- Libraries:
- The Kedleston Road Library looks like one of Lord Rogers space-age fridges, and houses the majority of the sciences collection as well as that of Law, History and Geography. Opening times: a somewhat stingy 08.45hrs to 19.00hrs. Lift access for disabled.
In gothic architectural contrast the Green Lane Library houses the Art and Design, Television and Film collections. Opening hours are a bit better weekdays 8.45am to 7pm sometimes 9pm. Poor disabled access
In tune with the rest of its campus The Mickleover Library is not a good example of the finest 50's architecture, we have to careful though this is very superficial. It houses the Nursing, Social work, Counselling (etc.. you get the drift) collection. Houses an interesting collection of 19th Century Childrens literature but the opening hours are a measly 9-5.
Britannia Mill is Derby's world of fashion centre and houses the fashion, ceramics, jewellery, art history collection. Again 9-5 opening. Lift access for the disabled.
Cedars is the learning centre for therapy in all shapes and forms (at least those offered by Derby). Opens 9-5 and disabled access is just as limited.
High Peak learning centre is on the High Peak College campus at Buxton, and it houses a hotch-potch of odd collections ranging from hairdressing to travel and tourism. Opens 9-5, but disabled access is good here.
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- Computing:
- On the whole computing services are pretty good with centres on the four main campuses and 290 PCs in the Learning Centres. Opening hours range from 9am to 9pm to 9am to 7pm. There is also internet access from the Halls of Residence but a fee is payable for this.
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- Sports:
- The Fizeek fitness suite is to be found on the Kedleston Rd campus, monthly membership costs £13, yearly £90 it is open during week days but to some students disappointment closed at weekends. Apart from that you will have to travel away from the town centre to a new 20 acre sports field site to play team sports. Derby has 6 sport centres many of which offer student membership.
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- Future Plans:
- The University is probably not in too much of a hurry to build too much more. It has already shelled out a cool £40 million in the last five years building great new Halls of Residence. A new Arts Centre has been established through the renovation of an old mill (Banks's Mill). The University has also won grants to build a new Health Research Centre, a new Public Arts Centre, a new Multi-Cultural Faith Centre, and £5million worth of more Accommodation (much needed). From the Union point of view, their subsidiary company Five Toes has just opened the Riverside Fitness Centre. There are also plans for a Students' Union TV station, hopefully to be launched in September 2005.
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- Disabled Students:
- Library access is pretty poor, but due to the modernity of the Halls of Residence, access and adapted accommodation is very good. The University runs a proficient disability support and advise service.
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- Student Welfare:
- The Heath Centre is spread over three sites: Kedleston Road, Mickleover, and High Peak. A University surgery is based at Kedleston Road. The Centre is very student orientated and prepared to address issues such as eating disorders, drugs and drink, emergency contraception, and exam stress. A physiotherapist is also available.
There are two Nurseries one at Mickleover and one at Lonsdale Hall.
There is also the facility to get legal advice, help with disabilities, there is a hardship fund as well.
The Union has an advice centre that will provide support for international students, finance, health, housing, extenuating circumstances and debt.
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- Parking:
- University and City coucil are not as phobic of cars as some others further down South. Most Halls of Residence have been built with ample parking space (although in some cases you will need to buy a permit). You may find it difficult however if you wish to drive to lectures in the mornings as space on the campuses is limited. To compound this problem, most Halls are a fair walk from the Academic Departments, so choose your Halls according to your course.
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- University Shops:
- UDSU Shop at Kedleston Road
Cross between a newsagents, chemist, stationer, confectioner and card shop. It also offers a film processing service. Based in the Atrium
Mickleover Shop
Is a smaller version of the Shop at Kedleston Road, but does provide a better selection of snacks. Also sells stationery and is based in the SU block.
Rotunda
Essential for the arty base of Derby students, Rotunda is a discount art store for all your creative needs. There are also snacks and other essentials on sale. Based at Britannia Mill
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- University Bookshops:
- There is a University bookshop that will order in course texts for students. Apart from this the Students' Union runs a second hand bookshop.
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- Banking:
- No dedicated University branches, but with the centre of town or a shopping area being not far away from any of the sites, Banking should not be a problem and you will be free to choose the bank with the best package.
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- Transport Policy:
- UniBus routes link the main Kedleston Rd campus with the main halls of residence as well as the Mickleover and Ceders sites. The buses go into the city centre and railway station.
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- Green Areas:
- This is the land of rolling down and dale, and also home to those dark satanic mills (which are now incorporated into Derby's Halls of Residence. The rolling contours and dry stone walls of the Peak District are just out of town and a very pleasant part of the world when its not raining. The campus itself however is in the city centre which has many trees and green areas.
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