th October 5pm - 7pm; T111; Interested in Health & Social Care? Come along to our Give It a Go session to meet other students, get involved in some fun activities and find out more about the community.; Give it a Go | Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Tourism and Hospitality Course Meet-Up: 14th October 5pm - 6pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Meet fellow Tourism & Hospitality students from across all year groups.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students RAMMED 🪩🍻: 14th October 9pm - 11:59pm; Molly Malone's; It doesn't get bigger, it doesn't get better, it doesn't get more Derby! 🐏 RAMMED has a new home! 🙌 Derby's biggest student night is taking over Molly Malone's EVERY WEDNESDAY, in partnership with the Union.; Freshers/Refreshers

Thu 15th October

Union of Students Marketing and Operations Course Meet-Up: 15th October 5pm - 6pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Connect with other Marketing & Operations students!; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Trans and Non-Binary Craft & Create: 15th October 6:30pm - 8:30pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Get creative and meet other trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse students in a relaxed, welcoming environment.; Freshers/Refreshers

Fri 16th October

Union of Students Engineering Course Meet-Up: 16th October 5pm - 6pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Meet Engineering students from across different specialisms to build friendships, exchange ideas, and discuss projects, placements, and future careers in a relaxed social setting.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Black History Month movie night: 16th October 6pm - 8pm; FG301 (One Friar Gate Square); Unwind with an uplifting film chosen to leave you smiling and help you recharge during the semester; EDI – Black History Month | Freshers/Refreshers

Sat 17th October

Union of Students Chesterfield Family Fun Day: 17th October 10am - 2pm; ST108 (Chesterfield campus); Bring your family along for a fun-filled day at our Chesterfield campus! Expect plenty of fun a; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Retro gaming night (BYOB): 17th October 6pm - 10:30pm; Derby Computer Museum; Play approx 60 hands on machines from the 70s, 80s and 90s to your hearts content!!; Freshers/Refreshers

Sun 18th October

Union of Students Sunday Brunch Club: 18th October 10am - 11am; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Ease into the weekend with a relaxed brunch alongside other new students. Enjoy great food, hot drinks, and friendly conversation in a welcoming atmosphere.; Buy Tickets; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Open Mic Night: 18th October 7pm - 11pm; The Shakespeare; Join us at Shakespeare's every Sunday for your official weekly open mic night!; Freshers/Refreshers

Mon 19th October

Union of Students Student Parents Campus Tour: 19th October noon - 2pm; Meet at Kedleston Road campus; Didn't get the chance to attend your induction or have a proper look around campus? Join us for a relaxed tour of our Kedleston Road campus, designed specifically for student parents.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Apprentices Course Meet-Up: 19th October 5pm - 6pm; Social Space, Kedleston Road; Designed specifically for apprenticeship students, this meet-up provides an opportunity to connect with others balancing work and study. Share experiences, build your network, and meet students facing similar challenges.; Freshers/Refreshers

Tue 20th October

Union of Students How To: Manage Your Money: 20th October 1pm - 2pm; BM113 (Britannia Mill campus); Want to learn practical ways to budget effectively, save money, and make the most of student discounts? Join us for the budgeting workshop!; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Trainee Teachers (Secondary & Post 14) Meet-Up: 20th October 4pm - 5pm; Social Space, Kedleston Road; Meet fellow trainee teachers preparing to teach Secondary and Post-14 learners.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Trainee Teachers (Primary) Meet-Up: 20th October 5pm - 6pm; Join other Primary trainee teachers to meet classmates, discuss placements, exchange classroom ideas, and create friendships that will support you throughout your teaching career.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Big Fat Quiz: 20th October 8pm - 11:59pm; Molly Malone's; Derby's Biggest Weekly Quiz 💭 Think you're the Brain of Britain? Or just relying on the luck of the Irish? 🍀 Either way, it's time to put your knowledge to the test at The Big Fat Quiz at Molly Malone's Derby.; Freshers/Refreshers

Wed 21st October

Union of Students Student Carers Wellbeing Walk: 21st October noon - 2pm; Meet at Kedleston Road campus reception; Take a break from the busy start of term and join fellow student carers for a gentle walk around Markeaton Park.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students RAMMED 🪩🍻: 21st October 9pm - 11:59pm; Molly Malone's; It doesn't get bigger, it doesn't get better, it doesn't get more Derby! 🐏 RAMMED has a new home! 🙌 Derby's biggest student night is taking over Molly Malone's EVERY WEDNESDAY, in partnership with the Union.; Freshers/Refreshers

