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November 24, 2025
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Ever wondered what makes a city truly student-friendly? The answer lies in its balance of affordability, accessibility, and atmosphere, and Derby delivers all three. This East Midlands city offers everything - amazing universities to help you excel academically, cosy cafes and restaurants when it’s time to unwind, and mesmerising tourist attractions that let you soak in all the culture. Whether you’re exploring student accommodation in Derby, modern student places to live in Derby, or fully managed student residences in Derby, you’ll find plenty of options to match your lifestyle. From action-filled neighbourhoods near the city centre to peaceful green suburbs, Derby offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas to live in Derby, including local cafés, clubs in Derby, rent prices, safety stats, and community highlights. Whether you study at the University of Derby or another nearby institution, choosing the right area can transform your student experience.
Why Derby is Ideal for Students?
Derby is one of the best places to live in the UK for students seeking an affordable yet action-filled lifestyle. The city’s compact layout, friendly locals, and strong transport network make it easy to navigate and enjoy both study and leisure time. Here’s why Derby is an ideal place for anyone looking to study and stay in this cathedral city.
1. Student population: ~34,000 (including 20% international students)
2. University rankings: University of Derby in the top 50 for Teaching Quality (Guardian 2025)
3. Student satisfaction: ~83% (National Student Survey)
4. Graduate employment: ~91% within six months
5. Average student rent: £140–£180/week (significantly cheaper than Nottingham and Leicester)
6. Sunshine: ~1,400 hours/year
7. Transport: Excellent bus links, Derby Railway Station, and East Midlands Airport nearby
Students looking for student accommodation in the UK or student apartments in the UK can find Derby a cost-effective and safe choice. Its student-friendly cafés, parks, and culture make it one of the best places to live in Derby UK, for both local and international students.
1. City Centre
Population: ~16,000
Crime Rate: 15% below Derby average
Average Rent: £150–£180/week (studio/shared)
Best For: Students, professionals
Walkability Score: 85/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (main campus via easy bus route)
The City Centre is one of the best places to live in Derby UK for students who want to be in the heart of it all. Around 40% of residents are students, making it engaging and social. The City Centre is also home to shopping complexes, gyms, and nightlife spots. Frequent buses connect you directly to the university in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for apartments for students in Derby or those seeking places to live in Derby with convenience and style. Derby’s City Centre is packed with places for students to study, chill, or go out. BEAR Derby is a popular café for coffee, brunch, and laptop sessions. For something livelier, The Bless has great music and student-friendly vibes. The Cathedral Quarter also has plenty of small cafés, bookstores, and outdoor seating areas where students can relax between classes or after lectures.
2. Kedleston
Population: ~9,000
Crime Rate: 25% below Derby average
Average Rent: £130–£160/week (shared)
Best For: University students, budget-conscious renters
Walkability Score: 75/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (Kedleston Road Campus)
Kedleston is among the best areas to live in Derby, especially for those studying at the main University of Derby campus. Roughly 45% of its residents are students. With affordable rent and close proximity to campus, Kedleston is perfect for those searching for cheap apartments in Derby or affordable places to live in Derby that offer comfort and convenience. Kedleston itself is more residential, but students living here rely on the cafés and facilities around the University of Derby’s main campus. Blends, the university’s café, is a go-to for quick coffee runs and group study sessions. A short walk away, The Markeaton offers a cosy environment for lunch or evening meetups. With easy access to gardens like Markeaton Park, students also have peaceful outdoor spots for studying or unwinding.
3. Friar Gate
Population: ~7,500
Crime Rate: 20% below Derby average
Average Rent: £150–£190/week (studio/shared)
Best For: Nightlife, postgraduates
Walkability Score: 80/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (One Friar Gate Square Campus)
Friar Gate is known as Derby’s social and cultural hub, home to the University’s law and business school. Around 35% of its residents are students. Students who want to live close to both nightlife and academic buildings find this one of the nice areas to live in Derby. Modern places to live in Derby often come with gyms, study lounges, and secure entry systems. Friar Gate is one of Derby’s liveliest student areas, known for its bustling bars and restaurants. Students frequently head to Slug & Lettuce for cocktails or Pitcher & Piano for a more relaxed evening out. For food, Bunk is a favourite thanks to its wings and fun neon-lit setting. The street is packed with cafés and pubs, making it a natural hangout zone after classes at the law or business school nearby.
4. Darley Abbey
Population: ~8,000
Crime Rate: 30% below Derby average
Average Rent: £170–£210/week (studio/shared)
Best For: Postgraduates, international students
Walkability Score: 75/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (Kedleston Road Campus)
Set beside the River Derwent, Darley Abbey is one of the most peaceful and nice areas to live in Derby. Around 20% of residents are students. With beautiful parks and riverside walks, Darley Abbey offers peace while still being just a 15-minute commute to the university. Its safety and liveliness make it perfect for apartments for students in the UK who value quiet, premium living. Darley Abbey is ideal for students who prefer calm surroundings and scenic places to unwind. Its standout attraction is Darley Park, a huge riverside green space known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful walking paths.
5. Mickleover
Population: ~13,000
Crime Rate: 28% below Derby average
Average Rent: £140–£180/week (shared)
Best For: Families, mature students
Walkability Score: 70/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (Kedleston Campus)
Mickleover offers amazing comfort with city access, ranking among the best areas in Derby to live for students who prefer a slower pace. About 25% of its residents are students. The 10–15 minute bus ride to campus and affordable rent make Mickleover one of the most popular places to live in Derby with a homely feel. Mickleover offers a lively but laid-back atmosphere with several great local spots. Binary is popular for its stylish setting and good food, making it a common meeting point for students. The high street also includes wellness and fitness spaces like MOKO and Exertion, so it’s easy to squeeze in a gym session or self-care break without travelling far.
6. Allestree
Population: ~11,000
Crime Rate: 35% below Derby average
Average Rent: £150–£200/week (shared/studio)
Best For: Quiet living, postgraduates
Walkability Score: 70/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (Kedleston Road Campus)
Allestree is one of the safest and best areas to live in Derby. With around 15% student residents, it’s ideal for those looking for a peaceful environment. Students appreciate its beautiful parks, safety, and quick 10-minute access to campus via bus. It’s a favourite for those looking for places to live in Derby that offer privacy and nature. Although it doesn’t have as many cafés as central Derby, the natural surroundings give students plenty of peaceful places to recharge.
7. Littleover
Population: ~12,000
Crime Rate: 25% below Derby average
Average Rent: £130–£170/week (shared)
Best For: International students, budget renters
Walkability Score: 65/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (Kedleston Campus)
Littleover is one of the best areas in Derby to live for affordable housing and a calm environment. Around 30% of residents are students or university staff. A 15-minute bus ride connects students directly to campus. Littleover combines affordability, safety, and easy transport, perfect for student accommodation in Derby on a budget. Littleover has a warm, village-like feel and plenty of relaxed student hangout spots. You’ll find cosy pubs like The White Swan, great for a casual evening out, and Birds Bakery, a favourite among locals for quick snacks and sweet treats.
8. Alvaston
Population: ~14,000
Crime Rate: 22% below Derby average
Average Rent: £130–£160/week (shared)
Best For: Budget-conscious students
Walkability Score: 70/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (by bus, 20 mins)
Alvaston ranks among the best places to live in Derby UK, for affordable living. It’s a lively area with local shops, gyms, and cafés. With about 25% student residents, Alvaston offers good transport and great rental value, ideal for cheap apartments in Derby and student apartments in the UK seeking value without compromising comfort.
9. Normanton
Population: ~18,000
Crime Rate: 18% below Derby average
Average Rent: £120–£150/week (shared)
Best For: Budget students, international community
Walkability Score: 65/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (20 mins by bus)
Normanton is one of Derby’s most culturally diverse and best areas in Derby to live for international students. About 40% of residents are students or young professionals. It’s affordable, lively, and well-connected, making it a popular option for student residences in Derby or apartments for students in Derby seeking a multicultural vibe. While it isn’t known for trendy cafés, the area has plenty of budget-friendly eateries, grocery shops, and casual spots where students can grab a quick bite or hang out. Its lively streets and mix of local businesses make it one of the more practical areas for student living.
10. Spondon
Population: ~10,000
Crime Rate: 30% below Derby average
Average Rent: £140–£180/week (shared/studio)
Best For: Quiet living, mature students
Walkability Score: 60/100
Nearest Universities: University of Derby (25 minutes by bus)
Spondon is a peaceful suburb offering some of the best areas in Derby to live for focused study. With ~15% student population, it’s ideal for those seeking quiet surroundings. Affordable shared flats and student apartments in Derby are perfect for postgraduates and international students. Spondon is known for its calm, suburban vibe and community-led spaces. The Lodge Café is a cosy spot for coffee, homemade cakes, and relaxed study sessions. Students who prefer outdoor hangouts often head to Dale Road Park, which has open fields and peaceful walking routes. The area’s mix of local shops and small eateries gives students plenty of low-key places to unwind after a long day at university.
Student Accommodation In Derby
Finding a comfortable home in Derby is easy, thanks to a wide range of places to live in Derby. Whether you want a private studio, a shared flat, or a managed residence, the city caters to every preference and budget.
Tip: Choosing off-campus student apartments in Derby gives you independence and provides a social and supportive community, ideal for first-year or international students.
Cost Of Living In Derby
Derby is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, perfect for those looking for cheap apartments in Derby or affordable apartments for students in the UK. Here’s an average monthly breakdown:
Top Universities In Derby
Derby’s universities are well-ranked and career-focused, offering global programs and hands-on learning opportunities.
Most student apartments in Derby are close to the university’s main Kedleston campus or its city-centre faculties, keeping everything within reach.
Derby stands out as one of the best places to live in the UK, offering affordable rent, culture, and a supportive student community. Whether you prefer the lively City Centre, the peaceful Darley Abbey, or the affordable Alvaston, you’ll find areas that perfectly fit your student lifestyle. When searching for places to live in Derby or apartments for students in the UK, Derby’s balance of comfort, convenience, and cost makes it a top pick for students everywhere.
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