Thu 22nd October

Union of Students Mature Students Coffee Morning: 22nd October 10am - 11:30am; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Starting university as a mature student? Join us for a relaxed meet up over a hot drink!; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Walk Around Chesterfield: 22nd October noon - 2pm; Outside Chesterfield campus reception; New to Chesterfield? Come and explore your new home with us! Join fellow students for a relaxed guided walk around the town!; Freshers/Refreshers

Fri 23rd October

Union of Students Mocktail Making: 23rd October noon - 2pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Join us to learn how to create delicious alcohol-free cocktails while meeting new people in a relaxed and welcoming environment.; Buy Tickets; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Computing and Gaming Course Meet-Up: 23rd October 5pm - 6pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Bring your creativity and meet other Creative Arts students from across the University.; Freshers/Refreshers

Sat 24th October

Union of Students Musical Movie Night: 24th October 6pm - 8pm; MS125 (Markeaton Street campus); Sing along to your favourite songs and enjoy a feel-good evening packed with music, entertainment and community.; Freshers/Refreshers

Sun 25th October

Union of Students Chesterfield: Pitch us a Silly Idea: 25th October noon - 1pm; STUG27 (Chesterfield campus); Think you’ve got the next big business idea? Even if it’s completely ridiculous - we want to hear it!; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Catholic Students Faith & Fellowship Lunch: 25th October 12:30pm - 2:30pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Join us for a relaxed Faith & Fellowship Lunch to connect with fellow Catholic students over a shared meal.; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Open Mic Night: 25th October 7pm - 11pm; The Shakespeare; Join us at Shakespeare's every Sunday for your official weekly open mic night!; Freshers/Refreshers

Mon 26th October

Union of Students Don't Freeze Our Futures: Student Loans Explainer: 26th October 11am - 4pm; Atrium, Kedleston Road Campus; Are you a home student? Have you taken a loan from Student Finance England? Do you know what this means for you? Come along to this drop in session anytime to learn more about your student loan and how it impacts you and your future!; Freshers/Refreshers

Tue 27th October

Union of Students Halloween Movie Night: 27th October 7pm - 9pm; One Friar Gate Square Social Space; Join us for a spooky Movie Night!; Freshers/Refreshers

Union of Students Big Fat Quiz: 27th October 8pm - 11:59pm; Molly Malone's; Derby's Biggest Weekly Quiz 💭 Think you're the Brain of Britain? Or just relying on the luck of the Irish? 🍀 Either way, it's time to put your knowledge to the test at The Big Fat Quiz at Molly Malone's Derby.; Freshers/Refreshers

Wed 28th October

Union of Students RAMMED 🪩🍻: 28th October 9pm - 11:59pm; Molly Malone's; It doesn't get bigger, it doesn't get better, it doesn't get more Derby! 🐏 RAMMED has a new home! 🙌 Derby's biggest student night is taking over Molly Malone's EVERY WEDNESDAY, in partnership with the Union.; Freshers/Refreshers

Fri 30th October

Union of Students Book Club - An Evening in the Night Court: 30th October 5pm - 7pm; Union Social Space, Kedleston Road; Whether you're a long-time fan of fantasy or discovering the series for the first time, this is a welcoming space to meet like-minded students, make new friends, and journey through each book together as we continue with the next title in the series.; Freshers/Refreshers

Sat 31st October

Union of Students City Tour - Dark Derby: 31st October 5:30pm - 7pm; Meet at the Lock Up Yard (Derby Fish Market); Come with us this Halloween around the UK's most haunted cities~ Experience the dark side of derby, curses, death and more! What a horrible night to have a curse....; Freshers/Refreshers

Freshers

Your student life starts now!

Freshers' Fair

An event every day

Nightlife

Want to stay in the loop?

Freshers Events

Sat 10th October

Sun 11th October

Mon 12th October

Tue 13th October

Wed 14th October

Thu 15th October

Fri 16th October

Sat 17th October

Sun 18th October

Mon 19th October

Tue 20th October

Wed 21st October

Thu 22nd October

Fri 23rd October

Sat 24th October

Sun 25th October

Mon 26th October

Tue 27th October

Wed 28th October

Fri 30th October

Sat 31st October